Secretary Mineta Launches Holiday Air Travel Disruption Investigation

DOT 215-04 December 27, 2004 Contact: Sarah Echols Tel.: (202) 366-4570

Secretary Mineta Launches Holiday Air Travel Disruption Investigation

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today asked the agency’s Inspector General to join with the Department’s Office of Aviation and International Affairs and Office of General Counsel to investigate travel disruptions that impacted US Airways and Comair passengers over the 2004 holiday travel weekend.

The Secretary stressed, “It is important that the Department and the traveling public understand what happened, why it happened, and whether the carriers properly planned for the holiday travel period and responded appropriately to consumer needs in the aftermath.” END

A copy of the Secretary’s memorandum to the Inspector General is available in PDF form on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.

Powell South Asia Earthquake and Tsunami

Briefing With Assistant Administrator for United States Agency for International Development Ed Fox. FULL STREAMING VIDEO from c-span

powell

Secretary Colin L. Powell Washington, DC December 27, 2004 (12:30 p.m. EST) SECRETARY POWELL: Well, good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I wanted to give you an update on the situation in South Asia as a result of the tsunami and the loss of life that was so tragic.

I have just been on the phone a few moments ago with President Bush, where he has been following this situation very closely from Crawford, and as he indicated in the statement that the White House issued yesterday and he has also now written letters to the heads of state of the countries affected, he wants to extend his deepest condolences to the families of those who were lost. This is, indeed, an international tragedy and we're going to do everything we can to assist the nations that have been affected in dealing with this tragedy.

While the loss of any single life is precious, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend particular condolences for the tragic death of Khun Bhumi Jensen, who is the son of Princess Ubolratana and grandson of His Majesty King Bhumipol of Thailand. We extend condolences to the royal family.

The United States has been following this situation from the very beginning. Our embassies are working in the affected areas to assist contacting families and others, U.S. citizens who are unaccounted for. At the moment, we know of eight Americans who have died and there are several hundred who are not accounted for yet. It just means we haven't been able to reach out and get contact with them. It does not imply that they are necessarily injured or in any way a casualty.

For family members seeking information about one of their loved ones, they can contact the hotline number that we have, 1-888-407-4747. You can also go to the State Department website to get information about each of the countries involved, and that's state.gov.

Our ambassadors in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and Indonesia have provided a total of $400,000 in immediate assistance and we are in discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross about providing $4 million in the course of the day of the $6.6 million appeal that they have made. We are also examining what other assets might be needed and we'll do everything we can to help.

The United States Pacific Command is also involved in this, of course. They have dispatched some P3 patrol aircraft to the region and the Pacific fleet is examining what else they might be able to do to help in this situation. I have also talked in the course of the last 18 hours to my counterparts in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Malaysia, to reinforce our offers of assistance.

USAID and other elements of the United States Government have been deeply involved. What I'd like to do now, to give you more details with respect to the support we are providing, is to introduce Mr. Ed Fox, who is the Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. He'll give you some details and then I will return to the podium for questions and one or two other issues.

Ed. FULL TEXT Powell South Asia Earthquake and Tsunami

NOAA INDONESIAN TSUNAMI

tsunami epicenter map

Dec. 26, 2004 — NOAA scientists acted quickly when a warning was issued about the powerful undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean that triggered a devastating tsunami. The NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued an information bulletin at 8:14 p.m. EST Saturday, indicating that a magnitude 8.0 earthquake had occurred off the west coast of Northern Sumatra.

Because the earthquake, reported to be one of the strongest in the world in the past 40 years, occurred in the Indian Ocean, not the Pacific, there was no threat of a tsunami to the West Coast of North America. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Indonesia tsunami epicenter map. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Within a few hours of learning of the tsunamis that killed thousands in Indonesia Saturday night, Vasily Titov, associate director of the Tsunami Inundation Mapping Efforts, or TIME, at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle, Wash., and his counterpart in Japan had created preliminary model estimates of the event.

(NOAA animation of Indonesia tsunami. Click here for QuickTime tsunami epicenter movie. Please credit "NOAA.)

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by any rapid large-scale disturbance of the sea water. Most tsunamis are generated by earthquakes, but they may also be caused by volcanic eruptions, landslides, undersea slumps or meteor impacts.

