November 2005

"As the rest of the world moves forward on solutions, the U.S. government, dominated by oil industry lobbyists, still refuses to adopt the Kyoto protocol or take any meaningful action toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Citizens across the country are holding demonstrations this weekend to demand stronger U.S. action, ranging a "Save New Orleans: Stop Global Warming" party in the French Quarter to Native American drumming in Arizona to the dumping of one ton of coal on the campus of Penn State University." [Read more]

"House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi held a news conference today in response to President Bush's speech on Iraq. Her remarks are below:

"With more than 2,100 American soldiers killed, thousands more wounded grievously, and hundreds of billions of dollars spent, the President owes the American people more than he provided today. We should follow the lead of Congressman John Murtha, who has put forth a plan to make America safer, to make our military stronger, and to make Iraq more stable. That is what the American people and our troops deserve." [Read more]

"Following is a transcript of remarks today by President Bush at the United States Naval Academy (1 of 4):

United States Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland

9:45 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: This is the first year that every class of midshipmen at this Academy arrived after the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. Each of you has volunteered to wear our nation's uniform in a time of war -- knowing all the risks and dangers that accompany military service. Our citizens are grateful for your devotion to duty -- and America is proud of the men and women of the United States Naval Academy." [Read more]

Transcript of President Bush's Remarks on War on Terror (2/4)

Transcript of President Bush's Remarks on War on Terror (3/4)

Transcript of President Bush's Remarks on War on Terror (4/4)

"Following is a statement released today by Tom Matzzie, the Washington director of MoveOn.org Political Action on President Bush's speech on Iraq:

"The president's speech on Iraq offered the same failed policy in a new wrapping. The speech and accompanying report are stunts in a spiffy public relations campaign that won't protect America, our troops or help Iraqis." [Read more]

"Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today issued the following statement on the Department of Commerce's announcement that the U.S. economy continued to strengthen, gaining 4.3 percentage points in the third quarter:

"Today's strong GDP numbers show the U.S. economy is growing at a robust pace thanks to Republicans' pro-growth policies. In addition, consumer confidence is rising as gas prices fall, helping to strengthen our economic outlook." [Read more]

"Townhall.com, a news, opinion, and action website serving 1.5 million readers per month, announces the launch of the "Thank a Soldier Week" website http://www.thankasoldierweek.com." [Read more]

"U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, responded to the biannual report to Congress released by the Treasury Department that once again failed to designate China as a currency manipulator:

"The Treasury Department continues to ignore and excuse the Chinese government's appalling disregard for fair trade practices by manipulating its currency, which harms small business owners in Maine and across our nation. Congress has endured this do- nothing policy for too long." [Read more]

"With the United States poised to carry out the 1,000th state-sanctioned execution since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), along with a broad spectrum of human rights organizations and social justice groups, is calling on state and federal authorities to immediately end all executions. Since 1976, more than 120 of 194 countries are abolitionists in law or practice." [Read more]

"The National Archives at College Park will release 31 documents totaling 336 pages from Record Group 60, Records of the Department of Justice, Files of Charles Cooper and Files of the Attorney General, Edwin Meese III. These records, consisting of memoranda and other documents, were located in various folders in the files of Cooper and Meese during the processing of FOIA requests by the National Archives." [Read more]

"The Wall Street Journal today published an op-ed by Dick Armey, the former U.S. House Majority Leader and current chairman of FreedomWorks. The piece captures the frustration currently felt by the conservative base, and offers a program for restoring governance by focusing on a return to core limited government principles. FreedomWorks is a grassroots advocacy organization with over 700,000 members nationwide. Excerpts from "It's My Party..." [Read more]

"Coalition for the Future American Worker will hold a press conference this Wednesday at the downtown Pittsburgh Hilton. The group has been running TV spots in the Pittsburgh area since Nov. 22. Response to the ads has been overwhelming and positive. The TV spot features American workers urging President Bush to stem the flow of foreign workers, citing wage depression, job displacement and 12 million Americans unable to find a full time job. Pittsburgh workers have recently been hit by layoff announcements including cuts at U.S. Air and GM." [Read more]

"As the nation prepares for the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, American Life League is launching an official Web site encouraging citizens to sign a petition urging senators to approve his appointment. "Judge Alito's confirmation to the nation's highest court is of vital interest to those who are aware that the United States Constitution has never contained a so-called right to abortion," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League. "Judge Alito's record suggests that he will interpret the Constitution as it was written. Given the opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court, Judge Alito would be well positioned to help save the lives of countless preborn children." [Read more]

"Following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush on border security and immigration reform:

