President Welcomes Prime Minister Singh of India

President Welcomes Prime Minister Singh of India (FULL STREAMING VIDEO) in Arrival Ceremony, The South Lawn 9:11 A.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Kaur, Laura and I are honored to welcome you to the White House.

We meet as leaders of two great democracies, committed to working together for a better and a safer world. Your visit reflects the growing bonds of cooperation between your nation and mine. Our nations have ties that are strong and warm.

These ties are enriched by hundreds of thousands of Americans of Indian origin who contribute so much to America's vitality. Our people share the bonds of friendship and a commitment to prosperity, peace and regional stability. Our nations believe in freedom. And our nations are confronting global terrorism.

As diplomatic partners, we're meeting this threat in our own nations and abroad. And as economic partners, we're working around the world to displace hatred and violence with prosperity, hope and optimism. India's embrace of democracy and human rights had ensured that its great diversity will remain a national strength. And since enacting economic reforms in the early '90s, India has become an emerging economic power to the betterment of its people.

The relationship between our two nations has never been stronger, and it will grow even closer in the days and years to come. This transformed relationship was seen vividly in the response to the December 26th tsunami that devastated parts of Asia. Along with Japan and Australia, our two nations launched a coordinated and effective disaster relief mission, providing assistance and relief where it was most needed.

Mr. Prime Minister, the United States and India have built a relationship of great potential as we face this century's challenges. We look forward to building on our strong bilateral relationship to expand our economic ties and to lay the foundation of peace and prosperity for our children and our grandchildren.

Welcome, Mr. Prime Minister, and thank you for coming. (Applause.)

PRIME MINISTER SINGH: Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, thank you very much for your warm words of welcome. I greatly value this invitation to visit Washington, and I look forward to my discussions with you this morning. I'm confident that my visit today will give us an opportunity to develop and take forward this strategic partnership between India and the United States.

We share a common commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights, pluralism and rule of law. We face common challenges that threaten our way of life and values that both our countries hold dear. We share a common resolve and a common responsibility to meet those challenges.

Mr. President, there is vast potential for our countries to work together on an ambitious agenda of cooperation, bilaterally, and with regard to what we can do together to address the global challenges.

Mr. President, your personal commitment to our relations is widely appreciated in India. I am confident that from our talks today will emerge an agenda of cooperation that reflects a real transformation of our relationship. Its realization would help India meet the expectations of its people for a better quality of life, a more secure future, and a greater ability to participate in global creativity. I also believe that working together, our two countries can make a significant contribution to global peace, security and development.

Let me conclude, Mr. President, by thanking you and the First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush, once again for the warmth of your welcome. I thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)

END 9:16 A.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 18, 2005

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From The New York Times???

Where's The Newt?, From The New York Times, By John Tierney, Op-Ed, July 16, 2005

We are in the midst of a remarkable Washington scandal, and we still don't have a name for it. Leakgate, Rovegate, Wilsongate - none of the suggestions have stuck because none capture what's so special about the current frenzy ...

The closest parallel is the moment in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" when members of a mob eager to burn a witch are asked by the wise Sir Bedevere how they know she's a witch.

"Well, she turned me into a newt," the villager played by John Cleese says.

"A newt?" Sir Bedevere asks, looking puzzled.

"I got better," he explains.

"Burn her anyway!" another villager shouts.

That's what has happened since this scandal began so promisingly two summers ago. At first it looked like an outrageous crime harming innocent victims ...

But if you consider the facts today, you may feel like Sir Bedevere. Where's the newt? What did the witch actually do? Consider that original list of outrages:

The White House felon So far Karl Rove appears guilty of telling reporters something he had heard, that Valerie Wilson, the wife of Ambassador Joseph Wilson IV, worked for the C.I.A. But because of several exceptions in the 1982 law forbidding disclosure of a covert operative's identity, virtually no one thinks anymore that he violated it. The law doesn't seem to apply to Ms. Wilson because she apparently hadn't been posted abroad during the five previous years. ...

The smeared whistle-blower Mr. Wilson accused the White House of willfully ignoring his report showing that Iraq had not been seeking nuclear material from Niger. But a bipartisan report from the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded that his investigation had yielded little valuable information...

Karl Rove's version of events now looks less like a smear and more like the truth ...

For now, though, it looks as if this scandal is about a spy who was not endangered, a whistle-blower who did not blow the whistle and was not smeared, and a White House official who has not been fired for a felony that he did not commit. ...

What do you call a scandal that's not scandalous? Nadagate.

For Entire Article Please Visit: nytimes.com/2005/07/16/opinion/16tierney

SOURCE: rnc.org/ more at Karl Rove or Rove or Joe Wilson and White House or Select Committee on Intelligence

Captive Nations Week, 2005

Captive Nations Week, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

America stands for freedom and supports those who are oppressed. During Captive Nations Week, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing democracy, defending liberty, and protecting human rights around the world.

When President Eisenhower issued the first Captive Nations Week proclamation in 1959, freedom was being denied by communist regimes in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Millions were deprived of their rights to freely practice religion, assemble in public, and exercise freedom of speech. The Cold War and the captivity of millions of people in Central and Eastern Europe have since ended, and we have witnessed the rise of democratic governments in countries across the globe.

Building a free and peaceful world is the work of generations, and this work continues. America believes that freedom is God's gift to each man and woman in this world and that spreading freedom's blessings is the calling of our time. We are continuing to work to help spread liberty and democracy to people who have known fear and oppression. The gains in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, and Georgia have been achieved through the courage, determination, and sacrifice of millions of men and women in those countries, with the assistance of the United States and other allies.

As a Nation forged from the ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity, we will continue speaking out on behalf of oppressed people. We will support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation. This young century will be liberty's century, and during Captive Nations Week, we pledge to advance the cause of liberty for all people.

