From Indonesia, President Obama talks about his administration's work opening up markets to support thousands of American jobs and keep us on track to double American exports by 2014.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
President Obama Speaks on Agreement Between Boeing and Lion Air
Boeing and Lion Air sign a multi-billion dollar agreement deal that will create 100,000 U.S. jobs.
Gaddafi's Son Captured
Saif al-Islam Gadhafi was captured unharmed after a firefight. Now speculation turns to where he will face trial.
Sources:CNNNew StatesmanForeign Policy
By Lauren Zima
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Mitt Romney Campaign
Media claims Romney is intentionally laying low, possibly to maintain front-runner status.
By Blake Hanson
Anchor: Blake Hanson
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Egyptians Protest Military Government
Thousands of people took to the streets after the Egyptian military put forward a proposition to attain a permanent role in the country's politics.
By Adnan S. Khan
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Avastin Not Safe to Treat Breast Cancer
The FDA revokes its approval of Avastin, the world's best selling cancer drug, used to treat breast cancer patients.
By Christina Hartman and Nick Adams
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Secret Service Protects Cain After Death Threats
The Secret Service is protecting GOP candidate Herman Cain after he reportedly received death threats.
By Jonathan Ketz
Anchor: Jonathan Ketz
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Friday, November 18, 2011
Cuomo: 'The Actions of the Committee Could Deprive New York of Billions of Dollars in Promised Federal Aid
Governor Sends Letter to Congressional Delegation Regarding Impact of Super Committee on New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo has sent a letter to the New York congressional delegation regarding the impact of the actions of the "Super Committee" on the state. The letter is below.
Members of the New York State Congressional Delegation:
As you know, the deadline for the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the Committee) to approve a consensus plan is this Wednesday, November 23. The actions of the committee, whether or not the members reach a consensus, will have a direct and significant impact on the finances and economy of the state of New York. I write to express my strong concern regarding the possible impacts of either a stalemate, which would trigger across the board cuts to federal programs, or any agreement that targets programs that New Yorkers and state government depend on. We cannot allow the actions of Washington to undo the progress we have made here in New York.
I recognize the fiscal challenges facing Congress at this critical moment in our nation's history. Rising federal deficits and debt pose a serious threat to the economic viability of this nation and must be addressed in a bi-partisan way with shared sacrifice coming from all Americans. Reviving America's economy and putting Americans back to work is the greatest challenge facing our nation's leaders.
Since taking office more than 11 months ago, my administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has achieved historic budgetary reforms allowing us to close a $10 billion budget gap without raising taxes or borrowing, eliminate automatic spending inflators that cost New Yorkers billions, and impose renewed fiscal discipline on state and local governments. These efforts have resulted in the significant reduction of out-year deficits.
However, as the economy has slowed and uncertainty has gripped financial markets at home and overseas, our state's fiscal situation has become more dire. We are watching the state's tax receipts and budget projections closely as the financial markets remain roiled. Now more than ever, we need to work together to come up with ways to stimulate our economy and put New Yorkers, and all Americans, back to work. A vibrant and growing economy is the best way to generate new revenues for the state and the federal government.
I write to you today because the actions of the Committee could deprive New York of billions of dollars in promised federal aid and deal a major blow to the economy and fiscal stability of this state. These are difficult times that require tough decisions. However, the burden of cuts or reductions in tax deductions must be shared evenly by all states and, as New York's representatives in Congress, I urge you to work to minimize the potential damage to New York.
I am specifically concerned that certain proposals could have a catastrophic impact on New Yorkers and our economy. Specifically, dramatic cuts to Medicaid reimbursements, transportation funding, agricultural assistance, and other federal programs could significantly widen the state's budget gap next year and into the future. In addition, proposals to eliminate tax deductions on state and local taxes as well as home mortgage interest payments could cost New Yorkers thousands of dollars a year, dealing a body blow to families across the state. This would not only take money out of the pockets of hard working New Yorkers, but also take money out of our fragile economy.
New York State receives nearly $40 billion in Federal funding on an annual basis to support critical programs and initiatives. This Federal funding represents approximately 30 percent of the State all funds budget, and supports activities including:
$2.4 billion for educational services that primarily support schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families and students with disabilities.
