ALPHONSO JACKSON ON FEBRUARY HOUSING STARTS

STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY ALPHONSO JACKSON ON FEBRUARY HOUSING STARTS: The Census Bureau and HUD released data today showing that new home construction was up in February. Overall housing starts rose 0.5 percent from January and 15.8 percent compared to February 2004. This is the highest monthly rate since February 1984. Single-family starts were also up 0.3 percent from January to an annual rate of 1.775 million. This is a new monthly record.

"The growth reflected in today's numbers is another indicator that housing still leads the way as our economy continues to rebound. The Bush Administration is committed to building on these accomplishments so that people from every walk of life can have the opportunity to become homeowners," said Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "The President's housing initiatives are paving the way for more Americans, particularly minorities, to achieve that dream."

Two years ago, President Bush challenged the nation to create 5.5 million new minority homeowners by the end of this decade. To date, there has been a net increase of 2.2 million minority homeowners, which represents 40 percent of the 5.5 million goal.

HUD's 2006 budget proposes a zero downpayment mortgage option in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that would allow first-time buyers with a strong credit record to finance 100 percent of their home purchase including closing costs. The Budget also proposes a program called Payment Incentives, which would allow borrowers with limited or weak credit histories to purchase homes by initially paying higher mortgage insurance premiums that would gradually be reduced after a period of timely payments. In 2006, these new mortgage programs will help more than 250,000 families to buy a home of their own.

To stimulate the production of affordable homes in distressed communities where such housing is scarce, the Administration is again proposing a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the cost of new construction or rehabilitation. This tax credit targets low-income households earning less than 80 percent of an area's median income.

The 2006 Budget also provides $200 million to fully fund the American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI). T his Initiative helps first-time homebuyers with the biggest obstacles to homeownership - the downpayment and closing costs. Since President Bush signed this initiative into law, ADDI has helped more than 3,500 families to purchase their first home. More than half of these new homeowners were minorities.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/ and espanol.hud.gov.

HUD No. 05-030 Gayela Bynum (202) 708-0685 hud.gov/news/ For Release Wednesday March 16, 2005

TOPOFF 3, counterterrorism exercise

Department of Homeland Security Announces Partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada for TOPOFF 3

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today announced that the United States, United Kingdom and Canada will cooperate in conduct of TOPOFF 3, a Congressionally-mandated counterterrorism exercise for top officials. DHS will conduct the TOPOFF 3 full scale exercise in April 2005, with terrorist attack scenarios staged in Connecticut and New Jersey. Additional activities will occur in related exercises within the United Kingdom (Atlantic Blue) and Canada (Triple Play).

“The TOPOFF exercises are a key piece of the United States homeland security national preparedness efforts. By responding realistically to simulated attacks, we are able to identify our strengths and weaknesses and make our national response system stronger,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. “Our partnerships with the United Kingdom and Canada will further enhance our ability to deal with terrorism on an international level.”

“Our participation is another example of our ongoing commitment to working closely with the United States and international allies such as the United Kingdom to strengthen our ability to deal with international terrorism and its consequences − key objectives of Canada’s National Security Policy and the Smart Border Declaration,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan.

“The threat from international terrorism remains real and serious, and is a worldwide concern. It is vital we make every effort to enhance and develop our resilience to this threat by working closely with our international colleagues. Exercise Atlantic Blue provides an excellent opportunity to do just this, through sharing best practice on emergency planning and response procedures,” said Hazel Blears, U.K. Minister with responsibility for Counter Terrorism and Resilience.

The U.S. TOPOFF 3 exercise is the third of the congressionally directed, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) national exercise series. The first was conducted in May 2000, and TOPOFF 2 was hosted in May 2003 with simulated attacks in Seattle and Chicago.

Previous TOPOFF exercises have allowed the Federal government to test new response plans with State, local, and international partners. TOPOFF 2 was the first exercise of the newly formed DHS, the first exercise of the Principal Federal Official (this concept was subsequently incorporated into the National Response Plan), and the first test of an elevation of the National Threat Condition to RED. The lessons from previous TOPOFF exercises have also helped shape the national preparedness strategy, which calls for development of an integrated Federal-state-local capability of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery for extreme events, including terrorism.

To meet the shared international objectives, the TOPOFF 3 full-scale exercise focuses on four critical areas:

• Incident management: To test the full range of existing procedures for domestic incident management of a terrorist event and improve, through practice, top officials’ capabilities in affected countries to respond in partnership
• Intelligence/investigation: To test the handling and flow of operational and time-critical intelligence
• Public information: To practice strategic coordination of media relations and public information following a linked incident Evaluation: To identify lessons learned and promote best practices

SOURCE: Department of Homeland Security Media Contacts: Department of Homeland Security, Press Office (202) 282-8010, United Kingdom Home Office Newsdesk +44207 035 4381, Media Relations Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (613) 991-0657, ### For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 March 17, 2005

pediatric liquid potassium iodide (KI)

HHS Awards Bioshield Contract for Liquid Potassium Iodide: The Department of Health and Human Services today awarded a $5.7 million contract to Fleming & Company, Pharmaceuticals of Fenton, Mo. for the manufacture and delivery of 1.7 million pediatric doses of liquid potassium iodide (KI). This supply of liquid KI, which is being purchased under the BioShield program, would be used in the event of a release of radioactive iodine, a commonly produced material in commercial nuclear power facilities.

The liquid KI formulation is the first to be developed specifically for children. Its black raspberry taste is designed to make it more palatable to children. Current adult dose tablets are bitter and must be broken into pieces to get a child's dose. The new formulation is delivered using a graduated eyedropper.

"The acquisition of this new and easy-to-administer pediatric KI formulation is an important step forward for our nation's radiological preparedness program," Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness Stewart Simonson, said.

Because the thyroid gland rapidly absorbs any iodine in the body, people need to take KI soon after an incident that involves the release of radioactive iodine, such as could occur in the vicinity of a nuclear commercial power facility. The KI saturates the thyroid gland with iodine, thus preventing the thyroid from absorbing additional, radioactive iodine. However, KI does not prevent the effects of any other radioactive elements.

Approval of the liquid KI as a pediatric formulation was given last year by the Interagency Weapons of Mass Destruction Medical Countermeasures Subcommittee. Children are the most susceptible to the dangerous effects of radioactive iodine.

Once it is delivered to HHS, the pediatric KI will be made available to states that submit and receive approval from HHS for plans they develop to distribute the new product in communities around commercial nuclear power plants.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved KI in tablet form as a nonprescription drug for use as a "blocking agent" to prevent the human thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. On Jan. 12, 2005, the FDA granted approval to Fleming for their product ThyroShieldTM (Potassium Iodide Oral Solution, USP) 65 mg/ml for children.


### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 18, 2005 HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

SOURCE: United States Department of Health and Human Services

Yucca Mountain project, US Geological Survey (USGS)

Statement From Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Energy has learned that certain employees of the US Geological Survey (USGS) at the Department of the Interior working on the Yucca Mountain project may have falsified documentation of their work. This documentation is required as part of the Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s quality assurance programs that verify the accuracy and credibility of work that has been completed. This documentation in question relates to computer modeling involving water infiltration and climate.

“During the document review process associated with the Licensing Support Network preparation for the Yucca Mountain project, DOE contractors discovered multiple emails written between May 1998 and March 2000, in which a USGS employee indicated that he had fabricated documentation of his work.