The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week in July of each year as "Captive Nations Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 17 through July 23, 2005, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to reaffirm their commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice, and self-determination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 15, 2005

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Soldiers charged with assault on suspected insurgents

Soldiers charged with assault on suspected insurgents Arabic

CAMP LIBERTY , Iraq – Eleven Task Force Baghdad Soldiers were charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice July 13 in Baghdad . The charges are related to a report by a Task Force Baghdad Soldier that other Soldiers had allegedly assaulted some suspected terrorists.

The Army's Criminal Investigation Division immediately began an investigation into the reported incident for possible criminal conduct.

The command is preferring charges at the current time and will make recommendations on the disposition of the charges to the commander of Multi-National Division Baghdad.

None of the suspected insurgents required medical treatment for injuries related to the alleged assault. Only one of the suspected terrorists remains in custody of Coalition Forces at this time.

“All Task Force Baghdad Soldiers are expected to act appropriately and to treat all persons under their control with dignity and respect. Allegations of illegal activities will always be thoroughly investigated,” said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, a Task Force Baghdad spokesperson. “The unit involved has been pulled off-line to complete the inquiry and retraining.”

Specifics of the investigation or the circumstances surrounding it cannot be released until all administrative and judicial actions linked to the investigation have been completed.

- 30 -

Source MNFI FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT TASKFORCEBAGHDAD PAO @ID3.ARMY.MIL. Release A050716a

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Condoleezza Rice will travel to Africa and the Middle East

Travel by Secretary Rice to Africa and the Middle East

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to Senegal, Sudan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories from July 19-24.

In Dakar, Senegal she will participate in the 2005 U.S. Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum being held under the auspices of the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act is a key pillar of the Bush Administration’s policy to spur economic development, alleviate poverty, and encourage trade between the United States and Sub-Saharan countries.

In Sudan, the Secretary will emphasize U.S. support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and will urge further steps to resolve the crisis in Darfur.

The Secretary’s travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories will continue our efforts to spur the parties towards cooperation as part of the disengagement from Gaza and parts of the West Bank.

Source: state.gov 2005/705, Released on July 15, 2005 Press Statement, Sean McCormack, Spokesman, Washington, DC, July 15, 2005

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African Union Peacekeeping in Darfur, Sudan

Memorandum for the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense Presidential Determination No. 2005-30

SUBJECT: Drawdown of Commodities and Services from the Department of Defense to Support African Union Peacekeeping in Darfur, Sudan

Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (PDF format) , as amended, I hereby determine that:

(1) as a result of an unforeseen emergency, the provision of assistance under Chapter 6 of Part II of the Act in amounts in excess of funds otherwise available for such assistance is important to the national interests of the United States; and

(2) such unforeseen emergency requires the immediate provision of assistance under Chapter 6 of Part II of the Act.

I therefore direct the drawdown of up to $6 million in commodities and services from the Department of Defense to support the transportation of African Union forces to Darfur, Sudan.

The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress and to publish it in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 15, 2005

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Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act

Text of a Letter from the President to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committees on International Relations and Appropriations, and the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and Appropriations, July 15, 2005

Dear Mr. Chairman: (Dear Representative:) (Dear Senator:)

Consistent with section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114)(the "Act"), I hereby determine and report to the Congress that suspension for 6 months beyond August 1, 2005, of the right to bring an action under title III of the Act is necessary to the national interests of the United States and will expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba.

Sincerely, GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 15, 2005

more at Cuba or House Committees on International Relations and Senate Committees on Foreign Relations or President Bush

Bruce Cole, H. Dale Hall, Vincent J. Ventimiglia

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate three individuals to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Bruce Cole, of Indiana, to be Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, for a four-year term. Mr. Cole has served as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 2001. He previously served as a professor of Fine Arts and Comparative Literature at the Hope School of Fine Arts at Indiana University. He was appointed in 1992 to the National Council on the Humanities and served until 1999. Mr. Cole received his bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University, his master's degree from Oberlin College and his Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College.

The President intends to nominate H. Dale Hall, of New Mexico, to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at the Department of the Interior. Mr. Hall currently serves as Director of the Southwest Region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Southeast Region. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hall served as Manager of the Eden Fisheries Catfish Farm in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He received his bachelor's degree from Cumberland College and his master's degree from Louisiana State University.

The President intends to nominate Vincent J. Ventimiglia, Jr., of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (Legislation). Mr. Ventimiglia currently serves as Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget. He previously served as Health Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Prior to that, Mr. Ventimiglia was Director of Government Affairs for Medtronic, Inc., a medical technology company. He received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his J.D. from Georgetown University.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 15, 2005, Personnel Announcement

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President Bush at Indiana Black Expo

President Discusses Education, Entrepreneurship and Home Ownership at Indiana Black Expo, RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana, 11:51 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thanks for the warm welcome. I appreciate it. It is an honor to be here. Thanks for having me. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be here with the men and women of the Indiana Black Expo, as you celebrate your 35th anniversary.

You know, I was reading about this organization -- it is a -- it shows the entrepreneurial spirit deep within the hearts of the founders of this organization and the people who are carrying on the proud tradition. I appreciate the fact that you provide scholarships, support programs that are transforming local communities, and as a result, you're lifting up thousands of citizens. I appreciate the example of leadership you set, and it's my honor to join you. Thanks for having me. (Applause.)

I was proud to be introduced by Governor Mitch Daniels. I knew he'd amount to something one of these days. (Laughter.) And I'm particularly thrilled to be with his wife, Cheri, the fine First Lady of the state of Indiana. (Applause.) Laura sends her love to both you and Mitch. She is, by the way, still on the continent of Africa. She'll be coming home tomorrow. She probably expected me to fix the dinner. (Laughter.) I hope she's not hungry. (Laughter.)

I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman for being here. I want to thank -- (applause.) I want to thank Congresswoman Julia Carson for being here today. (Applause.) It looks like they still remember you here, Julia. (Applause.) She was on Air Force One, and I went back to have a visit with her. Now, if you've never had a visit with Julia -- (laughter) -- she's got a lot of wisdom. (Laughter.) And she's not afraid to speak her mind. She kind of reminds me of my mother. (Applause.) Thanks for being here, thanks for coming down.