In 1963 the term "tsunami" was adopted internationally to describe this natural phenomenon. A Japanese word, it is the combination of the characters tsu (harbor) and nami (wave). They are often mistakenly called “tidal waves.” However, the tides have nothing to do with the formation of tsunamis.

Source: NOAA

RELATED

• NOAA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI - The U.S. has demonstrated the effectiveness of its warning system within the Pacific region. It has also demonstrated that the warning system can provide initial earthquake information to other nations and is most willing to share that information with all concerned.

Bush Bay of Bengal Earthquake and Tsunami

Statement on Bay of Bengal Earthquake and Tsunami

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 26, 2004

On behalf of the American people, the President expresses his sincere condolences for the terrible loss of life and suffering caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis in the region of the Bay of Bengal.

The United States stands ready to offer all appropriate assistance to those nations most affected including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as the other countries impacted. Already relief is flowing to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We will work with the affected governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned states and organizations to support the relief and response to this terrible tragedy.

Again, we extend our sincere condolences to all the people of the region at this time of suffering. ###

DoD Identifies Army Casualties Dec. 21 in Mosul, Iraq

Death comes to all But great achievements raise a monument Which shall endure until the sun grows old. George Fabricius, 'In Praise of Georgius Agricola'

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) No. 1317-04 IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 24, 2004

On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/ Media contact: Army Public Affairs - (703) 692-2000

Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1

DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of thirteen soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when their dining facility was attacked. Killed were:

Capt. William W. Jacobsen Jr., 31, of Charlotte, N.C. Jacobsen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Sgt. Maj. Robert D. O'Dell, 38, of Manassas, Va. O'Dell was assigned to the United States Army Intelligence & Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va.

Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich, 30, of Bridgeport, Pa. Karpowich was assigned to the Army Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 390th Infantry Regiment, Webster, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. Julian S. Melo, 47, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Melo was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Staff Sgt. Darren D. VanKomen, 33, of Bluefield, W.Va. VanKomen was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Staff Sgt. Robert S. Johnson, 23, of Castro Valley, Calif. Johnson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr., 47, of Freedom, Maine. Poulin was assigned to the Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, Belfast, Maine.

Spc. Jonathan Castro, 21, of Corona, Calif. Castro was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Spc. Thomas J. Dostie, 20, of Sommerville, Maine. Dostie was assigned to the Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, Portland, Maine.

Spc. Cory M. Hewitt, 26, of Stewart, Tenn. Hewitt was assigned to the 705th Ordnance Company, Fort Polk, La.

Spc. Nicholas C. Mason, 20, of King George, Va. Mason was assigned to the Army National Guard's 276th Engineer Battalion, West Point, Va.

Spc. David A. Ruhren, 20, of Stafford, Va. Ruhren was assigned to the Army National Guard's 276th Engineer Battalion, West Point, Va.

Pfc. Lionel Ayro, 22, of Jeanerette, La. Ayro was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Belarus Mikhail Marinich Anatoliy Lebedko

Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.
Albert Einstein, quoted in New York Times, March 13, 1940US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC December 23, 2004

Prosecution of Belarusian Opposition Figure Mikhail Marinich

On December 23, Mikhail Marinich, Belarus opposition political figure, went on trial in Minsk after being held for over 7 months on politically motivated charges. Belarusian authorities have accused Ambassador Marinich of, among other things, theft of equipment that the U.S. Government provided to his non-governmental organization "Business Initiative." The equipment has at all times remained property of the U.S., and the U.S. makes no claims against Ambassador Marinich or his organization regarding disposition of this equipment.

It is clear that the Belarus Government is prosecuting Ambassador Marinich for his political views. The current regime regrettably has done this to many other prominent Belarus opposition figures, including, most recently, Anatoliy Lebedko, who was charged with slander. We strongly condemn the flagrant abuse of the Belarus court system to persecute citizens for reason of their political beliefs. We call on the Belarusian Government to respect human and legal rights and promptly release Ambassador Marinich and other political figures who have been detained, charged and convicted on spurious charges.