“The Department of Energy has initiated a scientific investigation of the data and documentation that was part of this modeling activity. If in the course of that review any work is found to be deficient, it will be replaced or supplemented with analysis and documentation that meets appropriate quality assurance standards to ensure that the scientific basis of the project is sound. We are conducting a thorough review of all work completed by the identified individuals to ensure that other work was not affected.

“Additionally, we have informed the US Geological Survey and the State of Nevada. We have initiated an evaluation to determine if the systematic quality assurance improvements undertaken over the last four years are sufficient to prevent the reoccurrence of a similar situation. And we plan to reemphasize to project personnel the importance of strict adherence to quality assurance procedures.

“I am greatly disturbed by the possibility that any of the work related to the Yucca Mountain Project may have been falsified. This behavior indicated in the emails is completely unacceptable, and I have referred this matter to the Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General for full investigation.

“The safe handling and disposal of nuclear waste and the sound scientific basis for the repository safety analysis are priorities for this Administration and the Department of Energy. All related decisions have been, and will continue to be, based on sound science.

“The fact remains that this country needs a permanent geological nuclear waste repository, and the Administration will continue to aggressively pursue that goal. We are committed to the safety and protection of the citizens of Nevada as we pursue the development of the Yucca Mountain project.”

Media contact: Anne Womack-Kolton, 202/586-4940 Number: R-05-054 March 16, 2005 SOURCE: department of energy

Army Corps of Engineers, New life for Baghdad’s fire stations

New life for Baghdad’s fire stations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraq's firefighters are better off today than they were under the regime of Saddam Hussein – when fire service was largely ignored.

Because firefighters received little or no training, they merely contained fires. When called on to fight fires, they lacked the basic equipment their stateside brothers take for granted. Fireproof gear, hardhats, oxygen tanks and mask, even an ax were rare or nonexistent.

“Originally, firefighters during Saddam’s time were given all the odd jobs,” said Bruce Edwards, a firefighter trainer with Skylink. “Whatever anyone didn’t want to do, they got the firemen to do it.”

Skylink has instilled a lot of pride in the Iraqi firefighters and is training them extensively to operate as a qualified fire department, he said.

“Now, they say, ‘No. We are professionals,” Edwards said. “We will not do the odd jobs.’ They’re here to save lives and property.”

During Saddam’s regime, firefighters would rush to a burning building in basic street clothing – shoes optional – only to face Saddam’s Soldiers waiting outside the blaze.

“If they refused to enter a structure or ran back out, they would be greeted by a bullet,” Edwards said.

Baghdad is underserved by fire stations and the services they provide. Thanks to Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Coalition Forces, Baghdad will benefit from 35 new or rehabilitated fire stations that will accommodate approximately 25 firefighters and 11 daytime administrative staff members.

“Not only are fire stations being refurbished, the firefighters are taking extremely good care of them,” Edwards said. “They’re proud of their buildings and proud of their work. The stations and the firefighters will allow for a safer Iraqi society.” (Story by Alicia Embrey, Gulf Region Central District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Requests for more information should be directed to Alicia Embrey at (540) 542-2644. Email requests can be sent to Alicia.Embrey@tac01.usace.army.mil For more information on the Corps in Iraq, visit grd.usace.army.mil. Release #050320b

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

JOHANNS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF BSE RESEARCH PROGRAM AND RESEARCH INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2005- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that almost $2 million in funding has been redirected to enhance research on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and that $5 million has been awarded to 17 colleges and universities to establish a Food Safety Research and Response Network.

"In a rapidly changing world marketplace, science is the universal language that must guide our rules and policies, rather than subjectivity or politics," said Johanns. "Expanding our research efforts to improve the understanding of BSE and other food-related illness pathogens will strengthen the security of our nation's food supply. These projects will help improve food safety by enhancing our research partnerships with the academic community and establish another tool to aid our response to food-related disease outbreaks."

Johanns made the announcement during keynote remarks at the National Restaurant Association's and National Food Processors Association Food Safety Summit. The BSE research funds, redirected by USDA's Agricultural Research Service, will be used for new BSE projects and facilities and build upon President Bush's fiscal year 2006 budget proposal, which would increase BSE research by $7.3 million or 155 percent over 2005 funding levels. The newly funded projects include international collaborations with the Veterinary Laboratory Agency in Great Britain to study the biology of the BSE agent, the Italian BSE Reference Laboratory to evaluate present diagnostic tools for detecting atypical BSE cases and the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain to compare North American and European BSE strains.

About $750,000 will go toward a biocontainment facility now under construction at the ARS National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. These facilities will eventually allow the long-term study of BSE infection in cattle and other large animals, which can take a decade or more.

USDA's Agricultural Research Service has been a leader in research on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) such as scrapie, which affects sheep, and chronic wasting disease in deer. ARS developed the immunohistochemistry test that is currently used as the gold standard in the United States to confirm a diagnosis of BSE. ARS has an annual budget of nearly $10 million for TSE research and 15 scientists involved in the research, primarily in Ames; Pullman, Wash., and Albany, Calif.

The Food Safety Research and Response Network, spearheaded by North Carolina State University, will include a team of more than 50 food safety experts from 18 colleges and universities who will investigate several of the most prevalent food-related illness pathogens. Pathogens like E.coli, Salmonella and Campylobactor will be studied to determine where they are found in the environment, how they are sustained and how they infect herds. This team of researchers brings a broad range of expertise to tackle these persistent research challenges.

The group also will serve as a response team that can be mobilized to conduct focused research to control major episodes of food-related illnesses. Episodes could include investigation of health problems associated with agricultural bioterrorism and the deliberate contamination of agricultural commodities. USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) provided funding for the award.

The 17 other institutions in the project are: Cornell University, Iowa State University, McMasters University, Mississippi State University, North Dakota State University, The Ohio State University, Tuskegee University, University of Arizona, University of California at Davis, University of California at Berkeley, University of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of Montreal, Washington State University, and West Texas A&M University

Release No. 0097.05, Contact: Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623, Wayne Baggett (202) 720-4623

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Tom DeLay (R-Texas), Statement on Supreme Court’s Denial of Schiavo Appeal

Statement on Supreme Court’s Denial of Schiavo Appeal

WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to explain its decision to deny an appeal that would allow Terri Schiavo to continue receiving food and water. The appeal, which was filed by the general counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives, called for the Supreme Court to modify the order placed by Florida Judge George Greer to remove Schiavo’s feeding tube in order for her to appear as a witness at a House Government Reform Committee hearing on March 25, 2005.

“While I respectfully disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision, the justices’ refusal to offer any explanation or guidance – knowing that Congress is working around the clock to save the life of a defenseless dying woman – is a moral and legal tragedy.

“The Supreme Court owes it to Terri Schiavo and her family – and, frankly, to the dignity of human life – to explain their decision so that Congress can properly focus its continuing work to replace Mrs. Schiavo’s feeding tube.

“When this tragic episode is resolved, the Supreme Court will have some serious questions to answer about its silence and arbitrary interpretation of federalism, but those questions will have to wait for now.

“In the meantime, the fight is not over. We will continue to work with the Senate to negotiate a legislative solution, and we won’t rest until we find one. Mrs. Schiavo’s struggle to live, our fight to save her, and the American people’s prayers will all continue.”

