FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Syrian Conflict Will Take Years to Sort Out, Dempsey Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 1, 2013 - The conflict in Syria will take years to sort out, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today during an interview here.
The Syrian civil war has reverberated around the Middle East and involves a diverse cast of players and power blocs, said Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. The chairman is here to meet with South Korean defense leaders.
"It's very complex, it's changing and most importantly we have to see it as a long-term issue," he said during the interview. "The issues that underlie this conflict will not be solved any time soon. I think we're looking at a decade of challenges in the region with Syria being the epicenter."
The war in the Middle Eastern nation has gotten to the point where it has spilled over the borders. "It is not useful to look at Syria as Syria meaning it's not useful to look through the soda straw at the boundaries of Syria and believe you understand the situation," he said.
The conflict stretches from Beirut to Damascus to Baghdad, he said, and it has historic roots. At the beginning, he said, the war had religious undertones, but he believes the more appropriate term should now be religious overtones. "A conflict that started as a rebellion has been hijacked by extremists on both sides al-Qaida affiliates on one side and Lebanese Hezbollah on the other," the chairman said. "The question seems to be what should we be doing to help our regional partners. And we are."
The United States is taking a whole-of-government approach to the region, he said. From the military side, the United States is looking to see how to assist the Lebanese armed forces. U.S. service members are working with the Jordanian military and the United States is working with Turkey a close NATO ally.
"Through the whole-of-government [approach,] we're trying to apply economic factors assistance of other kinds to help identify a moderate opposition so as this thing develops we can have some influence in a positive way on the outcome," he said.
Dempsey has been in touch with concerned chiefs of defense throughout the Middle East and Europe. "We've got incredible experience with building partners, and building military and police formations," he said. "And so we've been in discussion about whether if we could find a way to collaborate on ... the issue of whether we could develop a moderate opposition, in particular to stabilize some of the humanitarian issues in northern Jordan and southern Turkey."
These discussions have not risen to the level of a plan, he said, more as a concept. "And I think it's a valid concept to be thinking about in particular if [Syrian President Bashir] Assad after the chemical issue is reconciled if he fails to come to Geneva 2 with an intent to seek a political settlement," Dempsey said. "Then I think like-minded nations might have the opportunity to contribute in different ways if we're asked to."
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
FDA APPROVES BRINTELLIX TO TREAT ADULT MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
FROM: U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Brintellix (vortioxetine) to treat adults with major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a mental disorder characterized by mood changes and other symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Episodes of depression often recur throughout a person's lifetime, although some may experience a single occurrence.
Other signs and symptoms of MDD include loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight or appetite, insomnia or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia), restlessness/pacing (psychomotor agitation), increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide. Not all people with MDD experience the same symptoms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Brintellix (vortioxetine) to treat adults with major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a mental disorder characterized by mood changes and other symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Episodes of depression often recur throughout a person's lifetime, although some may experience a single occurrence.
Other signs and symptoms of MDD include loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight or appetite, insomnia or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia), restlessness/pacing (psychomotor agitation), increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide. Not all people with MDD experience the same symptoms.
E-MAIL SENT FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER REGARDING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Message from the Attorney General and the President to Employees
~ Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The following message from the Attorney General was emailed to Justice Department employees on October 1, 2013.
Dear Colleagues,
As we enter this unnecessary and harmful government shutdown, I have been asked to pass on the attached message to all federal employees from President Obama.
I also want to reiterate that I am grateful for your dedicated service and I am mindful of how difficult this shutdown is on you, the Department's hard-working employees. While I hope that Congress will act to resolve this situation quickly, I will make every effort to keep you informed over the coming days.
As always, I am proud of the work that we do together to keep our nation and the American people safe each day.
Sincerely,
Eric H. Holder, Jr.
Attorney General
Message from the Attorney General and the President to Employees
~ Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The following message from the Attorney General was emailed to Justice Department employees on October 1, 2013.
Dear Colleagues,
As we enter this unnecessary and harmful government shutdown, I have been asked to pass on the attached message to all federal employees from President Obama.
I also want to reiterate that I am grateful for your dedicated service and I am mindful of how difficult this shutdown is on you, the Department's hard-working employees. While I hope that Congress will act to resolve this situation quickly, I will make every effort to keep you informed over the coming days.
As always, I am proud of the work that we do together to keep our nation and the American people safe each day.
Sincerely,
Eric H. Holder, Jr.
Attorney General
PRESIDENT OBAMA EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH CONGRESS
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Obama Lauds DOD Workforce, Encourages Budget Resolution
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2013 - President Barack Obama thanked the Defense Department workforce today in a video message and expressed his disappointment in Congress' failure to approve a budget, resulting in a government shutdown.
"As president, and as your commander-in-chief, I've worked to make sure you have the strategy, the resources and the support you need to complete the missions our nation asks of you," he said.
"And every time you've met your responsibilities and performed with extraordinary professionalism, skill and courage," Obama said.
Unfortunately, the president said, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility and failed to pass a budget.
"As a result, much of our government must now shut down until Congress funds it again," Obama said.
Obama noted Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other commanders would provide more information on how the shutdown will affect the DOD civilians and their families.
"Today, I want to speak directly to you about how what happens next," he said. "Those of you in uniform will remain in your normal duty status. The threats to our national security have not changed, and we need you to be ready for any contingency."
"Ongoing military operations, like our efforts in Afghanistan, will continue," Obama said. "If you're serving in harm's way, we're going to make sure you have what you need to succeed in your missions."
The president said Congress has passed, and he would sign into law, legislation ensuring those personnel receive their paychecks on time.
"We'll continue to work to address any impact this shut down has on you and your families," Obama said.
"To all our DOD civilians, I know the days ahead could mean more uncertainty, including possible
furloughs," he said. "And I know this comes on top of the furloughs that many of you already endured this summer."
Obama said DOD civilians and their families deserved "better than the dysfunction we're seeing in Congress."
"Your talents and dedication help keep our military the best in the world," he said. "That's why I'll keep working to get Congress to re-open our government and get you back to work as soon as possible."
Obama said the shutdown is occurring against the background of broader changes with the war in Iraq over and the war in Afghanistan slated to end next year.
"After more than a decade of unprecedented operations, we're moving off a war footing," he said. "Yes, our military will be leaner, and as a nation, we face difficult budget choices going forward."
"But here's what I want you to know. I'm going to keep fighting to get rid of those across-the-board budget cuts the sequester which are hurting our military and our economy."
We need a responsible approach, Obama said, that deals with our fiscal challenges and keeps our military and our economy strong.
"I'm going to make sure you stay the greatest military in the world bar none," he added. "That's what I'm fighting for. That's what you and your families deserve."
The president thanked the Defense Department for their commitment to protecting the nation.
"On behalf of the American people, thank you for your service which keeps us free," Obama said. "And thank you for your sacrifice which keeps our nation and our military the greatest force for freedom that the world has ever known."
CFTC CHARGES MISSOURI RESIDENT AND COMPANY WITH VIOLATING COMMODITY EXCHANGE ACT AND FOREX REGULATIONS
FROM: COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
CFTC Files Enforcement Action Charging Missouri Resident Daniel K. Steele and His Foreign Currency Firm with Violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and Forex Regulations
Court enters Order freezing Defendants’ assets and protecting books and records
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the filing of a civil Complaint against Defendants Daniel K. Steele of Rolla, Missouri, and his firm Champion Management International, LLC (Champion Management). The CFTC’s Complaint charges Steele with, among other things, engaging in an act or practice which operated as a fraud or deceit under Section 4o(1)(B) of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) for failing to disclose material information, including that defendants were acting as unregistered Commodity Pool Operators (CPO) for at least two commodity pools engaging in off-exchange retail foreign currency transactions (forex). The Complaint also charges Steele with failing to disclose that the counterparty to the retail forex transactions that were offered or entered into with the respective pools was not registered as a Retail Foreign Exchange Dealer (RFED). The Complaint charges Champion Management with acting as an unregistered CPO in connection with a third forex pool. The Complaint further alleges that neither Defendant has ever been registered with the CFTC in any capacity.
The complaint, filed on September 25, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri Eastern Division, alleges that from at least February 28, 2011 through the present (relevant period), Steele individually and acting as an agent of Champion Management, solicited at least $1.7 million from at least 24 pool participants to participate in three forex pools. The Complaint further alleges that Steele, during the relevant period, failed to disclose material information to pool participants, which operated as a fraud in that neither he nor Champion Management were properly registered with the CFTC and that he misappropriated a portion of pool participants’ funds.
On September 25, 2013, the same day the complaint was filed, Judge Rodney W. Sippel, of the U.S. District Court for the for the Eastern District of Missouri, entered under seal an emergency order freezing the defendants’ assets and prohibiting the destruction or alteration of books and records. The judge set a hearing date on the CFTC’s motion for a preliminary injunction for October 7, 2013.
In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks a return of ill-gotten gains, restitution, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans, and permanent injunctions against further violations of the federal commodities laws.
The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the Missouri Secretary of State, Securities Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are: Eugene Smith, Melanie Devoe, George Malas, Kyong J. Koh, Peter M. Haas, and Paul G. Hayeck.
CFTC Files Enforcement Action Charging Missouri Resident Daniel K. Steele and His Foreign Currency Firm with Violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and Forex Regulations
Court enters Order freezing Defendants’ assets and protecting books and records
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the filing of a civil Complaint against Defendants Daniel K. Steele of Rolla, Missouri, and his firm Champion Management International, LLC (Champion Management). The CFTC’s Complaint charges Steele with, among other things, engaging in an act or practice which operated as a fraud or deceit under Section 4o(1)(B) of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) for failing to disclose material information, including that defendants were acting as unregistered Commodity Pool Operators (CPO) for at least two commodity pools engaging in off-exchange retail foreign currency transactions (forex). The Complaint also charges Steele with failing to disclose that the counterparty to the retail forex transactions that were offered or entered into with the respective pools was not registered as a Retail Foreign Exchange Dealer (RFED). The Complaint charges Champion Management with acting as an unregistered CPO in connection with a third forex pool. The Complaint further alleges that neither Defendant has ever been registered with the CFTC in any capacity.
