FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
G.S. Electech Inc. Executive Indicted for Role in Bid Rigging and Price Fixing on Automobile Parts Installed in U.S. Cars
A federal grand jury in Covington, Ky., has returned an indictment against G.S. Electech Inc. executive, Shingo Okuda for his role in an international conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids of auto parts used on antilock brake systems installed in U.S. cars, the Department of Justice announced today. Today’s charge is the first to be filed in Kentucky in the department’s ongoing investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry.
The indictment, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, charges Okuda, a Japanese national, with engaging in a conspiracy to rig bids for, and to fix, stabilize, and maintain the prices of speed sensor wire assemblies, which are installed in automobiles with an antilock brake system (ABS), sold to Toyota Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Inc. (collectively Toyota) in the United States and elsewhere.
G.S. Electech Inc. manufactures, assembles and sells a variety of automotive electrical parts, including speed sensor wire assemblies. The speed sensor wire assemblies connect a sensor on each wheel to the ABS to instruct it when to engage.
According to the charge, Okuda and his co-conspirators carried out the conspiracy by, among other things, agreeing during meetings and discussions to coordinate bids and fix prices of automotive parts submitted to Toyota. According to the charge, Okuda’s involvement in the conspiracy lasted from at least as early as January 2003 until at least February 2010.
“ Today’s indictment marks the 16th executive to be charged in the Antitrust Division’s continuing investigation of price fixing in the auto parts industry,” said Scott D. Hammond, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement program. “Holding individuals accountable for their actions is the surest way to deter executives from choosing to collude rather than to compete for business.”
“Those who engage in price fixing, bid rigging and other fraudulent schemes harm the automotive industry by driving up costs for vehicle makers and buyers,” said John Robert Shoup, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Detroit Division. “The FBI is committed to pursuing and prosecuting these individuals for their crimes.”
Okuda is charged with price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum sentence for individuals of 10 years in prison and a criminal fine of $1 million. The maximum fine for an individual may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
Including Okuda, 11 companies and 16 executives have been charged in the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into the automotive parts industry. To date, more than $874 million in criminal fines have been imposed and 14 individuals have been sentenced to pay criminal fines and to serve jail sentences ranging from a year and a day to two years each. One other executive has agreed to serve time in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25, 2013.
In May 2012, G.S. Electech Inc. pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a $2.75 million criminal fine for its role in the conspiracy related to speed sensor wire assemblies.
Today’s charge is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry, which is being conducted by each of the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement sections and the FBI. Today’s charges were brought by the Antitrust Division’s National Criminal Enforcement Section and the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, with the assistance of the FBI headquarters’ International Corruption Unit.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
HHS CLAIMS AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SAVES CONSUMERS $1.2 BILLION
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health care law saves consumers $1.2 billion nationwide
A new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that 6.8 million consumers saved an estimated $1.2 billion on health insurance premiums in 2012, due to the “rate review” provision of the Affordable Care Act, which brought unprecedented accountability to slow the growth of health insurance premiums. The Affordable Care Act, along with state efforts, continues to bring scrutiny to proposed health insurance rate increases and is saving consumers real money as a result.
“Thanks to the health care law, we are seeing that holding insurance companies accountable is leading to increased competition and saving billions of dollars for consumers across the country,” said Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of HHS. “This type of competition and transparency will continue in the Health Insurance Marketplace, or Exchanges, where Americans will be able to shop for and compare plans side-by-side to find the one that fits their needs and budget.”
Beginning on Sept. 1, 2011, the federal rate review rules under the health care law were implemented. These rules ensure that, in every state, insurance companies are required to submit for review and justify any proposed health insurance premium increase of 10 percent or more.
To assist states in this effort, the Affordable Care Act provides states with Health Insurance Rate Review Grants to enhance their rate review programs and bring greater transparency to the process. Forty-six states, the District of Columbia, and five territories have been awarded rate review grant funds to make the rate review process stronger and more transparent.
These provisions have put an end to the days when insurance companies could raise health insurance premiums by double digit percentages with little oversight. Because of rate review, the report released today shows that consumers have saved approximately $1.2 billion over the past year in the individual and small group markets.
This initiative is one of many in the health care law aimed at saving money for consumers and specifically works in conjunction with the 80/20 rule, which requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of premiums on health care or provide rebates to their customers, instead of overhead, administrative expenses. Thanks to the 80/20 rule, last year 77.8 million consumers saved an estimated $3.4 billion up front on their premiums as insurance companies operated more efficiently. Insurance companies that did not meet the 80/20 rule provided nearly 8.5 million Americans with $500 million in rebates.
Health care law saves consumers $1.2 billion nationwide
A new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that 6.8 million consumers saved an estimated $1.2 billion on health insurance premiums in 2012, due to the “rate review” provision of the Affordable Care Act, which brought unprecedented accountability to slow the growth of health insurance premiums. The Affordable Care Act, along with state efforts, continues to bring scrutiny to proposed health insurance rate increases and is saving consumers real money as a result.
“Thanks to the health care law, we are seeing that holding insurance companies accountable is leading to increased competition and saving billions of dollars for consumers across the country,” said Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of HHS. “This type of competition and transparency will continue in the Health Insurance Marketplace, or Exchanges, where Americans will be able to shop for and compare plans side-by-side to find the one that fits their needs and budget.”
Beginning on Sept. 1, 2011, the federal rate review rules under the health care law were implemented. These rules ensure that, in every state, insurance companies are required to submit for review and justify any proposed health insurance premium increase of 10 percent or more.
To assist states in this effort, the Affordable Care Act provides states with Health Insurance Rate Review Grants to enhance their rate review programs and bring greater transparency to the process. Forty-six states, the District of Columbia, and five territories have been awarded rate review grant funds to make the rate review process stronger and more transparent.
These provisions have put an end to the days when insurance companies could raise health insurance premiums by double digit percentages with little oversight. Because of rate review, the report released today shows that consumers have saved approximately $1.2 billion over the past year in the individual and small group markets.
This initiative is one of many in the health care law aimed at saving money for consumers and specifically works in conjunction with the 80/20 rule, which requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of premiums on health care or provide rebates to their customers, instead of overhead, administrative expenses. Thanks to the 80/20 rule, last year 77.8 million consumers saved an estimated $3.4 billion up front on their premiums as insurance companies operated more efficiently. Insurance companies that did not meet the 80/20 rule provided nearly 8.5 million Americans with $500 million in rebates.
FIRST INTREPID SPIRIT CENTER OPENS FOR TREATMENT OF TBI AND PTS
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
First of 9 'Intrepid Spirit' Centers Opens at Fort Belvoir
By J.D. Leipold
Army News Service
FORT BELVOIR, Va., Sept. 12, 2013 - Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks 12 years ago, more than 2.5 million U.S. troops have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and over that same period, more than 260,000 service members have been diagnosed with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress as a result of combat-related injuries and accidents
To treat and care for those service members suffering from the most severe forms of traumatic brain injury, known as TBI, and post-traumatic stress, or PTS, the first of nine Intrepid Spirit Centers planned nationwide officially opened its doors here yesterday in a dedication ceremony sponsored by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a $100-million campaign funded entirely with donations from public and private sources.