Saturday, March 19, 2005 The Office of the House Majority Leader H-107 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515, p. (202)225-4000 f. (202)225-5117

President, nominate one, appoint ten, designate one, 03/20/05

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual, appoint ten individuals and designate one individual to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Linda M. Springer, of Pennsylvania, to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management. Ms. Springer recently served as Controller and Head of the Office of Federal Financial Management in the Office of Management and Budget. Prior to joining the Administration, she was Senior Vice President and Controller of Provident Mutual. Earlier in her career, Ms. Springer served as Vice President and Product Manager for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. She received her bachelor's degree from Ursinus College.

The President intends to appoint John Belle, of New York, to be a Member of the Commission on Fine Arts, for a four-year term.

The President intends to appoint Herbert F. Ames, of South Carolina, to be a Member of the National Capital Planning Commission, for the remainder of a six-year term expiring January 1, 2011.

The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, for the remainder of a three-year term expiring February 19, 2008:

A. Norman Crowder, III of Florida (Employee Representative), Robert Gordan of California (Employee Representative), Leopoldo E. Guzman of Florida (Public Representative)

The President intends to designate James E. Nevels, of Pennsylvania, to be Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, for the remainder of a three-year term expiring February 19, 2007.

The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board, for the remainder of a four-year term expiring December 3, 2008:

Tricia Mason of Wyoming, Philip G. Pearce of Texas, Daniel O. Rios of Texas, John O. Woods, Jr. of Virginia

The President intends to appoint Charles M. Younger, of Texas, to be a Member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy, for the remainder of a three-year term expiring December 30, 2007.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 18, 2005 Personnel Announcement March 18, 2005

Secretary Rice, South Asia and East Asia

Secretary Rice

Secretary Rice is traveling to South Asia and East Asia from March 14 to 21, 2005, visiting India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Japan, South Korea, and China. In South Asia, the Secretary highlighted positive momentum in the region,

including our transformed relationship with India, our continuing commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction, and our long-term engagement with Pakistan. On her visit to East Asian nations she will discuss our global and regional cooperation, such as the actions we are taking together to support democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, she will review with our partners our diplomatic efforts to convene the next round of Six-Party Talks. [Photos from India; Pakistan; Afghanistan; Japan; South Korea]

Remarks by Secretary Rice
2005/03/19 : Remarks to Troops at Command Post Tango, 2005/03/19 : Remarks With Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura, 2005/03/19 : Remarks at Sophia University, 2005/03/19 : Remarks at a U.S.-Japan Appreciation Event With Troops, 2005/03/19: Interview With Aiko Doden of NHK TV, 2005/03/19 : Interview With Yuko Ando of Fuji Television, 2005/03/19 : Statement on Death of George F. Kennan, 2005/03/17 : Briefing En Route to Toyko, 2005/03/17 : Interview with Jonathan Karl of ABC' Tonight, 2005/03/17: Interview with Hamid Mir of GEO TV, 2005/03/17 : Interview with Quatrina Hosain Currim of Pakistan Television, 2005/03/17 : Interview With Neda Farhat of Radio Liberty and Radio Afghanistan, 2005/03/17 : Remarks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, 2005/03/17 : Remarks to Troops at the Kabul Compound, 2005/03/17 : Remarks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, 2005/03/16 : Remarks with Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh, 2005/03/16 : Interview With Raj Chengappa of India Today, 2005/03/16 : Interview with Shirvaj Prasad of NDTV, 2005/03/15 : Remarks en Route to India, 2005/03/11 : Interview With Reuters News Agency
SOURCE; US Department of State

U.S. POW/MIA Delegation Leads Talks in Laos

U.S. POW/MIA Delegation Leads Talks in Laos, Senior officials from Laos and the U.S. concluded talks this week reaffirming close cooperation in the mission to account for missing Americans from the Vietnam War.

Director, Europe-Americas Department of Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Southam Sakonhninhom opened and closed the discussions with officials from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO). He stated that he considered the U.S. and Laos to be one team with the same vision, working to carry out the same mission.

The discussion began a two-day visit to assess Lao cooperation, address the efforts of the Lao government in an archival research initiative begun last year, and to express appreciation for strategies to help accelerate the accounting efforts in Laos. In addition to new levels of assistance in archival research, Laos has worked cooperatively with the U.S. over the past year in areas such as: allowing U.S. teams more flexibility to conduct investigations and excavations; investigating cases requiring close coordination between the U.S., Laos, and Vietnam; refining the Lao unilateral investigation program; and enhancing the safety of American and Lao personnel by streamlining medical evacuation procedures.

While in Laos, the team spent a day and a half in southern Laos where specialists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command are seeking to recover American remains. U.S. officials noted the “one team” concept being put into practice at all levels during their visits to the Ta-oy base camp as well as to several excavation sites.

Weather and terrain in the area have made the joint work even more challenging. Workers at one of the aircraft crash sites scaled almost 90-degree slopes in their search for clues for the missing. Six poisonous snakes were found at one site, and various unexploded ordnance, including 500-pound bombs, were scattered throughout the sites. Despite the hardships, morale among the almost 50 Americans and more than 400 Lao was high, and the work in the field was clearly benefiting from the close cooperation and flexibility. The DPMO officials praised the work of both the U.S. specialists and their Lao counterparts.

The U.S. delegation departed Laos on today.

Of the 1,836 Americans missing from the Vietnam War, the remains of 375 are believed to be in Laos. Since the end of the war, 194 Americans have been accounted-for from Laos.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans from all conflicts, visit the DPMO web site at dtic.mil/dpmo, or call 703-699-1169.

No. 272-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2005

U.S. Department of DefenseOffice of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)News Release
On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/2005/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131
Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711

Death of George F. Kennan

Death of George F. Kennan Secretary Condoleezza Rice Tokyo, Japan March 19, 2005

It is with profound sorrow that I learned today of the passing of George F. Kennan. I knew him, and I admired him as one of the greatest strategists in the history of American foreign policy. He had a profound influence on me.

Ambassador Kennan had the vision to discern the underlying patterns of human affairs where others saw only disconnected shards. He believed passionately in the power of ideas, and that to be effective, policymakers must understand the tectonic forces of history moving beneath the surface of political events. Secretary of State George Marshall, who appointed Mr. Kennan the founding Director of the Office of Policy Planning, said he had a gift for "seeing around corners."

From his famous "Long Telegram" to his contributions to the Marshall Plan, Ambassador Kennan helped create the intellectual context within which America’s successful Cold War diplomacy operated for over half a century. His many books and memoirs, and his devotion to Russian and Soviet studies in the United States, made a lasting contribution to scholarship.

Ambassador Kennan’s legacy has been an inspiration to generations of men and women in the Department of State. So it will remain long into the future. I join my colleagues at the Department of State in honoring Ambassador Kennan’s service to the nation. We send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Annelise Kennan and the entire Kennan family.

2005/T4-13 Released on March 19, 2005

Gujarati Chief Minister Narendra Modi

Denial of Visa Application and Revocation of Visa for Gujarati Chief Minister Narendra Modi

Question: When did the U.S. deny a diplomatic visa to India's Chief Minister of Gujarat state, Mr. Narendra Modi? When did the U.S. revoke his existing tourist/business visa?

Answer: The American Embassy in New Delhi denied the diplomatic visa application of Chief Minister Narendra Modi on March 18, 2005 under section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. The business/visitor visa held by Chief Minister Modi was revoked pursuant to section 212(a)(2)(G) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act at the same time.

2005/334 Released on March 18, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 18, 2005 Question Taken at March 18, 2005, Daily Press Briefing

Landmine Clearance in South Sudan

U.S. Department of State Contractors Receive Joint Military Commission Medals for Landmine Clearance in South Sudan

The U.S. Department of State congratulates its RONCO Consulting Corporation contractors who received service medals from the Joint Military Commission for clearing landmines and contributing to the peace mission in the Nuba Mountains of South Sudan.