More than $25 billion for the Medicaid program that provides health care services and employment for millions of New Yorkers.
Nearly $4 billion for construction related to transportation and clean water infrastructure programs that ensure a safe and effective infrastructure system across the State.
$2.4 billion for educational services that primarily support schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families and students with disabilities.
More than $25 billion for the Medicaid program that provides health care services and employment for millions of New Yorkers.
Nearly $4 billion for construction related to transportation and clean water infrastructure programs that ensure a safe and effective infrastructure system across the State.
These Federal resources support more than 670,000 jobs and $32 billion of wages throughout the State.
The Committee is charged with developing deficit reductions of at least $1.2 trillion over 10 years. These recommendations will have a potentially devastating impact in many critical areas.
The loss of Federal transportation aid would reduce the level of capital repairs on our system, diminishing our efforts to repair a system that is already under stress. Over 7,000 of our bridges are over 50 years old and nearly 6,200 bridges are in deficient condition. New York State ranks 46th nationally in Interstate pavement condition. In addition, the loss of this construction funding would hurt job creation in the construction industry – which is already suffering a 20 percent unemployment rate nationally.
Proportional cuts to Federal programs could result in a loss of $2.4 billion for the State Medicaid and Medicare programs. Loss of funding at this level would likely result in closure of fiscally fragile health care institutions, impact individual access to services and displace thousands of health care employees.
Across the country, leaders in government have heard the call to do more with less. We have done this in New York and Washington should do the same. However, cuts to critical programs should be made in a manner that does not undo the progress we have made at the state level or further erode the chances of a strong economic recovery. I believe certain proposals reportedly being considered by the Committee have the strong possibility of doing both. That cannot be allowed to happen.
Thank you for your committed service to this State and its people.
Sincerely,
Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor
Duffy Honors New York State's Police Officer of the Year
12 Officers from Agencies Across New York State Awarded for Exceptional Valor
Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy today presented Rome Police Officer Donald Moore with New York State’s Police Officer of the Year Award. Officer Moore was recognized for saving the lives of seven people at a cell phone store in New York Mills in May 2010.
“There is nothing more noble, and nothing more sacred than the opportunity to serve and protect as an officer of the law,” said Lieutenant Governor Duffy.
“The men and women of law enforcement represent the best of our humanity. They are the pillars of our community and we must ensure that a show of our appreciation is not limited to occasions such as this, but that every day we honor their service and applaud their courage.”
“The men and women of law enforcement represent the best of our humanity. They are the pillars of our community and we must ensure that a show of our appreciation is not limited to occasions such as this, but that every day we honor their service and applaud their courage.”
“Officer Moore showed us what every police officer already knows – they report for duty not knowing what the day may bring, and they know their job doesn’t end when their shift is over,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Elizabeth Glazer.
“On May 27th, without hesitation and regard for his own safety, he took action while off-duty. Because of him, the lives of at least seven New Yorkers were saved that day. I commend him for his bravery and service.”
The Lieutenant Governor presented the award to Officer Moore during a ceremony at Rome City Hall, in front of the officer’s family and friends, as well as a host of local and state elected leaders and law enforcement officials.
Officer Moore was off-duty and at an AT&T Wireless store the afternoon of May 27, 2010, when a man opened fire inside, shooting one employee and aiming for the others. Officer Moore quickly responded by drawing his off-duty weapon and firing at the shooter, killing him.
A subsequent investigation into the incident revealed that the shooter had a prior history of threatening behavior toward the AT &T employees and carried a “hit list” with their names, and extra rounds of ammunition, the day of the shooting.
A subsequent investigation into the incident revealed that the shooter had a prior history of threatening behavior toward the AT &T employees and carried a “hit list” with their names, and extra rounds of ammunition, the day of the shooting.
“As Police Officers we are always on duty. We are sworn to protect the life, liberty and property of those in our communities. We are taught to run toward danger when others are running away. Officer Moore placed himself in harm’s way, risking his own life for people he did not know. He did this without hesitation, which undoubtedly saved the lives of many innocent people that day. Officer Moore is a fine example of the great quality of men and women of the Rome Police Department,” said Rome Police Chief Kevin C. Beach.