The center has actually been operating for two months and has treated some 80 patients thus far, said Martin Edelman, a trustee with the fund, who acted as master of ceremonies.
Edelman added that the ribbon-cutting ceremony also signified the transfer of the $11 million, 25,000-square-foot center to the Defense Department. A second satellite center will open at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in October, and a third at Fort Campbell, Ky., in mid-2014, he said.
David Winters, president of the nonprofit fund, said there are plans to build and equip satellite centers at Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Fort Bliss, Texas; as well as at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. All will be built and equipped from donations, Winters said.
All Intrepid Spirit centers will be located at military bases and medical centers around the country to provide medical care for service members meaning they will not have to leave their units and families for extended treatment. The centers are designed to enhance rehabilitation, officials said.
The design and mission of the satellite centers was based on the original National Intrepid Center of Excellence, or NICoE, which opened at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., in 2010. It's the most advanced facility of its kind in the country and serves as the center of the military's efforts in researching, diagnosing and treating TBI, PTS and related injuries.
Speakers at yesterday's ceremony included Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; Army Col. Charles Callahan, commander of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital; Dr. Heechin Chae, director of the Fort Belvoir Intrepid Spirit Center, and Intrepid Spirit patient Army Sgt. Maj. Robert Haemmerle, who told the story of his recovery from the extreme, invisible signature wounds he received in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Capping the event and speaking on behalf of senior leadership across all the services, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John F. Campbell reminded the audience that there are still 50,000-plus soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians who continue to be in harm's way in Afghanistan, and many will need the type of help the Intrepid Spirit Centers offer.
"In this short month of September, the Army has already faced close to 50 wounded and in the months of June and July, it was in the hundreds for wounded and that will continue and we seem to forget that," he said. "What makes this event here extra special is to have the opportunity to honor our warriors who have sacrificed so much on Patriot Day, a day of service and a day of remembrance 12 years [after the 9/11 attacks].
"We are succeeding in recruiting America's finest to serve in all of our military, and that is a direct result of our commitment to programs like this that care for injured soldiers and their families. If we lose that commitment, if we waiver in that commitment, we lose," Campbell said. "We thank all of you for enabling the loyal and experienced warriors and their families who want to continue to serve."
First Lady Michelle Obama later toured the Intrepid Spirit Center and nearby USO and visited with wounded warriors and their families.
First of 9 'Intrepid Spirit' Centers Opens at Fort Belvoir
By J.D. Leipold
Army News Service
FORT BELVOIR, Va., Sept. 12, 2013 - Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks 12 years ago, more than 2.5 million U.S. troops have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and over that same period, more than 260,000 service members have been diagnosed with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress as a result of combat-related injuries and accidents
To treat and care for those service members suffering from the most severe forms of traumatic brain injury, known as TBI, and post-traumatic stress, or PTS, the first of nine Intrepid Spirit Centers planned nationwide officially opened its doors here yesterday in a dedication ceremony sponsored by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a $100-million campaign funded entirely with donations from public and private sources.
The center has actually been operating for two months and has treated some 80 patients thus far, said Martin Edelman, a trustee with the fund, who acted as master of ceremonies.
Edelman added that the ribbon-cutting ceremony also signified the transfer of the $11 million, 25,000-square-foot center to the Defense Department. A second satellite center will open at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in October, and a third at Fort Campbell, Ky., in mid-2014, he said.
David Winters, president of the nonprofit fund, said there are plans to build and equip satellite centers at Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Fort Bliss, Texas; as well as at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. All will be built and equipped from donations, Winters said.
All Intrepid Spirit centers will be located at military bases and medical centers around the country to provide medical care for service members meaning they will not have to leave their units and families for extended treatment. The centers are designed to enhance rehabilitation, officials said.
The design and mission of the satellite centers was based on the original National Intrepid Center of Excellence, or NICoE, which opened at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., in 2010. It's the most advanced facility of its kind in the country and serves as the center of the military's efforts in researching, diagnosing and treating TBI, PTS and related injuries.
Speakers at yesterday's ceremony included Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; Army Col. Charles Callahan, commander of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital; Dr. Heechin Chae, director of the Fort Belvoir Intrepid Spirit Center, and Intrepid Spirit patient Army Sgt. Maj. Robert Haemmerle, who told the story of his recovery from the extreme, invisible signature wounds he received in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Capping the event and speaking on behalf of senior leadership across all the services, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John F. Campbell reminded the audience that there are still 50,000-plus soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians who continue to be in harm's way in Afghanistan, and many will need the type of help the Intrepid Spirit Centers offer.
"In this short month of September, the Army has already faced close to 50 wounded and in the months of June and July, it was in the hundreds for wounded and that will continue and we seem to forget that," he said. "What makes this event here extra special is to have the opportunity to honor our warriors who have sacrificed so much on Patriot Day, a day of service and a day of remembrance 12 years [after the 9/11 attacks].
"We are succeeding in recruiting America's finest to serve in all of our military, and that is a direct result of our commitment to programs like this that care for injured soldiers and their families. If we lose that commitment, if we waiver in that commitment, we lose," Campbell said. "We thank all of you for enabling the loyal and experienced warriors and their families who want to continue to serve."
First Lady Michelle Obama later toured the Intrepid Spirit Center and nearby USO and visited with wounded warriors and their families.
FTC FORWARDS REFUNDS TO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS CUSTOMERS
FROM: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
FTC Sends Refund Checks to Consumers Who Bought Dietary Supplements
Agency Challenged Marketers’ Claims that Products could Cause Weight Loss; Treat and Prevent Colds, Flu, and Allergies
An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission is mailing 2,546 checks averaging $71.71 each to consumers who bought Accelis, nanoSLIM, and any Cold MD, Germ MD, or Allergy MD dietary supplements between January 2006 and July 2010.
The FTC charged Iovate Health Sciences U.S.A. and two affiliated Canadian
companies with deceptively advertising that their supplements could help consumers lose weight and treat or prevent colds, flu, and allergies.
The checks, which total $182,573.43, must be cashed within 60 days after they are issued. The amount consumers receive depends upon the amount of claims they submitted that were approved. Consumers were eligible to claim up to five of a single product and up to 10 purchases total.
The deadline for filing a refund request has expired. Consumers who have questions should call 1-877-576-9978 or visit the Iovate Refunds page. For more general information, see www.FTC.gov/refunds. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed.
Consumers should carefully evaluate advertising claims for dietary supplements. For more information see: Dietary Supplements.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.