I want to thank the Mayor, Bart Peterson, of the city of Indianapolis for joining us today -- Mayor Peterson, appreciate, you. Thanks for coming. (Applause.) I thank Arvis Dawson and Joyce Rogers and Jim Cummings for this fantastic invitation to come. And I want to thank you for your leadership. Appreciate you all being here.

They tell me Quinn Buckner is here -- somewhere out there. There he is. I appreciate you coming. I'm old enough to remember -- (laughter) -- the good old days in Indiana. (Laughter.) Thanks for being here, Quinn. I'm honored you're here.

I appreciate the fact that Vernice Williams came out to the airport today. I don't know if you know Vernice or not, but I find it very interesting -- her story interesting and it's a good example for all of us to listen to. Vernice has been a volunteer with Black Expo for 35 years. In other words, once this association got started, she said, I want to volunteer to help. She's involved with the IBE Youth Corps program, all aimed at helping at-risk youth to achieve academic achievement, to instill in them the desire to excel. In other words, she's a soldier in the army of compassion. And I appreciate the example that Vernice has set. And if you want to serve your state and serve our nation, help somebody in need. (Applause.)

It's an honor to be here with so many charitable and civic leaders. You see, we share a belief in the founding promises of this nation, a sense of optimism about our future, the future for all citizens, African Americans. We believe in the power of the human spirit to lift communities and to change lives. Together, we're working to achieve a great national goal: making our country a place where opportunity and prosperity are within reach for all Americans.

I see an America where all our children are taught the basic skills they need to live up to their God-given potential. I see an America where every citizen owns a stake in the future of our country, and where a growing economy creates jobs and opportunity for everyone. I see an America where most troubled neighborhoods become safe places of kinship and community. I see an America where every person of every race has the opportunity to strive for a better future and to take part of the promise of America. That's what I see. And I believe the government has a role to play in helping people gain the tools they need to build lives of dignity and purpose. That's at the heart of what I call compassionate conservatism.

To ensure that the promise of America reaches all our citizens, we must begin with education. I don't believe you can succeed in America unless you get a good education. (Applause.) Our nation took an historic step toward that goal of making sure every child is educated three years ago, when Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act. The No Child Left Behind Act is based on this straightforward principle: We'll spend money, but we want to make sure we get results.

See, if you believe certain children can't read and write and can't possibly learn, then you don't care about results. But if you believe every child can read, and every child can learn to write and add and subtract, then you want to know, don't you? How can you solve a problem unless you measure? And so as a part of the No Child Left Behind Act, we raised the bar. We raised the standards, and we said to local school districts, show us. That's all we want to know. We want to know whether or not a child can read.

And we're making good progress as result of this new way of thinking. This morning the latest scores for the long-term National Assessment of Educational Progress were announced. See, this test is called the Nation's Report Card. It measures student achievement at age 9, 13, and 17, across the country with the same set of standards. In other words, we want to know how students are doing in California, Texas, and Indiana. So we measure on the same set of standards. You see, measurement helps us understand how we're doing. You can't guess when it comes to a child's life. You got to measure.

And the test results were released today. I'm proud to come here to talk about the new results. They're from the first long-term test by the way since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Over the last five years, American children have made significant gains. Math scores for 13-year-olds have increased by five points. Math scores for 9-year-olds have increased by nine points. And reading scores for 9-year-olds jumped seven points. (Applause.) America's 13-year-olds have earned the highest math scores ever recorded. Nine-year-olds posted the best scores ever in reading and math.

What I'm telling you is across America more children are learning. And the success of young students is setting them on the path to a lifetime of achievement. And we're making big differences in the lives of African Americans. I say, we -- let me get this straight -- I'm talking about good teachers, and good principals, and engaged parents. This is not the federal government. It is the people at the local level who are making a huge difference in the lives of their students. (Applause.)

We've had an achievement gap in America and we need to do something about it. The No Child Left Behind Act is helping to do something about it. See, I refuse to accept this belief that certain people can't learn. I called it the soft bigotry of low expectations. Think about that phrase: It says if you lower the standards, you get lousy results. I believe you need to challenge that soft bigotry of low expectation. And we are. The Nation's Report Card shows that reading scores for African American 9-year-olds have jumped 14 points over the past five years. (Applause.) Math scores have jumped 13 points in the same period of time. These are the highest scores ever in the history of the test. The achievement gap is starting to close. And that's good for the future of America.

The gap between white and African American 9-year-olds in reading is the narrowest it's ever been in the history of the 30-year test. These results show that when performance is measured, and schools are held accountable, every child can succeed. That's what it shows. And we're making progress toward achieving a dream where every single child in America gets a good education, and not one child is left behind. (Applause.)

No Child Left Behind is making a difference in the elementary and middle schools, and I believe we need to expand this process to our high schools. Do you realize that according to the most recent data, only 68 out of every 100 students entering our public high schools make it to graduation four years later? That is an unacceptable statistic for America. (Applause.)

See, here's what I think we need to do. I think we need to measure and determine why. You can't solve a problem unless you diagnose the problem. I think we need to measure to make sure we understand what is going wrong, and correct the problems early before it's too late. And I believe the federal government has a role in providing money for early intervention for students falling behind. I know we need to do this. We need to make sure a high school diploma is the ticket to success.

Most new jobs in the 21st century are filled by people with at least two years of college. Think about that. Most new jobs in America today are filled by people with at least two years of college. And so we need to make higher education more affordable. And I proposed to the United States Congress that we reform the student aid system and increase college assistance for low-income students through the Pell grant program. (Applause.) I think we need to increase the maximum award for Pell grants and make them available to students year-round so they can be used for summer school, as well.

We'll expand access to community colleges so more Americans can develop the skills and knowledge they need. And to help African American students get a higher education, we have continued to fund historically black colleges and historically black graduate institutions at record levels. (Applause.)