The deminers cleared roads of landmines left from fighting so that internally displaced Sudanese could safely return to their homes, farms and grazing lands, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s worldwide humanitarian mine action program. The Joint Military Commission is responsible for monitoring implementation of the 2002 truce agreement in the Nuba Mountains. The U.S. Department of State’s humanitarian mine action program helps those peace efforts.

The Joint Military Commission’s recognition reflects the effectiveness of the Department of State’s mine action assistance to Sudan over the years. The U.S. Department of State’s unique Quick Reaction Demining Force, which is supervised by these RONCO contractors, deployed to the Nuba Mountains in 2002 to facilitate the safe return of displaced Sudanese. Department of State-sponsored demining operations continued there in 2003 and 2004. Also in 2004, Department of State contract deminers cleared landmines and unexploded ordnance near the Rumbek airfield in South Sudan to enable runway improvement so that large cargo aircraft could deliver more relief aid (see the related Media Note at state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/).

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement currently manages humanitarian mine action programs in 25 countries, including Sudan, and also oversees efforts to reduce illegal trafficking in and increase the international safeguarding of small arms and light weapons. To learn more, visit state.gov/t/pm/wra. 2005/335 Released on March 18, 2005

Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 18, 2005

National Poison Prevention Week, 2005

National Poison Prevention Week, 2005 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

National Poison Prevention Week reminds us that young children need constant close supervision by responsible adults to keep them safe. This week highlights the dangers of accidental poisonings, steps that can be taken to reduce risks, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Poison control centers receive approximately one million calls each year about children who have ingested dangerous medicines or chemicals they have found around their homes. Since the first National Poison Prevention Week 43 years ago, many deaths and injuries have been prevented through increased public awareness, the use of child-resistant packaging, and a national network of poison control centers. We must build on this progress by taking additional precautions to keep our children safe. All potentially hazardous products, including those encased in child-resistant packaging, should be stored out of the reach of children. Parents can educate themselves about poisons and receive safety information by visiting the Poison Prevention Week Council website at www.poisonprevention.org. In case of an emergency, families should keep the toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222, on hand in order to reach the nearest Poison Control Center. By properly supervising children, taking preventive measures, and knowing what to do in an emergency, we can help protect our young people from the risks of accidental poisonings.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate preventive measures, the Congress, by joint resolution approved September 26, 1961, as

amended (75 Stat. 681), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March each year as "National Poison Prevention Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 20 through March 26, 2005, as National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in appropriate ceremonies and activities and by learning how to prevent poisonings among children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 18, 2005

Freedom Calendar 03/19/05 - 03/26/05

March 19, 2003, Republican U.S. Representatives of Hispanic and Portuguese descent form Congressional Hispanic Conference.

March 20, 1854, Opponents of Democrats’ pro-slavery policies meet in Ripon, Wisconsin to establish the Republican Party.

March 21, 1965, Republican federal judge Frank Johnson authorizes Martin Luther King’s protest march from Selma to Montgomery, overruling Democrat Governor George Wallace

March 22, 1871, Spartansburg Republican newspaper denounces Ku Klux Klan campaign to eradicate the Republican Party in South Carolina.

March 23, 1823, Birth of Schuyler Colfax (R-IN), who as Speaker of the House broke precedent to vote for Republicans’ constitutional amendment banning slavery; later served as Vice President.

March 24, 1902, Birth of Thomas Dewey (R-NY), who as Governor introduced nation’s first statewide civil rights law; Republican presidential candidate in 1944 and 1948.

March 25, 1864, Death of U.S. Rep. Owen Lovejoy (R-IL), abolitionist and co-founder of Republican Party in Illinois.

March 26, 1910, President Taft appoints Republican William Lewis as first African-American U.S. Asst. Attorney General.

“If we remain poor and dependent, the riches of other men will not avail us. If we are ignorant, the intelligence of other men will do but little for us. If we are foolish, the wisdom of other men will not guide us. If we are wasteful of time and money, the economy of other men will only make our destitution the more disgraceful and hurtful.”

Frederick Douglass, Republican Civil Rights Activist

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

bush radio address 03/19/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 03/19/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On this day two years ago, we launched Operation Iraqi Freedom to disarm a brutal regime, free its people, and defend the world from a grave danger.

Before coalition forces arrived, Iraq was ruled by a dictatorship that murdered its own citizens, threatened its neighbors, and defied the world. We knew of Saddam Hussein's record of aggression and support for terror. We knew of his long history of pursuing, even using, weapons of mass destruction, and we know that September the 11th requires our country to think differently. We must, and we will, confront threats to America before they fully materialize.

Now, because we acted, Iraq's government is no longer a threat to the world or its own people. Today the Iraqi people are taking charge of their own destiny. In January, over eight million Iraqis defied the car bombers and assassins to vote in free elections. This week, Iraq's Transitional National Assembly convened for the first time. These elected leaders broadly represent Iraq's people and include more than 85 women. They will now draft a new constitution for a free and democratic Iraq. In October, that document will be presented to the Iraqi people in a national referendum. Another election is planned for December to choose a permanent constitutional government.

Free governments reflect the culture of the citizens they serve, and that is happening in Iraq. Today, Iraqis can take pride in building a government that answers to its people and honors their country's unique heritage. Millions of Americans saw that pride in an Iraqi woman named Safia Taleb al-Suhail who sat in the gallery during the State of the Union address. Eleven years ago, Saddam Hussein's thugs murdered her father. Today, Safia's nation is free, and Saddam Hussein sits in a prison cell. Safia expressed the gratitude of the Iraqi nation when she embraced the mom of Marine Corps Sergeant Byron Norwood who was killed in the assault on Fallujah.

To all the brave members of our Armed Forces who have taken part in this historic mission, and to your families, I express the heartfelt thanks of the American people. I know that nothing can end the pain of the families who have lost loved ones in this struggle, but they can know that their sacrifice has added to America's security and the freedom of the world.

Iraq's progress toward political freedom has opened a new phase of our work there. We are focusing our efforts on training the Iraqi security forces. As they become more self-reliant and take on greater security responsibilities, America and its coalition partners will increasingly assume a supporting role. In the end, Iraqis must be able to defend their own country, and we will help that proud, new nation secure its liberty. And then our troops will return home with the honor they have earned.

Today we're seeing hopeful signs across the broader Middle East. The victory of freedom in Iraq is strengthening a new ally in the war on terror, and inspiring democratic reformers from Beirut to Tehran. Today, women can vote in Afghanistan, Palestinians are breaking the old patterns of violence, and hundreds of thousands of Lebanese are rising up to demand their sovereignty and democratic rights. These are landmark events in the history of freedom. Only the fire of liberty can purge the ideologies of murder by offering hope to those who yearn to live free.

The experience of recent years has taught us an important lesson: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. Because of our actions, freedom is taking root in Iraq, and the American people are more secure.

Thank you for listening.

END For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 19, 2005

Sheikh Ghazi Ajeel al-Yawear

al-Yawear

Sheikh Ghazi Ajeel al-Yawear addresses the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly (TNA) during the historic inauguration of the TNA at the Baghdad Convention Center on Mar 16, 2005.