FTC Sends Refund Checks to Consumers Who Bought Dietary Supplements
Agency Challenged Marketers’ Claims that Products could Cause Weight Loss; Treat and Prevent Colds, Flu, and Allergies
An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission is mailing 2,546 checks averaging $71.71 each to consumers who bought Accelis, nanoSLIM, and any Cold MD, Germ MD, or Allergy MD dietary supplements between January 2006 and July 2010.
The FTC charged Iovate Health Sciences U.S.A. and two affiliated Canadian
companies with deceptively advertising that their supplements could help consumers lose weight and treat or prevent colds, flu, and allergies.
The checks, which total $182,573.43, must be cashed within 60 days after they are issued. The amount consumers receive depends upon the amount of claims they submitted that were approved. Consumers were eligible to claim up to five of a single product and up to 10 purchases total.
The deadline for filing a refund request has expired. Consumers who have questions should call 1-877-576-9978 or visit the Iovate Refunds page. For more general information, see www.FTC.gov/refunds. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed.
Consumers should carefully evaluate advertising claims for dietary supplements. For more information see: Dietary Supplements.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
READOUT SECRETARY HAGEL'S CALL TI U.K. SECRETARY HAMMOND REGARDING SYRIAN CHEMICAL WEAPONS
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Readout of Secretary Hagel's Call to U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Philip Hammond
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little provided the following readout:
"This morning Secretary Hagel spoke by phone with the United Kingdom's Defense Secretary Philip Hammond to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria. Secretary Hagel provided an update on U.S. activities in the eastern Mediterranean in response to the Syrian chemical weapons attack on Aug. 21.
"Secretary Hagel thanked Secretary Hammond for the ongoing close coordination in diplomatic channels to address the Syrian civil war and the regime's use of chemical weapons. They exchanged perspectives on Russia's offer on securing these weapons.
"Secretary Hagel reiterated the United States' appreciation for its strong and unshakeable alliance with Great Britain and committed to remaining in close consultation with Secretary Hammond."
Readout of Secretary Hagel's Call to U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Philip Hammond
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little provided the following readout:
"This morning Secretary Hagel spoke by phone with the United Kingdom's Defense Secretary Philip Hammond to discuss the ongoing crisis in Syria. Secretary Hagel provided an update on U.S. activities in the eastern Mediterranean in response to the Syrian chemical weapons attack on Aug. 21.
"Secretary Hagel thanked Secretary Hammond for the ongoing close coordination in diplomatic channels to address the Syrian civil war and the regime's use of chemical weapons. They exchanged perspectives on Russia's offer on securing these weapons.
"Secretary Hagel reiterated the United States' appreciation for its strong and unshakeable alliance with Great Britain and committed to remaining in close consultation with Secretary Hammond."
GUARDSMEN MOBILIZED TO ASSIST SEARCH-AND-RESCUE EFFORTS FOLLOWING COLORADO FLOODING
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Guardsmen Mobilize to Assist With Colorado Flooding
From a Colorado National Guard News Release
CENTENNIAL, Colo., Sept. 13, 2013 - Nearly 100 Colorado National Guard soldiers and airmen, along with high-mobility vehicles and helicopters, have been mobilized to assist local authorities in search-and-rescue operations in the midst of historic flooding in the state.
At least three people have lost their lives in the flooding, according to news reports.
Guard members and equipment were assigned to assist in search-and-rescue missions and to deliver supplies, among other missions, officials said. Additionally, the Colorado National Guard has been requested to start provide traffic control points in and around the affected area today.
The soldiers and airmen are assigned to the Windsor Readiness Center; the Boulder, Fort Collins, and Denver armories; and Buckley Air Force Base.
"Supporting our neighbors in their time of need is one of the most rewarding missions the military has to offer," said Air Force Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, Colorado's adjutant general. "Having readiness centers in communities such as these ensures we provide rapid for our communities."
Guardsmen Mobilize to Assist With Colorado Flooding
From a Colorado National Guard News Release
CENTENNIAL, Colo., Sept. 13, 2013 - Nearly 100 Colorado National Guard soldiers and airmen, along with high-mobility vehicles and helicopters, have been mobilized to assist local authorities in search-and-rescue operations in the midst of historic flooding in the state.
At least three people have lost their lives in the flooding, according to news reports.
Guard members and equipment were assigned to assist in search-and-rescue missions and to deliver supplies, among other missions, officials said. Additionally, the Colorado National Guard has been requested to start provide traffic control points in and around the affected area today.
The soldiers and airmen are assigned to the Windsor Readiness Center; the Boulder, Fort Collins, and Denver armories; and Buckley Air Force Base.
"Supporting our neighbors in their time of need is one of the most rewarding missions the military has to offer," said Air Force Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, Colorado's adjutant general. "Having readiness centers in communities such as these ensures we provide rapid for our communities."
'INVISIBLE WOUNDS' TREATMENT
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Director Discusses Innovations in 'Invisible Wounds' Treatment
By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2013 - The Military Health System acknowledges that U.S. troops in previous conflicts haven't been subjected to the circumstances that surround 12 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a senior Defense Department physician said here yesterday during a panel discussion at a warrior-family symposium.
Dr. James Kelly, director of the Defense Department's National Intrepid Center of Excellence, talked about his center's advancements in post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury – signature wounds from the wars - in a panel discussion titled, "Innovative Mental Health Solutions – Today and Tomorrow."
The annual symposium is sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America and the National Defense Industrial Association.
Kelly cited problems that stem from the pattern of repeated deployments and training between deployments, combined with an all-volunteer force composed of members put themselves in harm's way time and time again. "It is not the pattern we've previously had in our military," he said.
The idea that the younger generation is somehow softer or in some ways more vulnerable doesn't hold water, Kelly said. "These people are tough as nails," he said to a round of applause from hundreds of audience members.
"What we need to do is innovate, look more in depth, and understand them as people and individuals that have been engaged in ways [for which] we simply have no good track record to point to and say, 'Here's what this is about, and here's what to do about it,'" he said.
Kelly said he and his staff learn as they go at the center, conducting research and treating service members in an intensive four-week program.
In a previous interview with American Forces Press Service, Kelly explained that when service members with severe traumatic brain injury do not respond to conventional medical treatment, they can be referred to the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, but they must also have a co-existing psychological health issue, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety.
Kelly became NICoE's director five years ago. The center got underway when Defense Department officials invited him -- a former neurology consultant for the Chicago Bears football team -- to join a group of doctors to examine how to treat service members who were exposed to blast injuries and other head trauma.
He and the other doctors were "willing volunteers" drawn to military health care and working with service members coming back from both wars because of blast-related injuries and a variety of other causes of concussions, Kelly said.
The need for innovation in research and in treating service members led to a concept of using "virtual reality war," with service members are immersed in a setting with a vision of what happens when they're inside a Humvee going down a road. The seat begins to vibrate as a bomb goes off, and the smell of burning rubber wafts into the vehicle. The hope, Kelly explained, is that while the service members are in a safe clinic setting, the experience can help them get past the traumatic events they brought back from deployments.