My point to you is that if you're willing to work hard and stay in school, the federal government will take your side and help you. To ensure that the promise of America reaches all our citizens, we're working to build an ownership society in which more of our citizens have a personal stake in the future of our country. When you own something, your life is more secure. When you own something, you have more dignity. When you own something, you have greater independence. The more people who own something in America means this country is better off. So we've been working to promote an ownership society. I want more people from all walks of life, including African Americans, to have a chance to own their own business. (Applause.)

You can't expand business ownership unless you have a growing economy. And our economy is growing. It is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation in the world. Our unemployment rate is down to 5 percent. In the last 12 months, we've created more than 2 million jobs. More Americans are working today than ever before in our nation's history. (Applause.)

I believe the federal government can play a positive role in helping African Americans achieve the goal of owning their own business. Last year, the Small Business Administration increased the number of loans to African American businesses by 28 percent, and we're on track to beat that number this year. We're also working to ensure minority businesses are getting a better chance to compete for federal contracts. We've provided $8 billion in new market tax credits to boost investment and community development in low-income areas.

Because of sound policy and low taxes, by the way, and the hard work of our citizens, we're getting results. African American business ownership is at an all-time high in America today. (Applause.)

We got some interesting ideas on how to build on this progress. We're working on a new initiative to help more African Americans and other minorities become business owners. My administration is joined with the Urban League, the Business Roundtable, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and others to create what we call the Urban Entrepreneur Partnership. I think it's a smart idea. This partnership will develop one-stop economic empowerment centers in many of our nation's poorest communities. In other words, we're trying to reach out and help people understand what it means to become a small business owner, through training and access to financing contracts for minority entrepreneurs. And the first pilot center will open next Monday in Kansas City and will serve as a model for the rest of the nation. I hope Black Expo, in its leadership position, will take a look at these kind of programs. I think you're going to find it really interesting.

Listen, the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in the African American community. It's strong. There's a lot of great business leaders today, and there's a lot of would-be great business leaders tomorrow, just with some help. And what I'm telling you is, through good economic policy and through good social policy, this administration, working with others, is willing to help. We want more people owning their own business.

And we want more people owning their own homes. I like the idea of home ownership, and I hope you do, as well. Three years ago, I set a goal of creating 5.5 million new minority home owners by the end of this decade. And we're getting results. We've already added 2.3 million new homeowners, minority homeowners, putting us ahead of schedule. Today, nearly half of all African Americans own their own homes. And that's good for our country. (Applause.)

And there's more we can do. We're going to provide down payment assistance for families; counseling for new home buyers. I don't know if you've ever seen one of those contracts, but the print is really small. We need to help people. Perhaps a good project for Black Expo is to join with Alphonso Jackson and the Housing of Urban Development to help people understand what's in the print so it doesn't -- that small print doesn't frighten them off from becoming a first-time home buyer.

I believe we ought to have tax credits to encourage construction of more affordable housing in low-income areas. See, what I want is more and more people from all walks of life, including our African Americans, opening up the door where they live and saying, welcome to my home; welcome to my piece property. (Applause.)

And I believe -- I believe that we also got to expand ownership through our retirement system. We got a problem in Social Security. If you've retired, you have nothing to worry about, you're going to get your check. Believe me, there's enough money there for you. It's just for the younger folks coming up. You're going to be paying -- you're going to be paying payroll taxes into a system that simply cannot sustain itself. It's going broke. I know some in Washington don't like to hear that. They kind of wish the issue would go away. It's not going away. In my judgment, now is the time to address it. The job of the President is to confront problems, not pass them on to future Presidents or future generations. (Applause.) And we got a problem.

I put some ideas out there. I hope both Republicans and Democrats forget politics for once in Washington, D.C. and focus on what's good for the younger folks in America. (Applause.) But I got another idea to make the system work better. I think younger workers ought to be allowed to take some of their own money and set it aside in a personal savings account that they can call their own. Now, this isn't a new idea. See, this isn't a new idea. I wasn't the one who thought about it. Guess who thought about it first? Members of the United States Congress. See, they get to have their own retirement system, and so do federal employees. And you can invest some of your own money, if you so choose, in a conservative mix of bonds and stocks, so you get a good rate of return on your money over time. See, it's your money; you get to watch it grow. My idea is this: If this idea is good enough for members of the United States Congress, it's good enough for working people all across the United States of America. (Applause.)

To ensure that the promise of America reaches all of our citizens, we must do more to improve the safety of our most troubled neighborhoods. It is difficult for a young person to study and to learn and grow in the midst of violence, addiction and despair. So we're fighting the scourge of drugs that destroys lives and wounds families and tears our community apart. We're aggressively prosecuting drug dealers and gun criminals. We're after them. You expect us to enforce the law; we're enforcing the law -- because we don't believe people should be allowed to commit crimes with guns. And people ought not to be allowed to sell drugs on the streets. And as a result, violent crime is at its lowest point in 30 years. (Applause.)

As we work to combat crime and keep our streets safe, we must assure our criminal justice system is fair and effective. Americans of all races and backgrounds must be able to trust the legal system. They must be able to trust it so that no person is held to account for a crime he or she did not commit. We're dramatically expanding the use of DNA evidence to prevent wrongful conviction. See, progress for African Americans and, for that matter, all Americans, depends on the full protection of civil rights and equality under the law. (Applause.)

To ensure that the promise of America reaches all our citizens, we must encourage those who are healing our neighborhoods with good words. We must stand with people of faith, not stand against them at the government level. See, government can hand out money, but it cannot put hope in a person's heart, or a sense of purpose in a person's life. That happens when somebody puts an arm around somebody and says, I love you, what can I do to help you, how can I be a part of making your life a better way?

See, the nation's faith-based and community groups bring kindness and acts of charity to harsh places across America. I call these folks the social entrepreneurs of America. They're trying to figure out ways to listen to that universal call to love a neighbor just like you'd like to be loved yourself and help heal the broken heart. And oftentimes, those programs are a heck of a lot more effective than government programs. And therefore, it seems like to me that instead of just applauding the leaders, we got to support the leaders, and one of the most important initiatives that I put out is to say to faith-based programs, you can access federal money. You have the right to be able to apply for grants without having to take the cross off the wall, or the Star of David off your wall. You can interface with government without losing your mission. (Applause.)