The complaint, filed on September 25, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri Eastern Division, alleges that from at least February 28, 2011 through the present (relevant period), Steele individually and acting as an agent of Champion Management, solicited at least $1.7 million from at least 24 pool participants to participate in three forex pools. The Complaint further alleges that Steele, during the relevant period, failed to disclose material information to pool participants, which operated as a fraud in that neither he nor Champion Management were properly registered with the CFTC and that he misappropriated a portion of pool participants’ funds.
On September 25, 2013, the same day the complaint was filed, Judge Rodney W. Sippel, of the U.S. District Court for the for the Eastern District of Missouri, entered under seal an emergency order freezing the defendants’ assets and prohibiting the destruction or alteration of books and records. The judge set a hearing date on the CFTC’s motion for a preliminary injunction for October 7, 2013.
In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks a return of ill-gotten gains, restitution, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans, and permanent injunctions against further violations of the federal commodities laws.
The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the Missouri Secretary of State, Securities Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are: Eugene Smith, Melanie Devoe, George Malas, Kyong J. Koh, Peter M. Haas, and Paul G. Hayeck.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STATEMENT MONDAY ON THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENT OBAMA
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
5:00 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Of all the responsibilities the Constitution endows to Congress, two should be fairly simple: pass a budget, and pay America’s bills.
But if the United States Congress does not fulfill its responsibility to pass a budget today, much of the United States government will be forced to shut down tomorrow. And I want to be very clear about what that shutdown would mean -- what will remain open and what will not.
With regard to operations that will continue: If you’re on Social Security, you will keep receiving your checks. If you’re on Medicare, your doctor will still see you. Everyone’s mail will still be delivered. And government operations related to national security or public safety will go on. Our troops will continue to serve with skill, honor, and courage. Air traffic controllers, prison guards, those who are with border control -- our Border Patrol will remain on their posts, but their paychecks will be delayed until the government reopens. NASA will shut down almost entirely, but Mission Control will remain open to support the astronauts serving on the Space Station.
I also want to be very clear about what would change. Office buildings would close. Paychecks would be delayed. Vital services that seniors and veterans, women and children, businesses and our economy depend on would be hamstrung. Business owners would see delays in raising capital, seeking infrastructure permits, or rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. Veterans who’ve sacrificed for their country will find their support centers unstaffed. Tourists will find every one of America’s national parks and monuments, from Yosemite to the Smithsonian to the Statue of Liberty, immediately closed. And of course, the communities and small businesses that rely on these national treasures for their livelihoods will be out of customers and out of luck.
And in keeping with the broad ramifications of a shutdown, I think it’s important that everybody understand the federal government is America’s largest employer. More than 2 million civilian workers and 1.4 million active-duty military serve in all 50 states and all around the world. In the event of a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of these dedicated public servants who stay on the job will do so without pay -- and several hundred thousand more will be immediately and indefinitely furloughed without pay.
What, of course, will not be furloughed are the bills that they have to pay -- their mortgages, their tuition payments, their car notes. These Americans are our neighbors. Their kids go to our schools. They worship where we do. They serve their country with pride. They are the customers of every business in this country. And they would be hurt greatly, and as a consequence, all of us will be hurt greatly, should Congress choose to shut the people’s government down.
So a shutdown will have a very real economic impact on real people, right away. Past shutdowns have disrupted the economy significantly. This one would, too. It would throw a wrench into the gears of our economy at a time when those gears have gained some traction.
Five years ago right now, our economy was in meltdown. Today, our businesses have created 7.5 million new jobs over the past three and a half years. The housing market is healing and our deficits are falling fast. The idea of putting the American people’s hard-earned progress at risk is the height of irresponsibility.
And it doesn’t have to happen. Let me repeat this: It does not have to happen. All of this is entirely preventable if the House chooses to do what the Senate has already done -- and that’s the simple act of funding our government without making extraneous and controversial demands in the process, the same way other Congresses have for more than 200 years.
Unfortunately, right now House Republicans continue to tie funding of the government to ideological demands like limiting a woman’s access to contraception, or delaying the Affordable Care Act, all to save face after making some impossible promises to the extreme right wing of their party.
So let me be clear about this. An important part of the Affordable Care Act takes effect tomorrow no matter what Congress decides to do today. The Affordable Care Act is moving forward. That funding is already in place. You can’t shut it down. This is a law that passed both houses of Congress; a law that bears my signature; a law that the Supreme Court upheld as constitutional; a law that voters chose not to repeal last November; a law that is already providing benefits to millions of Americans in the form of young people staying on their parents’ plan until they’re 26, seniors getting cheaper prescription drugs, making sure that insurance companies aren't imposing lifetime limits when you already have health insurance, providing rebates for consumers when insurance companies are spending too much money on overhead instead of health care. Those things are already happening.
Starting tomorrow, tens of millions of Americans will be able to visit HealthCare.gov to shop for affordable health care coverage. So Americans who’ve lived for years in some cases with the fear that one illness could send them into bankruptcy, Americans who’ve been priced out of the market just because they’ve been sick once, they’ll finally be able to afford coverage -- quality coverage -- many of them for the first time in their lives.
Some of them may be sick as we speak. And this is their best opportunity to get some security and some relief. Tens of thousands of Americans die every single year because they don’t have access to affordable health care. Despite this, Republicans have said that if we lock these Americans out of affordable health care for one more year -- if we sacrifice the health care of millions of Americans -- then they’ll fund the government for a couple more months. Does anybody truly believe that we won’t have this fight again in a couple more months? Even at Christmas?
So here’s the bottom line: I’m always willing to work with anyone of either party to make sure the Affordable Care Act works better, to make sure our government works better. I’m always willing to work with anyone to grow our economy faster, or to create new jobs faster, to get our fiscal house in order for the long run. I’ve demonstrated this time and time again, oftentimes to the consternation of my own party.
But one faction of one party, in one house of Congress, in one branch of government doesn’t get to shut down the entire government just to refight the results of an election.
Keeping the people’s government open is not a concession to me. Keeping vital services running and hundreds of thousands of Americans on the job is not something you “give” to the other side. It’s our basic responsibility. It’s something that we’re doing for our military, and our businesses, and our economy, and all the hardworking people out there -- the person working for the Agricultural Department out in some rural community who’s out there helping some farmers make sure that they’re making some modest profit for all the hard work they’re putting in. They’re the person working for HUD who’s helping somebody buy a house for the first time. They’re somebody in a VA office who’s counseling one of our vets who’s got PTSD.
That’s who we’re here to serve. That’s why we’re supposed to be carrying out these responsibilities. It’s why we should be avoiding these kinds of constant brinksmanship. It’s something that we do in the ordinary process of this extraordinary system of government that we have. You don’t get to extract a ransom for doing your job; for doing what you’re supposed to be doing anyway; or just because there’s a law there that you don’t like.
The American people sent us here to govern. They sent us here to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to make their lives a little bit better -- to create new jobs, to restore economic security, to rebuild the prospects of upward mobility. That’s what they expect.
And they understand that there are differences between the parties and we’re going to be having some tough fights around those differences. And I respect the fact that the other party is not supposed to agree with me 100 percent of the time, just like I don’t agree with them. But they do also expect that we don’t bring the entire government to a halt or the entire economy to a halt just because of those differences.
That’s what they deserve. They’ve worked too hard, for too long to recover from previous crises just to have folks here in Washington manufacture yet another one that they have to dig themselves out of.
So Congress needs to keep our government open, needs to pay our bills on time, and never, ever threaten the full faith and credit of the United States of America.
And time is running out. My hope and expectation is that in the eleventh hour, once again, that Congress will choose to do the right thing and that the House of Representatives, in particular, will choose the right thing.
Thank you very much.
END 5:12 P.M. EDT
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
5:00 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Of all the responsibilities the Constitution endows to Congress, two should be fairly simple: pass a budget, and pay America’s bills.
But if the United States Congress does not fulfill its responsibility to pass a budget today, much of the United States government will be forced to shut down tomorrow. And I want to be very clear about what that shutdown would mean -- what will remain open and what will not.
With regard to operations that will continue: If you’re on Social Security, you will keep receiving your checks. If you’re on Medicare, your doctor will still see you. Everyone’s mail will still be delivered. And government operations related to national security or public safety will go on. Our troops will continue to serve with skill, honor, and courage. Air traffic controllers, prison guards, those who are with border control -- our Border Patrol will remain on their posts, but their paychecks will be delayed until the government reopens. NASA will shut down almost entirely, but Mission Control will remain open to support the astronauts serving on the Space Station.
I also want to be very clear about what would change. Office buildings would close. Paychecks would be delayed. Vital services that seniors and veterans, women and children, businesses and our economy depend on would be hamstrung. Business owners would see delays in raising capital, seeking infrastructure permits, or rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. Veterans who’ve sacrificed for their country will find their support centers unstaffed. Tourists will find every one of America’s national parks and monuments, from Yosemite to the Smithsonian to the Statue of Liberty, immediately closed. And of course, the communities and small businesses that rely on these national treasures for their livelihoods will be out of customers and out of luck.
And in keeping with the broad ramifications of a shutdown, I think it’s important that everybody understand the federal government is America’s largest employer. More than 2 million civilian workers and 1.4 million active-duty military serve in all 50 states and all around the world. In the event of a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of these dedicated public servants who stay on the job will do so without pay -- and several hundred thousand more will be immediately and indefinitely furloughed without pay.
What, of course, will not be furloughed are the bills that they have to pay -- their mortgages, their tuition payments, their car notes. These Americans are our neighbors. Their kids go to our schools. They worship where we do. They serve their country with pride. They are the customers of every business in this country. And they would be hurt greatly, and as a consequence, all of us will be hurt greatly, should Congress choose to shut the people’s government down.
