Hi, all. Today's report features:
• President's press conference: President discusses tax cuts for the middle class and extending unemployment benefits; fact sheet.
• First Question: Online questions about the tax cut agreement, unemployment insurance, job creation, DADT.
• Statements of support for the tax cut agreement: Support from economists, advocacy groups, pundits, editorial boards.
• Sustainable energy solutions and exports: Secretary Chu at UN Climate Change Conference; agencies promote energy efficiency exports.
• DREAM Act update: Round-up of support, including op-ed from Dr. Jill Biden.
• Justice round-up: The day's DOJ news.
• EPA @ 40: Agency history; 2010 enforcement and compliance results.
• Secretary Gates in Afghanistan: Meeting with commanders and troops.
• Pearl Harbor Day: New USS Arizona Memorial visitor center; Presidential Proclamation.
• THE PRESIDENT'S PRESS CONFERENCE •
White House, Dec. 7, 2010:
Presidential Press Conference on Tax Cuts and Unemployment Extension
President Obama speaks to the press about a compromise reached with Congressional Republicans that will benefit the middle class by preserving tax cuts and extending unemployment benefits.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 7, 2010:
Press Conference by the President
THE PRESIDENT:
.... My number one priority is to do what’s right for the American people, for jobs, and for economic growth. I’m focused on making sure that tens of millions of hardworking Americans are not seeing their paychecks shrink on January 1st just because the folks here in Washington are busy trying to score political points.
And because of this agreement, middle-class Americans won’t see their taxes go up on January 1st, which is what I promised -- a promise I made during the campaign, a promise I made as President.
Because of this agreement, 2 million Americans who lost their jobs and are looking for work will be able to pay their rent and put food on their table. And in exchange for a temporary extension of the high-income tax breaks -- not a permanent but a temporary extension -- a policy that I opposed but that Republicans are unwilling to budge on, this agreement preserves additional tax cuts for the middle class that I fought for and that Republicans opposed two years ago.
I’ll cite three of them. Number one, if you are a parent trying to raise your child or pay college tuition, you will continue to see tax breaks next year. Second, if you’re a small business looking to invest and grow, you’ll have a tax cut next year. Third, as a result of this agreement, we will cut payroll taxes in 2011, which will add about $1,000 to the take-home pay of a typical family....
Now, I know there are some who would have preferred a protracted political fight, even if it had meant higher taxes for all Americans, even if it had meant an end to unemployment insurance for those who are desperately looking for work.
And I understand the desire for a fight. I’m sympathetic to that. I’m as opposed to the high-end tax cuts today as I’ve been for years. In the long run, we simply can’t afford them. And when they expire in two years, I will fight to end them, just as I suspect the Republican Party may fight to end the middle-class tax cuts that I’ve championed and that they’ve opposed.
.... But in the meantime I’m not here to play games with the American people or the health of our economy....
.... We can’t get my preferred option through the Senate right now. As a consequence, if we don’t get my option through the Senate right now, and we do nothing, then on January 1st of this -- of 2011, the average family is going to see their taxes go up about $3,000. Number two: At the end of this month, 2 million people will lose their unemployment insurance....
Now, if there was not collateral damage, if this was just a matter of my politics or being able to persuade the American people to my side, then I would just stick to my guns, because the fact of the matter is the American people already agree with me. There are polls showing right now that the American people, for the most part, think it’s a bad idea to provide tax cuts to the wealthy.
.... And if I have to choose between having a protracted political battle on the one hand, but those folks being hurt or helping those folks and continuing to fight this political battle over the next two years, I will choose the latter....
Well, let me say that on the Republican side, this is their holy grail, these tax cuts for the wealthy. This is -- seems to be their central economic doctrine. And so, unless we had 60 votes in the Senate at any given time, it would be very hard for us to move this forward. I have said that I would have liked to have seen a vote before the election. I thought this was a strong position for us to take into the election, to crystallize the positions of the two parties, because I think the Democrats have better ideas. I think our proposal to make sure that the middle class is held harmless, but that we don’t make these Bush tax cuts permanent for wealthy individuals, because it was going to cost the country at a time when we’ve got these looming deficits, that that was the better position to take. And the American people were persuaded by that.
But the fact of the matter is, I haven’t persuaded the Republican Party. I haven’t persuaded Mitch McConnell and I haven’t persuaded John Boehner. And if I can’t persuade them, then I’ve got to look at what is the best thing to do, given that reality, for the American people and for jobs....
So what this package does is provide an additional boost that is substantially more significant than I think most economic forecasters had expected. And in fact, you’ve already seen some, just over the last 24 hours, suggest that we may see faster growth and more job growth as a consequence of this package. I think the payroll tax holiday will have an impact. Unemployment insurance probably has the biggest impact in terms of making sure that the recovery that we have continues and perhaps at a faster pace....
The single most important jobs program we can put in place is a growing economy. The single most important anti-poverty program we can put in place is making sure folks have jobs and the economy is growing....