“AT&T salutes the heroism of Officer Moore, as well as all of those nominated for Police Officer of the Year award. AT&T shares in Lt. Governor Duffy's recognition of bravery in the line of duty, and commends all New York police officers who show courage in the face of uncertain circumstances,” added Amy Hines Kramer, regional vice president of external affairs, AT&T New York.
Seth Turk, the store employee who was shot during the incident, said: “I am honored to take part in today’s prestigious award ceremony, recognizing Officer Moore. Officer Moore’s actions represent all law enforcement officers and their daily sacrifices, and for that, we should all thank them.”
The Police Officer of the Year Award was created in 1983 to recognize a single police officer, or team of officers, for an exceptional act of valor, symbolizing the service of police in New York State.
In addition to Donald Moore, 12 officers, whom are listed below, from 10 law enforcement agencies also will be recognized for contributions to their communities in 2010 and will receive Certificates of Exceptional Valor from the Governor.
Deputy Nicholas Leon of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office rescued a car-crash victim whose automobile was overturned and partially submerged in the Great Chazy River in the town of Champlain on April 8, 2010.
Officer Luigi Osso of the Irvington Police Department was seriously injured on April 21, 2010, while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle. While stopped at a red light, the driver of the stolen vehicle struck Officer Osso’s patrol car.
Sgt. Todd O’Brien of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office rescued a woman who had been shot in her Sackets Harbor home on August 4, 2010. During the rescue, Sgt. O’Brien was fired upon by the suspect, who was still at the scene.
Deputy Jonathan Strong of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was shot in the leg after responding to reports of a woman being shot in her home in Sweden on January 8, 2010. Deputy Strong directed the woman to safety and held his position, despite his injury, so other responding officers could take the suspect into custody.
On June 22, 2010, Sgt. Thomas E. Haumann and Troopers Carlo Gennario Jr. and Richard J. Snyder of the New York State Police were dispatched to a home in Vienna, where a distraught man was armed with a shotgun and threatening to kill his infant son.
Once at the scene, Trooper Gennario ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, but he refused and shot and killed his son, then taking aim at Trooper Gennario. Sergeant Haumann again ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, but this time he charged at the police. The troopers responded by opening fire and then wrestling the shotgun from the suspect’s hands.
Deputy Michael Burger of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was shot in the ankle during the successful pursuit of two individuals who robbed an NBT Bank in Rome on July 29, 2010.
Sgt. Damian Waters of the Oswego Police Department rescued a fisherman who had been swept away by the Oswego River on September 28, 2010.
Officers Brendan Gayer and Brian Smith of the Suffolk County Police Department rescued a man from a burning home in Mastic Beach on March 15, 2010. The officers kicked down the door to the burning building, crawling through the smoke and flames to search for the unconscious victim and pull him to safety.
Sgt. Ralph Bartlett of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office was shot while responding to a domestic violence incident on April 27, 2010, in Warrensburg. The suspect had shot at his ex-girlfriend’s home with a .357-caliber Magnum and then fled the scene. Sgt. Bartlett directed the pursuit, which spanned 10 miles, and was shot in the stomach after officers stopped the suspect’s car.
In addition to Donald Moore, 12 officers, whom are listed below, from 10 law enforcement agencies also will be recognized for contributions to their communities in 2010 and will receive Certificates of Exceptional Valor from the Governor.
Deputy Nicholas Leon of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office rescued a car-crash victim whose automobile was overturned and partially submerged in the Great Chazy River in the town of Champlain on April 8, 2010.
Officer Luigi Osso of the Irvington Police Department was seriously injured on April 21, 2010, while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle. While stopped at a red light, the driver of the stolen vehicle struck Officer Osso’s patrol car.
Sgt. Todd O’Brien of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office rescued a woman who had been shot in her Sackets Harbor home on August 4, 2010. During the rescue, Sgt. O’Brien was fired upon by the suspect, who was still at the scene.
Deputy Jonathan Strong of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was shot in the leg after responding to reports of a woman being shot in her home in Sweden on January 8, 2010. Deputy Strong directed the woman to safety and held his position, despite his injury, so other responding officers could take the suspect into custody.
On June 22, 2010, Sgt. Thomas E. Haumann and Troopers Carlo Gennario Jr. and Richard J. Snyder of the New York State Police were dispatched to a home in Vienna, where a distraught man was armed with a shotgun and threatening to kill his infant son.