The TNA will endeavor to draft a permanent Constitution for Iraq which will be put to a vote and lead to a general election under the new Constitution. USAF Photo by MSgt Dave Ahlschwede. (Released

Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005 H. R. 1332

H.R.1332 Title: To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the removal to Federal court of certain State court cases involving the rights of incapacitated persons, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] (introduced 3/16/2005) Cosponsors (13) Related Bills: H.R.1151, S.539, S.653 Latest Major Action: 3/17/2005 Received in the Senate.

This Act may be cited as the `Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005'.

SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF CERTAIN CASES TO FEDERAL COURT TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF INCAPACITATED PERSONS.

(a) Right of Removal- Chapter 89 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`Sec. 1453. Protection of rights of incapacitated persons

`(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, not later than 30 days after available State remedies have been exhausted, an incapacitated person, or the next friend of an incapacitated person, may remove any claim or cause of action described in subsection (b) to the United States district court for the district in which the claim or cause of action arose, or was heard.

`(b) The claim or cause of action referred to in subsection (a) is one in which the State court authorizes or directs the withholding or withdrawal of food or fluids or medical treatment necessary to sustain the incapacitated person's life, but does not include a claim or cause of action in which no party disputes, and the court finds, that the incapacitated person, while having capacity, had executed a written advance directive valid under applicable law that clearly authorized the withholding or withdrawal of food or fluids or medical treatment in the applicable circumstances.

`(c) In hearing and determining a claim or cause of action removed under this section, the court shall only consider whether authorizing or directing the withholding or withdrawal of food or fluids or medical treatment necessary to sustain the incapacitated person's life constitutes a deprivation of any right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

`(d) The United States district court shall determine de novo any claim or cause of action considered under subsection (c), and no bar or limitation based on abstention, res judicata, collateral estoppel, procedural default, or any other doctrine of issue or claim preclusion shall apply.

`(e) As used in this section--

`(1) the term `incapacitated person' means a born individual who is presently incapable of making relevant decisions concerning the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of food, fluids or medical treatment under applicable law; and

`(2) the term `next friend' means an individual who has some significant relationship with the real party in interest, and includes a parent.'.

(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 89 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

`1453. Protection of rights of incapacitated persons.'.
Passed the House of Representatives March 16, 2005.

Attest: Clerk. 109th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1332

AN ACT: To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the removal to Federal court of certain State court cases involving the rights of incapacitated persons, and for other purposes

GERMANY PARTNERS WITH IRAQ, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FOR TRAINING

GERMANY PARTNERS WITH IRAQ, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FOR TRAINING

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An agreement between Iraq, Germany and the United Arab Emirates to jointly train Iraqi military forces is clearing the way for the preparation and equipping of an Iraqi engineering unit.

The agreement, signed during German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s March 4-5 visit to the UAE, has Germany supplying instructors and equipment such as graders, bulldozers, 20-ton cranes and cement mixers to the unit, which will consist of 250 Iraqi trainees. The UAE will cover the expenses for the trainers, trainees and interpreters, according to German Embassy officials.

Bruska Noori Shaways, Secretary General of Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, and Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithy, chief of staff of the UAE Armed Forces, represented their respective countries in the agreement.

Germany and the UAE have previously cooperated in the training of Iraqi troops. In November 2004, 122 Iraqi personnel were trained to operate, repair and maintain 100 Daimler-Mercedes five-ton trucks that Germany sold to the UAE. The UAE paid to transport the trucks to Iraq, along with the expenses of the German trainers, translators and Iraqi trainees.

Germany has also been involved in helping to train Iraqi civil police, providing about a dozen high-level trainers last year to teach 431 Iraqi police officers the fundamentals of crime scene investigation.

More recently, 30 Iraqi police officers are going through a four-week personal protection training program led by eight German instructors. That training is designed for Iraqi police officers who will be protecting Iraqi politicians.

The same group of Iraqi police officers will continue with a course on hostage rescue techniques, with training provided by UAE police. Germany will provide radios, some weapons, ammunition and other equipment for the training, which will be conducted at a UAE facility. -30- SOURCE: United States Central Command

NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 March 16, 2005 Release Number: 05-03-11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cuba: Two-Year Anniversary of the Crackdown

Cuba: Two-Year Anniversary of the Crackdown

Two years ago, the Castro regime unleashed a sweeping crackdown on independent civil society activists, condemning 75 to prison sentences averaging 20 years. The regime has so far only released 14 prisoners, all of whom were in poor health and continue to be subject to daily harassment, re-arrest, and lengthy interrogations by the secret police. The regime continues to hold at least 300 other political prisoners and persecutes anyone who dares speak out against it. For almost half a century, the Cuban government has steadfastly refused to allow any kind of political opening or accord Cubans those most basic human rights recognized by the Universal Declaration.

The United States and others in the international community will not remain silent before such repression. We will not allow these champions of human rights to be forgotten nor let their courageous action in the pursuit of freedom be in vain.

The United States seeks a rapid and peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba, and supports all Cubans who seek this outcome. Only a Cuba that respects fundamental freedoms and independent civil society can make this transition. Two years after this terrible act of repression, we again call upon the Castro regime to free all political prisoners. The Cuba people deserve a government committed to democracy and the full observance of human rights.

2005/332 Released on March 17, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 17, 2005

President to Welcome Israeli Prime Minister Sharon to Texas

President to Welcome Israeli Prime Minister Sharon to Texas

President Bush to Welcome Prime Minister Sharon of Israel President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to his ranch in Crawford, Texas on April 11, 2005. The President looks forward to discussing with Prime Minister Sharon a wide range of key bilateral and regional issues, including the search for peace in the Middle East and the war on terrorism.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 18, 2005

Irish Prime Minister Ahern, St. Patrick's Day video

President Welcomes Irish Prime Minister Ahern for St. Patrick's Day. FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Roosevelt Room President's Remarks 10:25 A.M. EST

PRIME MINISTER AHERN: Mr. President, First Lady, it's a great honor to be, again, with you on this very special day. St. Patrick's Day is one of joy and celebration for Irish communities all over the world. It's a time when members of the extended Irish family and friends express pride in our homeland and in the bonds that tie us to Ireland. Nowhere is this more true than in the United States, where Irish heritage has been fostered and cherished for generations. Mr. President, we're very honored that we again share this special Irish day with you here at the White House.

This symbolic ceremony of the presentation of shamrock epitomizes the enduring ties between Ireland and the United States. Today provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage, as well as the strength and diversity of our bilateral relations, which continue to prosper and evolve in an ever-changing world.

The shamrock, President, was originally used by St. Patrick as a Christian symbol of unity. It has also become an emblem worn with enormous pride by people of Irish descent, and friends of Ireland, wherever they may be. And this is a heritage and symbol of inclusion that we are proud to share with all traditions on the island of Ireland, in the United States, and indeed, today, around the world.

Mr. President, today we also acknowledge the true and constant friendship which we receive from this country for the efforts to secure peace and stability in Northern Ireland. Your even-handed support and wise counsel continues to be an invaluable resource to us in our search for lasting peace.

As you know, we were very close last December to bringing an end to the journey we first began with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April of 1998. The United States has been with us every step of the way. And I greatly appreciate the work of your administration, of your Special Envoy, Mitchell Reiss. Above all, I want to thank you for your personal interventions late last year to encourage the parties to face up to the challenges of peace and partnership, and to take the courageous steps required to secure agreement.