So a shutdown will have a very real economic impact on real people, right away. Past shutdowns have disrupted the economy significantly. This one would, too. It would throw a wrench into the gears of our economy at a time when those gears have gained some traction.
Five years ago right now, our economy was in meltdown. Today, our businesses have created 7.5 million new jobs over the past three and a half years. The housing market is healing and our deficits are falling fast. The idea of putting the American people’s hard-earned progress at risk is the height of irresponsibility.
And it doesn’t have to happen. Let me repeat this: It does not have to happen. All of this is entirely preventable if the House chooses to do what the Senate has already done -- and that’s the simple act of funding our government without making extraneous and controversial demands in the process, the same way other Congresses have for more than 200 years.
Unfortunately, right now House Republicans continue to tie funding of the government to ideological demands like limiting a woman’s access to contraception, or delaying the Affordable Care Act, all to save face after making some impossible promises to the extreme right wing of their party.
So let me be clear about this. An important part of the Affordable Care Act takes effect tomorrow no matter what Congress decides to do today. The Affordable Care Act is moving forward. That funding is already in place. You can’t shut it down. This is a law that passed both houses of Congress; a law that bears my signature; a law that the Supreme Court upheld as constitutional; a law that voters chose not to repeal last November; a law that is already providing benefits to millions of Americans in the form of young people staying on their parents’ plan until they’re 26, seniors getting cheaper prescription drugs, making sure that insurance companies aren't imposing lifetime limits when you already have health insurance, providing rebates for consumers when insurance companies are spending too much money on overhead instead of health care. Those things are already happening.
Starting tomorrow, tens of millions of Americans will be able to visit HealthCare.gov to shop for affordable health care coverage. So Americans who’ve lived for years in some cases with the fear that one illness could send them into bankruptcy, Americans who’ve been priced out of the market just because they’ve been sick once, they’ll finally be able to afford coverage -- quality coverage -- many of them for the first time in their lives.
Some of them may be sick as we speak. And this is their best opportunity to get some security and some relief. Tens of thousands of Americans die every single year because they don’t have access to affordable health care. Despite this, Republicans have said that if we lock these Americans out of affordable health care for one more year -- if we sacrifice the health care of millions of Americans -- then they’ll fund the government for a couple more months. Does anybody truly believe that we won’t have this fight again in a couple more months? Even at Christmas?
So here’s the bottom line: I’m always willing to work with anyone of either party to make sure the Affordable Care Act works better, to make sure our government works better. I’m always willing to work with anyone to grow our economy faster, or to create new jobs faster, to get our fiscal house in order for the long run. I’ve demonstrated this time and time again, oftentimes to the consternation of my own party.
But one faction of one party, in one house of Congress, in one branch of government doesn’t get to shut down the entire government just to refight the results of an election.
Keeping the people’s government open is not a concession to me. Keeping vital services running and hundreds of thousands of Americans on the job is not something you “give” to the other side. It’s our basic responsibility. It’s something that we’re doing for our military, and our businesses, and our economy, and all the hardworking people out there -- the person working for the Agricultural Department out in some rural community who’s out there helping some farmers make sure that they’re making some modest profit for all the hard work they’re putting in. They’re the person working for HUD who’s helping somebody buy a house for the first time. They’re somebody in a VA office who’s counseling one of our vets who’s got PTSD.
That’s who we’re here to serve. That’s why we’re supposed to be carrying out these responsibilities. It’s why we should be avoiding these kinds of constant brinksmanship. It’s something that we do in the ordinary process of this extraordinary system of government that we have. You don’t get to extract a ransom for doing your job; for doing what you’re supposed to be doing anyway; or just because there’s a law there that you don’t like.
The American people sent us here to govern. They sent us here to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to make their lives a little bit better -- to create new jobs, to restore economic security, to rebuild the prospects of upward mobility. That’s what they expect.
And they understand that there are differences between the parties and we’re going to be having some tough fights around those differences. And I respect the fact that the other party is not supposed to agree with me 100 percent of the time, just like I don’t agree with them. But they do also expect that we don’t bring the entire government to a halt or the entire economy to a halt just because of those differences.
That’s what they deserve. They’ve worked too hard, for too long to recover from previous crises just to have folks here in Washington manufacture yet another one that they have to dig themselves out of.
So Congress needs to keep our government open, needs to pay our bills on time, and never, ever threaten the full faith and credit of the United States of America.
And time is running out. My hope and expectation is that in the eleventh hour, once again, that Congress will choose to do the right thing and that the House of Representatives, in particular, will choose the right thing.
Thank you very much.
END 5:12 P.M. EDT
THIS YEARS FLU VACCINE EXPANDS PROTECTION
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
New Vaccine Protects Against Additional Flu Strain
TRICARE Management Activity
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 26, 2013 - Each year, flu season affects millions of people. Flu season usually begins in October, so now is a great time to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated.
The flu shot is easy to get and inexpensive – often free – for TRICARE beneficiaries, and this year the flu vaccine offers even more protection.
Until now, seasonal flu vaccines have only protected against three strains of flu - two strains of influenza A, which usually causes more cases and more severe illness, and one of influenza B, which is less common but also circulates in multiple forms.
The new vaccines include protection against a second strain of influenza B, which experts expect will prevent the vast majority of type B infections.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu virus can be more serious for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
TRICARE covers both the flu shot and flu mist. Beneficiaries may be able get their flu vaccine, at no cost, from a military treatment facility, hospital or from a pharmacist at one of the 45,000 network pharmacies that administer vaccines to TRICARE beneficiaries.
CDC officials also recommend steps to prevent the spread of germs, which can lead to the flu:
-- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
-- Stay at home when sick;
-- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
-- Wash hands often with soap and water; and
-- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
CDC officials also recommend getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
New Vaccine Protects Against Additional Flu Strain
TRICARE Management Activity
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 26, 2013 - Each year, flu season affects millions of people. Flu season usually begins in October, so now is a great time to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated.
The flu shot is easy to get and inexpensive – often free – for TRICARE beneficiaries, and this year the flu vaccine offers even more protection.
Until now, seasonal flu vaccines have only protected against three strains of flu - two strains of influenza A, which usually causes more cases and more severe illness, and one of influenza B, which is less common but also circulates in multiple forms.
The new vaccines include protection against a second strain of influenza B, which experts expect will prevent the vast majority of type B infections.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu virus can be more serious for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
TRICARE covers both the flu shot and flu mist. Beneficiaries may be able get their flu vaccine, at no cost, from a military treatment facility, hospital or from a pharmacist at one of the 45,000 network pharmacies that administer vaccines to TRICARE beneficiaries.
CDC officials also recommend steps to prevent the spread of germs, which can lead to the flu:
-- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
-- Stay at home when sick;
-- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
-- Wash hands often with soap and water; and
-- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
CDC officials also recommend getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AGEL MAKES REMARKS ON ROK-US ALLIANCE 60TH ANNIVERSARY
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
ROK-US Alliance 60th Anniversary Dinner
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Seoul, South Korea, Monday, September 30, 2013
Good evening. President Park, Minister Kim, General Paik, distinguished guests: I am honored to be here in the Republic of Korea for this historic celebration. I bring greetings, Madam President, from President Obama and the gratitude of the American people for your steadfast friendship.
This has been a year devoted to renewing our alliance of shared values and common purpose. In May, I had the privilege of welcoming President Park on her first visit to the United States. And in July, I was honored to join President Obama in hosting General Paik and many others at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, where we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary, the hwan gap, of the signing of our Mutual Defense Treaty. It is also Armed Forces Day, as Minister Kim noted, the day that South Korean forces punched back through the 38th parallel during the Korean War.
It is appropriate that these celebrations fall on the same day. The unwavering alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea has endured because it was forged through a history of shared sacrifice.
Those ties are embodied by General Paik Sun-Yup, in whose name we are presenting an award tonight, as well as its recipient, the late General Walton Walker, who led the defense of the Pusan Perimeter...Both generals were strong, decisive leaders during the war, and their courage has inspired and shaped our alliance.
In fact, General Paik was one of the first people to talk to President Eisenhower about the idea of a mutual defense treaty between our two nations – a treaty that became a linchpin of stability and prosperity throughout the region.
And that first word – mutual – is what makes it all work. It's what's so important.
For sixty years, U.S. and South Korean forces have stood together against aggression on 'freedom's frontier.' Earlier today, as Minister Kim noted, he and I visited with some of our troops stationed near the DMZ. It was a chilling reminder of the threat North Korea poses not only to this country, but to the region, and to the United States homeland as well. Yet we remain vigilant against any threat from the North. The Second Infantry Division is proud, ready, and prepared to 'fight tonight' if it has to.
But our celebration tonight is about more than what we have accomplished here on this peninsula – including this country's transformation into an economic and military power. We are also celebrating the reality that our alliance has grown into a global partnership that transcends national borders and regional boundaries.
When the United States Senate was debating whether to ratify our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Republic of Korea, the Senate Majority Leader, William Knowland, said he had "no doubt that if this nation ever became involved in a war anywhere in the world ... the Republic of Korea would be there."
In hindsight, these words could not have been more prescient.
In every major military engagement the United States has undertaken since then, we have lived by the motto "we go together."
We have gone together in Vietnam, where I served alongside South Korean soldiers. They were some of the toughest, bravest fighting men I have ever encountered. And they were some of the most dependable.
We have gone together in the Persian Gulf, where you deployed troops for medical and transportation support during Operation Desert Storm.
We have gone together in Somalia, in Lebanon, and Haiti, where South Korean troops helped with important humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
We have gone together in Iraq, where you deployed thousands of combat medics and engineers to help with reconstruction and humanitarian aid.
And we have gone together in Afghanistan, where you have sent not only troops, doctors, and engineers, but also a full [Provincial] Reconstruction Team. As we bring that mission to a responsible end next year, the U.S. military is proud to have served with our Korean allies once again.