And we're making a difference. We're getting results. Last year, we awarded $2 billion in competitive grants to faith-based institutions that are transforming our nation and our neighborhoods one heart and one soul at a time.

Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about. Here in Indianapolis, the Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Church is reaching out to neighbors and helping lift up their communities. A social entrepreneur, a leader of the effort is Bishop Farris, who is with us today. Let me tell you what the Bishop has in mind and how he's going to be helped by the federal government. Secretary Alphonso Jackson, by the way, is a believer when it comes to the faith-based and community-based initiative. And so the Department of Housing and Urban Development has entered into a collaborative effort with his church, and they plan to break ground in October on 49 housing units for low-income elderly. And their new development will provide residents with shuttle services to stores and counseling and doctor appointments.

I think this is a good use of taxpayers' money. I think it's a good way to say we're going to try to help improve people's lives. (Laughter.) And the delivery systems don't have to be government. They can be people of compassion, people who have heard the call, people who want to make somebody's lives better. So I want to thank you, Bishop, for doing what you're doing. And by the way, there's thousands of examples just like the Bishop's all across the country.

As we ensure that America's promise reaches all our citizens, we're defending the freedom that makes this progress possible. Our foreign policy is tough and it is compassionate. The bombings in London last week are a grim reminder that free nations face dangerous enemies who hate our freedom and who'll kill in cold blood. We're on the offense against these terrorists overseas. We will bring them to justice so they don't murder more of our citizens and other citizens around the world.

And as we hunt down the terrorists, we're offering an alternative to their hateful ideology. You see, we're spreading freedom and hope to millions. Because we acted, more than 50 million people -- 50 million -- in Iraq and Afghanistan now live in freedom. And across the broader Middle East, many are claiming their liberty, as well. By spreading freedom in a troubled region, we're making this country more secure. We're laying the foundation of peace for generations to come. I believe that freedom is not America's gift to the world; it is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. (Applause.)

I believe that human rights are not determined by race or nationality, or diminished by distance. As Americans are moved to action -- we are moved to action when we see millions in Africa who are facing famine, or dying of malaria or the AIDS pandemic. Last year, the United States of America provided nearly 60 percent of the global food aid to the continent of Africa. We're supporting an aggressive campaign to cut the mortality rate of malaria in half.

We're taking the lead when it comes to compassion around the world. And since 2003, the United States of America has led the world. We've undertaken an historic initiative to help the nations of Africa combat HIV/AIDS. So far, thanks to the leadership of a former Hoosier, Randy Tobias, we have delivered lifesaving treatment to more than 230,000 people on the continent of Africa, and there's more work to be done. (Applause.)

We see progress in Africa because our conscience demands it, and because we have an interest in the long-term stability of the continent. Instability and lawlessness in any distant country can bring danger to our own shores. That's the lesson that we're learning in the 21st century. The United States of America will help Africa's leaders bring democracy and prosperity and hope, and this will bring security to our country and peace to the world.

Today, we live in the most hopeful time in human history. These are exciting times. The hope of liberty is spreading across the world. Just watch what's happening. And the hope and opportunity is spreading across our country, as well. We will continue to work for the day when the blessings of freedom reach everybody who lives in this country.

The reason I've come today is because your work shows the dignity and equality and potential of every person. I'm here to herald the good works of good people of good heart. You've inspired Americans with your commitment to serve us in education and opportunity. You're helping to unite people of all races. I'm proud of your work. May God continue to bless your families, and may God continue to bless our great nation. Thanks for letting me come. (Applause.)

END 12:20 P.M. EST For Immediate Release,For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 14, 2005

more at African Americans or No Child Left Behind and Black Expo or President Bush

President to Welcome Hungarian Prime Minister

President to Welcome Hungarian Prime Minister to the White House

President Bush will welcome Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany for a meeting at the White House on October 3, 2005. Hungary is a close NATO ally which has made important contributions to supporting democracy and security in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. The President and the Prime Minister will discuss our common commitment to working together to advance freedom in Europe, Eurasia, and the world.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 14, 2005

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Patrick Fitzgerald

Patrick Fitzgerald
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Patrick J. Fitzgerald (born 1961) is the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. On December 31, 2003, he made national headlines by being appointed to continue the investigation into the Valerie Plame CIA leak, a case sometimes referred to by the media as "Leakgate".[1] Fitzgerald was named to this role after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the case.[2]

Fitzgerald attended Amherst College and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1985. After practicing civil law, he became an Assistant United States Attorney in New York in 1988. He handled drug-trafficking cases and in 1993 helped prosecute John Gambino of the Gambino mafia family. In 1994, he became the prosecutor in the case against Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and 11 other individuals charged in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.[3]

In 1996, Fitzgerald became the National Security Coordinator for the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. There, he served on a team of prosecutors investigating Osama bin Laden.[4] He served as chief counsel in prosecutions related to the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa.[5]

Patrick Fitzgerald was nominated for his position as U.S. Attorney on September 19, 2001 on the recommendation of U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), and confirmed on October 24, 2001. Peter Fitzgerald and Patrick Fitzgerald are not related.[6]

Source
Presidential Nomination: Patrick J. Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois in the Department of Justice.
This article uses content from the SourceWatch article on Patrick Fitzgerald under the terms of the GFDL. Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Fitzgerald"

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Patrick Fitzgerald"

more at Patrick Fitzgerald at Karl Rove or Rove and Politics or Democrats and Republicans

London Bombs Emails in circulation - advice to the public

Emails in circulation - advice to the public

The Metropolitan Police Service are aware of emails in circulation that advise the reader of the threat of another terrorist attack.

Following the attacks of July 7, extra policing patrols have been put in place across London, with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and British Transport Police providing visible reassurance, advice and support, and also to act as a deterrent.

All police forces are reviewing their own counter-terrorist plans, undertaking community assessments and considering appropriate extra patrols in potentially vulnerable areas and transport hubs.

However, we are not aware of any specific threat at this time.