2004/1399 [End]

bush radio address 12/04/25 full audio, text transcript

For Immediate Release December 25, 2004

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On this Christmas day, as families across the nation gather in our homes to celebrate, Laura and I extend to all Americans our best wishes for the holidays. We hope this Christmas is a time of joy and peace for each of you, and we hope it offers you a chance for rest and reflection as you look forward to the new year ahead.

The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. And with those blessings comes a responsibility to reach out to others. Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from the effects of illness or poverty, others fight cruel addictions, or cope with division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one.

Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to our fellow citizens, that we are called to love our neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick, comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair, one heart and one soul at a time.

During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women of our Armed Forces, especially those far from home, separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, these skilled and courageous Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty to the oppressed, our troops are helping to win the war on terror, and they are defending the freedom and security of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our nation, and for that, all Americans are deeply grateful.

The times we live in have brought many challenges to our country. And at such times, the story of Christmas brings special comfort and confidence. For 2000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope: the patient hope of men and women across centuries who listened to the words of prophets and lived in joyful expectation, the hope of Mary who welcomed God's plan with great faith, and the hope of Wise Men who set out on a long journey, guided only by a promise traced in the stars.

Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be found in the humblest places, and it gives us hope that all the love and gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols of an even greater love and gift that came on a holy night.

Thank you for listening, and Merry Christmas. END

barney whitehouse christmas

Where in the White House is Miss Beazley?

barney

Barney's Biography Breed: Scottish Terrier Birthday September 30, 2000 in New Jersey Address 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

Owners President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush Mother Coors, a Scottish Terrier owned by former Environmental Protection Agency Director Christine Todd Whitman. Father Kelly of Champion Motherwell Stormwarning.

barney 2

Other:
Barney is a much-loved First Family member. Barney loves to play with his soccer ball, his golf ball and most recently has become a fan of playing horseshoes. There are numerous web sites across the Internet devoted to Barney. He has been a part of four "films" on the White House web site: Barney Cam, Barney Cam II: Barney Reloaded, Barney and Spot's Winter Wonderland, and Barney Cam: Where in the White House is Miss Beazley?

How Does NORAD Track Santa?

tracking santa

NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa - radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft.

It all starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system has 47 installations strung across Canada's North and Alaska. NORAD makes a point of checking the radar closely for indications of Santa Claus leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

santa tracking

The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we begin to use the same satellites that we use in providing warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America. These satellites are located in a geo-synchronous orbit (that's a cool phrase meaning that the satellite is always fixed over the same spot on the Earth) at 22,300 miles above the Earth. The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can see heat. When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced - enough for the satellites to see them. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem. With so many years of experience, NORAD has become good at tracking aircraft entering North America, detecting worldwide missile launches and tracking the progress of Santa, thanks to Rudolph. It is important to note, however, that our scientists have tried to determine the chemical process that occurs that creates the heat that is generated by Rudolph's nose but they have not been able to thus far.

The third system we use is the Santa Cam. We began using it in 1998 - the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the Internet. NORAD Santa Cams are ultra-cool high-tech high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many places around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year - Christmas Eve. We turn the cameras on about one hour before Santa enters a country then switch them off after we capture images of him and the Reindeer. We immediately download the images on to our web site for people around the world see. Santa Cams produce both video and still images.

The last system we use is the NORAD jet fighter. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots, flying the CF-18, take off out of Newfoundland to intercept and welcome Santa to North America. Then at numerous locations in Canada other CF-18 fighter pilots escort Santa, while in the United States American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or F-16 get the thrill of flying with Santa and the famous Reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. About a dozen NORAD fighters in Canada and the United States are equipped with Santa Cams complete list of santa cams world wide

Presidential Christmas Message, 2004

Dear Lord, I've been asked, nay commanded, to thank Thee for the Christmas turkey before us... a turkey which was no doubt a lively, intelligent bird... a social being... capable of actual affection... nuzzling its young with almost human- like compassion. Anyway, it's dead and we're gonna eat it. Please give our respects to its family ... Berke Breathed, Bloom Country Babylon

For Immediate Release December 23, 2004 Presidential Christmas Message, 2004

For 2,000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope: the patient hope of men and women across centuries who listened to the words of prophets and lived in joyful expectation; the hope of Mary, who welcomed God's plan with great faith; and the hope of wise men, who set out on a long journey guided only by a slender promise traced in the stars. Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be found in the humblest places. And it gives us hope that all the love and gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols of an even greater love and gift that came on a holy night.