For sixty years, the words katchi kapshida – we go together – have defined this alliance. But the threats in this increasingly complex and dangerous world demand that we continue to go together. And we will.
Even though our alliance has never been stronger than it is today, that does not mean we cannot grow and mature. While the root of our alliance will always be the defense of territory, building on that foundation will let us go together into the future as active strategic partners – both here on the Korean Peninsula, and around the world. As two prosperous nations, and highly capable militaries, there is much we can do to contribute to the security of this region, and the world, if we continue to go together.
I am told that the hwan gap is not only a celebration of longevity, but also a reaffirmation of hope for an even longer, more secure, and more prosperous life. Tonight and tomorrow, as we celebrate this special milestone, let us also rededicate our commitment to building a long, secure, and prosperous future together.
This alliance has changed a great deal over the past 60 years, and it will continue to change in the future. But there should be no doubt – no doubt – that it will always change for the better.
The United States and the Republic of Korea have stood together in the past, we stand together today, and we will stand together in the future.
Thank you.
ROK-US Alliance 60th Anniversary Dinner
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Seoul, South Korea, Monday, September 30, 2013
Good evening. President Park, Minister Kim, General Paik, distinguished guests: I am honored to be here in the Republic of Korea for this historic celebration. I bring greetings, Madam President, from President Obama and the gratitude of the American people for your steadfast friendship.
This has been a year devoted to renewing our alliance of shared values and common purpose. In May, I had the privilege of welcoming President Park on her first visit to the United States. And in July, I was honored to join President Obama in hosting General Paik and many others at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, where we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary, the hwan gap, of the signing of our Mutual Defense Treaty. It is also Armed Forces Day, as Minister Kim noted, the day that South Korean forces punched back through the 38th parallel during the Korean War.
It is appropriate that these celebrations fall on the same day. The unwavering alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea has endured because it was forged through a history of shared sacrifice.
Those ties are embodied by General Paik Sun-Yup, in whose name we are presenting an award tonight, as well as its recipient, the late General Walton Walker, who led the defense of the Pusan Perimeter...Both generals were strong, decisive leaders during the war, and their courage has inspired and shaped our alliance.
In fact, General Paik was one of the first people to talk to President Eisenhower about the idea of a mutual defense treaty between our two nations – a treaty that became a linchpin of stability and prosperity throughout the region.
And that first word – mutual – is what makes it all work. It's what's so important.
For sixty years, U.S. and South Korean forces have stood together against aggression on 'freedom's frontier.' Earlier today, as Minister Kim noted, he and I visited with some of our troops stationed near the DMZ. It was a chilling reminder of the threat North Korea poses not only to this country, but to the region, and to the United States homeland as well. Yet we remain vigilant against any threat from the North. The Second Infantry Division is proud, ready, and prepared to 'fight tonight' if it has to.
But our celebration tonight is about more than what we have accomplished here on this peninsula – including this country's transformation into an economic and military power. We are also celebrating the reality that our alliance has grown into a global partnership that transcends national borders and regional boundaries.
When the United States Senate was debating whether to ratify our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Republic of Korea, the Senate Majority Leader, William Knowland, said he had "no doubt that if this nation ever became involved in a war anywhere in the world ... the Republic of Korea would be there."
In hindsight, these words could not have been more prescient.
In every major military engagement the United States has undertaken since then, we have lived by the motto "we go together."
We have gone together in Vietnam, where I served alongside South Korean soldiers. They were some of the toughest, bravest fighting men I have ever encountered. And they were some of the most dependable.
We have gone together in the Persian Gulf, where you deployed troops for medical and transportation support during Operation Desert Storm.
We have gone together in Somalia, in Lebanon, and Haiti, where South Korean troops helped with important humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
We have gone together in Iraq, where you deployed thousands of combat medics and engineers to help with reconstruction and humanitarian aid.
And we have gone together in Afghanistan, where you have sent not only troops, doctors, and engineers, but also a full [Provincial] Reconstruction Team. As we bring that mission to a responsible end next year, the U.S. military is proud to have served with our Korean allies once again.
For sixty years, the words katchi kapshida – we go together – have defined this alliance. But the threats in this increasingly complex and dangerous world demand that we continue to go together. And we will.
Even though our alliance has never been stronger than it is today, that does not mean we cannot grow and mature. While the root of our alliance will always be the defense of territory, building on that foundation will let us go together into the future as active strategic partners – both here on the Korean Peninsula, and around the world. As two prosperous nations, and highly capable militaries, there is much we can do to contribute to the security of this region, and the world, if we continue to go together.
I am told that the hwan gap is not only a celebration of longevity, but also a reaffirmation of hope for an even longer, more secure, and more prosperous life. Tonight and tomorrow, as we celebrate this special milestone, let us also rededicate our commitment to building a long, secure, and prosperous future together.
This alliance has changed a great deal over the past 60 years, and it will continue to change in the future. But there should be no doubt – no doubt – that it will always change for the better.
The United States and the Republic of Korea have stood together in the past, we stand together today, and we will stand together in the future.
Thank you.
GSA ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER BLUE'S STATEMENT ON CERTIFICATION IN REWARDING SUSTAINABLE FISHING
FROM: U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
The Role of Certification in Rewarding Sustainable Fishing
Statement of Darren Blue
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Facilities Management & Services Program
General Services Administration
Before the House Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation
Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
September 24, 2013
Good morning Chairman Begich, Ranking Member Rubio, and members of the Subcommittee. I am Darren Blue, Assistant Commissioner for Facilities Management and Services Programs in GSA’s Public Buildings Service. I appreciate being invited here today to discuss GSA’s role in developing guidelines for healthy and sustainable food services in federal facilities.
Today I will speak to the GSA’s support of health and sustainability policies and practices within our inventory of Federal office space.
First and foremost, I’d like to establish GSA’s view that U.S.-managed fisheries do not require third-party certification to demonstrate responsible practices. GSA is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other agencies to revise our Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations to ensure they provide absolute clarity on this matter.
Development of GSA-HHS Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations
In 2009, President Obama issued Executive Order 13514, “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,” directing Federal agencies to leverage acquisitions to encourage markets for sustainable products and services. As the Federal government’s landlord, GSA is well positioned to drive change by supporting sustainability in federal facilities and encouraging health and wellness among federal employees.
From 2009 to 2011, GSA and HHS jointly developed the Health and Sustainability Guidelines with a working group that included health and sustainability experts from several Federal agencies. GSA and HHS co-released the Guidelines in March 2011. NOAA did not participate in the development of the original Guidelines, but GSA and HHS have since been working with NOAA to develop revisions.
We designed the Guidelines to make healthy choices more accessible and appealing. As written, they serve as a practical guide and resource for vendors crafting proposals to provide concessions or vending services in federal facilities. Our intent was to broaden choices, not restrict choices.
GSA worked extensively with private industry in developing the Guidelines. In October 2009, prior to beginning our partnership with HHS, GSA released a Request for Information to gain valuable feedback and insight from concessions and environmental stakeholders on wellness and sustainability practices in food service delivery and concessions contracting. Some of the responses suggested the idea of third-party sustainable fishing certification programs as a guide for responsible seafood procurement.
GSA confirmed the recommendations generated through the RFI process, and during a subsequent industry roundtable with industry experts and our other federal agency partners, we developed Guidelines that cited a pair of third-party entities for sustainability certification. Specifically, the guidelines encouraged vendors to refer to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Marine Stewardship Council or other equivalent systems when developing proposals.
GSA and HHS intended the third-party groups cited in the Guidelines to be helpful examples for vendors, not eliminating factors. We now understand that these references have caused some confusion. GSA and HHS are now working with NOAA to develop revisions consistent with our intent to issue helpful, inclusive Guidelines that reflect federal fisheries management policy and practices. We expect to release the revised Guidelines in the coming weeks, and GSA anticipates that they will not include references to third-party certification systems.
Conclusion
Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. Given GSA’s role in supporting sustainable workplaces and the health and wellness of federal employees across the country, we look forward to continuing this dialogue and updating the Subcommittee on the issuance of updated Guidelines. I am pleased to take your questions.
The Role of Certification in Rewarding Sustainable Fishing
Statement of Darren Blue
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Facilities Management & Services Program
General Services Administration
Before the House Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation
Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
September 24, 2013
Good morning Chairman Begich, Ranking Member Rubio, and members of the Subcommittee. I am Darren Blue, Assistant Commissioner for Facilities Management and Services Programs in GSA’s Public Buildings Service. I appreciate being invited here today to discuss GSA’s role in developing guidelines for healthy and sustainable food services in federal facilities.
Today I will speak to the GSA’s support of health and sustainability policies and practices within our inventory of Federal office space.
First and foremost, I’d like to establish GSA’s view that U.S.-managed fisheries do not require third-party certification to demonstrate responsible practices. GSA is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other agencies to revise our Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations to ensure they provide absolute clarity on this matter.
Development of GSA-HHS Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations
In 2009, President Obama issued Executive Order 13514, “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,” directing Federal agencies to leverage acquisitions to encourage markets for sustainable products and services. As the Federal government’s landlord, GSA is well positioned to drive change by supporting sustainability in federal facilities and encouraging health and wellness among federal employees.
From 2009 to 2011, GSA and HHS jointly developed the Health and Sustainability Guidelines with a working group that included health and sustainability experts from several Federal agencies. GSA and HHS co-released the Guidelines in March 2011. NOAA did not participate in the development of the original Guidelines, but GSA and HHS have since been working with NOAA to develop revisions.
We designed the Guidelines to make healthy choices more accessible and appealing. As written, they serve as a practical guide and resource for vendors crafting proposals to provide concessions or vending services in federal facilities. Our intent was to broaden choices, not restrict choices.
GSA worked extensively with private industry in developing the Guidelines. In October 2009, prior to beginning our partnership with HHS, GSA released a Request for Information to gain valuable feedback and insight from concessions and environmental stakeholders on wellness and sustainability practices in food service delivery and concessions contracting. Some of the responses suggested the idea of third-party sustainable fishing certification programs as a guide for responsible seafood procurement.