This use of virtual reality shows quantifiable metabolic changes deep inside the brain when it's dealing with stress, Kelly said.
"That's just one of the examples of the kinds of things that we're engaged in that is really novel, innovative," he added. "[It] bridges into areas of the mind ... in ways that traditional medicine -- certainly traditional neurology -- hadn't previously."
Director Discusses Innovations in 'Invisible Wounds' Treatment
By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2013 - The Military Health System acknowledges that U.S. troops in previous conflicts haven't been subjected to the circumstances that surround 12 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a senior Defense Department physician said here yesterday during a panel discussion at a warrior-family symposium.
Dr. James Kelly, director of the Defense Department's National Intrepid Center of Excellence, talked about his center's advancements in post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury – signature wounds from the wars - in a panel discussion titled, "Innovative Mental Health Solutions – Today and Tomorrow."
The annual symposium is sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America and the National Defense Industrial Association.
Kelly cited problems that stem from the pattern of repeated deployments and training between deployments, combined with an all-volunteer force composed of members put themselves in harm's way time and time again. "It is not the pattern we've previously had in our military," he said.
The idea that the younger generation is somehow softer or in some ways more vulnerable doesn't hold water, Kelly said. "These people are tough as nails," he said to a round of applause from hundreds of audience members.
"What we need to do is innovate, look more in depth, and understand them as people and individuals that have been engaged in ways [for which] we simply have no good track record to point to and say, 'Here's what this is about, and here's what to do about it,'" he said.
Kelly said he and his staff learn as they go at the center, conducting research and treating service members in an intensive four-week program.
In a previous interview with American Forces Press Service, Kelly explained that when service members with severe traumatic brain injury do not respond to conventional medical treatment, they can be referred to the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, but they must also have a co-existing psychological health issue, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety.
Kelly became NICoE's director five years ago. The center got underway when Defense Department officials invited him -- a former neurology consultant for the Chicago Bears football team -- to join a group of doctors to examine how to treat service members who were exposed to blast injuries and other head trauma.
He and the other doctors were "willing volunteers" drawn to military health care and working with service members coming back from both wars because of blast-related injuries and a variety of other causes of concussions, Kelly said.
The need for innovation in research and in treating service members led to a concept of using "virtual reality war," with service members are immersed in a setting with a vision of what happens when they're inside a Humvee going down a road. The seat begins to vibrate as a bomb goes off, and the smell of burning rubber wafts into the vehicle. The hope, Kelly explained, is that while the service members are in a safe clinic setting, the experience can help them get past the traumatic events they brought back from deployments.
This use of virtual reality shows quantifiable metabolic changes deep inside the brain when it's dealing with stress, Kelly said.
"That's just one of the examples of the kinds of things that we're engaged in that is really novel, innovative," he added. "[It] bridges into areas of the mind ... in ways that traditional medicine -- certainly traditional neurology -- hadn't previously."
BOTOX COSMETIC APPROVED BY FDA FOR CROW'S FEET LINES
FROM: U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
FDA approves Botox Cosmetic to improve the appearance of crow’s feet lines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new use for Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe lateral canthal lines, known as crow’s feet, in adults. Botox Cosmetic is the only FDA approved drug treatment option for lateral canthal lines.
The FDA approved Botox Cosmetic in 2002 for the temporary improvement of glabellar lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows, known as frown lines), in adults. Botox Cosmetic works by keeping muscles from tightening so wrinkles are less prominent.
“This additional indication will provide people with a new FDA approved treatment option for those seeking a smoother appearance by temporarily minimizing the appearance of crow’s feet at the sides of the eyes,” said Susan Walker, M.D., director of the Division of Dermatology and Dental Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Botox Cosmetic is administered via intramuscular injections. Treatment for both frown lines and crow’s feet can be given at the same time.
Botox Cosmetic’s safety and effectiveness for treating lateral canthal lines were established in two clinical efficacy and safety studies. The studies enrolled 833 adult participants with moderate to severe lateral canthal lines who were randomly assigned to receive Botox or placebo. Results showed that those treated with Botox had greater improvement compared to placebo in the appearance of lateral canthal lines.
The most common adverse reaction associated with the use of Botox Cosmetic for treatment of lateral canthal lines is eyelid edema, a condition in which the eyelids are swollen and contain excessive fluid.
OnabotulinumtoxinA is marketed as Botox and Botox Cosmetic. The FDA approved Botox for the treatment of chronic migraine, severe underarm sweating, blepharospasm (eyelid spasm) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes when one or both eyes turn inward or outward). Botox and Botox Cosmetic have a boxed warning that says the effects of the botulinum toxin may spread from the area of injection to other areas of the body, causing symptoms similar to those of botulism. Those symptoms include swallowing and breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening. There has not been a confirmed serious case of toxin spread when Botox or Botox Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose for the approved indications.
Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse reactions from the use of Botox Cosmetic to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088.
Botox Cosmetic is manufactured by Allergan Inc. based in Irvine, Calif.
FDA approves Botox Cosmetic to improve the appearance of crow’s feet lines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new use for Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe lateral canthal lines, known as crow’s feet, in adults. Botox Cosmetic is the only FDA approved drug treatment option for lateral canthal lines.
The FDA approved Botox Cosmetic in 2002 for the temporary improvement of glabellar lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows, known as frown lines), in adults. Botox Cosmetic works by keeping muscles from tightening so wrinkles are less prominent.
“This additional indication will provide people with a new FDA approved treatment option for those seeking a smoother appearance by temporarily minimizing the appearance of crow’s feet at the sides of the eyes,” said Susan Walker, M.D., director of the Division of Dermatology and Dental Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Botox Cosmetic is administered via intramuscular injections. Treatment for both frown lines and crow’s feet can be given at the same time.
Botox Cosmetic’s safety and effectiveness for treating lateral canthal lines were established in two clinical efficacy and safety studies. The studies enrolled 833 adult participants with moderate to severe lateral canthal lines who were randomly assigned to receive Botox or placebo. Results showed that those treated with Botox had greater improvement compared to placebo in the appearance of lateral canthal lines.
The most common adverse reaction associated with the use of Botox Cosmetic for treatment of lateral canthal lines is eyelid edema, a condition in which the eyelids are swollen and contain excessive fluid.
OnabotulinumtoxinA is marketed as Botox and Botox Cosmetic. The FDA approved Botox for the treatment of chronic migraine, severe underarm sweating, blepharospasm (eyelid spasm) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes when one or both eyes turn inward or outward). Botox and Botox Cosmetic have a boxed warning that says the effects of the botulinum toxin may spread from the area of injection to other areas of the body, causing symptoms similar to those of botulism. Those symptoms include swallowing and breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening. There has not been a confirmed serious case of toxin spread when Botox or Botox Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose for the approved indications.
Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse reactions from the use of Botox Cosmetic to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088.
Botox Cosmetic is manufactured by Allergan Inc. based in Irvine, Calif.
DEFENDANTS TO PAY OVER $2.4 MILLION FOR ROLES IN FRAUDULENT FOREIGN CURRENCY SCHEME
FROM: COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
Federal Court Orders Alex Ekdeshman and Paramount Management, LLC, to Pay over $2.4 million in Restitution and a Fine for Fraudulent Foreign Currency Scheme
Court Order Stems from a CFTC Complaint that Charged Defendants with Solicitation Fraud and Misappropriation of Customer Funds
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) obtained a federal court consent Order against Defendants Alex Ekdeshman of Holmdel, New Jersey, and Paramount Management, LLC (Paramount), requiring them to pay $1,146,000 in restitution to their defrauded customers and a $1,337,000 civil monetary penalty. The Consent Order of Permanent Injunction also imposes permanent trading and registration bans against the Defendants and prohibits them from violating the anti-fraud provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, as charged.
The Order was entered on September 9, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon of the Southern District of New York and stems from a CFTC Complaint filed against the Defendants on June 26, 2013. The CFTC’s Complaint charged Ekdeshman, individually and as the agent of Paramount, with solicitation fraud and misappropriating “the vast majority” of customer funds for business expenses. Specifically, the Complaint charged the Defendants with operating a fraudulent scheme that solicited more than $1.3 million from approximately 110 retail customers to engage in leveraged or margined foreign currency (forex) transactions with unregistered off-shore counterparties. The Defendants allegedly advised customers that forex trading accounts would be opened in the customer’s name and would be traded by the Defendants on behalf of the customer.
Furthermore, the Defendants, through a telemarketing sales force and a “Performance Record” linked to their website, touted Paramount’s successful trading record as having yielded an average monthly return of 4.6% over a 20-month period, based on the performance of Paramount’s proprietary trading software system, according to the Complaint.
However, the court’s Order finds that, contrary to the claims made during the solicitations, the Defendants did not manage or trade any customer account, and thus Paramount’s customers neither made actual purchases of any forex nor received delivery of forex. The Order also finds that the Defendants misappropriated all customer funds for Ekdeshman’s personal benefit and failed to disclose to actual or prospective customers that they were misappropriating customer funds. To conceal their fraud, the Order finds that, during all phases of the scheme, the Defendants issued false account statements to their customers, as no individual customer accounts were ever created and no profits were ever generated.
The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, the Financial Services Commission Mauritius, and the Financial Services Board of the Republic of South Africa.
Further, the CFTC appreciates the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the National Futures Association, and the Federal Trade Commission.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this matter are Thomas Kelly, Michael Amakor, Michael Geiser, Melanie Devoe, George Malas, Timothy J. Mulreany, Paul Hayeck, and Joan Manley.
Federal Court Orders Alex Ekdeshman and Paramount Management, LLC, to Pay over $2.4 million in Restitution and a Fine for Fraudulent Foreign Currency Scheme
Court Order Stems from a CFTC Complaint that Charged Defendants with Solicitation Fraud and Misappropriation of Customer Funds
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) obtained a federal court consent Order against Defendants Alex Ekdeshman of Holmdel, New Jersey, and Paramount Management, LLC (Paramount), requiring them to pay $1,146,000 in restitution to their defrauded customers and a $1,337,000 civil monetary penalty. The Consent Order of Permanent Injunction also imposes permanent trading and registration bans against the Defendants and prohibits them from violating the anti-fraud provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, as charged.
The Order was entered on September 9, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon of the Southern District of New York and stems from a CFTC Complaint filed against the Defendants on June 26, 2013. The CFTC’s Complaint charged Ekdeshman, individually and as the agent of Paramount, with solicitation fraud and misappropriating “the vast majority” of customer funds for business expenses. Specifically, the Complaint charged the Defendants with operating a fraudulent scheme that solicited more than $1.3 million from approximately 110 retail customers to engage in leveraged or margined foreign currency (forex) transactions with unregistered off-shore counterparties. The Defendants allegedly advised customers that forex trading accounts would be opened in the customer’s name and would be traded by the Defendants on behalf of the customer.
Furthermore, the Defendants, through a telemarketing sales force and a “Performance Record” linked to their website, touted Paramount’s successful trading record as having yielded an average monthly return of 4.6% over a 20-month period, based on the performance of Paramount’s proprietary trading software system, according to the Complaint.
However, the court’s Order finds that, contrary to the claims made during the solicitations, the Defendants did not manage or trade any customer account, and thus Paramount’s customers neither made actual purchases of any forex nor received delivery of forex. The Order also finds that the Defendants misappropriated all customer funds for Ekdeshman’s personal benefit and failed to disclose to actual or prospective customers that they were misappropriating customer funds. To conceal their fraud, the Order finds that, during all phases of the scheme, the Defendants issued false account statements to their customers, as no individual customer accounts were ever created and no profits were ever generated.
The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, the Financial Services Commission Mauritius, and the Financial Services Board of the Republic of South Africa.
Further, the CFTC appreciates the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the National Futures Association, and the Federal Trade Commission.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this matter are Thomas Kelly, Michael Amakor, Michael Geiser, Melanie Devoe, George Malas, Timothy J. Mulreany, Paul Hayeck, and Joan Manley.
MEDICAL COMPANY OFFICER AND A PHYSICIAN SENTENCED FOR ROLES IN $1.5 MILLION MEDICARE FRAUD
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Medical Supply Company Officer and Southern California Physician Sentenced for $1.5 Million Medicare Fraud
A former officer of Fendih Medical Supply Inc. was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison yesterday in Los Angeles for his role in a fraud scheme that resulted in $1.5 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare. In addition, a physician was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in the scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California, Special Agent in Charge Glenn R. Ferry of the Los Angeles Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Assistant Director in Charge Bill L. Lewis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
Godwin Onyeabor, 49, of San Bernandino, Calif., was sentenced on Sept. 9, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Manuel L. Real in the Central District of California to 51 months in prison. In addition to his prison term, Onyeabor was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date. Dr. Sri J. Wijegunaratne, 58, of Anaheim, Calif., was sentenced to 27 months in prison by Judge Real. In addition to his prison term, Wijegunaratne was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $87,846.
On April 24, 2013, a jury in Los Angeles federal court found Wijegunaratne, Onyeabor and Heidi Morishita, 48, guilty of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks. In addition, Wijegunaratne and Onyeabor were found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Wijegunaratne was found guilty of seven counts of health care fraud, and Onyeabor was found guilty of eleven counts of health care fraud.
During trial, the evidence showed that Onyeabor, as the former officer of a durable medical equipment (DME) supply company, fraudulently billed more than $1 million to Medicare for DME that was either never provided to its Medicare beneficiaries or was not medically necessary. Wijegunaratne provided Onyeabor and others with medically unnecessary power wheelchair prescriptions, and both Wijegunaratne and Morishita sold power wheelchair prescriptions to Onyeabor and others.