The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. With those blessings comes a responsibility to reach out to others. Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from the effects of illness or poverty. Others fight cruel addictions, cope with division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one. Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to love our neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick, comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair.

During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women of our Armed Forces -- especially those far from home, separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, these courageous Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty to the oppressed, our troops are defending the freedom and security of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our Nation, and all Americans are deeply grateful.

Laura joins me in wishing all Americans a Merry Christmas.

GEORGE W. BUSH ###

Secretary Rumsfeld Holiday Visit to Iraq

Rumsfeld Cheers U.S. Troops During Surprise Iraq Visit
Source: Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Dec. 24, 2004 – During a surprise trip to Iraq Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today shared Christmas-Eve cheer with U.S. troops serving here and in the cities of Mosul, Tikrit and Fallujah.

Rumsfeld shared Christmas-Eve cheer with U.S. troops serving in Baghdad and in the cities of Mosul, Tikrit and Fallujah. .

The trip had been planned for some time, Rumsfeld told traveling press members on his C-17 plane over the Atlantic Ocean en route to Iraq. The secretary noted he'd not only meet with U.S. troops during the trip, but would also discuss the current military situation in Iraq with senior Iraqi and U.S. leaders.

Rumsfeld also noted that progress of the Iraqi security forces would be discussed, as well as preparations for nationwide Iraqi elections slated for January.

"This is a tough situation in Iraq," Rumsfeld said to the Marines in Fallujah. Yet, he predicted, the Marines and other U.S. service members will be proud of their accomplishments after Iraqis take control of their destiny and become a free, democratic nation.

Afterward, Rumsfeld's helicopter took him to Baghdad, where he attended a meeting with Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the U.S. commander of multinational forces in Iraq, and Metz. The secretary also met with interim Iraqi President Ghazi Al-Yawar.

The secretary then met with wounded troops in Baghdad at the 31st Combat Surgical Hospital. Later, he flew north of Baghdad to visit with troops at Camp Victory North.

Rumsfeld told reporters during the flight to Iraq that Iraqis who'd taken positions in the interim government and security forces had "guts," given the instances of apparent insurgent intimidation of such officials in some parts of the country.

And any attempted intimidation of law-abiding Iraqis, Rumsfeld pointed out, "is a factor that has to be considered in watching how this thing tips."

Donald H. Rumsfeld

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (center) meets with Army Pfc. Anthony Abas (right) and Spc. Donald Arminio (left) from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, at Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-082

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (left) shares a laugh with Army Capts. Duane Limpert (2nd from left) and Andy Allen (right) of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, at Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

Donald H. Rumsfeld 2

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-092

Donald H. Rumsfeld 3

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld talks to soldiers of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Headquarters, in Tikrit, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-148

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld talks to soldiers of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Headquarters, in Tikrit, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

Donald H. Rumsfeld 4

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-198

Donald H. Rumsfeld 5

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld greets soldiers from the Army's 1st Infantry Division Headquarters, in Tikrit, Iraq, on Dec. 24. 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-215

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (center) meets with Marines from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force while at the Camp Fallujah Dining Facility in Fallujah, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

Donald H. Rumsfeld 6

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-252

Rumsfeld 7

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld shares a meal with Marines from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at the Camp Fallujah Dining Facility in Fallujah, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-323

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld meets Iraqi Interim Government President Ghazi Al-Yawar at the Iraqi Interim Government Building in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

Rumsfeld 8

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-382

Rumsfeld 9

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld meets with soldiers from the 67th Combat Surgical Hospital at Mosul Airfield, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-013

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld shakes hands with a soldier from the Army's 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 24, 2004. Rumsfeld is in Iraq to meet with troops and thank them for their service and their sacrifice during this holiday season.