GSA confirmed the recommendations generated through the RFI process, and during a subsequent industry roundtable with industry experts and our other federal agency partners, we developed Guidelines that cited a pair of third-party entities for sustainability certification. Specifically, the guidelines encouraged vendors to refer to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Marine Stewardship Council or other equivalent systems when developing proposals.
GSA and HHS intended the third-party groups cited in the Guidelines to be helpful examples for vendors, not eliminating factors. We now understand that these references have caused some confusion. GSA and HHS are now working with NOAA to develop revisions consistent with our intent to issue helpful, inclusive Guidelines that reflect federal fisheries management policy and practices. We expect to release the revised Guidelines in the coming weeks, and GSA anticipates that they will not include references to third-party certification systems.
Conclusion
Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. Given GSA’s role in supporting sustainable workplaces and the health and wellness of federal employees across the country, we look forward to continuing this dialogue and updating the Subcommittee on the issuance of updated Guidelines. I am pleased to take your questions.
CENTRAL COMMAND COMMANDER GEN. AUSTIN SAYS DRAWDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN IS "HERCULEAN..."
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghanistan Drawdown Proceeds on Schedule, Austin Reports
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2013 - Calling the drawdown in Afghanistan a "herculean undertaking," the U.S. Central Command commander overseeing it said he's applying some of the lessons he learned in Iraq, but that he recognizes there's no cookie-cutter formula that applies completely to the distinctly different operations.
Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III served as commander of U.S. forces in Iraq when Operation New Dawn concluded in December 2011. Former Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta praised him during a closing ceremony in Baghdad for his leadership in carrying out "one of the most complex logistical undertakings in U.S. military history."
"Your effort to make this day a reality is nothing short of miraculous," Panetta told him.
Two years later, Austin is in the midst of an even more daunting challenge in Afghanistan, as he oversees the drawdown of the largest coalition campaign in modern history.
"The biggest challenge is simply coordinating the many different activities involved in the transition," he told American Forces Press Service via an email interview. It is a herculean undertaking, he added, and it must be properly synchronized to achieve the stated objectives by the Dec. 31, 2014, deadline.
Complicating the process, Austin said, is the fact that the security environment remains volatile.
"We must keep in mind that we are conducting this transition while facing a determined and formidable enemy," he said. "And, the enemy undoubtedly has a vote in determining the course of events going forward."
As they work to meet President Barack Obama's directive to reduce the force to 34,000 by February and to complete the drawdown by the end of 2014, Austin said, he and his staff are drawing on the experience they gained in Iraq.
"Transitioning from a theater of war represents a complex undertaking that, unfortunately, does not have a 'one size fits all' solution," he said.
"However, there are a number of lessons learned from our experiences in Iraq that are being applied in Afghanistan," he said. "We were successful in conducting the transition from Iraq, and we are now doing a good job of applying the knowledge and experience gained there toward efforts in Afghanistan."
Particularly valuable, he said, are insights into best practices in logistics to ways to more seamlessly transfer responsibilities across the interagency community and to the host nation.
"The process of moving a mountain of equipment and tens of thousands of people out of that country, gradually reducing our physical footprint and transferring responsibilities to our Afghan and U.S. State Department partners is a carefully orchestrated effort," Austin said.
In many ways, Austin called the challenge of transitioning from Afghanistan "even more difficult than Iraq."
"The major difference between the two countries can be summed up in two words: geography and infrastructure," he said. "In Iraq, we were fortunate to have access to a single ground route to the port city of Kuwait, which was a relatively short distance from Iraq."
Not so in land-locked Afghanistan. The transition there requires equipment to be moved over several ground routes that are considerably longer and in some cases, less developed than in Iraq, he noted.
"The terrain in Afghanistan is also much harsher and more difficult to negotiate," he said, noting that some of the ground routes traverse multiple nations, requiring highly detailed coordination.
"While we are doing well in our efforts to move equipment out of the country using various ground and air assets, the magnitude of the task at hand will continue to present a challenge and require significant resources in order to meet the desired timeframe for completion," Austin said.
Austin visited Afghanistan personally to assess progress, and said he's pleased with what he found.
Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., commander of the International Security Assistance Force, and his team "are among the best we have ever had there, and they are doing a truly phenomenal job," Austin reported.
Afghanistan Drawdown Proceeds on Schedule, Austin Reports
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2013 - Calling the drawdown in Afghanistan a "herculean undertaking," the U.S. Central Command commander overseeing it said he's applying some of the lessons he learned in Iraq, but that he recognizes there's no cookie-cutter formula that applies completely to the distinctly different operations.
Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III served as commander of U.S. forces in Iraq when Operation New Dawn concluded in December 2011. Former Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta praised him during a closing ceremony in Baghdad for his leadership in carrying out "one of the most complex logistical undertakings in U.S. military history."
"Your effort to make this day a reality is nothing short of miraculous," Panetta told him.
Two years later, Austin is in the midst of an even more daunting challenge in Afghanistan, as he oversees the drawdown of the largest coalition campaign in modern history.
"The biggest challenge is simply coordinating the many different activities involved in the transition," he told American Forces Press Service via an email interview. It is a herculean undertaking, he added, and it must be properly synchronized to achieve the stated objectives by the Dec. 31, 2014, deadline.
Complicating the process, Austin said, is the fact that the security environment remains volatile.
"We must keep in mind that we are conducting this transition while facing a determined and formidable enemy," he said. "And, the enemy undoubtedly has a vote in determining the course of events going forward."
As they work to meet President Barack Obama's directive to reduce the force to 34,000 by February and to complete the drawdown by the end of 2014, Austin said, he and his staff are drawing on the experience they gained in Iraq.
"Transitioning from a theater of war represents a complex undertaking that, unfortunately, does not have a 'one size fits all' solution," he said.
"However, there are a number of lessons learned from our experiences in Iraq that are being applied in Afghanistan," he said. "We were successful in conducting the transition from Iraq, and we are now doing a good job of applying the knowledge and experience gained there toward efforts in Afghanistan."
Particularly valuable, he said, are insights into best practices in logistics to ways to more seamlessly transfer responsibilities across the interagency community and to the host nation.
"The process of moving a mountain of equipment and tens of thousands of people out of that country, gradually reducing our physical footprint and transferring responsibilities to our Afghan and U.S. State Department partners is a carefully orchestrated effort," Austin said.
In many ways, Austin called the challenge of transitioning from Afghanistan "even more difficult than Iraq."
"The major difference between the two countries can be summed up in two words: geography and infrastructure," he said. "In Iraq, we were fortunate to have access to a single ground route to the port city of Kuwait, which was a relatively short distance from Iraq."
Not so in land-locked Afghanistan. The transition there requires equipment to be moved over several ground routes that are considerably longer and in some cases, less developed than in Iraq, he noted.
"The terrain in Afghanistan is also much harsher and more difficult to negotiate," he said, noting that some of the ground routes traverse multiple nations, requiring highly detailed coordination.
"While we are doing well in our efforts to move equipment out of the country using various ground and air assets, the magnitude of the task at hand will continue to present a challenge and require significant resources in order to meet the desired timeframe for completion," Austin said.
Austin visited Afghanistan personally to assess progress, and said he's pleased with what he found.
Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., commander of the International Security Assistance Force, and his team "are among the best we have ever had there, and they are doing a truly phenomenal job," Austin reported.
CHEMISTRY: THE ANIMAL LANGUAGE OF THE SEA
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| Credit: NOAA |
Chemical ecologists translate the language of the sea
If Dr. Dolittle could talk to the animals, it's more likely he was a chemical ecologist than a linguist, says marine scientist Mark Hay of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta--at least when it came to talking to the animals (and plants) of the sea.
Chemical signals are the primary "language" used by ocean organisms. Using a kind of extra-sensory perception of the deep, marine animals and plants react to other species and to their environment based on these cues.
Humans are poorly designed to understand such chemically-driven interactions "because we sense the world primarily via visual and auditory input," Hay says.
"In contrast, many ocean species lack eyes and ears. They sense much of their world via chemical signals. In the sea, even species that see and hear rely on chemical cues."
Dark New York City streets--in the sea
Imagine walking along a bustling New York City street at night. Suddenly, the boulevard goes pitch-black and deathly silent--permanently.
How would you find food, a mate or protect yourself against thieves and murderers? What if you had to rely on detecting chemicals produced by other people and other animals to survive?
"For ocean animals and plants, it's like that every minute of every day," says Hay. For most marine species, chemical cues determine whether they consume, fight with, run from or mate with the creatures next to them--and whether they are eaten by, infected by or overgrown by natural enemies.
Welcome to New York City...eerily silent and utterly dark...beneath the waves.
Dead ahead are the shapeshifters, marine denizens that use chemical cues to change their outward appearances.
Facing the shape-shifters
When the bloom-forming phytoplankton Phaeocystis globosa chemically senses its next-door neighbors under attack by ciliates, which feast on small foods like phytoplankton, it shifts shape and grows in colonies too big for the ciliates to consume.
Then when the phytoplankton's neighbors are attacked by copepods, says Hay, which feed on large foods, Phaeocystis globosa suppresses colony formation and grows as single cells too small to interest the copepods.
"These shifts could alter energy flow, nutrient cycling and patterns of carbon sequestration in the sea," says Hay. "Chemical cues affect not only individual behavior and population-level processes, but also community organization and ecosystem function."
Finding food: no clues but molecules
What if you had to fly a plane over an area the size of Canada to locate a grocery store with no cues but a few simple "fresh food" molecules wafting through the air?
Tube-nosed seabirds--storm-petrels, albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and others--do exactly that. They use a chemical cue to track high-productivity areas in open seas where they forage on zooplankton, fish and squid.
They're responding to the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), produced when zooplankton feed on blooms of phytoplankton then excrete this substance.