The evidence showed that Onyeabor and others paid Wijegunaratne and Morishita cash kickbacks for fraudulent prescriptions for DME, and Onyeabor and others used these prescriptions to bill Medicare for the power wheelchairs and other DME. Several Medicare beneficiaries testified that they were lured to medical clinics with the promise of free items such as vitamins and juice, only to receive power wheelchairs which they did not need and did not want, and were unsuccessful in their attempts to reject delivery of the power wheelchairs from Onyeabor’s supply company.
As a result of this fraud scheme, Onyeabor, Wijegunaratne and others submitted and caused the submission of approximately $1.5 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and received almost $1 million on those claims.
Morishita’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2013.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Los Angeles Region of the HHS-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Benton Curtis, Trial Attorneys Fred Medick and Alexander Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Medical Supply Company Officer and Southern California Physician Sentenced for $1.5 Million Medicare Fraud
A former officer of Fendih Medical Supply Inc. was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison yesterday in Los Angeles for his role in a fraud scheme that resulted in $1.5 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare. In addition, a physician was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in the scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California, Special Agent in Charge Glenn R. Ferry of the Los Angeles Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Assistant Director in Charge Bill L. Lewis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
Godwin Onyeabor, 49, of San Bernandino, Calif., was sentenced on Sept. 9, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Manuel L. Real in the Central District of California to 51 months in prison. In addition to his prison term, Onyeabor was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date. Dr. Sri J. Wijegunaratne, 58, of Anaheim, Calif., was sentenced to 27 months in prison by Judge Real. In addition to his prison term, Wijegunaratne was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $87,846.
On April 24, 2013, a jury in Los Angeles federal court found Wijegunaratne, Onyeabor and Heidi Morishita, 48, guilty of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks. In addition, Wijegunaratne and Onyeabor were found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Wijegunaratne was found guilty of seven counts of health care fraud, and Onyeabor was found guilty of eleven counts of health care fraud.
During trial, the evidence showed that Onyeabor, as the former officer of a durable medical equipment (DME) supply company, fraudulently billed more than $1 million to Medicare for DME that was either never provided to its Medicare beneficiaries or was not medically necessary. Wijegunaratne provided Onyeabor and others with medically unnecessary power wheelchair prescriptions, and both Wijegunaratne and Morishita sold power wheelchair prescriptions to Onyeabor and others.
The evidence showed that Onyeabor and others paid Wijegunaratne and Morishita cash kickbacks for fraudulent prescriptions for DME, and Onyeabor and others used these prescriptions to bill Medicare for the power wheelchairs and other DME. Several Medicare beneficiaries testified that they were lured to medical clinics with the promise of free items such as vitamins and juice, only to receive power wheelchairs which they did not need and did not want, and were unsuccessful in their attempts to reject delivery of the power wheelchairs from Onyeabor’s supply company.
As a result of this fraud scheme, Onyeabor, Wijegunaratne and others submitted and caused the submission of approximately $1.5 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and received almost $1 million on those claims.
Morishita’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2013.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Los Angeles Region of the HHS-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Benton Curtis, Trial Attorneys Fred Medick and Alexander Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Friday, September 13, 2013
ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER'S REMARKS ON 9-11 ANNIVERSARY
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Department of Justice Ceremony Commemorating the Twelfth Anniversary of September 11, 2001
~ Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Good morning – and thank you all for being here.
It is an honor to join so many friends and colleagues for today’s observance – as we mark the twelfth anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever carried out against the United States; remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people whose lives were lost; and pay tribute to the 72 brave law enforcement officers who were called, on that beautiful autumn morning, to make the ultimate sacrifice.
The events of September 11th, 2001, transformed our entire nation – and touched each of our lives. I know many of you experienced the human cost of these attacks in a deeply personal, and painful, way.
Especially this morning – here at the Department of Justice – as we lift up the memories of those who were taken from us so suddenly, we must also renew our shared commitment to the uniquely American values that have always defined this great nation – and must guide this Department’s work every single day.
This is the only fitting legacy we can build for the innocent victims of that terrible morning – the public servants and military personnel who lost their lives at the Pentagon; the workers who were struck down in their offices at the World Trade Center; the heroic passengers who brought down a hijacked airliner in a field in Pennsylvania; and so many first responders and ordinary citizens who ran toward burning buildings – and saved countless lives – as so many others were racing away.
We pay tribute to each of them, and to many others who have given their lives in the service of their country since 9/11 – from the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have fought on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan; to patriots like Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith, and Ambassador Chris Stevens, who were taken from us just one year ago, in Libya.
Their valor reminds us of the quiet power of compassion. And their inspiring stories, and selfless actions, reaffirm the fact that this annual observance has always been about much more than the pain that was inflicted – and the buildings that were destroyed – twelve years ago today.
It’s about the extraordinary life that binds us together. It’s about the work that remains before us as we strive to make this nation not only safer – but stronger and more just – in the face of evolving global threats.
Most importantly, it’s about the commitment of Americans across the country who gather every year on this day – driven by both remembrance and resolve. Determined to honor the memories of those taken from us. And inspired by the heroism, the patriotism, and the bravery that shone through the smoke and wreckage of September 11th.
It was at 8:46 AM that morning that the first airliner crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. In remembrance of all who were lost in that moment, and in the hours that followed, I ask you to join me in a moment of silence.
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Department of Justice Ceremony Commemorating the Twelfth Anniversary of September 11, 2001
~ Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Good morning – and thank you all for being here.
It is an honor to join so many friends and colleagues for today’s observance – as we mark the twelfth anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever carried out against the United States; remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people whose lives were lost; and pay tribute to the 72 brave law enforcement officers who were called, on that beautiful autumn morning, to make the ultimate sacrifice.
The events of September 11th, 2001, transformed our entire nation – and touched each of our lives. I know many of you experienced the human cost of these attacks in a deeply personal, and painful, way.
Especially this morning – here at the Department of Justice – as we lift up the memories of those who were taken from us so suddenly, we must also renew our shared commitment to the uniquely American values that have always defined this great nation – and must guide this Department’s work every single day.
This is the only fitting legacy we can build for the innocent victims of that terrible morning – the public servants and military personnel who lost their lives at the Pentagon; the workers who were struck down in their offices at the World Trade Center; the heroic passengers who brought down a hijacked airliner in a field in Pennsylvania; and so many first responders and ordinary citizens who ran toward burning buildings – and saved countless lives – as so many others were racing away.
We pay tribute to each of them, and to many others who have given their lives in the service of their country since 9/11 – from the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have fought on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan; to patriots like Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith, and Ambassador Chris Stevens, who were taken from us just one year ago, in Libya.