Rumsfeld 10

DoD photo by Master Sgt. James M. Bowman, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Photo by: MSGT JAMES M. BOWMAN, 1ST COMBAT CAMERA SQUADRON
Record ID No. (VIRIN): 041224-F-5586B-038

Statement on House and Senate Resolutions

The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Ronald Reagan 40th president of US (1911 - 2004)

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 23, 2004

H.R. 530, which makes Tanya Andrea Goudeau eligible for lawful permanent residence and considered to have satisfied the requirements applicable to adopted children born outside the United States for automatic acquisition of citizenship;

H.R. 2457, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Preservation and Education Act, which authorizes funds for an educational center for the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument;

H.R. 2619, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 2004," which authorizes the expansion of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the island of Kauai, Hawaii;

H.R. 3632, the Intellectual Property Protection and Courts Amendments Act of 2004, which prevents and punishes counterfeiting of copyrighted copies and phonorecords;

H.R. 3785, which directs the exchange of certain land in the Everglades National Park, Florida;

H.R. 3818, the Microenterprise Results and Accountability Act of 2004, which amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to improve the results and accountability of microenterprise development assistance programs;

H.R. 4027, which authorizes the Commerce Department to make certain NOAA-administered real Property in Florida available to the University of Miami for development of a Marine Life Science Center;

H.R. 4116, the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act, which requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in commemoration of the recovery of the bald eagle and the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Endangered Species Act, and provides support to the American Eagle Foundation of Tennessee through surcharges on the coins;

H.R. 4548, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005," which authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2005 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System;

H.R. 4569, which requires the Department of Agriculture to develop a national plan for the control and management of the tree disease Sudden Oak Death;

H.R. 4657, the District of Columbia Retirement Protection Improvement Act of 2004, which amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to improve the administration of Federal pension benefit payments for District of Columbia teachers, police officers, and fire fighters;

H.R. 5204, which modifies current law concerning payments to children's hospitals for graduate medical residency training programs;

H.R. 5363, which authorizes a cost-of-living salary adjustment for the Federal Judiciary for 2005;

H.R. 5382, the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004," which promotes the development of the emerging commercial human space flight industry;

H.R. 5394, which amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the taxation of arrow components;

H.R. 5419, which amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to facilitate the reallocation of spectrum from governmental to commercial users; to improve, enhance, and promote the Nation's homeland security, public safety, and citizen activated emergency response capabilities through the use of enhanced 911 services, to further upgrade Public Safety Answering Point capabilities and related functions in receiving E-911 calls, and to support in the construction and operation of a ubiquitous and reliable citizen activated system; and to provide that funds received as universal service contributions under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 and the universal service support programs established pursuant thereto are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act, for a period of time;

S. 1301, the Video Voyeurism Prevention Act of 2004," which prohibits video voyeurism in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States;

S. 2657, the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004," which requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish supplemental dental and vision benefits programs for Federal employees, annuitants, and their dependents;

S. 2781, the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004," which expresses the sense of the Congress regarding the conflict in Darfur, Sudan, to provide assistance for the crisis in Darfur and for comprehensive peace in Sudan;

S. 2856, which limits the transfer of certain Commodity Credit Corporation funds between conservation programs for technical assistance for the programs. ###

Command Statement on Mosul attack

22 killed in Explosion at FOB Marez Near Mosul

iraq map

Baghdad, Iraq -- Twenty-two people, including 13 U.S. service members, five U.S. civilians, three Iraqi National Guard members, and one unidentified non-US person, were killed in a terrorist attack on the Multi-National Force-Iraq shortly after noon yesterday in the vicinity of Mosul.

An additional 69 people were injured in the attack, 44 of them members of the U.S. military. Seven are U.S contractors, five are U.S. Defense Department civilians, two are Iraqi civilians, 10 are contractors of other nationalities, and one is of unknown nationality and occupation. Twenty-five of the wounded were treated and returned to duty the same day.

The attack, an explosion, occurred at a dining facility at Forward Operating Base Marez.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the explosion at the U.S. Army dining facility at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Marez in Mosul on Tuesday was likely caused by an improvised explosive device worn by a suicide attacker.

Evidence found at the site includes components normally associated with improvised explosive devices. There was no physical evidence of a rocket, mortar, or other type of indirect fire weapon.