We've come a long way, President, over the last seven years, and we've achieved a great deal of progress in Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement has positively transformed the political landscape. But we need to complete the work of achieving lasting peace and political partnership in Northern Ireland. We need to ensure that the agreement's vision of a new beginning to relationships is fully realized and secured for the benefit of this and future generations. That is what the people of Ireland, North and South, voted for in 1998, when they overwhelmingly endorsed the agreement. They did not vote, President, for an armed peace, neither did they vote for a criminal peace. They voted for a democratic peace. With your continued support and encouragement, Mr. President, we will deliver that outcome.

My government remains as fully committed today as we were in 1998 to making the Good Friday Agreement work. Recent events have damaged confidence, but they've also crystalized what must now be done to finalize the process and achieve stable partnership of government in Northern Ireland. Partnership politics requires all parties to play their part. But if trust and confidence is to be established, tangible evidence of commitment to a democratic peace is essential. The political conclusion envisaged by the agreement can only be realized when those who aspire to share in government have brought definitive closure to paramilitary capability and activity, including all forms of criminality.

Mr. President, in our continuing efforts to implement the agreement and achieve political progress in Northern Ireland, I know I can count on your continued support. We in Ireland deeply appreciate your generosity, your friendship, and the goodwill and encouragement of the United States.

I'm very pleased, therefore, to present you with this shamrock as a token of our esteem and heartfelt gratitude for all that you, Mr. President, and the United States have done for my country, and for all the people of Ireland. Thank you.

(The shamrock is presented.)

THE PRESIDENT: Taoiseach, thank you very much, and welcome back to the White House. It's -- Laura and I are delighted to continue the tradition of accepting the crystal bowl overflowing with shamrocks. It's a wonderful gift, symbolizing Ireland's world-renowned hospitality.

Today is a joyous celebration of the deep friendship between the Irish and the American peoples. The histories and blood lines of our two countries are deeply intertwined. And that is why, in cities and towns across our nation, millions of Americans celebrate this feast day of the Apostle of Ireland.

St. Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to illustrate the mystery of the Trinity. The shamrock has also come to represent the unity that people can achieve when they commit themselves to peace and freedom.

In America, we have a phrase for that -- it's called e pluribus unum, out of many, one. You'll find that on the great seal of the United States, which, by the way, was largely designed by Charles Thompson, a native of Derry. The hearts of the Irish burn for freedom and they brought that love for liberty to America. The Irish fought in our nation's war of independence, and over the past two centuries they devoted their blood and sweat to defending and building America.


When terrorists struck our nation, the Irish were well-represented among the firefighters and police officers who sacrificed their lives to save others at the World Trade Center. In a great Irish tradition, Marines preparing to retake the city of Fallujah prepared for battle to the strains of Lt. Colonel Paul Sweeney's bagpipes echoing across the Iraqi plains.

The Irish have a way of turning adversity into opportunity. About a million came to our shores seeking refuge from the Great Potato Famine. Once they came, they built and they toiled and they produced. They constructed railroads and great cathedrals; they even helped build the U.S. Capitol. They added to our literature with a genius, with their words. And, of course, a few even entered politics. (Laughter.)

The Irish talent for statesmanship has been evident on both sides of the Atlantic. And today we're proud to welcome a friend of peace, and a friend of freedom, my good friend, Bertie Ahern.

Mr. Prime Minister, I want to thank you for your tireless work in the struggle against terrorism on St. Patrick's Island. I appreciate your leadership. I appreciate your strength of character. I appreciate your vision. It takes courage to work the path -- to walk the path of peace. And your leadership, Mr. Prime Minister, is appreciated not only in your nation but in ours, as well. As you work for peace, our government and the American people will stand with you.

Today, America and Ireland are united in many ways. The economies of our two countries are closely tied. We're working together to bring freedom and justice to Afghanistan and the Balkans and other countries that have now known it. We share a common commitment to the values preached by St. Patrick: liberty under God and the dignity of all human persons.

Taoiseach, we pay tribute to the role the Irish have played in defending and renewing the ideals that Americans cherish. May our friendship remain steadfast, and may the citizens of both our nations enjoy a happy and blessed St. Patrick's Day. Welcome back. (Applause.)

END 10:34 A.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 17, 2005

Joseph H. Boardman, Federal Railroad Administration

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Joseph H. Boardman, of New York, to be Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration at the Department of Transportation. Mr. Boardman currently serves as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation. He previously served the Department as First Deputy Commissioner and as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Public Transportation. Prior to that, Mr. Boardman was Chief Operating Officer of Progressive Transportation Services, Inc., in Elmira, New York. Earlier in his career, he served as Commissioner of Public Transportation in Broome, County, New York. Mr. Boardman received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and his master's degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 17, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Statement on Terri Schiavo

President's Statement on Terri Schiavo

The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected - and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 17, 2005

Congressman Rob Portman (R-Ohio) Trade Representative

President Asks Portman to Join Cabinet

Washington, Mar 17 - Congressman Rob Portman (R-Ohio) issued the following statement today regarding President Bush's announcement to nominate Portman to his Cabinet as the next United States Trade Representative:

“I entered public service to make a difference in the lives of people, and it has been my highest honor to serve the people of Ohio’s Second Congressional District. President Bush has now asked me to join his Cabinet and serve our country in a different way. I want to thank my constituents for giving me the privilege of being their elected Representative for almost 12 years. The people of Southern Ohio and my hometown of Cincinnati have given me opportunities to serve in ways that I never dreamed possible. I am proud of our many accomplishments. I will be forever grateful for their friendship and trust.

“I am honored that President Bush has offered me the opportunity to serve as the United States Trade Representative. If the Senate should confirm my nomination, I look forward to serving the American people in this role. Open markets and strong trade relations are key components to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world. Through expanded trade, the roots of democracy and freedom are deepened. Here at home, trade policy opens markets to create good jobs, a higher standard of living, and greater economic growth,” said Portman.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rob Portman was an associate in the Washington law firm of Patton Boggs from 1984-1986, where he specialized in international trade law. He then returned to his hometown of Cincinnati to work as a partner at the law firm of Graydon, Head and Ritchey from 1986-1989. From 1989-1991 he served in the first Bush White House as Associate Counsel to the President and later as Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. Congressman Portman currently serves on the Ways and Means Committee and its Subcommittee on Trade. Portman is also the Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee and serves as the Chairman of the House Republican Leadership. -- END --

Contact: Kyle Downey SOURCE: President Asks Portman to Join Cabinet

Committee on Government Reform, Major League Baseball, Steroids,

House Hearing on Steroid Use in Major League Baseball - Part 1 (03/17/2005) FULL STREAMING VIDEO

House Hearing on Steroid Use in Major League Baseball - Part 2 (03/17/2005) FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Subpoena for witnesses in PDF format

What is the antitrust exemption and how did baseball get it? - Baseball has been exempt from these antitrust laws since 1922, when the Supreme Court ruled in its favor in Federal Baseball Club of Baltimore, Inc. v. National Baseball Clubs. The Supreme Court determined even though there was scheduling of games across state lines, those games were intrastate events since the travel from one state to another was "not the essential thing," Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote in the decision.

MLB and Players Association reach tentative agreement on new steroid policy - The agreement contains revised disciplinary penalties for positive test results, with first time offenders now being suspended for ten days. Second-time offenders will be suspended for 30 days. Third-time offenders will be suspended for 60 days. Fourth-time offenders will be suspended for one year. All suspensions will be without pay.

Chairman, U.S. Congressman Tom Davis Representing the 11th District of Virginia Chairman, House Government Reform Committee

Prior to his election to Congress, Tom was the chief elected official in Fairfax County, the eleventh most populous municipality with the second largest county budget in the United States. In 1993, during Tom’s tenure as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County was recognized as the nation’s best financially managed county.