Their valor reminds us of the quiet power of compassion. And their inspiring stories, and selfless actions, reaffirm the fact that this annual observance has always been about much more than the pain that was inflicted – and the buildings that were destroyed – twelve years ago today.
It’s about the extraordinary life that binds us together. It’s about the work that remains before us as we strive to make this nation not only safer – but stronger and more just – in the face of evolving global threats.
Most importantly, it’s about the commitment of Americans across the country who gather every year on this day – driven by both remembrance and resolve. Determined to honor the memories of those taken from us. And inspired by the heroism, the patriotism, and the bravery that shone through the smoke and wreckage of September 11th.
It was at 8:46 AM that morning that the first airliner crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. In remembrance of all who were lost in that moment, and in the hours that followed, I ask you to join me in a moment of silence.
USDA WORKS TO REDUCE SUGAR SURPLUS, MAINTAIN PRICES
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
USDA Announces Third Exchange Actions to Address the Domestic Sugar Surplus
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is offering to exchange its recently acquired sugar inventory for credits held by refiners holding licenses under the Refined Sugar Re-export Program. This exchange offer will be administered in a similar manner as the exchange portion of the sugar actions announced by news release on June 17, 2013, and July 23, 2013.
USDA is taking this action based upon the success of the earlier actions that removed 345,712 metric tons of import supply in exchange for 106,742 metric tons of CCC inventory. The earlier actions have resulted in U.S. raw sugar prices approaching Congressionally-mandated sugar price support levels. The purchase of credits held by refiners holding licenses under the Refined Sugar Re-export Program is preferable at this time to other available inventory management options because it minimizes the cost of the sugar program. This exchange will reduce the sugar surplus by more than the CCC sugar exchanged, which will reduce the incidence of future CCC sugar loan collateral forfeitures.
USDA Announces Third Exchange Actions to Address the Domestic Sugar Surplus
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is offering to exchange its recently acquired sugar inventory for credits held by refiners holding licenses under the Refined Sugar Re-export Program. This exchange offer will be administered in a similar manner as the exchange portion of the sugar actions announced by news release on June 17, 2013, and July 23, 2013.
USDA is taking this action based upon the success of the earlier actions that removed 345,712 metric tons of import supply in exchange for 106,742 metric tons of CCC inventory. The earlier actions have resulted in U.S. raw sugar prices approaching Congressionally-mandated sugar price support levels. The purchase of credits held by refiners holding licenses under the Refined Sugar Re-export Program is preferable at this time to other available inventory management options because it minimizes the cost of the sugar program. This exchange will reduce the sugar surplus by more than the CCC sugar exchanged, which will reduce the incidence of future CCC sugar loan collateral forfeitures.
DEPUTY DEFENSE SECRETARY CARTER ARRIVES IN AFGHANISTAN TO ASSESS U.S. DRAWDOWN
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Carter Arrives in Afghanistan to Review Retrograde Progress
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2013 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived at the International Security Forces Joint Command Headquarters here today for meetings with senior U.S., NATO and Afghan officials to review the progress of the drawdown.
The Afghanistan retrograde is on schedule to meet the December 2014 deadline, a senior defense official said Sept. 10 during a background briefing for Pentagon reporters. The official added that Carter would use the trip as an opportunity to get a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the retrograde process.
About 24,000 vehicles and 20,000 container equivalent sets are still to be shipped back to the United States, the official said, noting that the movement of material is expected to pick up again following a slowdown for the Muslim observances of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Today, Carter will meet with Army Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command; U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James Cunningham; Army Maj. Gen. James Richardson, commander of the U.S. National Support Element Command; and Dutch Ambassador Maurits Jochems, NATO's senior civilian representative.
The deputy secretary also will hold a meeting with senior leaders from Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan and NATO Training Mission Afghanistan.
The discussions are intended as an affirmation that things are moving and to ensure that the retrograde process continues to work smoothly, the defense official said.
Carter Arrives in Afghanistan to Review Retrograde Progress
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2013 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived at the International Security Forces Joint Command Headquarters here today for meetings with senior U.S., NATO and Afghan officials to review the progress of the drawdown.
The Afghanistan retrograde is on schedule to meet the December 2014 deadline, a senior defense official said Sept. 10 during a background briefing for Pentagon reporters. The official added that Carter would use the trip as an opportunity to get a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the retrograde process.
About 24,000 vehicles and 20,000 container equivalent sets are still to be shipped back to the United States, the official said, noting that the movement of material is expected to pick up again following a slowdown for the Muslim observances of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Today, Carter will meet with Army Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command; U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James Cunningham; Army Maj. Gen. James Richardson, commander of the U.S. National Support Element Command; and Dutch Ambassador Maurits Jochems, NATO's senior civilian representative.
The deputy secretary also will hold a meeting with senior leaders from Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan and NATO Training Mission Afghanistan.
The discussions are intended as an affirmation that things are moving and to ensure that the retrograde process continues to work smoothly, the defense official said.
JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING SYRIAN TALKS FROM GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Joint Statements After Trilat
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi
UN Offices
Geneva, Switzerland
September 13, 2013
SECRETARY KERRY: Let me just say to everybody that we will not – we will each make a very brief statement. We’ll not be taking questions at this time. And we apologize for that, but we need to get back to the conversations that we’re having on the issue of chemical weapons.
First of all, Foreign Minister Lavrov and I both want to thank Lakhdar Brahimi and the United Nations for their invitation to have a discussion today about the question of the Geneva 2 conference. As everybody knows, the principal reason that Foreign Minister Lavrov and I are here are to have discussions with respect to the initiative to gain control of and remove and destroy the chemical weapons in Syria. That is our principal mission here in Geneva. And I think we would both agree that we had constructive conversations regarding that, but those conversations are continuing and both of us want to get back to them now.
We came here this morning at the invitation of the Special Representative for the Geneva 2 and Syria negotiations in order to discuss where those negotiations are and how we can advance them. I will say on behalf of the United States that President Obama is deeply committed to a negotiated solution with respect to Syria, and we know that Russia is likewise. We are working hard to find the common ground to be able to make that happen and we discussed some of the homework that we both need to do. I’m not going to go into it in any detail today. We both agreed to do that homework and meet again in New York around the time of the UN General Assembly, around the 28th, in order to see if it is possible then to find a date for that conference, much of which will obviously depend on the capacity to have success here in the next day, hours, days, on the subject of the chemical weapons.
Both of us – Sergey Lavrov and I, our countries, our presidents – are deeply concerned about the death toll and destruction, the acts on both sides, all sides that are creating more and more refugees, more and more of the humanitarian catastrophe. And we are committed to try to work together, beginning with this initiative on the chemical weapons, in hopes that those efforts could pay off and bring peace and stability to a war-torn part of the world. And we’re very appreciative for Lakhdar Brahimi hosting us today in an effort to try to advance this initiative.