As a result of these findings, LTG Thomas F. Metz, Commanding General, Multi-National Corps - Iraq, has ordered a full investigation to determine the complete facts and circumstances surrounding the attack.

“We deeply regret the injuries and loss of life among our fellow members of the armed forces, our civilian contractors and members of the Iraqi security forces who have committed themselves to helping 25 million Iraqis build a better future,” said Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq. “Our prayers and condolences go out to the loved ones and families of these brave men and women.”

“We will determine exactly what happened at FOB Marez and continue to work to ensure the safety and security of our people and our operating bases.”

Military officials have expected increased violence as insurgents try to intimidate the Iraqi people and disrupt January elections.

“Insurgents are desperate to create the perception that elections are not possible,” said General Casey. “We will not allow terrorist violence to stop progress toward elections.”

Updated information establishes that 22 people were killed in the attack, including 14 U.S. service members, four U.S. civilian contractors, three members of the Iraqi Security Forces, and one unidentified non-US person.

The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Release #0412022i Release #0412023a
Source: Multi-National Force - Iraq and Multi-National Corps - Iraq
More: Suicide Bomber May Have Been Responsible for Mosul Attack

African Growth and Opportunity Act

If you refuse to be made straight when you are green, you will not be made straight when you are dry. African Proverb

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 22, 2004

Statement on the African Growth and Opportunity Act

A central component of this Administration's broad commitment to trade liberalization has been to advance hope, opportunity, and prosperity in both developed and developing countries by reducing barriers to trade and investment. In this regard, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a key pillar of the Administration's policy to spur economic development, alleviate poverty, and encourage trade in sub-Saharan Africa.

On December 21, President Bush determined that the following 36 countries continue to be eligible for economic and trade benefits under AGOA: Angola; Benin; Botswana; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Chad; Republic of the Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Ethiopia; Gabon; The Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; So Tome and Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Uganda; and Zambia. Burkina Faso was designated as eligible for economic and trade benefits under AGOA on December 10, 2004. The President has removed Cote d'Ivoire from the list of eligible countries.

As required by legislation, this annual determination allows for the provision of certain benefits to those countries that are making continued progress toward a market-based economy, the rule of law, free trade, economic policies that will reduce poverty, and protection of workers' rights. By providing these countries greater access to American markets, AGOA can continue to spur development by fostering new trade and economic opportunities and promoting shared values and shared responsibilities. # # #

Mosul, Iraq Dining Facility

22 Killed, 72 Wounded During Attack on Dining Facility

MNFI	Mosul, Iraq -- Twenty-two people were killed and 72 others wounded following an explosion in a dining facility at Forward Operating Base Marez in southwest Mosul on Dec. 21.

Of the 22 people killed, 14 were U.S. military personnel and the remainder four U.S. civilians and four Iraqi Security Forces. Of the 72 wounded, 51 were U.S. Military personnel and the remainder U.S., other country civilians and ISF. Twenty-nine people have been released from the hospital.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The names of the Soldiers and civilians killed are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Task Force Olympia’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost loved ones in yesterday’s tragic attack.

Release #0412022d

President to Germany, Slovak Republic

Before he sets out, the traveler must possess fixed interests and facilities to be served by travel. George Santayana US (Spanish-born) philosopher (1863 - 1952)

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 21, 2004

President to Travel to Germany and the Slovak Republic

President Bush will travel to Germany and the Slovak Republic following his meetings on February 22, 2005 with NATO and European Union leaders in Brussels, Belgium. Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will host the President in Germany on February 23. In addition to a bilateral program in the Slovak Republic on February 24, President Bush will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Bush has stressed his desire to work with all of our friends and allies in Europe to promote global development and prosperity, to defeat terrorism, and to encourage freedom and democracy as alternatives to tyranny and terror. This trip, which will be President Bush's first foreign trip following his inauguration, will underscore the President's commitment to building on our shared values of freedom, democracy, and human rights to work closely with European allies and partners on the 21st century challenges we face together. # # #

Experts Investigating Source of Mosul Explosion

By Samantha L. Quigley American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2004 -- Explosives experts are investigating the source of a single, large explosion on a U.S. base in southwest Mosul, Iraq, Task Force Olympia Commander Army Brig. Gen. Carter Ham said in a televised statement.