"At scales of thousands of square kilometers, DMS may function as an olfactory landscape," says Hay, "indicating ocean areas where phytoplankton and zooplankton accumulate and where the search for prey should be most successful."
Chemical cues: from oceans to human health
To discover how chemical signals play a part in ocean ecosystems, and perhaps human health, Hay and colleagues are studying marine organisms and how they produce and deploy their chemical arsenals.
Understanding substances that cloak seaweeds and other species could allow scientists to adapt these compounds for use against microbial pathogens, HIV, cancer and other human diseases.
As part of a project supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Hay and colleagues have analyzed compounds from more than 800 species in the waters around Fiji Islands like Yanuca. The project is co-funded by the National Institutes of Health's International Cooperative Biodiversity Group program.
"The study of chemical signaling on Fiji Island coral reefs will help us better understand the interactions that keep the oceans healthy," says David Garrison, program director in NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences, which funded the research.
One species has emerged as a frontrunner in Hay's investigations: the red seaweed Callophycus serratus.
The alga is adept at fighting infections. Chemical extracts from Callophycus serratus fend off disease-causing microbes. The compounds are among the largest groups of algal antifungal chemical defenses discovered to date.
"We're in effect ‘listening in' on the fight between this red seaweed and a fungus that's trying to attack it," says Hay. "What we hear may allow us to translate the language of the sea into that of human biomedicine."
Tuning into The Deep
He may be tuning in for some time. Callophycus serratus produces at least 28 bioactive compounds.
Why would a single species of seaweed produce so many bioactive substances? The compounds may work together against a host of enemies, says Hay. "Or they may have separate uses we don't yet comprehend."
Hay is busy deciphering. He and colleagues have found that Callophycus serratus contains bromophycolides--in ocean-speak, chemicals that have shown promise as new treatments for infectious diseases.
Whether working along the shores of Fiji or in the seas around Florida, Panama or the Caribbean Islands, Hay is proving that we can interpret the language of marine organisms.
"Knowing what's being communicated will provide a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems," says Hay, "and improve our ability to serve as wise stewards of these natural resources."
Monday, September 30, 2013
DEFENSE OFFICIAL SAYS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IS "STUPID"
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Carter Says Shutdown Would Be 'Disruptive, Stupid'
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2013 - The shutdown that looms if the government isn't funded beyond the end of the fiscal year at midnight tonight would be "disruptive and stupid," Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said here today.
Carter preceded a scheduled speech on India at the Center for American Progress with his thoughts on the impending shutdown.
"Let me just emphasize that the administration firmly believes that a shutdown can be avoided, should be avoided, and while we in the Department of Defense are fully prepared to deal with the shutdown if it occurs," he said, "it will be extremely disruptive and unfortunate, especially for the men and women who are defending this country who now have to worry about receiving their paychecks on time."
About half of the Defense Department's civilian personnel will be placed on no duty-no pay furloughs if the shutdown occurs, the deputy secretary said, noting that they already had been furloughed for more than a week earlier this year.
"This is no way to treat patriots working in our department and will cause serious harm to productivity and morale," Carter said.
Planning for the shutdown is itself disruptive, he added.
"We're spending thousands of hours on complex planning for a shutdown instead of spending this time more wisely and efficiently on addressing our national security challenges," he said.
The Defense Department is prepared to deal with the shutdown if it occurs, Carter said, just as it was prepared to deal with sequestration spending cuts.
"But a shutdown will be disruptive and harmful to the national security mission," he added. "We strongly urge the Congress to pass a budget and avoid a disruptive and stupid shutdown of the federal government."
Carter Says Shutdown Would Be 'Disruptive, Stupid'
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2013 - The shutdown that looms if the government isn't funded beyond the end of the fiscal year at midnight tonight would be "disruptive and stupid," Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said here today.
Carter preceded a scheduled speech on India at the Center for American Progress with his thoughts on the impending shutdown.
"Let me just emphasize that the administration firmly believes that a shutdown can be avoided, should be avoided, and while we in the Department of Defense are fully prepared to deal with the shutdown if it occurs," he said, "it will be extremely disruptive and unfortunate, especially for the men and women who are defending this country who now have to worry about receiving their paychecks on time."
About half of the Defense Department's civilian personnel will be placed on no duty-no pay furloughs if the shutdown occurs, the deputy secretary said, noting that they already had been furloughed for more than a week earlier this year.
"This is no way to treat patriots working in our department and will cause serious harm to productivity and morale," Carter said.
Planning for the shutdown is itself disruptive, he added.
"We're spending thousands of hours on complex planning for a shutdown instead of spending this time more wisely and efficiently on addressing our national security challenges," he said.
The Defense Department is prepared to deal with the shutdown if it occurs, Carter said, just as it was prepared to deal with sequestration spending cuts.
"But a shutdown will be disruptive and harmful to the national security mission," he added. "We strongly urge the Congress to pass a budget and avoid a disruptive and stupid shutdown of the federal government."
SECRETARY OF STATE KERRY AND ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU MAKE COMMENTS BEFORE MEETING
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Before Their Meeting
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
September 30, 2013
SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. It’s my great pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister of Israel here and to the State Department. I think – (audio feedback). Ta-da. (Laughter).
Obviously, I’ve had a number of very generous, warm welcomes as I have visited Israel and the Mideast frequently. I think I’ve been probably the most frequent visitor; I should get frequent flyer miles for my visits to the Prime Minister’s office.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: We couldn’t afford it. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY KERRY: But it is more than safe to say that the Prime Minister and I are every meeting forging a better and better relationship, a stronger and stronger friendship on a very personal level. And I’m very grateful to him for his very generous welcomes to me, the amount of time he has spent with me in Jerusalem working through very complicated but very, very important issues.
Israel, as everybody knows, is a very special friend to the United States of America. And we have just had a very constructive luncheon with the President and a very important meeting before that with a larger group of people. And now the Prime Minister and I will talk about both Iran, the Middle East peace process, Syria, and issues of concern.
We are committed to continuing to work constructively to move forward on the peace process, though it is always difficult, complicated. We know that. But we’re working in good faith. I have confidence in the Prime Minister’s commitment to this effort, and I also want him to know that as we reach out to respond to Iran’s efforts to purportedly change its relationship with the world, we do so very aware of and sensitive to the security needs of Israel and the demands for certainty and transparency and accountability in this process.
So I look forward today to furthering our conversation, and I’m very, very happy to finally welcome the Prime Minister here to the State Department.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Mr. Secretary, thank you. John, it’s good to be with you. We have if not the whole world, a good chunk of it to discuss, and we do so as friends and as people seriously committed to both achieving security and a durable peace. These are hard things to achieve, but none better than you and us to try to do it together.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thanks, partner.
Remarks With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Before Their Meeting
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
September 30, 2013
SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. It’s my great pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister of Israel here and to the State Department. I think – (audio feedback). Ta-da. (Laughter).
Obviously, I’ve had a number of very generous, warm welcomes as I have visited Israel and the Mideast frequently. I think I’ve been probably the most frequent visitor; I should get frequent flyer miles for my visits to the Prime Minister’s office.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: We couldn’t afford it. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY KERRY: But it is more than safe to say that the Prime Minister and I are every meeting forging a better and better relationship, a stronger and stronger friendship on a very personal level. And I’m very grateful to him for his very generous welcomes to me, the amount of time he has spent with me in Jerusalem working through very complicated but very, very important issues.
Israel, as everybody knows, is a very special friend to the United States of America. And we have just had a very constructive luncheon with the President and a very important meeting before that with a larger group of people. And now the Prime Minister and I will talk about both Iran, the Middle East peace process, Syria, and issues of concern.
We are committed to continuing to work constructively to move forward on the peace process, though it is always difficult, complicated. We know that. But we’re working in good faith. I have confidence in the Prime Minister’s commitment to this effort, and I also want him to know that as we reach out to respond to Iran’s efforts to purportedly change its relationship with the world, we do so very aware of and sensitive to the security needs of Israel and the demands for certainty and transparency and accountability in this process.
So I look forward today to furthering our conversation, and I’m very, very happy to finally welcome the Prime Minister here to the State Department.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Mr. Secretary, thank you. John, it’s good to be with you. We have if not the whole world, a good chunk of it to discuss, and we do so as friends and as people seriously committed to both achieving security and a durable peace. These are hard things to achieve, but none better than you and us to try to do it together.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thanks, partner.
DOJ ANNOUNCED ENHANCED ONLINE RESOURCES FOR U.S. VICTIMS OF OVERSEAS TERRORISM
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Justice Department Announces Enhanced Online Resource for U.S. Victims of Overseas Terrorism
The Justice Department today announced an enhanced online resource designed to support American victims of overseas terrorism. The site, sponsored and maintained by the National Security Division’s Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism (OVT), will expand the public’s ability to obtain information about the types of support available to help victims of overseas attacks and their loved ones in the aftermath of acts of international terrorism, including information about programs available to assist victims in connection with foreign criminal justice proceedings. In addition, the website provides greater information about OVT’s establishment and services, for victims and others interested in OVT’s work.
“This enhanced website will serve as an important resource for U.S. victims of overseas terrorism and their loved ones,” said John P. Carlin, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The Department remains committed both to seeking justice for Americans victimized by terrorism, whether at home or abroad, and to providing victims the information and support they deserve.”
The Attorney General established the OVT on May 6, 2005. It is now a component of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The primary purpose of the OVT is to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of terrorist attacks against American citizens overseas remain a high priority within the Department of Justice.
The OVT is responsible for monitoring the investigation and prosecution of terrorist attacks against Americans abroad; working with other pertinent Justice Department components to ensure that the rights of victims of such attacks are honored and respected; establishing a Joint Task Force with the Department of State, to be activated in the event of a terrorist attack in which Americans are harmed; and serving as an information resource to American victims of overseas terrorism including, as appropriate, information about ongoing foreign investigations and prosecutions.