Sergey.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, we had a very useful meeting with Lakhdar Brahimi. As you know, as John said just now, we are here basically to discuss the issue of chemical weapons in Syria. Now that the Assad government joined the Chemical Weapons Convention, we have to engage our professionals together with the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Organization, as we agreed with the United Nations, to design a road which would make sure that this issue is resolved quickly, professionally, as soon as practical.
But we are very glad to Lakhdar Brahimi for inviting us on this occasion to discuss a longer-term goal for Syria, namely the preparation for the conference which is called Geneva 2. Russia, the Russian President from very beginning of the Syrian conflict, have been promoting a peaceful resolution. We have firmly supported the Arab League initiative, their being observers, and we supported Kofi Annan’s initiative, the UN observers, and we were one of the initiators of convening Geneva 1. Last year here, we adopted the Geneva communique, resolved major – almost all major players, including all P-5 countries for the region, Arab League, Turkey, European Union, United Nations. And it is very unfortunate that for a long period the Geneva communique was basically abandoned and we were not able to have endorsement of this very important document in the Security Council, as is as adopted.
Thanks to John, who after becoming Secretary of State in spite of his huge workload on Arab-Israeli conflict understood the importance of moving on Syria and doing something about this. And I am very grateful for him for coming to Moscow on May 7th this year when we launched the Russian-American initiative to convene a Geneva conference to implement fully the Geneva communique, which means that the Syrian parties must reach mutual consent on the transitional governing organ which would command full executive authority. And the communique also says that all groups of Syrian society must be represented.
And we discussed these aspects and other aspects of the preparatory work today with Lakhdar Brahimi and his team. We are very grateful to Lakhdar for his insight, for the suggestions which he made and which we will be entertaining as we move forward parallel with the work on chemical weapons. We agreed to meet in New York in the margins of the General Assembly and see where we are and what the Syrian parties think about it and do about it. And we hope that we will be able to be a bit more specific when we meet with you in New York.
SPECIAL ENVOY BRAHIMI: Thank you very much indeed, both of you, first of all, for coming to talk to us in the Palais de Nation in Geneva. We look forward to the work you are doing on chemical weapons in Syria. It is extremely important in itself and for itself, but it is also extremely important for us who are working with you on trying to bring together the Geneva 2 conference successfully.
Our discussions today, as you have both said now, have been useful. And we are not going to retain you much longer; you have other business to do. Thank you again very, very much indeed for being here.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thanks, Lakhdar.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: Thank you.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, sir.
SPECIAL ENVOY BRAHIMI: Thank you very much.
Joint Statements After Trilat
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi
UN Offices
Geneva, Switzerland
September 13, 2013
SECRETARY KERRY: Let me just say to everybody that we will not – we will each make a very brief statement. We’ll not be taking questions at this time. And we apologize for that, but we need to get back to the conversations that we’re having on the issue of chemical weapons.
First of all, Foreign Minister Lavrov and I both want to thank Lakhdar Brahimi and the United Nations for their invitation to have a discussion today about the question of the Geneva 2 conference. As everybody knows, the principal reason that Foreign Minister Lavrov and I are here are to have discussions with respect to the initiative to gain control of and remove and destroy the chemical weapons in Syria. That is our principal mission here in Geneva. And I think we would both agree that we had constructive conversations regarding that, but those conversations are continuing and both of us want to get back to them now.
We came here this morning at the invitation of the Special Representative for the Geneva 2 and Syria negotiations in order to discuss where those negotiations are and how we can advance them. I will say on behalf of the United States that President Obama is deeply committed to a negotiated solution with respect to Syria, and we know that Russia is likewise. We are working hard to find the common ground to be able to make that happen and we discussed some of the homework that we both need to do. I’m not going to go into it in any detail today. We both agreed to do that homework and meet again in New York around the time of the UN General Assembly, around the 28th, in order to see if it is possible then to find a date for that conference, much of which will obviously depend on the capacity to have success here in the next day, hours, days, on the subject of the chemical weapons.
Both of us – Sergey Lavrov and I, our countries, our presidents – are deeply concerned about the death toll and destruction, the acts on both sides, all sides that are creating more and more refugees, more and more of the humanitarian catastrophe. And we are committed to try to work together, beginning with this initiative on the chemical weapons, in hopes that those efforts could pay off and bring peace and stability to a war-torn part of the world. And we’re very appreciative for Lakhdar Brahimi hosting us today in an effort to try to advance this initiative.
Sergey.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, we had a very useful meeting with Lakhdar Brahimi. As you know, as John said just now, we are here basically to discuss the issue of chemical weapons in Syria. Now that the Assad government joined the Chemical Weapons Convention, we have to engage our professionals together with the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Organization, as we agreed with the United Nations, to design a road which would make sure that this issue is resolved quickly, professionally, as soon as practical.
But we are very glad to Lakhdar Brahimi for inviting us on this occasion to discuss a longer-term goal for Syria, namely the preparation for the conference which is called Geneva 2. Russia, the Russian President from very beginning of the Syrian conflict, have been promoting a peaceful resolution. We have firmly supported the Arab League initiative, their being observers, and we supported Kofi Annan’s initiative, the UN observers, and we were one of the initiators of convening Geneva 1. Last year here, we adopted the Geneva communique, resolved major – almost all major players, including all P-5 countries for the region, Arab League, Turkey, European Union, United Nations. And it is very unfortunate that for a long period the Geneva communique was basically abandoned and we were not able to have endorsement of this very important document in the Security Council, as is as adopted.
Thanks to John, who after becoming Secretary of State in spite of his huge workload on Arab-Israeli conflict understood the importance of moving on Syria and doing something about this. And I am very grateful for him for coming to Moscow on May 7th this year when we launched the Russian-American initiative to convene a Geneva conference to implement fully the Geneva communique, which means that the Syrian parties must reach mutual consent on the transitional governing organ which would command full executive authority. And the communique also says that all groups of Syrian society must be represented.
And we discussed these aspects and other aspects of the preparatory work today with Lakhdar Brahimi and his team. We are very grateful to Lakhdar for his insight, for the suggestions which he made and which we will be entertaining as we move forward parallel with the work on chemical weapons. We agreed to meet in New York in the margins of the General Assembly and see where we are and what the Syrian parties think about it and do about it. And we hope that we will be able to be a bit more specific when we meet with you in New York.
SPECIAL ENVOY BRAHIMI: Thank you very much indeed, both of you, first of all, for coming to talk to us in the Palais de Nation in Geneva. We look forward to the work you are doing on chemical weapons in Syria. It is extremely important in itself and for itself, but it is also extremely important for us who are working with you on trying to bring together the Geneva 2 conference successfully.
Our discussions today, as you have both said now, have been useful. And we are not going to retain you much longer; you have other business to do. Thank you again very, very much indeed for being here.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thanks, Lakhdar.
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: Thank you.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, sir.
SPECIAL ENVOY BRAHIMI: Thank you very much.
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