The blast, which occurred just after noon today in a dining facility, killed more than 20 people and wounded more than 60. Those killed and wounded include U.S. military personnel, U.S. contractors, foreign-national contractors and Iraqi soldiers, Ham said. The military is in the process of notifying their families and units.

Ham said the U.S. soldiers responded in a typical manner -- "with bravery, with unselfish caring for one another."

"In the chaos that followed that attack, there was no differentiation by nationality; whether one wore a uniform or civilian clothes, they were all brothers-in-arms taking care of one another," he said. "And I think that's something that all Americans and, indeed, all Iraqis can be very proud of."

While acknowledging the sadness of the day, Ham said the soldiers would come back from this attack and see that the mission is brought to a successful end.

Related Site: Multinational Force Iraq

Mosul, Iraqi Security Forces Foil Insurgents

Iraqi Security Forces Continue to Foil Insurgent Attacks, School Bus Attacked by Insurgents

Mosul, Iraq (December 18, 2004) – Iraqi Security Forces defeated two separate attacks in Mosul by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to ambush an Iraqi National Guard patrol and seize a police station in northern Iraq. In addition, anti-Iraqi insurgents attempted to attack a Multi-National Force patrol with a roadside bomb but instead the blast hit and Iraqi school bus killing one student and injuring six.

Insurgents attempted to ambush an Iraqi National Guard patrol with small arms fire in western Mosul. ING soldiers quickly maneuvered on their attackers returning fire and eliminating three while detaining one person. No ING Soldiers sustained injuries during the attack and the detained individual is in custody undergoing questioning.

An Iraqi Police station came under attack by indirect and small arms fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station in western Mosul. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack and detained one person preventing a reoccurrence of the events of November 10 when many police stations were abandoned and later looted. This is the fifth time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations.

Anti-Iraqi insurgents attempted to attack a Multi-National Force patrol with a roadside bomb but instead the blast hit an Iraqi school bus killing one student and injuring six. The attack occurred after a Multi-National Force convoy passed through the area during routine patrols. Multi-National Forces responded with small arms fire killing one insurgent and reported no MNF injuries during the operation.

Also today, a concerned citizen came to Iraqi National Guard Soldiers in Mosul and provided them with information that led to a dump truck attempting to transport a large supply of explosives in eastern Mosul. ING soldiers detained the driver for further questioning and confiscated the explosives for future destruction.

Release #0412018i source multi-national force-iraq

PAT ROBERTS (R-KS) INTEL CHAIRMAN

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS FOR 109TH CONGRESS ANNOUNCED; SENATOR PAT ROBERTS (R-KS)TO CONTINUE AS INTEL CHAIRMAN

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) announced Republican committee memberships for the 109th Congress. Senator Pat Roberts will continue as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s Chairman.

Senator Roberts said, "I am pleased and honored that the Leader has entrusted me with this continuing responsibility. We must continue to improve our nation's ability to collect and analyze reliable intelligence information. I see the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence playing a critical role in that effort especially in light of the changes made by the recent intelligence reform bill. The Committee will actively oversee the implementation of the reforms and also hold confirmation hearings on a number of new intelligence officials. I intend to continue the Committee's involvement in all facets of our Intelligence Community including the newly created position of Director of National Intelligence. It is also my strong desire to keep politics out of the Committee and its oversight. The Committee is a valuable tool that is most effective when it is focused on intelligence issues and not on political issues."

Senator Roberts was scheduled to depart the Intelligence Committee after completing an eight-year term. Late in the year, however, the Senate repealed the Committee's term limits in response to a 9-11 Commission recommendation. Members of the Committee now serve without limitation as they do on other so-called "A" committees. In a change also enacted this year, Majority Leader Bill Frist was granted the authority to name the Chairman of the Committee. Today, the Leader tapped the Kansas republican to remain at the Committee's helm.

Senator Frist also announced that all but one member, Senator John Warner, will be returning as members of the Committee. Senator Warner will assume the status of an ex officio member under the changes made earlier this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/20/04 CONTACT: BILL DUHNKE PHONE: (202) 224-1700

President's Press Conference 12/20/04

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 20, 2004

President Holds Press Conference FULL STREAMING VIDEO

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Dwight DC Eisenhower Executive Office Building Room 450 President's Remarks 10:32 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, and happy holidays to you all. I thought I'd come and answer some of your questions.