Once at the scene, Trooper Gennario ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, but he refused and shot and killed his son, then taking aim at Trooper Gennario. Sergeant Haumann again ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, but this time he charged at the police. The troopers responded by opening fire and then wrestling the shotgun from the suspect’s hands.
Deputy Michael Burger of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was shot in the ankle during the successful pursuit of two individuals who robbed an NBT Bank in Rome on July 29, 2010.
Sgt. Damian Waters of the Oswego Police Department rescued a fisherman who had been swept away by the Oswego River on September 28, 2010.
Officers Brendan Gayer and Brian Smith of the Suffolk County Police Department rescued a man from a burning home in Mastic Beach on March 15, 2010. The officers kicked down the door to the burning building, crawling through the smoke and flames to search for the unconscious victim and pull him to safety.
Sgt. Ralph Bartlett of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office was shot while responding to a domestic violence incident on April 27, 2010, in Warrensburg. The suspect had shot at his ex-girlfriend’s home with a .357-caliber Magnum and then fled the scene. Sgt. Bartlett directed the pursuit, which spanned 10 miles, and was shot in the stomach after officers stopped the suspect’s car.
Each year, the Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee reviews nominations submitted by New York State law enforcement agencies. Nominees must be sworn police officers employed within the State of New York who have performed an act of exceptional valor during the year.
The Police Officer of the Year selection committee is composed of the following members: the Commissioner of Division of Criminal Justice Services; the Superintendent of the New York State Police; Counsel and Executive Director of the State Sheriffs’ Association; Executive Director of the State Association of Chiefs of Police; President of the Police Conference of New York; President of the New York State Association of Police Benevolent Association; and President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of the City of New York.
Image courtesy of http://www.amazing-animations.com
Carney: 'A Nuclear-Armed Iran Would Represent a Grave Threat to Regional Peace and International Security'
Statement by the Press Secretary on Today's Resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors on Iran
The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency spoke with a unified voice today in its passage of a resolution that holds Iran accountable for its continued failure to live up to its international obligations.
Last week, IAEA Director General Amano issued a stark report, laying out in graphic detail Iran’s systematic efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. While the United States was not surprised by these findings, the whole world now knows that Iran not only sought to hide its uranium enrichment program from the world for more than two decades, but also engaged in covert research and development related to activities that can have only one application: building a nuclear warhead for delivery on a ballistic missile.
Last week, IAEA Director General Amano issued a stark report, laying out in graphic detail Iran’s systematic efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. While the United States was not surprised by these findings, the whole world now knows that Iran not only sought to hide its uranium enrichment program from the world for more than two decades, but also engaged in covert research and development related to activities that can have only one application: building a nuclear warhead for delivery on a ballistic missile.
For years, Iran has sought to defend its growing uranium enrichment program on the pretense that it was solely intended to fuel a civilian nuclear energy program. Yet the Director General’s report and today’s action by the Board of Governors expose once and for all the hollowness of Iran’s claims, and reinforce the world’s demands that Iran come clean and live up to its international obligations.
The United States commends the Director General and his Secretariat for their carefully prepared report, which is based on years of investigatory work, document analysis, and interviews with key personnel.
The President has stated on multiple occasions that we are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. A nuclear armed Iran would represent a grave threat to regional peace and international security. This is why we have worked with others to build a broad international coalition to pressure and isolate the Iranian regime, including through an unprecedented sanctions regime.
The United States commends the Director General and his Secretariat for their carefully prepared report, which is based on years of investigatory work, document analysis, and interviews with key personnel.
The President has stated on multiple occasions that we are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. A nuclear armed Iran would represent a grave threat to regional peace and international security. This is why we have worked with others to build a broad international coalition to pressure and isolate the Iranian regime, including through an unprecedented sanctions regime.
The United States will continue this pressure until Iran chooses to depart from its current path of international isolation, both in concert with our partners as well as unilaterally.
Image courtesy of http://www.cksinfo.com
The Power of the Pen: Bills Signed into Law
Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 2112
On Friday, November 18, 2011, the President signed into law:
H.R. 2112, the “Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012,” provides FY 2012 full-year appropriations through September 30, 2012, for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services', Food and Drug Administration, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Transportation; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and other small agencies. In addition, it provides for continuing FY 2012 appropriations through December 16, 2011, for the remaining projects and activities of the Federal Government.