We would advise the public to remain alert and vigilant, and to inform police of anything they see or hear that is suspicious. The confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline number is 0800 789 321.

Source: Metropolitan Police Service Bulletin 0000000221 15 July 2005

more at London or London Explosion or London bombing and London bomb

Hurricane EMILY Public Advisory 07/16/05 5PM

000, WTNT35 KNHC 162045, TCPAT5, BULLETIN HURRICANE EMILY ADVISORY NUMBER 24 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL, REAL TIME LOOP 5 PM EDT SAT JUL 16 2005

Satellite Services Division REAL TIME LOOP 1 EMILY and REAL TIME LOOP 2 EMILY

...CORE OF EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY FOUR EMILY PASSING SOUTH OF WESTERN JAMAICA...

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR JAMAICA AND FOR ALL OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

AT 5 PM EDT...2100 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS EXTENDED THE HURRICANE WATCH WESTWARD ALONG THE NORTH COAST OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA TO PROGRESO. A HURRICANE WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE EASTERN AND NORTHERN COASTS OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA FROM CHETUMAL TO PROGRESSO...INCLUDING COZUMEL AND THE ISLAS MUJERES.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE COAST OF BELIZE FROM BELIZE CITY NORTHWARD TO THE BELIZE-MEXICO BORDER. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PORTIONS OF WESTERN CUBA LATER THIS EVENING.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CARIBBEAN...AND THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MEXICO...SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF EMILY.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 5 PM EDT...2100Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE EMILY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 16.8 NORTH...LONGITUDE 78.8 WEST OR ABOUT 130 MILES...210 KM...SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF MONTEGO BAY JAMAICA AND ABOUT 235 MILES... 375 KM...SOUTHEAST OF GRAND CAYMAN.

EMILY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 18 MPH...30 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. THIS MOTION SHOULD BRING THE CENTER OF EMILY SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST OF WESTERN JAMAICA THIS EVENING AND NEAR GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND TONIGHT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 155 MPH...250 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. THIS MAKES EMILY A STRONG CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN STRENGTH ARE EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS...AND EMILY COULD BECOME A CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE AT TIMES.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 60 MILES... 95 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 150 MILES...240 KM. FOR JAMAICA...HURRICANE FORCE WINDS MAY OCCUR IN GUSTS IN RAINBANDS ALONG THE COASTS...WITH POSSIBLE SUSTAINED HURRICANE FORCE WINDS AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS...ESPECIALLY ABOVE 3000 FEET.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 937 MB...27.67 INCHES.

ABOVE NORMAL TIDES...ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...ARE POSSIBLE ALONG THE SOUTH COASTS OF JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

EMILY MAY PRODUCE RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES OVER JAMAICA WITH MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. RAINFALL TOTALS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES IS POSSIBLE OVER THE CAYMAN ISLANDS...WITH SOME 1 TO 3 INCH AMOUNTS POSSIBLE OVER SOUTHEASTERN CUBA. RAINS WILL BE INCREASING OVER PORTIONS OF THE YUCATAN
PENINSULA ON SUNDAY WITH STORM TOTAL AMOUNTS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES POSSIBLE...AND LOCAL MAXIMUM AMOUNTS UP TO 12 INCHES. THESE RAINS COULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES.

REPEATING THE 5 PM EDT POSITION...16.8 N... 78.8 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 18 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 937 MB.

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT 8 PM EDT FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 11 PM EDT.

Source: NOAA FORECASTER BEVEN $$

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Freedom Calendar 07/16/05 - 07/23/05

July 16, 1866, Republican Congress overrides Democrat President Andrew Johnson’s veto of Freedman's Bureau Act, which protected former slaves from “black codes” denying their rights.

July 17, 1862, Over unanimous Democrat opposition, Republican Congress passes Confiscation Act stating that slaves of the Confederacy “shall be forever free”.

July 18, 1906, Birth of Asian-American U.S. Senator Samuel Hayakawa (R-CA).

July 19, 1867, Republican Congress overrides Democrat President Andrew Johnson’s veto of legislation protecting voting rights of African-Americans.

July 20, 1854, Anti-slavery activists in Worcester, MA found Massachusetts Republican Party.

July 21, 1896 African-American Republican activist Mary Terrell elected first president of the National Association of Colored Women.

July 22, 1993, Death of Roscoe Robinson, first African-American four-star general in the U.S. Army; promoted in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan.

July 23, 1840, Birth of African-American Republican John Hyman; sold eight times as a slave, became U.S. Rep. from North Carolina (1875-77).

“No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

From section 1 of the 14th Amendment, written in 1866 by Rep. John Bingham (R-OH), one of the founders of the Republican Party

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar more at Freedom Calendar or Republican and Republicans

Senate Roll Call Vote 1222 to H.R. 2360

Source: senate.gov/more at Karl Rove or Rove or senate and Politics or Democrats and Republicans

Umited States Senate Roll Call Votes 109th Congress - 1st Session

as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate

Vote Summary

Question: On the Amendment (Reid Amdt. No. 1222 )
Vote Number: 188 Vote Date: July 14, 2005, 06:53 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2 Vote Result: Amendment Rejected
Amendment Number: S.Amdt. 1222 to H.R. 2360 (Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act )

Statement of Purpose: To prohibit Federal employees who disclose classified information to persons not authorized to receive such information from holding a security clearance.