Before I do so, I've got a statement I'd like to make.

We're nearing the end of a year where -- of substantial progress at home and here -- and abroad. In 2004, the United States grew in prosperity, enhanced our security and served the cause of freedom and peace. Our duties continue in the new year; I'm optimistic about achieving results. America's economy is on solid footing, growth is strong and the nation's entrepreneurs have generated more than 2 million jobs in this year alone.

There's more we must do to keep this economy flexible, innovative and competitive in the world. In a time of change we must reform systems that were created to meet the needs of another era. Soon I will appoint a citizens panel to recommend ways we can transform the outdated tax code. I'll work with the new Congress to make health care more accessible and affordable, to reform the legal system, to raise standards of achievement in public schools -- especially our high schools -- and to fix the Social Security system for our children and our grandchildren.

Early in the year, I will also submit a budget that fits the times. We will provide every tool and resource for our military, we'll protect the homeland and we'll meet other priorities of the government. My budget will maintain strict discipline and the spending of tax dollars, and keep our commitment to cutting the deficit in half over five years.

All of these goals require the energy and dedication of members of both political parties. Working in a spirit of bipartisanship, we will build the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous country. We'll meet our obligations to future generations as we do so.

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Our duties to future generations include a sustained effort to protect our country against new dangers. Last week, I signed legislation that continues the essential reorganization of our government by improving the nation's intelligence operations. Because we acted, our vast intelligence enterprise will be more unified, coordinated and effective than ever before. And the American people will be more secure as a result.

Our country is also safer because of the historic changes that have come around the world in places like Afghanistan. This year brought the first presidential election in the 5,000 year history of that country. And the government of President Hamid Karzai is a steadfast ally in the war on terror. President Karzai and the Afghan people can be certain of America's continued friendship and America's support as they build a secure and hopeful democracy.

In Iraq, a people that endured decades of oppression are also preparing to choose their own leaders. Next month, Iraqis will go to the polls and express their will in free elections. Preparations are underway for an energetic campaign, and the participation is wide and varied. More than 80 parties and coalitions have been formed, and more than 7,000 candidates have registered for the elections. When Iraqis vote on January the 30th, they will elect 275 members to a transitional national assembly, as well as local legislatures throughout the country.

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The new national assembly will be responsible for drafting a constitution for a free Iraq. By next October, the constitution will be submitted to the people for ratification. If it is approved, then, by December, the voters of Iraq will elect a fully democratic constitutional government.

My point is, the elections in January are just the beginning of a process, and it's important for the American people to understand that. As the Iraqi people take these important steps on the path to democracy, the enemies of freedom know exactly what is at stake. They know that a democratic Iraq will be a decisive blow to their ambitions, because free people will never choose to live in tyranny.

And so the terrorists will attempt to delay the elections, to intimidate people in their country, to disrupt the democratic process in any way they can. No one can predict every turn in the months ahead, and I certainly don't expect the process to be trouble-free. Yet, I am confident of the result, I'm confident the terrorists will fail, the elections will go forward, and Iraq will be a democracy that reflects the values and traditions of its people.

America and our coalition have a strategy in place to aid the rise of a stable democracy in Iraq. To help the Iraqi government provide security during the election period, we will increase U.S. troop strength. Coalition forces will continue hunting the terrorists and the insurgents. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so the Iraqi people can eventually take responsibility for their own security.

We have a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq. You see, free societies do not export terror. Free governments respect the aspirations of their citizens and serve their hopes for a better life. Free nations are peaceful nations. And free nations in the heart of the Middle East will show what is possible to others who want to live in a free society.

In Iraq and elsewhere we've asked a great deal of the men and women of our Armed Forces. Especially during this holiday season, those on duty far from home will be in our thoughts and our prayers. Our people in uniform and our military families are making many sacrifices for our country. They have the gratitude of our whole country.

Now, I will be glad to answer some questions. Hunt.

President's Press Conference 12/20/04 FULL TEXT