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona

2:40 P.M. MST

THE PRESIDENT: America has always been a compassionate nation that values the newcomer and takes great pride in our immigrant heritage; yet we're also a nation built on the rule of law, and those who enter the country illegally violate the law. The American people should not have to choose between a welcoming society and a lawful society. We can have both at the same time. And to keep the promise of America, we will enforce the laws of our country." [Read more]

"United States Attorney Carol C. Lam announced that Congressman Randall "Duke" Cunningham pled guilty today to conspiring to commit Bribery, Honest Services Fraud, and Tax Evasion, as well as Tax Evasion involving more than $1 million of unreported income, pursuant to a plea agreement in United States District Court in San Diego before the Honorable Larry A. Burns. In pleading guilty, Mr. Cunningham, who represents the 50th Congressional District in San Diego, admitted that he received at least $2.4 million in bribes." [Read more]

"New York City's largest World AIDS Day commemoration will take place again this year on December 1 in one of the city's most spectacular settings, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This unique community event is an evening of music and reflection. Speakers include New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. It is expected to be the largest World AIDS Day commemoration to take place in the United States." [Read more]

"Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) today filed an Internal Revenue Services (IRS) complaint against Focus on the Family, a conservative, non-profit organization led by its founder and chairman James C. Dobson. The complaint asks for the IRS to investigate activities by the group which may violate IRS regulations and require a revocation of its tax-exempt status." [Read more]

"On Wednesday, November 30, 2005, Robin Lovitt is scheduled to be executed in the Commonwealth of Virginia -- an execution that Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) and other organizations believe will be the thousandth death sentence carried out since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976. The United States is reaching this gruesome milestone as 122 wrongfully convicted people have been released from death row, and as strong evidence is emerging that two innocent men may have been executed..." [Read more]

"If the United Nations Climate Change conference that begins in Montreal today proves anything, it will be that the United States, not the Europeans, has taken the correct approach to climate change, according to NCPA Senior Fellow H. Sterling Burnett.

Canada, Japan and 11 of the 15 European Union countries in attendance at this year's conference have substantially increased greenhouse gas emissions, rather than reducing them from 1990 levels, and those governments admit it is highly unlikely that they will meet emission levels required by the Kyoto Protocol." [Read more]

"President Bush's $7.1 billion plan for preparing the nation for a flu pandemic reproduces "the same fundamental flaw" that led to the neglectful federal response to Hurricane Katrina, Sandra Gadson, M.D., president of the National Medical Association, said today.

"A key misstep in the President's proposed strategy," said Dr. Gadson, "is its failure to take into account the higher vulnerability of minority communities to public health crises and well-documented racial and ethnic barriers to healthcare and public health services, including influenza vaccinations." [Read more]

"Following is a transcript of President Bush's Radio Address to the nation today:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, we gather with our loved ones to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Each family has its own traditions, yet we are united as a nation in setting aside a day of gratitude. We are thankful for our family and friends, who fill our lives with joy and love. We are thankful for the abundance of this prosperous land. We are thankful for the freedom that makes possible the enjoyment of all these gifts. And we acknowledge with humility that all these blessings and life itself come from Almighty God. On Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we are grateful to the men and women of our Armed Forces for securing the peace in these dangerous times." [Read more]

"With Thanksgiving now upon us, families across the country are gathering together to count blessings and share in the joy that comes with a bountiful feast. But for the thousands of our neighbors who rely on the services provided by food banks and food rescue organizations in the America's Second Harvest Network, it's just another Thursday in the struggle to put food on the table." [Read more]

Following is a transcript of press conference with Attorney General Albert R. Gonzales on the indictment of Jose Padilla:

11 a.m. EST

ATTORNEY GENERAL GONZALES: "Earlier today, a superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in the Southern District of Florida charging Jose Padilla with providing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder individuals who are overseas.

The indictment alleges that Padilla traveled overseas to train as a terrorist with the intention of fighting in violent jihad, a shorthand term to describe a radical Islamic fundamentalist ideology that advocates using physical force and violence to oppose governments, institutions and individuals who do not share their view of Islam." [Read more]

The following statement concerning CNN's airing of an 'X' over live video of Vice President Cheney was released today by Team Hollywood:

"Monday morning, Nov. 21, 2005, at 11:00 AM, as CNN aired Vice President Dick Cheney's speech live from the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, the cable network flashed onscreen, repeatedly, a large black 'X' over the Vice President's face, while a headline at the bottom of its screen read, "CHENEY: I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS WRONG TO CRITICIZE."