Vote Counts: YEAs 44 NAYs 53 Not Voting 3

Alphabetical by Senator Name

Akaka (D-HI), Yea Alexander (R-TN), Nay Allard (R-CO), Nay Allen (R-VA), Nay Baucus (D-MT), Yea Bayh (D-IN), Yea Bennett (R-UT), Nay Biden (D-DE), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Yea Bond (R-MO), Nay Boxer (D-CA), Yea Brownback (R-KS), Nay Bunning (R-KY), Nay Burns (R-MT), Nay Burr (R-NC), Nay Byrd (D-WV), Yea Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Carper (D-DE), Yea Chafee (R-RI), Nay Chambliss (R-GA), Nay Clinton (D-NY), Yea Coburn (R-OK), Nay Cochran (R-MS), Nay Coleman (R-MN), Nay Collins (R-ME), Nay Conrad (D-ND), Yea Cornyn (R-TX), Nay Corzine (D-NJ), Yea Craig (R-ID), Nay Crapo (R-ID), Nay Dayton (D-MN), Yea DeMint (R-SC), Not Voting DeWine (R-OH), Nay Dodd (D-CT), Yea Dole (R-NC), Nay Domenici (R-NM), Nay Dorgan (D-ND), Yea Durbin (D-IL), Yea Ensign (R-NV), Nay Enzi (R-WY), Nay Feingold (D-WI), Yea Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Frist (R-TN), Nay Graham (R-SC), Nay Grassley (R-IA), Nay Gregg (R-NH), Nay Hagel (R-NE), Nay Harkin (D-IA), Yea Hatch (R-UT), Nay Hutchison (R-TX), Nay

Inhofe (R-OK), Nay Inouye (D-HI), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Nay Jeffords (I-VT), Yea Johnson (D-SD), Yea Kennedy (D-MA), Yea Kerry (D-MA), Yea Kohl (D-WI), Yea Kyl (R-AZ), Nay Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea Leahy (D-VT), Yea Levin (D-MI), Yea Lieberman (D-CT), Yea Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Lott (R-MS), Not Voting Lugar (R-IN), Nay Martinez (R-FL), Nay McCain (R-AZ), Nay McConnell (R-KY), Nay Mikulski (D-MD), Not Voting Murkowski (R-AK), Nay Murray (D-WA), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea Obama (D-IL), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea Reed (D-RI), Yea Reid (D-NV), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Nay Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Salazar (D-CO), Yea Santorum (R-PA), Nay Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Yea Sessions (R-AL), Nay Shelby (R-AL), Nay Smith (R-OR), Nay Snowe (R-ME), Nay Specter (R-PA), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Yea Stevens (R-AK), Nay Sununu (R-NH), Nay Talent (R-MO), Nay Thomas (R-WY), Nay Thune (R-SD), Nay Vitter (R-LA), Nay Voinovich (R-OH), Nay Warner (R-VA), Nay Wyden (D-OR), Yea

bush radio address 07/16/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 07/16/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Under the Constitution, I have the responsibility to nominate a successor to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. This past week I met with Democratic and Republican leaders in the United States Senate and sought their views on the process, and their thoughts on the qualities to look for in a potential nominee. Also, my staff has talked with more than 60 members of the United States Senate. Members of the Senate are receiving a full opportunity to provide their opinions and recommendations, and I appreciate their advice.

I will be guided by clear principles as I make my decision. My nominee will be a fair-minded individual who represents the mainstream of American law and American values. The nominee will meet the highest standards of intellect, character, and ability, and will pledge to faithfully interpret the Constitution and laws of our country. Our nation deserves, and I will select, a Supreme Court justice that Americans can be proud of.

The American people also expect a Senate confirmation process that rises above partisanship. When I met with Senate leaders, we discussed our shared goal of making sure that the confirmation process is dignified. The nominee deserves fair treatment, a fair hearing, and a fair vote. I will make my nomination in a timely manner so the nominee can be confirmed before the start of the Court's new term in October.

The experiences of the two justices nominated by President Clinton provide useful examples of fair treatment and a reasonable timetable for Senate action. In 1993, the Senate voted on and confirmed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court 42 days after President Clinton submitted her nomination. And despite the significant philosophical differences many senators had with Justice Ginsburg, she received 96 votes in favor of confirmation.

The following year, Justice Stephen Breyer was confirmed 73 days after his nomination was submitted, with 87 votes in his favor. Again, Republican senators in large numbers voted for confirmation of Justice Breyer despite significant philosophical differences. These examples show that the thorough consideration of a nominee does not require months of delay.

As we continue the process to fill the opening on the Supreme Court, we are also moving forward on other important priorities for the American people. This past week, we received more good news on the economy. The 2005 deficit is projected to be $94 billion less than previously expected. I told the Congress and the country we would cut the deficit in half by 2009. This week's numbers show that we are ahead of pace, so long as Congress acts wisely with taxpayer dollars.

This good news on the budget is coupled with other news that shows the economy is strong and getting stronger. Our economy is growing faster than any other major industrialized nation. The unemployment rate is down to 5 percent, lower than the average rate of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. We have created more than 2 million jobs in the past 12 months. More Americans are working today than ever before in our nation's history, and home ownership in America is at an all-time high.

To keep our economy growing and creating jobs, Congress needs to continue working in the upcoming weeks on our pro-growth economic agenda. First, for the sake of our economic security and our national security, the Congress must complete its work on a good energy bill that will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Second, the House needs to follow the Senate's lead by approving the Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. By lowering trade barriers for our exports, this agreement will level the playing field for America's goods, services and crops, and help create jobs for American workers.

Third, Congress needs to send me a fiscally responsible highway bill that modernizes roads and bridges, improves safety and opens up new job opportunities.

Finally, Congress needs to move forward with Social Security reform. For those of you who were born before 1950, Social Security will not change. But the system has made promises to our younger workers that it cannot pay for. And the cost of fixing the system grows higher with every year we wait. So Congress needs to act now to strengthen Social Security for our children and grandchildren.

The American people expect members of both parties to offer a positive agenda and get things done for our country. By working together in the weeks ahead, I am confident we will achieve positive results for all Americans.

Thank you for listening.

END For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 16, 2005

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budget amendment for the Department of Veterans Affairs

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives July 14, 2005

Dear Mr. Speaker:

My Administration is committed to ensuring that our Nation's veterans continue to receive timely and high-quality health care. To this end, I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed $1.977 billion FY 2006 budget amendment for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I am requesting these resources to cover the expected increased costs in FY 2006 that VA will experience in its medical care budget.