Formerly the Vice President and General Counsel of PRC, Inc., a high technology and professional services firm headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Tom moved to the position of Corporate Counsel upon his election as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Before his election to that post, Tom served for 12 years as Mason District’s representative to the Board. Tom is also a charter member and past president of the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club, and he has served on numerous charity boards.

Tom was born in Minot, North Dakota on January 5, 1949, and moved with his family to Fairfax County at an early age. He graduated as president of his class from the United States Capitol Page School following four years as a U.S. Senate Page. He went on to Amherst College, graduating with honors in Political Science, and subsequently earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. Tom also attended Officer Candidate School, served on active duty in the U.S. Army, and spent eight years with the Virginia National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. FULL TEXT In PDF Format Chairman Tom Davis' Bio (PDF)

Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Foreign Minister Natwar Singh

Remarks With Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Hyderabad House New Delhi, India March 16, 2005 (10:54 a.m. local)

FOREIGN MINISTRER SINGH: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for turning up in such large numbers. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rice to India. It is her first visit, and the first visit by a cabinet member in the second term of the Bush administration. We view her as a friend of India who led the fashioning of the new policy in the first term. I look forward to working with her, and talking Indo-U.S. relations to even higher levels and more frequently, and we’ll continue our discussion during lunch.

The issues that I’ll just briefly mention: The Next Steps in the Strategic Partnership, or NSSP, Phase II should be concluded fairly soon. High Technology trade will continue to grow. We will cooperate more closely in the field of energy. Our defense cooperation will be expanded. Civil aviation is another major area of growth through an Open Skies agreement. This will impact positively on our economic and trade links. Both governments will encourage their business communities to be more aggressive in exploiting opportunities and challenges.

Madam, we acknowledge your great political vision, and I felt that we were on the same wavelength as you looked at this relationship not only for what it offers today, but at its enormous potential to shape our global future to our mutual advantage. Naturally, we discussed important regional and global questions. We approached these issues from a common commitment to democracy, pluralism and prosperity. On Nepal, we agreed that recent events have been a setback to these goals. Democratic freedoms must be restored and reconciliation with political parties must lead to a return to multi-party democracy in Nepal. I apprised the Secretary of State of recent developments in our composite dialogue with Pakistan, which is progressing satisfactorily. We look forward to welcoming General Musharraf here soon.

If I may be allowed to say something, I will also respectfully request him that he ensures that the Pakistan cricket team does not beat our team.

(Laughter)

There should be no doubt about our commitment to achieving peace in Pakistan. It is critical that Pakistan implements fully a solemn commitment to cease all cross-border terrorism against India.

On Afghanistan, we assessed our ongoing cooperation and support of President Karzai’s government. We will continue to work together closely. We also exchanged views on West Asia, what you, Madam, call the Middle East. I informed the Secretary of State that India will be prepared to contribute to economic reconstruction in Iraq. We will await any requests from the newly elected government, and judge them on their merit.

Naturally, we spoke about the reform of the United Nations. It was agreed that as strategic partners, we should have a sustained dialogue on this very important issue. Dr. Rice met the Chairperson of the UPH Imadi Sonia Gandhi earlier this morning. Their meeting lasted half an hour. Apart from being extremely cordial and warm, almost all issues of mutual interest were discussed. Dr. Rice will be calling on the Prime Minister later in the day. I am hosting a lunch in her honor where we will, as I said earlier, continue our discussions. Even from this brief stay, I am certain that she will get a sense of warmth of the welcome that awaits President Bush. I told Condoleezza Rice that she comes here as a friend, and when a friend comes to India, they don’t have to knock at any door. They will find the door open. Thank you.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you very much. I have indeed had a very warm welcome here in India. I want to thank you very much, Foreign Minister Singh, for this very warm welcome and for our productive discussions. I did have a very cordial and wonderful meeting this morning with Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of the Congress Party. We had met before at one time in Washington. It was really very good to have a chance to renew my discussions and my dialogue with her.

The President wanted me to have a chance to come to India early in my tenure as Secretary of State and early in his second term because this is a relationship that has transpired…transformed in recent years from one that had great potential into one that is really now realizing that potential. It is based first and foremost on the fact that we share common values, and there are no stronger relationships than those that are based on common values. This is a vibrant and wonderful democracy. It’s remarkable that this large country with all of its ethnic and religious and heritage differences could be such a vibrant and functioning democracy. In fact, the United States is, of course, not nearly so large, but we also are a democracy that is multi-ethnic and multi-religious and pluralistic and that’s an experience that binds us together and gives us a firm foundation for our partnership in regional and global affairs.

We and India have taken our relationship to a new level through the NSSP, Phase I of which has been completed, and Phase II of which we look forward to having completed very shortly. And I said to the Foreign Minister and will say later to the Prime Minister, that there is much more that we can do. Our defense cooperation is strong in military-to-military contacts and joint exercises. The United States looks forward to enhancing that defense cooperation over the next several years. We also look forward to an energy dialogue, because, of course, the demands for energy of growing economies like India and the United States are demands that will have to be met in order to keep prosperous and growing and expanding economies that can then serve the needs of their people, and we look forward to a large-scale energy dialogue that looks at ways to meet our energy needs and at the same time to be responsive to environmental concerns.

We, as well, have had a chance to talk about American support for the composite dialogue with Pakistan. We very much admire what the Prime Minister and President Musharraf have been able to continue. Given the change in government here in India, it is heartening that that dialogue has continued and, indeed, accelerated and we want to be supportive in any way that we can. As the Foreign Minister said, we had the chance to talk about Afghanistan, about Iraq, and especially about the challenge to democracy in Nepal, where we have had outstanding cooperation between our Ambassadors to try and help that country to get back on a democratic path. That simply must happen, and we are in complete agreement that it needs to happen very, very soon.

I think it shows that India and the United States have regional responsibilities, but also increasingly global responsibilities. We respect this great democracy. We respect what it has been able to achieve for its people. We respect the challenges that it has to achieve even more for its people, and we respect the possibilities that the United States and India enjoy for global partnership.

And, I am going to make a promise to the Foreign Minister right now and that is that I’ll even try to understand cricket. (Laughter.) That will help.

FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH: I will try to understand baseball. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you.

MODERATOR: There will be time for two questions from the Delhi-based media and two questions from the traveling press. Please introduce yourself and indicate to whom the question is directed. Yes, I see NDTV.

QUESTION: This question is on…

FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH: Please stand up. Could you stand up?

QUESTION: Yes, sorry. This question is for Ms. Rice. What do you feel about the cooperation between India and Iran on the gas pipeline, since you’ve just made a statement about expanding the dialogue on energy, since… Are there any reservations between cooperation between India and Iran on the gas pipeline? (repeats the question in Hindi) Thanks.

SECRETARY RICE: Well, thank you very much. I think that our views concerning Iran are very well known by this time, and we have communicated to the Indian government our concerns about gas pipeline cooperation between Iran and India. I think our Ambassador has made statements in that regard. And so, those concerns are well known to the Indian government. We do need to look at the broader question of how India meets its energy needs over the next decades in what is a rapidly growing economy, and economy that must continue to grow in order for the benefits to be felt by India’s people, and since that is something, that is a goal that we very much support, we believe that a broad energy dialogue should be launched with India because the needs are there, we have our own energy needs, and indeed, given the technological sophistication of our economy, of India’s economy, I would hope that we could also explore new ways that new technologies can help us over the next decades to meet what are undoubtedly going to be burgeoning energy needs. So, yes, we do have our concerns. We’ve communicated those, but we intend also to look at this as a broader problem.

FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH: Yes, as you know the discussions are going on between the Petroleum Minister of the Government of India, Shri Mansagar Rai, and his counterparts in Iran and in Pakistan. As the Secretary of State said, the energy requirements of India are growing exponentially in the years to come, becoming more and more industrialized. We have traditional good relations with Iran. We expect Iran will fulfill all of its obligations with regard to the NPT. We have no problems of any kind with Iran, and as Dr. Rice said, the requirement for energy and a new technology…India, Pakistan, Iran are indeed in touch with each other.

QUESTION: In your discussions today. . .

FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH: I can’t hear you.

QUESTION: This question is for both of you. In your discussions today, did you discuss the sale of F-16s to both India and Pakistan, reach any agreement on that, and does this kind of potential arms pact represent a tacit acknowledgement by the United States that both powers possess nuclear weapons that could be used against the other?

SECRETARY RICE: It will not be surprising to you that in our context of our discussions about the security environment here in the region and our discussions about defense cooperation that the question of arms sales, including F-16s has come up. As I’ve said, we are going to continue to have broad discussions about the security needs, about the defense needs, of India. I’m quite certain that when I go to Pakistan that I will have discussions about the defense concerns and the defense needs of Pakistan, but there has been no such agreement, as you called it, Anne. And as I’ve said to you I don’t expect that there are going to be any announcements out of this, but we, of course, have discussed this as well as a number of other issues about the defense needs of India.

FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH: It is known, India and the United States have an ongoing dialogue on defense, on various aspects of it, on defense supplies, on defense equipment, and every issue was brought up, including F-16, and as the Secretary has said, no announcement is going to be made. We discussed every aspect of our defense relationship with the Secretary of State, and if anything else happens between now and lunch, I’ll let you know. (Laughter).

QUESTION: I got the sense that you. . . Both talked about the UN reforms, and I’m sure a discussion must have happened on the expansion of the UN Security Council. There’s a sense here that there’s some ambiguity on the U.S.’s own position on the expansion of the UN Security Council. One, will the United States support the expansion at all, and second, will you support India’s candidature as a permanent member in the UN Security Council? And, a quick question, too, for Mr. Natwar Singh: Sir, would you like the U.S. to make its position clear with regard to the expansion of the UN Security Council and India’s candidature into the council as a permanent member?

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you. We are at the beginning of discussions about UN reform, including of course, UN Security Council reform. Our view is that the reform of the United Nations has to be seen understood as a broad process, that there are many aspects of the UN that need reform, including, as we’ve said, Secretariat issues, General Assembly issues, Security Council issues, and agency issues, as well as management reforms. And so it’s not surprising that we continue to have these discussions with countries around the world. I believe Secretary General Annan has talked about the need to have intensive consultations. I myself have just appointed a special advisor, Ambassador Shirin Tahir-Kheli, who will full-time for me be engaged in discussions around the world about UN reforms. So, we’re just at the beginning of this. And, in that context, we have agreed to stay in touch with India and with others about how those discussions are going.

Let me make a broader point, separate from this, which is that the world is changing, obviously. There are countries like India that have emerged in recent years as major factors in the international economy, in international politics, taking on more and more global responsibilities. I was really quite interested in the fact that when we had the tsunami cooperation, which was a kind of ad-hoc arrangement for a while, to respond to the immediate needs of the tsunami, India was able, I’m told, to mobilize its ships and go to sea in about 48 hours or so. That’s extraordinary, and that shows that India’s potential is very great to help resolve humanitarian and other needs for the world, and so, we will continue to talk with people about Security Council reform, reform of the UN, but clearly we also note that there have been great changes in the world, and that international institutions are going to have to start to accommodate them in some way.

FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH: I just, I might add that to the previous question about the defense issue that we did express certain concerns about certain matters on the defense issue as to how it might pave some complications I think there are no serious differences of opinion. There are one or two items on which we don’t agree. Our relations will now reach a maturity but we can discuss these things freely and frankly and place our views firmly on record, and our views with regard to F-16 (inaudible).

Now with regarding security council: Yes, we did discuss and the Secretary of State is fully familiar with India’s stand that India is an aspiring candidate for an expanded and reformed security council. We a democracy of one billion people. Our UN record is impeccable. We have been in involved many, many peacekeeping operations. We have led discussions on de-colonization. We have led discussion on the end of aparthaied. In South Africa--I myself was for many years a top leader of the UN committee on de-colonization, where I worked with your colleagues Ambassador Plimpton, Ambassador (Inaudible), both of them last no more and with the father of your deputy here Bob Blake whose with us still, I mean the father.

Naturally we think that the world of 2005 has nothing to do with the world of 1945 and therefore it is imperative that the United Nations, if it is to be relevant and an effective instrument for maintaining peace and ensuring development and harmony, then it has to be drastically reformed. I also realize that the amendment to the UN charter is not an easy exercise. The charter has only been reviewed once, in 1963, when the non-permanent members were increased by four. So, the Security Council from eleven became fifteen.

Now there are many aspirants for the Security Council expansion and corporate membership. India, Japan, Germany and Brazil are working together and we are in touch with all our friends, including United States. We have got a chance of a very large number of countries, but let me add, quite categorically, that the amendment of the UN charter is a very, very complicated process. We are studying the report of the high-level panel appointed by the US Secretary General.

The Secretary General should be sending the report, I think today or tomorrow, to member of states and then we’ll have our comments, intensive discussions will take place. If I may, Madam, in your presence say, that obviously the United States should play a very, very important role in this particular exercise.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi is indicating that he is willing to pull Italian forces out of Iraq if the security situation in that country has not improved, perhaps as early as September. What is the official U.S. response to Mr. Berlusconi’s announcement?

SECRETARY RICE: First is to note that the Italians have been steadfast in their support of the Iraqi people’s desire to have their aspirations for freedom met. They were early supporters of the Iraqi people through the coalition. The Italians suffered casualties as a result of their commitment there, including among the carabiniers, and I remember that when that happened that they had more volunteers that they could take to take the place of those people. So, the Italians have served and served bravely in support of democracy in Iraq.

As we move forward, we know that coalition partners are beginning to look at what the future of their commitment can be, and we understand that Prime Minister Berlusconi has said that they will look at conditions. They, of course, are also engaged in the training of Iraqi security personnel, and for all of us, the real issue is how quickly can we get Iraqi police, army, border guards trained so that Iraqis can do the security tasks necessary to sustain the Iraqi democratic process. And indeed, we were all heartened by the way the Iraqi security forces stepped up to the plate during the Iraqi elections, really being the core. I remember General Casey saying that during that period of time he couldn’t think of one case in which the coalition forces had to step in for Iraqi security forces. So, they are making a lot of progress. And, the real answer to Iraqi security will be when Iraqis can do those security tasks. So, I am quite certain, given the experience of working with the Italian government, given the experience of working with the Italian Ministry of Defense, that any decisions that the Italians make about their forces are going to be fully coordinated in a way that does not put at risk the mission. And whatever the Italians then decide, I want to be very clear that the United States and, I think especially the Iraqis appreciate what Italy has done, and what Italy will continue to do in the future in helping the Iraqis to sustain their democratic progress.

MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much. Thank you, Excellencies.

2005/T4-4 Released on March 16, 2005