“It is crucially important that any Americans attacked while traveling or living outside of our borders receive the support of our government as they pursue justice in the aftermath of the tragedy of terrorism,” said Heather Cartwright, Director of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism. “This online resource gathers in one place important information for American victims of overseas terrorism and provides assistance as they seek accountability for these crimes.”
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Justice Department Announces Enhanced Online Resource for U.S. Victims of Overseas Terrorism
The Justice Department today announced an enhanced online resource designed to support American victims of overseas terrorism. The site, sponsored and maintained by the National Security Division’s Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism (OVT), will expand the public’s ability to obtain information about the types of support available to help victims of overseas attacks and their loved ones in the aftermath of acts of international terrorism, including information about programs available to assist victims in connection with foreign criminal justice proceedings. In addition, the website provides greater information about OVT’s establishment and services, for victims and others interested in OVT’s work.
“This enhanced website will serve as an important resource for U.S. victims of overseas terrorism and their loved ones,” said John P. Carlin, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The Department remains committed both to seeking justice for Americans victimized by terrorism, whether at home or abroad, and to providing victims the information and support they deserve.”
The Attorney General established the OVT on May 6, 2005. It is now a component of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The primary purpose of the OVT is to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of terrorist attacks against American citizens overseas remain a high priority within the Department of Justice.
The OVT is responsible for monitoring the investigation and prosecution of terrorist attacks against Americans abroad; working with other pertinent Justice Department components to ensure that the rights of victims of such attacks are honored and respected; establishing a Joint Task Force with the Department of State, to be activated in the event of a terrorist attack in which Americans are harmed; and serving as an information resource to American victims of overseas terrorism including, as appropriate, information about ongoing foreign investigations and prosecutions.
“It is crucially important that any Americans attacked while traveling or living outside of our borders receive the support of our government as they pursue justice in the aftermath of the tragedy of terrorism,” said Heather Cartwright, Director of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism. “This online resource gathers in one place important information for American victims of overseas terrorism and provides assistance as they seek accountability for these crimes.”
ETHANOL TRADER CHARGED BY CFTC WITH SCHEMING TO CONCEAL TRADING LOSSES
FROM: U.S. COMMODITY FUTURE TRADING COMMISSION
CFTC Charges Ethanol Trader John Aaron Brooks with Fraud for Scheming to Conceal Trading Losses
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today filed a civil injunctive enforcement action charging John Aaron Brooks with defrauding an affiliate of a large commercial bank where he then worked by scheming to conceal trading losses from the bank and its affiliate. As alleged in the CFTC’s Complaint, Brooks effectuated his scheme by inflating the value of New York Mercantile Exchange Chicago Ethanol (Platts) Futures contracts to conceal trading losses he was incurring. The losses concealed ultimately grew to cause the bank and its affiliate to suffer over $40 million in realized losses before Brooks’s fraud was detected, leading to his termination, according to the Complaint. Brooks resides in Houston, Texas.
The CFTC’s civil complaint, filed September 27, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that for the majority of the days for nearly eleven months beginning in or about November 2010, and continuing through on or about October 20, 2011, Brooks, then employed as Director in the commodities business of the bank affiliate, knowingly entered false inflated prices into an internal trade booking and valuation computer software system to effectuate his scheme to conceal trading losses.
In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks a civil monetary penalty, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction prohibiting further violations of the federal commodities laws, as charged.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case includes Janine Gargiulo, Michael Geiser, Trevor Kokal, David Acevedo, Lenel Hickson, Stephen J. Obie, Manal Sultan, and Vincent McGonagle.
CFTC Charges Ethanol Trader John Aaron Brooks with Fraud for Scheming to Conceal Trading Losses
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today filed a civil injunctive enforcement action charging John Aaron Brooks with defrauding an affiliate of a large commercial bank where he then worked by scheming to conceal trading losses from the bank and its affiliate. As alleged in the CFTC’s Complaint, Brooks effectuated his scheme by inflating the value of New York Mercantile Exchange Chicago Ethanol (Platts) Futures contracts to conceal trading losses he was incurring. The losses concealed ultimately grew to cause the bank and its affiliate to suffer over $40 million in realized losses before Brooks’s fraud was detected, leading to his termination, according to the Complaint. Brooks resides in Houston, Texas.
The CFTC’s civil complaint, filed September 27, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that for the majority of the days for nearly eleven months beginning in or about November 2010, and continuing through on or about October 20, 2011, Brooks, then employed as Director in the commodities business of the bank affiliate, knowingly entered false inflated prices into an internal trade booking and valuation computer software system to effectuate his scheme to conceal trading losses.
In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks a civil monetary penalty, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction prohibiting further violations of the federal commodities laws, as charged.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case includes Janine Gargiulo, Michael Geiser, Trevor Kokal, David Acevedo, Lenel Hickson, Stephen J. Obie, Manal Sultan, and Vincent McGonagle.
CONGRESSMAN DAVE CAMP REPORTS ASIAN CARP FOUND NEAR LAKE MICHIGAN ACCESS RIVER
FROM: U.S. CONGRESSMAN DAVE CAMP'S WEBSITE
Last week, Wisconsin Public Radio reported that the White House Council on Environmental Quality Asian carp director John Goss recently told a group in Milwaukee that a 53 inch, 82 pound Asian carp had been found in Flatfoot Lake, Illinois in August. Flatfoot Lake is land-locked, but located less than a quarter mile from the Calumet River, which has direct access to Lake Michigan as well as Lake Calumet, where a live Asian carp was discovered in 2010.
Following the report Camp said, “News that a live Asian carp was found dangerously close to Lake Michigan, in Flatfoot Lake, is another reminder that we must find a permanent solution to protect the Great Lakes. Incidents like this underscore the fact that hydrological separation is the only real way to keep Asian carp from destroying the Great Lakes.”
On the topic, The Lansing State Journal wrote, “Kudos to Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, and other Michigan officials for their ongoing efforts to prevent the potential crisis of an Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes. They fight an uphill battle, and Michiganders should support their efforts in every way possible.”
In 2012, Camp championed legislation that is now law, The Stop Invasive Species Act, which requires the Army Corps of Engineers to complete a study on hydrologically separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins by January 2014.
Last week, Wisconsin Public Radio reported that the White House Council on Environmental Quality Asian carp director John Goss recently told a group in Milwaukee that a 53 inch, 82 pound Asian carp had been found in Flatfoot Lake, Illinois in August. Flatfoot Lake is land-locked, but located less than a quarter mile from the Calumet River, which has direct access to Lake Michigan as well as Lake Calumet, where a live Asian carp was discovered in 2010.
Following the report Camp said, “News that a live Asian carp was found dangerously close to Lake Michigan, in Flatfoot Lake, is another reminder that we must find a permanent solution to protect the Great Lakes. Incidents like this underscore the fact that hydrological separation is the only real way to keep Asian carp from destroying the Great Lakes.”
On the topic, The Lansing State Journal wrote, “Kudos to Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, and other Michigan officials for their ongoing efforts to prevent the potential crisis of an Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes. They fight an uphill battle, and Michiganders should support their efforts in every way possible.”
In 2012, Camp championed legislation that is now law, The Stop Invasive Species Act, which requires the Army Corps of Engineers to complete a study on hydrologically separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins by January 2014.
OVER $13 MILLION AWARDED IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENT
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Education Department Awards $13.3 Million in Grants to Support Principal Development
SEPTEMBER 27, 2013
Contact: Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced today that more than $13 million in grants has been awarded to 20 projects under the School Leadership Program (SLP), which supports the development, enhancement, and expansion of innovative programs to recruit, train, and mentor principals and assistant principals for high-need schools and districts. Grantees include school districts, institutes of higher education and non-profit organizations.
"There are no great schools without great principals and teachers," Secretary Duncan said. "High-quality examples of leadership can help shape a school's culture and create an environment where students are excited to learn. These grants aim to support the development of these leaders, ultimately improving the effectiveness of educators and the academic achievement of students."
These five-year grants will help prepare individuals to meet state certification requirements to become principals or assistant principals. Projects will also provide professional development to current principals and assistant principals, serving over 1500 aspiring and current school leaders in 98 high-need school districts, including six rural areas, across 15 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Grantees will use the funds for a variety of activities to promote effective leadership, such as stipends to principals who mentor new principals, financial incentives to aspiring new principals, training specific to a charter school environment, use of school-based data to develop turnaround practices, and tracking student achievement data.
Grants have been awarded to Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, California State University, Dominguez Hills, The Board of Education of the County of McDowell, The New Teacher Project, Inc., New Leaders, Inc., The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Region 5 Education Service Center, Wheaton R3 School District, Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, Inc., Center for Collaborative Education, Delta State University, Foundation for Educational Administration, North Carolina State University, William Paterson University, Relay Graduate School of Education, Western Michigan University , Granite School District, Tulsa Independent District No. 1 Tulsa Public Schools, Illinois State University, and Universidad del Este.
The SLP program is funded through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Following is a list of grantees and first-year funding amounts:
Applicant Name State Funding for FY2013
Green River Regional Educational Cooperative Kentucky $1,000,000
California State University, Dominguez Hills California $1,166,492
The Board of Education of the County of McDowell West Virginia $816,915
The New Teacher Project, Inc. New York/New Jersey $1,000,000
New Leaders, Inc. New York/Maryland $130,443
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois Illinois $369,609
Region 5 Education Service Center Texas $725,463
Wheaton R3 School District Missouri $428,734
Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, Inc. Georgia $725,901
Center for Collaborative Education Massachusetts/California $863,083
Delta State University Mississippi $200,124
Foundation for Educational Administration New Jersey $1,000,000
North Carolina State University North Carolina $529,309
William Paterson University New Jersey $520,620
Relay Graduate School of Education New York/Louisiana $395,285
Western Michigan University Michigan $927,274
Granite School District Utah $996,743
Tulsa Independent District No. 1 Tulsa Public Schools Oklahoma $990,874
Illinois State University Illinois $263,629
Universidad del Este Puerto Rico $314,247
Education Department Awards $13.3 Million in Grants to Support Principal Development
SEPTEMBER 27, 2013
Contact: Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced today that more than $13 million in grants has been awarded to 20 projects under the School Leadership Program (SLP), which supports the development, enhancement, and expansion of innovative programs to recruit, train, and mentor principals and assistant principals for high-need schools and districts. Grantees include school districts, institutes of higher education and non-profit organizations.
