July 2005

"In an interview with BuzzFlash.com to be posted on Aug. 1, Sen. Harry Reid, Democratic minority leader of the Senate, blasted the pending recess appointment of John Bolton to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, BuzzFlash said today. "John Bolton is a person who, in his personal relationship with government employees, has been abominable, mean, unreasonable and bizarre," Sen. Reid told BuzzFlash. "His not producing the papers we have requested only underscores the importance of why we need those papers. There must be something he's trying to hide." [Read more]

"State and federal correctional authorities substantiated nearly 2,100 incidents of sexual violence in adult prisons, local jails and juvenile facilities during 2004, according to a Department of Justice report released today. The Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) said this represented one-third of all completed investigations into alleged sexual violence behind bars." [Read more]

"Following is the transcript of President Bush's radio address to the nation today:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This year Congress and I have addressed many key priorities of the American people and we're making great progress.

At the start of the year, I urged Congress to ease the burden of junk lawsuits on American workers, businesses and families, so Congress passed, and I signed, bipartisan class-action reform. We called for restoring integrity to the bankruptcy process, so Congress passed, and I signed common-sense reform of our nation's bankruptcy laws. I requested vital funds for our men and women in uniform, so Congress passed, and I proudly signed, critical legislation to give our troops the resources they need to fight and win the war on terror." [Read more]

"Following is the text of a statement released today by the U.S Department of Justice on passage of S. 1389, the USA Patriot Act Reauthorization:

"We commend the Senate for voting to reauthorize key provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. After numerous hearings, careful deliberation, and a public debate, both houses of Congress have recognized the importance of these tools in our efforts to combat terrorism and protect the American people." [Read more]

"Judie Brown, president of American Life League, the nation's largest grassroots pro-life educational organization, issued the following statement regarding the news that Senator Bill Frist now endorses the expansion of human embryonic stem cell research:

"Sen. Bill Frist's announcement that he has reversed his opinion on the expansion of human embryonic stem cell research is beyond repugnant to many in the pro-life community. What has happened to this man, who once showed promise of becoming a strong pro-life voice for the American people?" [Read more]

"The Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., is reviewing previously unprocessed materials from the John G. Roberts Files, 1982 - 1986 and from the White House Office of Records Management: Subject File. Judge Roberts was the Associate Counsel to the President during the Reagan Administration. Approximately 50,000 pages of material have been located." [Read more]

"House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined House and Senate Democrats today in a show of Democratic unity working toward real solutions for America's future. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"As House Democratic Leader, I am pleased to join Leader Reid and the other distinguished leaders and Members of Congress to point out that the first seven months of the Republican Congress has been marked by missed opportunities and wrong priorities. It is a congress that is out of touch with the American people." [Read more]

"Dr. Paul Chaim Schenck, executive director of The National Pro-Life Action Center (NPLAC) -- the uncompromising voice of pro-life America on Capitol Hill - - and associate with Priests for Life, issued the following statement in response to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's (R- Tenn.) announcement today that he will support a bill to fund embryonic stem cell research:

"As a physician, Bill Frist is fully aware that there is no scientific evidence that research using embryonic children yields any medical benefits. But the crux of this debate is not a question of whether or not this research might yield positive results." [Read more]

"The following is a statement from the Center for Justice & Democracy on gun industry immunity legislation:

"The U.S. Senate is set to vote on S. 397, legislation that gives the gun industry unprecedented immunity from lawsuits brought by gun violence victims, as well as cities and counties. The bill immunizes gun manufacturers, dealers, distributors and trade associations from lawsuits. Even dealers that negligently sell guns to traffickers would be immune from lawsuits." [Read more]

"Late last night, the State Department reversed its previous statements on John Bolton, announcing that the U.N. Ambassador nominee did, in fact, meet with the State Department Inspector General to investigate faulty prewar intelligence regarding nuclear materials in Niger. Given the State Department's admission and the continued questions surrounding his veracity, Citizens for Global Solutions calls on Mr. Bolton to withdraw his name from consideration for U.N. Ambassador." [Read more]