The details of this proposal are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sincerely, GEORGE W. BUSH # # #
Department of Veterans Affairs or white house and president bush

STRENGTHENING COMMERCIAL TIES TO SENEGAL AND MOROCCO

STRENGTHENING COMMERCIAL TIES GOAL OF SAMPSON VISIT TO SENEGAL AND MOROCCO

Washington, D.C. – On the heels of the G-8 Summit, U.S. Commerce Acting Deputy Secretary David Sampson will travel to Dakar, Senegal, July 18-19, and to Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco, July 20-22.

“The people of Africa deserve the peace and freedom and opportunity that are the natural rights of all mankind. I look forward to working with African leaders to achieve these goals,” Sampson said. “The whole world will benefit from prosperity and stability on the African continent,” he added.

“By overcoming poverty while using new technologies that deliver clean and efficient energy, Africa will also benefit from stronger economies and better public health,” he went on to say.

During his trip, which includes visits to a clean-coal power plant and a climate change remote sensing station in Morocco, Sampson will highlight progress on political and economic reform. He will also underscore the Bush administration’s commitment to democracy, free markets, a cleaner environment, and investment in health and education for the people of Africa.

Over the past four years the United States has tripled overseas development aid to Africa. President Bush recently proposed to double aid to Africa through 2010, with a primary focus on helping reforming countries.

Senegal

In Dakar, Sampson will participate in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, speaking to plenary sessions on developing a broader market for American goods, strengthening protection of intellectual property rights and realizing commercial energy partnerships. He will also hold bilateral meetings with African leaders and officially open the first U.S. Commerce Department Commercial Service Office in Senegal. He will also spotlight U.S. corporate stewardship in a visit to Fann Hospital, where Pfizer is a contributing partner in the fight to stop the spread of HIV infection and to help ease the health burdens of those infected by the virus.

Morocco

Sampson will then travel to Casablanca and Rabat to meet with top government officials. In those meetings, he will underscore the importance of implementing the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement and urge Moroccan leaders to deter widespread infringement of intellectual property rights. He will also spotlight two U.S. and G-8 priorities: clean coal technology, and science and technology in general. Sampson will visit a U.S. company, CMS Energy, the largest independent power producer in Africa which satisfies nearly two-thirds of Morocco’s base-load electricity demand. He will also visit the Royal Remote Sensing Center, the national institution responsible for promoting the use and development of remote sensing applications in Morocco. The Center is a partner in a larger U.S.-led effort to establish an integrated global earth observation system.

Clean Energy Background

In the last three years, the United States has launched a series of initiatives to help developing countries adopt new energy sources, from cleaner coal technology and hydrogen vehicles, to solar and wind power, and to the production of clean-burning methane and less-polluting power plants.

“The United States and its allies in the G-8 have recognized the importance of developing cleaner, more secure energy supplies and healthy environments where people work, live and play,” said Sampson. “We will continue to look for new ways to deepen our partnerships with developing nations. The whole world benefits when developing nations have the best and latest energy technologies,” he concluded.

###
Source: commerce.gov/ For more information on AGOA. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 13, 2005

more at SENEGAL or Morocco and G-8 or Africa

BSE minimal risk regions rule

STATEMENT BY AGRICULTURE SECRETARY MIKE JOHANNS ON NINTH CIRCUIT COURT RULING

"I applaud today's ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to lift the preliminary injunction that blocked implementation of the BSE minimal risk regions rule. Because the ruling is effective immediately, we are immediately taking steps to resume the importation of cattle under 30 months of age from Canada.

"USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is already in contact with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prepare to certify cattle for shipment. We have been safely importing boneless boxed beef from Canada since September 2003, and now we will use the scientific approach laid-out in our minimal risk rule to once again safely import live Canadian cattle for processing.

"This is great news for the future of the U.S. beef industry, specifically the many ranchers, feeders, and processing plants that have been struggling to make ends meet due to the closed border. It also bolsters our position with other international trading partners by following the very advice we have given them to base trade decisions on sound science."

Source: usda.gov/ Last Modified: 07/15/2005 more at More at bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease and bse

NASA's Return to Flight Launch No Earlier than Sunday

NASA's Return to Flight Launch No Earlier than Sunday

live streaming of launch and mission coverage. FULL STREAMING VIDEO NASA TV

NASA announced the earliest the Return to Flight Space Shuttle mission (STS-114) could launch is 2:14 p.m. EDT, Sunday, July 17. Mission Management Team and engineering meetings took place last night and today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Team members reviewed data and possible troubleshooting plans for the liquid hydrogen tank low-level fuel cut-off sensor. The sensor failed a routine pre-launch check during the launch countdown Wednesday, causing mission managers to scrub Discovery's first launch attempt.

The sensor protects the Shuttle's main engines by triggering shutdown if fuel runs unexpectedly low. The sensor is one of four inside the liquid hydrogen section of the External Tank (ET).

A new official launch date will be scheduled once a troubleshooting plan is complete and engineers are working on a solution. Space Shuttle Program managers plan meetings tomorrow to discuss the problem and finalize the troubleshooting plan.

The launch control team began troubleshooting while the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the ET last night. The No. 2 liquid hydrogen sensor in the ET's liquid hydrogen tank continued to read 'wet' and did not transition to a 'dry' indication once the tank was completely drained.

Following de-tanking operations, the same commands that were sent during the launch countdown were repeated while draining. While going through commands, sensor No. 2 continued to show 'wet' instead of 'dry.' The firing room reissued commands, and the sensor went to 'dry' as it should. Another round of commands was sent and sensor No. 2 performed as expected, with all sensors in the 'dry' state. Space Shuttle Discovery remains at Launch Pad 39B. The Rotating Service Structure was put back around the vehicle last night.

The STS-114 crew, led by Commander Eileen Collins, remains at Kennedy Space Center while engineers assess the problem. During their 12-day Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station, Discovery's seven crew members will test new techniques and equipment designed to make Space Shuttle missions safer. They'll also deliver supplies and make repairs to the Space Station.

For the latest information about the STS-114 mission, visit: nasa.gov/returntoflight - end -

Allard Beutel /Jessica Rye, Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Phone: 321/867-2468) July 14, 2005 RELEASE: 05-184

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