Unfortunately for CNN, a large number of their demographics also participate in Internet communities and Blogs, representing a large portion of their viewership and posing a threat to news cable and newspaper subscriber's fees." [Read more]

"Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, Robin Lovitt is scheduled to be executed in the Commonwealth of Virginia -- an execution that Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) and other organizations believe will be the 1000th death sentence carried out since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976. The United States is reaching this gruesome milestone as 122 wrongfully convicted people have been released from death row, and as strong evidence is emerging that two innocent men may have been executed-Ruben Cantu in Texas and Larry Griffin in Missouri." [Read more]

"In a letter sent today to the House Ethics Committee, Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer called on the Ethics Committee to conduct an investigation "to determine whether a number of House Members engaged in official acts to influence a case-specific regulatory matter at the Interior Department that benefited lobbyist Jack Abramoff's clients, and received contributions and financial favors from Abramoff and these clients, in violation of House ethics rules." [Read more]

"A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an 11-count superseding indictment that charges Jose Padilla and four additional defendants with conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals and providing material support to terrorists as part of a North American terrorist support cell. The indictment, returned by the grand jury on Nov. 17, 2005 and unsealed today, charges Padilla with conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, and providing material support to terrorists." [Read more]

"Former public relations specialist Michael P.S. Scanlon has pleaded guilty to a charge of participating in a conspiracy with others to commit bribery, mail and wire fraud, and honest services fraud from at least January 2000 through at least April 2004, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today." [Read more]

"One of the chief arguments used by the Bush administration to justify the U.S.-led March 2003 invasion of Iraq was that Saddam Hussein's Iraq was reconstituting its nuclear weapons program. For instance, only three days before U.S.-led coalition forces invaded Iraq Vice President Dick Cheney claimed that Iraq had "reconstituted nuclear weapons." Central to the administration's argument were erroneous claims that Iraq had recently attempted to obtain lightly-processed uranium, or "yellowcake," from Africa..." [Read more]

"Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Ken Mehlman will make remarks tonight at a "Victory Salute" to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. The following are excerpts of his remarks as prepared for delivery.

"Consider what Iraq was ... and what it had the potential to become.

"It was the only nation that had used chemical weapons against its own people. It was the only country that regularly attacked American planes. It was a nation that invaded its neighbors. It was one of only seven countries officially listed as a state sponsor of terror." [Read more]

"On the heels of President Bush's tour of Asia, on Tuesday, November 22, Hudson Institute will release its analysis of China's growing economy and military power. The study, CHINA'S NEW GREAT LEAP FORWARD: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND MILITARY POWER IN THE NEXT HALF-CENTURY, addresses the growing scientific and technological sophistication of China's economy and military and, accordingly, the implications for broad U.S. national security interests." [Read more]

"The following is a transcript of remarks by Vice President Cheney on the war on terror:

American Enterprise Institute

Washington, D.C.

11:01 A.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT: My remarks today concern national security, in particular the war on terror and the Iraq front in that war. Several days ago, I commented briefly on some recent statements that have been made by some members of Congress about Iraq. Within hours of my speech, a report went out on the wires under the headline, "Cheney says war critics 'dishonest,' 'reprehensible.'"

One thing I've learned in the last five years is that when you're Vice President, you're lucky if your speeches get any attention at all. But I do have a quarrel with that headline, and it's important to make this point at the outset. I do not believe it is wrong to criticize the war on terror or any aspect thereof. Disagreement, argument, and debate are the essence of democracy, and none of us should want it any other way." [Read more]

"Sixty-four percent of the American people believe that religion is "under attack," according to a new poll released today by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The poll found that 53 percent of Americans likewise believe that religion as a whole is "losing its influence in American life." [Read more]

"The Army celebrates a milestone at Fort Bliss, Texas, tomorrow when the 500,000th Soldier receives a Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI) kit that includes the best state-of-the-art individual and small unit equipment available. As Soldiers are first to agree, RFI has been responsible for saving lives, increasing effectiveness in combat and improving their quality of life since it started just two years ago." [Read more]

"Tonight, the House of Representatives will vote on a resolution for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. This is a desperate stunt meant to reverse momentum building for ending the war in Iraq, spurred most recently by U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), a decorated Korea and Vietnam war veteran and longtime congressional hawk on military matters, who surprised many in Washington yesterday with his call for leaving Iraq within six months." [Read more]

"House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.) released the following statement regarding the status of the House-Senate PATRIOT Act conference agreement:

"Two days ago, House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement on a conference report that provides those entrusted with protecting the American people with the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs. The agreement was reached after an extensive and bipartisan legislative and oversight process. The House Judiciary Committee, which I chair, takes its oversight responsibilities seriously, particularly concerning the authorities granted in the PATRIOT Act; thus, this Committee has been very aggressive in its PATRIOT Act oversight, which has been made available to the public..." [Read more]

"WHAT: Press Conference on Nuclear Weapons and Iran: New Revelations

WHEN: 10 a.m.; Monday, Nov. 21

WHERE: National Press Club, Lisagor Room, 529 14th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20045

DETAILS: To present new information concerning an Iranian nuclear weapons program, the Iran Policy Committee (IPC) plans to hold a press conference at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 21, at the National Press Club." [Read more]

"Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and Convener of Call to Renewal, made the following the statement today on the narrow passage of the House Budget Reconciliation Bill:

"The prophet Isaiah said: "Woe to you legislators of infamous laws ... who refuse justice to the unfortunate, who cheat the poor among my people of their rights, who make widows their prey and rob the orphan." Today, I repeat those words. When our legislators put ideology over principle, it is time to sound the trumpets of justice and tell the truth. It is a moral disgrace to take food from the mouths of hungry children to increase the luxuries of those feasting at a table overflowing with plenty." [Read more]

"House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) has just updated his blog with his weekly posting titled, "House Happenings for This Week".