"StemPAC, the highest trafficked web site in support of stem cell research and a newly launched 527 organization uniting pro-stem cell activists, today praised Senator Bill Frist's decision to support HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (HR 810). StemPAC also announced that it would not extend the airing of its TV ad calling on Frist to not "Filibuster Hope." The ad began running in New Hampshire this week, in response to Frist's earlier opposition to HR 810." [Read more]

"The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), comprised of over 95 nationally-recognized patient groups, scientific societies and academic institutions, expressed its strong support for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's announcement today supporting embryonic stem cell research." [Read more]

"The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded a Washington, D.C., radio station's decision to suspend without pay a talk show host who stated repeatedly that "Islam is a terrorist organization." [Read more]

"The Catholic based advocacy group Fidelis has launched the first phase of an internet advertising campaign to prevent anti-religious bigotry in the confirmation hearings of Judge John Roberts. The campaign which cites examples of anti-religious comments made by Democratic leaders Howard Dean, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) was launched on the Web sites of National Review Online and Catholic Exchange will expand to other Web sites and blogs over the coming week." [Read more]

"A recent national survey commissioned by American Values and the American Family Association (AFA) and released on Friday finds that voters favor a "more conservative" -- over a "more liberal" -- U.S. Supreme Court by 50.3 percent to 30.5 percent. Majorities of survey respondents also indicated that they disapprove of a number of the high court's most liberal decisions." [Read more]

"The Christian Defense Coalition says Sen. Bill Frist can no longer consider himself pro-life and vote to expand funding for embryonic stem cell research.

The Coalition also states, Sen. First should not expect support and endorsement from the pro-life community if he votes for embryonic research funding." [Read more]

"House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Census Bureau released its new tabulations on business ownership by gender, Hispanic or Latino origin, and race in 2002:

"I'm certainly glad that while we can say the economy is strong and growing, it is also diversifying as well. This census report is proof that the Republican Congress has an agenda that works to improve all of America. We are proud of this accomplishment and look forward to seeing more growth among minority- and women-owned businesses in the future." [Read more]

"A new study released yesterday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project reports that the number of teenagers with Internet access has increased dramatically over the last five years, with nine out of ten children (12-17) now online. Nearly one in five of these teens receives an online sexual solicitation from a cyber- stranger each year." [Read more]

"The Justice Department announced today that a federal court in St. Louis has permanently barred Ella Mae Peterson, of St. Louis, Missouri, from preparing federal income tax returns. In entering the permanent injunction, Judge Catherine D. Perry of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri also ordered Peterson to provide the government the names, mailing and e-mail addresses, and Social Security and telephone numbers of customers for whom she prepared any tax return, amended return, or refund claim for tax periods ending after January 1, 2004." [Read more]

"The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) congratulates the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).

"This was a difficult vote and we thank those members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who looked past the politics and voted in favor of this agreement based on the substance," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy." [Read more]

"Following is a statement of Kevin S. Curtis, vice president, National Environmental Trust, on the House passage of the energy bill:

"Congratulations to the U.S. House, you've managed to pass an energy bill that will solve none of our nation's energy problems. The only thing this bill will do is add a few more billion dollars to the oil industry's already record high profits." [Read more]

"This past month, the research firm of Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates was retained by The Seniors Coalition (TSC) to conduct an independent survey of AARP members. The results cast doubts on AARP's support for drug import proposals, with upwards of 84 percent of AARP's members opposing key provisions in each importation proposal being considered." [Read more]

"Newspapers across the country believe the energy bill does nothing to create sustainable energy independence and marks a failure of leadership by Congress and the White House. The White House yesterday said that the president will sign an energy bill expected to move through Congress this week. The House planned to take up the bill today, with action likely in the Senate on Friday, under pressure from the president. The following are excerpts from newspaper editorials across America." [Read more]

"The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered its support for a fatwa, or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism issued by the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and endorsed by more than 120 U.S. Muslim groups, leaders and institutions. (The term "fiqh" refers to Islamic jurisprudence.)" [Read more]

"Today, the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), comprised of over 95 nationally-recognized patient groups, scientific societies and academic research institutions, expressed its disappointment that legislation to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research was not brought to a vote in the Senate prior to Congressional recess, despite promises from Senate leadership to do so." [Read more]

"Following is a statement of Philip E. Clapp, president, National Environmental Trust, on the White House global warming announcement:

"This so-called global warming partnership is a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing. There are no agreements, actions or timetables for accomplishing anything, and many of these discussions have been going on for four years already, producing little. There may be a more sinister side to the effort." [Read more]

"Today at 1 PM EST, FreedomWorks Co-Chairman Dick Armey, Representative Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), and FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe will hold a national conference call with FreedomWorks' top activists. Hundreds of volunteer leaders are expected to join the call as part of a mobilization of FreedomWorks' 700,000 plus members during the August Congressional Recess." [Read more]

"The New York Times, Fox News, CNN, and The Washington Times have reported allegations that Democratic Sen. Richard J. Durbin (Ill.) asked Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. a question about his Catholic faith, with a New York Sun editorial accusing Durbin of "slander." But they ignored a similar question posed to Roberts by Republican Sen. Tom Coburn (Okla.). Coburn and Durbin questioned Roberts at separate meetings on July 22, Media Matters for America said today." [Read more]

"Steve Miller, president of Americans for Balanced Energy Choices (ABEC), released the following statement supporting national energy legislation pending in Congress. Congress is seizing the opportunity to shape America's energy future by passing a comprehensive energy bill that allows our nation to continue using one of its most vital domestic fuel sources to generate electricity: coal." [Read more]

"After a year in which millions of Americans have been put at risk of identity theft because of a series of data security breaches at companies across the country, Consumers Union urged Congress to adopt a set of safeguards to provide consumers with tougher protection against such fraud." [Read more]

"American Life League representatives will gather for peaceful protests outside the offices of numerous abortion providers and abortion advocacy groups in the Washington, D.C. area beginning at 12 noon." [Read more]

"International aid organization Oxfam expressed concern today at the midnight passage in the US Congress of the Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Central American countries and the Dominican Republic (DR-CAFTA), as the agreement threatens to throw many poor farmers in Central America and the Dominican Republic into deeper poverty. But Oxfam pointed out that passage of the agreement by the narrowest of margins, more than a year after it was signed, indicates how little support there is for this trade agreement in the United States." [Read more]

"On August 4, 2005 the youth of America will present a petition to movie executives in Hollywood, California, pleading for cleaner movies. Youth Petition (included below) 2005 was drafted by a teen member of the Youth Advisory Council of the Abstinence Clearinghouse. It will be presented at a press conference to be held in the Echo Park Room of the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel at 11:45 a.m." [Read more]

"Today, Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, responded to Senator Patrick Leahy, who indicated that he would vote against Judge Roberts should he not voice support for Roe. "Senator Leahy's comments show a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of the Constitution and a Supreme Court Justice." [Read more]

"The nonpartisan Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) called on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee to recall Representative Chris Cox for further questioning after uncovering evidence which suggests omissions and potential perjury in Cox's testimony yesterday as President Bush's nominee to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)." [Read more]

"Peace Action applauded U.S. Army Gen. George W. Casey, head of Multinational Force Iraq today for stating that the U.S. could bring home a "fairly substantial" number of the 135,000 U.S. troops in Iraq beginning as early as next spring. The Iraqi Prime Minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, confirmed at a joint news conference with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld that it is time to send U.S. troops home by stating, "we desire speed in that regard." [Read more]

"Leaders of the Alliance to End Hunger will discuss implications from a national poll, conducted by McLaughlin and Associates, which found that 92 percent of likely voters want to see Congress continue to fund anti-hunger programs such as the school nutrition programs, food stamps, and The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program." [Read more]

"The Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate, who moved off important Defense Department legislation to work on a special interest gun immunity bill for the National Rifle Association, keeps talking about ensuring that America's soldiers aren't forced to carry guns manufactured by foreign companies. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has been arguing for a week that we shouldn't arm our soldiers with firearms made by foreign companies. And today, another Senator chimed in, urging the Senate to pass the legislation to "make sure we're not dependent on foreign sources for arms for the public or the military," argued Senator Lindsay Graham." [Read more]

"House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders held a news conference this morning after the weekly Democratic Caucus meeting to discuss the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which the House is scheduled to debate late tonight. Below are Pelosi's opening remarks:

"I am excited about what I hear from my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus. What I hear from them is that they understand the ramifications of CAFTA. This is a small bill economically, but it is a big bill in terms of its impact." [Read more]

"Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) and Sun Pipeline Company (collectively, "Sunoco") have agreed to pay more than $3.6 million to settle a federal government lawsuit over the massive oil spill at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in February, 2000." [Read more]

"The following was released today by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: Senator Larry Craig, the National Rifle Association board member who is the chief sponsor of the bill to grant sweeping civil immunity to gun sellers, said repeatedly this morning that the legislation allows negligence cases against gun sellers to proceed. That is untrue, and the Senator knows it." [Read more]

"The California Healthcare Institute (CHI) today released findings from a recent Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. survey, finding that most Americans believe increased government intervention in the health care system is likely to limit important medical innovation. The poll also found that almost half of those surveyed depend upon advanced medicines in their everyday lives." [Read more]

"On behalf of its more than one million members and supporters, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today urged the Senate to permanently repeal the estate tax. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) has signaled his intentions to push a vote on the issue before the end of the week. The House of Representatives has already passed the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 (H.R. 8). After working for months, a group of senators has failed to agree on a compromise bill that keeps the estate tax in place at a lower rate." [Read more]

"Despite billions in taxpayer aid, federal meddling in the aviation industry has booked many U.S. air carriers on a flight to fiscal ruin, according to the latest study from the non-partisan National Taxpayers Union (NTU). The citizen group's "policy paper" explores how government micromanagement exacerbates industry problems to the detriment of U.S. taxpayers and airlines." [Read more]

"Wednesday, July 27, American Life League representatives will gather outside of the Dirksen Senate building in Washington, D.C., at 12 p.m. for a prayerful protest of the pro-abortion Catholic senators who sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The group will convey the strong message to these individuals that you can't be Catholic and pro-abortion. The activists will also pray for a just confirmation hearing for Judge John Roberts in which his Catholic faith will not be held against him." [Read more]

"Congressional leaders have abandoned their responsibility to help local communities ensure that there will be enough clean water into the future, environmentalists warned today. Negotiators for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agreed to invest just $900 million in 2006 to keep untreated sewage out of rivers, lakes, and streams -- $190 million less than in 2005. Congress is expected to vote the figure into law Wednesday." [Read more]

"Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Ken Mehlman today addressed over three thousand members of the AME Church's 29th Annual Connectional Lay Organization Convention. The following are excerpts from Chairman Mehlman's remarks as prepared: "...The dream upon which our nation was founded was based in a strong faith. And while it took America too long to make that dream a reality for too many -- and we still have much work to do - our most fundamental belief and our national goal must still be to live up to that dream: that every single man, woman and child in this world is endowed by their creator with inalienable rights...right like life...liberty...and freedom." [Read more]

"StemPAC, the highest trafficked web site in support of stem cell research and a newly launched 527 organization uniting pro-stem cell activists, today announced the launch of a TV ad targeting Senator Bill Frist for his refusal to allow a vote the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (HR 810). The ad will air initially in New Hampshire, site of the first presidential primary, starting this week. (It is viewable online at http://www.stempac.com/frist/)." [Read more]

"The Justice Department today announced that federal observers and Civil Rights Division personnel monitored the July 26 special mayoral election in San Diego, California, to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Under the Voting Rights Act, which protects the rights of Americans to participate in the electoral process without discrimination, the Justice Department is authorized to ask the Office of Personnel Management to send federal observers to areas that are specially covered in the act itself or by a federal court order. Federal observers were assigned to monitor polling place activities in San Diego pursuant to a federal court order entered on July 7, 2004." [Read more]

"Vietnam Veterans of America national President Thomas H. Corey today harshly condemned the producers of the Hollywood Film Wedding Crashers for their crass use of the Purple Heart in the film and for placing a printable medal on a Web site to encourage men to use it to impress women.

"Millions of American fighting men and women have been awarded the Purple Heart since it was introduced by Gen. George Washington in 1782," Corey, a Purple Heart recipient who was severely disabled by his wounds in the Vietnam War, said. "That award honors the service and sacrifice of those who put their lives on the line for our country and were wounded in action. It is unconscionable to me -- and is an insult to everyone who has served the nation in the military -- to trivialize the Purple Heart in this way." [Read more]

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