Newsy Now: Breaking News Headlines
Natalie Wood case re-opened, sexual assault scandal at Syracuse, Gloria Arroyo arrested for poll fraud, US Army hypersonic glider, Regis retires.
Sources:CNNHLNAl JazeeraFox NewsABC
By JJ Bailey
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Aung San Suu Kyi to Return to Politics?
Burman opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is seriously considering going back into politics with her party, the NLD.
By Camille Maestracci
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Millionaires to Congress: Tax Us More
Nearly 140 millionaires took to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, asking congressmen to raise their taxes.
By Noe Gandillot
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
EU Bans X-Ray Scanners in Airports
X-Ray scanners have made their way into airports across the U.S., but now Europe has banned the devices due to concerns they could cause cancer.
By Orkide Iczi
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Passengers Forced to Pay for Fuel
Passengers were told to pay $31,000 to refuel a plane flying from India to the UK or they would be grounded in Vienna.
By Emoke Bebiak
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Several Giants Players Present for Nightclub Shooting
A number of athletes were present at a New York City nightclub when a man was shot and killed.
By Brad Galbreath
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Occupy Protestors March on Wall Street
Occupy Protestors marched on Wall Street, and across the country, in a “mass day of action.”
By Ryan Schmidt
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
FIFA Head Denies Racism in Soccer
Despite incidents involving high profile players, FIFA President Sepp Blatter denies racism happens on the soccer pitch.
By Marc Steidler
Anchor: Marc Steidler
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Joblessness Numbers at 7-Month Low
Analysts predict what the statistic means for the economy.
By Blake Hanson
Anchor: Blake Hanson
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Politics in Action: H.R. 3094 and S. 1867
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H. R. 3094 – Workplace Democracy and Fairness Act
(Rep. Kline, R–MN, and 37 cosponsors)
The Administration opposes H.R. 3094 because it would undermine and delay workers’ ability to exercise their right to choose whether or not to be represented by a union. H.R. 3094 also attacks the freedom of individuals to choose the co-workers with whom they wish to seek representation.
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
S. 1867 – National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012
(Sen. Levin, D-MI)
The Administration supports Senate passage of S. 1867, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012.
The Administration appreciates the Senate Armed Services Committee's continued support of our national defense, including its support for both the base budget and for overseas contingency operations and for most of the Administration's initiatives to control spiraling health costs of the Department of Defense (DoD).
The Administration appreciates the support of the Committee for authorities that assist the ability of the warfighter to operate in unconventional and irregular warfare, authorities that are important to field commanders, such as the Commanders' Emergency Response Program, Global Train and Equip Authority, and other programs that provide commanders with the resources and flexibility to counter unconventional threats or support contingency or stability operations.
The Administration looks forward to reviewing a classified annex and working with the Congress to address any concerns on classified programs as the legislative process moves forward.
While there are many areas of agreement with the Committee, the Administration would have serious concerns with provisions that would: (1) constrain the ability of the Armed Forces to carry out their missions; (2) impede the Secretary of Defense's ability to make and implement decisions that eliminate unnecessary overhead or programs to ensure scarce resources are directed to the highest priorities for the warfighter; or (3) depart from the decisions reflected in the President's FY 2012 Budget Request.
The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address these and other concerns, a number of which are outlined in more detail below.
Detainee Matters: The Administration objects to and has serious legal and policy concerns about many of the detainee provisions in the bill. In their current form, some of these provisions disrupt the Executive branch's ability to enforce the law and impose unwise and unwarranted restrictions on the U.S. Government's ability to aggressively combat international terrorism; other provisions inject legal uncertainty and ambiguity that may only complicate the military's operations and detention practices.
Section 1031 attempts to expressly codify the detention authority that exists under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40) (the “AUMF”). The authorities granted by the AUMF, including the detention authority, are essential to our ability to protect the American people from the threat posed by al-Qa'ida and its associated forces, and have enabled us to confront the full range of threats this country faces from those organizations and individuals. Because the authorities codified in this section already exist, the Administration does not believe codification is necessary and poses some risk.