Log on to http://www.Speaker.gov or click http://www.speaker.gov/journal/051118_hr4241.shtml to go directly to the posting." [Read more]

"The National Association of Realtors(r) applauded the U.S. Senate today for passing legislation that ensures the continued availability and affordability of terrorism insurance. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision Act of 2005, S. 467, would extend the federal backstop against losses resulting from terrorist attacks. A companion bill, H.R. 4314, is expected to clear the U.S. House of Representatives soon." [Read more]

"Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie yesterday called on the US Congress to fully fund a comprehensive response to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in developing countries. Jolie recently adopted a child from Ethiopia who was orphaned by AIDS.

"America has the opportunity to lead the world in addressing the AIDS orphan crisis," she said in a Capitol Hill press conference. "We all know we should do this. I hope that we will." [Read more]

"The Republican National Committee today unveiled a new television advertisement entitled, "Harry Reid And The Democrats: Dishonest On Iraq." The advertisement, which is part of a combined web and television campaign, highlights pre-war statements by Senator Harry Reid and other Democrat leaders about the threat of Saddam Hussein and Iraq." [Read more]

"On Friday morning, Nov. 18, a group of a dozen peace activists will deliver an "indictment" against the owners of Aero Contractors, charging them with conspiracy to commit torture in violation of United States law, the United Nations Convention against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The "indictment" also cites former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director George Tenet and present CIA Director Porter J. Goss, for violations of the same laws and treaties." [Read more]

"House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke early this morning on the House floor in opposition to the fiscally irresponsible Republican budget reconciliation bill that increases the deficit and cuts initiatives for those who need help most. The budget passed by a vote of 217 to 215, with all Democrats voting against it. Below are excerpts of Pelosi's remarks:

"Mr. Speaker, tonight the Republicans are launching an attack on America's children, America's families, and America's middle class.

All of this to give a tax cut to the wealthiest people in our country. This budget is a sham and it's a shame. Democrats believe that together, America can do better." [Read more]

"House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 4241, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 217 to 215:

"Our plan to achieve savings by reducing federal spending passed the House tonight. Finding savings in any budget is always hard, and this was a hard-fought victory.

"The Deficit Reduction Act clearly demonstrates our commitment to savings and budget discipline. We've set ourselves on a course to reform the way the federal government does business." [Read more]

"The Senate adopted several amendments offered by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) to the Defense Authorization Bill, which passed Tuesday. In addition to Kerry legislation that will strengthen small businesses and protect our troops and military families, the Senate also approved a measure offered by Kerry that demands the Director of National Intelligence to report on the alleged CIA clandestine detention facilities." [Read more]

"House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) released the following statement in response to comments by Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) regarding the War on Terror.

"I am saddened by the comments made today by Rep. Murtha. It is clear that as Nancy Pelosi's top lieutenant on armed services, Rep. Murtha and Democratic leaders have adopted a policy of cut and run. They would prefer that the United States surrender to the terrorists who would harm innocent Americans. To add insult to injury, this is done while the President is on foreign soil." [Read more]

"Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, Ranking Member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, decorated Vietnam veteran, and expert on military issues, spoke at a news conference this morning calling for immediate redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq. Below are Murtha's remarks, followed by a resolution he is introducing he is introducing in the House today:

"The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region." [Read more]

"Media Matters for America is deeply troubled by the lack of news coverage of a speech critical of the Bush administration given by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) on Nov. 15 in response to remarks by the President days earlier that those who have accused the White House of manipulating intelligence in the run-up to the Iraq war are sending "the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America's will." [Read more]

"The Reverends Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK) and Patrick J. Mahoney will visit ACLU headquarters today to hand-deliver more than 20,000 petitions demanding that the left-leaning liberal attack group back off of terrorizing communities and individuals who seek to affirm America's Judeo-Christian values." [Read more]

"Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Ken Mehlman today announced that the RNC received over $85.7 million in contributions during the first ten months of 2005, a fundraising record in federal funds for a non-presidential election year. The RNC reported over $34 million cash-on-hand at the end of October after raising over $7.2 million last month." [Read more]

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