"There are no great schools without great principals and teachers," Secretary Duncan said. "High-quality examples of leadership can help shape a school's culture and create an environment where students are excited to learn. These grants aim to support the development of these leaders, ultimately improving the effectiveness of educators and the academic achievement of students."
These five-year grants will help prepare individuals to meet state certification requirements to become principals or assistant principals. Projects will also provide professional development to current principals and assistant principals, serving over 1500 aspiring and current school leaders in 98 high-need school districts, including six rural areas, across 15 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Grantees will use the funds for a variety of activities to promote effective leadership, such as stipends to principals who mentor new principals, financial incentives to aspiring new principals, training specific to a charter school environment, use of school-based data to develop turnaround practices, and tracking student achievement data.
Grants have been awarded to Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, California State University, Dominguez Hills, The Board of Education of the County of McDowell, The New Teacher Project, Inc., New Leaders, Inc., The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Region 5 Education Service Center, Wheaton R3 School District, Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, Inc., Center for Collaborative Education, Delta State University, Foundation for Educational Administration, North Carolina State University, William Paterson University, Relay Graduate School of Education, Western Michigan University , Granite School District, Tulsa Independent District No. 1 Tulsa Public Schools, Illinois State University, and Universidad del Este.
The SLP program is funded through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Following is a list of grantees and first-year funding amounts:
Applicant Name State Funding for FY2013
Green River Regional Educational Cooperative Kentucky $1,000,000
California State University, Dominguez Hills California $1,166,492
The Board of Education of the County of McDowell West Virginia $816,915
The New Teacher Project, Inc. New York/New Jersey $1,000,000
New Leaders, Inc. New York/Maryland $130,443
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois Illinois $369,609
Region 5 Education Service Center Texas $725,463
Wheaton R3 School District Missouri $428,734
Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement, Inc. Georgia $725,901
Center for Collaborative Education Massachusetts/California $863,083
Delta State University Mississippi $200,124
Foundation for Educational Administration New Jersey $1,000,000
North Carolina State University North Carolina $529,309
William Paterson University New Jersey $520,620
Relay Graduate School of Education New York/Louisiana $395,285
Western Michigan University Michigan $927,274
Granite School District Utah $996,743
Tulsa Independent District No. 1 Tulsa Public Schools Oklahoma $990,874
Illinois State University Illinois $263,629
Universidad del Este Puerto Rico $314,247
SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AT PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at a Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum
John Kerry
Secretary of State
New York City
September 27, 2013
Welcome, everybody, and thank you for – sorry, I’m a moment late. I apologize. I’m very happy to be meeting today with Marshall Islands President Loeak and with the Samoan Prime Minister Malielegaoi and other Pacific Island leaders. We’re very happy to have all of you here.
This week these leaders and other leaders from around the globe have come to New York during the UN General Assembly to discuss some of the issues of greatest challenge to everybody, life and death issues that impact millions of people around the world. Climate change is one issue that absolutely impacts millions of people around the world, and no one knows just how deeply serious and present, how now this challenge is and its impacts than the people of the vulnerable Pacific Islands. They have experienced both historic droughts and the highest rates of sea level rise in the world.
So the science is clear and irrefutable, and today the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirmed for the fifth time in 20 years that climate change is real, is happening, and is in large part caused by human activity. The IPCC findings have stressed that if we continue down our current path, the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, could be even worse than previously expected.
So as we work with our international partners to prepare for the impacts of climate change and the impacts that we’re already witnessing, we have an urgent responsibility to try to work together even harder to be able to change the way we’re doing things. I’ve been following this issue since, what, 1988 when then-Senator Al Gore and I held the first hearings in the United States Senate. And Jim Hansen came before our committee and said climate change is happening now. That was 1988. Everything has confirmed that ever since, but we still have a small window of time to prevent the very worst impacts of climate change from catching up to us. But that window is closing.
So we know that no one nation has the ability to address climate change alone. The United States, which is together with China a large proportion of emissions, if we acted all by ourselves and went to zero tomorrow it wouldn’t do the job. So we all are in this. We all have to figure out how to proceed forward. And between President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and the important Majuro Declaration the Pacific Islands nations signed at the 44th Pacific Islands Forum earlier this month, between those things our countries have made clear our commitments to address what is one of the defining issues of our time. We’re equally committed to working toward a comprehensive UN climate agreement that takes into account the unique circumstances and capabilities of each nation.
I know I also speak for President Obama when I say that I – we stand with the Pacific Islands in the fight against climate change. And I’m looking forward to our discussion today, and most importantly, I’m looking forward to continuing our very important work as we together try to guarantee the future of our nations and indeed the future of the planet.
Remarks at a Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum
John Kerry
Secretary of State
New York City
September 27, 2013
Welcome, everybody, and thank you for – sorry, I’m a moment late. I apologize. I’m very happy to be meeting today with Marshall Islands President Loeak and with the Samoan Prime Minister Malielegaoi and other Pacific Island leaders. We’re very happy to have all of you here.
This week these leaders and other leaders from around the globe have come to New York during the UN General Assembly to discuss some of the issues of greatest challenge to everybody, life and death issues that impact millions of people around the world. Climate change is one issue that absolutely impacts millions of people around the world, and no one knows just how deeply serious and present, how now this challenge is and its impacts than the people of the vulnerable Pacific Islands. They have experienced both historic droughts and the highest rates of sea level rise in the world.
So the science is clear and irrefutable, and today the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirmed for the fifth time in 20 years that climate change is real, is happening, and is in large part caused by human activity. The IPCC findings have stressed that if we continue down our current path, the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, could be even worse than previously expected.
So as we work with our international partners to prepare for the impacts of climate change and the impacts that we’re already witnessing, we have an urgent responsibility to try to work together even harder to be able to change the way we’re doing things. I’ve been following this issue since, what, 1988 when then-Senator Al Gore and I held the first hearings in the United States Senate. And Jim Hansen came before our committee and said climate change is happening now. That was 1988. Everything has confirmed that ever since, but we still have a small window of time to prevent the very worst impacts of climate change from catching up to us. But that window is closing.
So we know that no one nation has the ability to address climate change alone. The United States, which is together with China a large proportion of emissions, if we acted all by ourselves and went to zero tomorrow it wouldn’t do the job. So we all are in this. We all have to figure out how to proceed forward. And between President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and the important Majuro Declaration the Pacific Islands nations signed at the 44th Pacific Islands Forum earlier this month, between those things our countries have made clear our commitments to address what is one of the defining issues of our time. We’re equally committed to working toward a comprehensive UN climate agreement that takes into account the unique circumstances and capabilities of each nation.
I know I also speak for President Obama when I say that I – we stand with the Pacific Islands in the fight against climate change. And I’m looking forward to our discussion today, and most importantly, I’m looking forward to continuing our very important work as we together try to guarantee the future of our nations and indeed the future of the planet.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
DOD PLANS FOR GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
DOD Spells Out Closure Contingency Plan Guidance
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2013 - DOD officials today issued guidance to the force in the event appropriations lapse Oct. 1 and a government shutdown results.
Officials emphasize they still hope Congress can avoid that but say it is prudent to take such steps.
The eight-page document gives basic guidance to commanders and directors on how to handle everything from personnel matters to contracts to medical concerns.
Even if the government runs out of money, military personnel will report to work as normal. This includes active duty personnel and reserve component personnel on active Guard or reserve status.
DOD can also maintain police, fire, and emergency medical protection. These activities -- and some others -- are labeled as excepted and protected from stoppage. Non-excepted activities must generally stop.
In the event of a funding lapse, DOD civilians who support excepted activities -- military operations, emergency services, or other designated activities -- would be directed to continue working.
For pay purposes, military personnel will be paid retroactively once the appropriation is passed or the continuing resolution signed. DOD-excepted service personnel will also receive retroactive pay.
Non-excepted DOD civilians will be placed on emergency, no-notice, non-pay furloughs. They would be required to report to work on Oct. 1 to receive their furlough notice. Civilians on emergency furloughs would be paid retroactively only if a law is enacted providing authority to pay them.
Training and travel of military and civilian employees would be disrupted unless it was connected to an excepted activity, officials said.
Those on travel would have to return to their duty stations in an orderly fashion.
DOD Spells Out Closure Contingency Plan Guidance
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2013 - DOD officials today issued guidance to the force in the event appropriations lapse Oct. 1 and a government shutdown results.
Officials emphasize they still hope Congress can avoid that but say it is prudent to take such steps.
The eight-page document gives basic guidance to commanders and directors on how to handle everything from personnel matters to contracts to medical concerns.
Even if the government runs out of money, military personnel will report to work as normal. This includes active duty personnel and reserve component personnel on active Guard or reserve status.
DOD can also maintain police, fire, and emergency medical protection. These activities -- and some others -- are labeled as excepted and protected from stoppage. Non-excepted activities must generally stop.
In the event of a funding lapse, DOD civilians who support excepted activities -- military operations, emergency services, or other designated activities -- would be directed to continue working.
For pay purposes, military personnel will be paid retroactively once the appropriation is passed or the continuing resolution signed. DOD-excepted service personnel will also receive retroactive pay.
Non-excepted DOD civilians will be placed on emergency, no-notice, non-pay furloughs. They would be required to report to work on Oct. 1 to receive their furlough notice. Civilians on emergency furloughs would be paid retroactively only if a law is enacted providing authority to pay them.
Training and travel of military and civilian employees would be disrupted unless it was connected to an excepted activity, officials said.
Those on travel would have to return to their duty stations in an orderly fashion.
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