After a decade of settled jurisprudence on detention authority, Congress must be careful not to open a whole new series of legal questions that will distract from our efforts to protect the country.
While the current language minimizes many of those risks, future legislative action must ensure that the codification in statute of express military detention authority does not carry unintended consequences that could compromise our ability to protect the American people.
The Administration strongly objects to the military custody provision of section 1032, which would appear to mandate military custody for a certain class of terrorism suspects. This unnecessary, untested, and legally controversial restriction of the President's authority to defend the Nation from terrorist threats would tie the hands of our intelligence and law enforcement professionals.
Moreover, applying this military custody requirement to individuals inside the United States, as some Members of Congress have suggested is their intention, would raise serious and unsettled legal questions and would be inconsistent with the fundamental American principle that our military does not patrol our streets.
We have spent ten years since September 11, 2001, breaking down the walls between intelligence, military, and law enforcement professionals; Congress should not now rebuild those walls and unnecessarily make the job of preventing terrorist attacks more difficult.
Specifically, the provision would limit the flexibility of our national security professionals to choose, based on the evidence and the facts and circumstances of each case, which tool for incapacitating dangerous terrorists best serves our national security interests.
The waiver provision fails to address these concerns, particularly in time-sensitive operations in which law enforcement personnel have traditionally played the leading role.
These problems are all the more acute because the section defines the category of individuals who would be subject to mandatory military custody by substituting new and untested legislative criteria for the criteria the Executive and Judicial branches are currently using for detention under the AUMF in both habeas litigation and military operations.
Such confusion threatens our ability to act swiftly and decisively to capture, detain, and interrogate terrorism suspects, and could disrupt the collection of vital intelligence about threats to the American people.
Rather than fix the fundamental defects of section 1032 or remove it entirely, as the Administration and the chairs of several congressional committees with jurisdiction over these matters have advocated, the revised text merely directs the President to develop procedures to ensure the myriad problems that would result from such a requirement do not come to fruition.
Requiring the President to devise such procedures concedes the substantial risks created by mandating military custody, without providing an adequate solution. As a result, it is likely that implementing such procedures would inject significant confusion into counterterrorism operations.
The certification and waiver, required by section 1033 before a detainee may be transferred from Guantánamo Bay to a foreign country, continue to hinder the Executive branch's ability to exercise its military, national security, and foreign relations activities.
While these provisions may be intended to be somewhat less restrictive than the analogous provisions in current law, they continue to pose unnecessary obstacles, effectively blocking transfers that would advance our national security interests, and would, in certain circumstances, violate constitutional separation of powers principles.
The Executive branch must have the flexibility to act swiftly in conducting negotiations with foreign countries regarding the circumstances of detainee transfers. Section 1034's ban on the use of funds to construct or modify a detention facility in the United States is an unwise intrusion on the military's ability to transfer its detainees as operational needs dictate.
Section 1035 conflicts with the consensus-based interagency approach to detainee reviews required under Executive Order No. 13567, which establishes procedures to ensure that periodic review decisions are informed by the most comprehensive information and the considered views of all relevant agencies.
Section 1036, in addition to imposing onerous requirements, conflicts with procedures for detainee reviews in the field that have been developed based on many years of experience by military officers and the Department of Defense.
In short, the matters addressed in these provisions are already well regulated by existing procedures and have traditionally been left to the discretion of the Executive branch.
Broadly speaking, the detention provisions in this bill micromanage the work of our experienced counterterrorism professionals, including our military commanders, intelligence professionals, seasoned counterterrorism prosecutors, or other operatives in the field.
These professionals have successfully led a Government-wide effort to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qa'ida and its affiliates and adherents over two consecutive Administrations.
The Administration believes strongly that it would be a mistake for Congress to overrule or limit the tactical flexibility of our Nation's counterterrorism professionals.
Any bill that challenges or constrains the President's critical authorities to collect intelligence, incapacitate dangerous terrorists, and protect the Nation would prompt the President's senior advisers to recommend a veto.
Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft (JSF): The Administration also appreciates the Committee's inclusion in the bill of a prohibition on using funds authorized by S. 1867 to be used for the development of the F136 JSF alternate engine. As the Administration has stated, continued development of the F136 engine is an unnecessary diversion of scarce resources.
Medium Extended Air Defense Systems (MEADS): The Administration appreciates the Committee's support for the Department's air and missile defense programs; however, it strongly objects to the lack of authorization of appropriations for continued development of the MEADS program. This lack of authorization could trigger unilateral withdrawal by the United States from the MEADS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Germany and Italy, which could further lead to a DoD obligation to pay all contract costs – a scenario that would likely exceed the cost of satisfying DoD's commitment under the MOU.
Further, this lack of authorization could also call into question DoD's ability to honor its financial commitments in other binding cooperative MOUs and have adverse consequences for other international cooperative programs.
Overseas Construction Funding for Guam and Bahrain: The Administration has serious concerns with the limitation on execution of the United States and Government of Japan funds to implement the realignment of United States Marine Forces from Okinawa to Guam.
The bill would unnecessarily restrict the ability and flexibility of the President to execute our foreign and defense policies with our ally, Japan.
The Administration also has concerns over the lack of authorization of appropriations for military construction projects in Guam and Bahrain. Deferring or eliminating these projects could send the unintended message that the United States does not stand by its allies or its agreements.
Provisions Authorizing Activities with Partner Nations: The Administration appreciates the support of the Committee to improve capabilities of other nations to support counterterrorism efforts and other U.S. interests, and urges the inclusion of DoD's requested proposals, which balance U.S. national security and broader foreign policy interests.
The Administration would prefer only an annual extension of the support to foreign nation counter-drug activities authority in line with its request. While the inclusion of section 1207 (Global Security Contingency Fund) is welcome, several provisions may affect Executive branch agility in the implementation of this authority.
Section 1204 (relating to Yemen) would require a 60-day notify and wait period not only for Yemen, but for all other countries as well, which would impose an excessive delay and seriously impede the Executive branch's ability to respond to emerging requirements.
Unrequested Authorization Increases: Although not the only examples in S. 1867, the Administration notes and objects to the addition of $240 million and $200 million, respectively, in unrequested authorization for unneeded upgrades to M-1 Abrams tanks and Rapid Innovation Program research and development in this fiscally constrained environment.
The Administration believes the amounts appropriated in FY 2011 and requested in FY 2012 fully fund DoD's requirements in these areas.
Advance Appropriations for Acquisition: The Administration objects to section 131, which would provide only incremental funding – undermining stability and cost discipline – rather than the advance appropriations that the Administration requested for the procurement of Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites and certain classified programs.
Authority to Extend Deadline for Completion of a Limited Number of Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Recommendations: The Administration requests inclusion of its proposed authority for the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense to extend the 2005 BRAC implementation deadline for up to ten (10) recommendations for a period of no more than one year in order to ensure no disruption to the full and complete implementation of each of these recommendations, as well as continuity of operations.
Section 2904 of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act imposes on DoD a legal obligation to close and realign all installations so recommended by the BRAC Commission to the President and to complete all such closures and realignments no later than September 15, 2011. DoD has a handful of recommendations with schedules that complete implementation close to the statutory deadline.
TRICARE Providers: The Administration is currently undertaking a review with relevant agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Justice, to clarify the responsibility of health care providers under civil and workers' rights laws.
The Administration therefore objects to section 702, which categorically excludes TRICARE network providers from being considered subcontractors for purposes of the Federal Acquisition Regulation or any other law.
Troops to Teachers Program: The Administration urges the Senate's support for the transfer of the Troops to Teachers Program to DoD in FY 2012, as reflected in the President's Budget and DoD's legislative proposal to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and Title 10 of the U.S. Code in lieu of section 1048.
The move to Defense will help ensure that this important program supporting members of the military as teachers is retained and provide better oversight of 6 program outcomes by simplifying and streamlining program management.
The Administration looks forward to keeping the Congress abreast of this transfer, to ensure it runs smoothly and has no adverse impact on program enrollees.
Constitutional concerns: A number of the bill's provisions raise additional constitutional concerns, such as sections 233 and 1241, which could intrude on the President's constitutional authority to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive diplomatic communications.
The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address these and other concerns.
Construction worker image courtesy of http://www.cksinfo.com
National defense image courtesy of http://www.defense.gov