And that’s why, when I look at what our options were, for us to have another three, four, five months of uncertainty, not only would that have a direct impact on the people who see their paychecks get smaller ... but in terms of macroeconomics, the overall health of the economy, that would have been a damaging thing....
My expectation is that the unemployment rate is going to be going down because the economy is growing. And even though it’s growing more slowly than I’d like, it’s still growing....
The deal that we’ve struck here makes the high-end tax cuts temporary, and that gives us the time to have this political battle without having the same casualties for the American people that are my number one concern....
And, as I said, there are a whole bunch of things that they are giving up. I mean, the truth of the matter is, from the Republican perspective, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the college tuition tax credit, the Child Tax Credit -- all those things that are so important for so many families across the country -- those are things they really opposed. And so temporarily, they are willing to go along with that, presumably because they think they can beat me on that over the course of the next two years.
And I’m happy to have that battle. I’m happy to have that conversation. I just want to make sure that the American people aren’t harmed while we’re having that broader argument....
Q: Thank you, Mr. President. Last week members of your administration were boasting that your willingness to walk away from the Korean negotiations led to a better deal. Can you explain how this is --
THE PRESIDENT: .... It’s pretty straightforward. If we didn’t get the Korea deal done by January 1st, 2 million people weren’t suddenly looking at having no way to support their families.
.... But as I recall, with the Korea free trade agreement, that was deemed by conventional wisdom as an example of us not getting something done. I remember a story above the fold on that. Then when we got it done with a better deal that has the endorsement of not only the U.S. auto companies but also of labor, the story was sort of below the fold. So I would just point that out. I think -- I am happy to be tested over the next several months about our ability to negotiate with Republicans....
But we’ve got to have a larger debate about how is this -- how is this country going to win the economic competition of the 21st century? ....
So what are we doing to revamp our schools to make sure our kids can compete? What are we doing in terms of research and development to make sure that innovation is still taking place here in the United States of America? What are we doing about our infrastructure so that we have the best airports and the best roads and the best bridges? And how are we going to pay for all that at a time when we’ve got both short-term deficit problems, medium-term deficit problems, and long-term deficit problems?
.... And that’s going to mean looking at the tax code and saying, what’s fair, what’s efficient. And I don’t think anybody thinks the tax code right now is fair or efficient. But we’ve got to make sure that we don’t just paper over those problems by borrowing from China or Saudi Arabia. And so that’s going to be a major conversation.
And in that context, I don’t see how the Republicans win that argument. I don’t know how they’re going to be able to argue that extending permanently these high-end tax cuts is going to be good for our economy when, to offset them, we’d end up having to cut vital services for our kids, for our veterans, for our seniors....
Look, here’s my expectation -- and I’ll take John Boehner at his word -- that nobody, Democrat or Republican, is willing to see the full faith and credit of the United States government collapse, that that would not be a good thing to happen. And so I think that there will be significant discussions about the debt limit vote. That’s something that nobody ever likes to vote on. But once John Boehner is sworn in as Speaker, then he’s going to have responsibilities to govern. You can’t just stand on the sidelines and be a bomb thrower....
And so my expectation is, is that we will have tough negotiations around the budget, but that ultimately we can arrive at a position that is keeping the government open, keeping Social Security checks going out, keeping veterans services being provided, but at the same time is prudent when it comes to taxpayer dollars.....
Well, look, I’ve got a whole bunch of lines in the sand. Not making the tax cuts for the wealthy permanent -- that was a line in the sand. Making sure that the things that most impact middle-class families and low-income families, that those were preserved -- that was a line in the sand. I would not have agreed to a deal, which, by the way, some in Congress were talking about, of just a two-year extension on the Bush tax cuts and one year of unemployment insurance, but meanwhile all the other provisions, the Earned Income Tax Credit or other important breaks for middle-class families like the college tax credit, that those had gone away just because they had Obama’s name attached to them instead of Bush’s name attached to them.
So this notion that somehow we are willing to compromise too much reminds me of the debate that we had during health care. This is the public option debate all over again. So I pass a signature piece of legislation where we finally get health care for all Americans, something that Democrats had been fighting for for a hundred years, but because there was a provision in there that they didn’t get that would have affected maybe a couple of million people, even though we got health insurance for 30 million people and the potential for lower premiums for 100 million people, that somehow that was a sign of weakness and compromise.
Now, if that’s the standard by which we are measuring success or core principles, then let’s face it, we will never get anything done. People will have the satisfaction of having a purist position and no victories for the American people. And we will be able to feel good about ourselves and sanctimonious about how pure our intentions are and how tough we are, and in the meantime, the American people are still seeing themselves not able to get health insurance because of preexisting conditions or not being able to pay their bills because their unemployment insurance ran out.
That can’t be the measure of how we think about our public service. That can’t be the measure of what it means to be a Democrat. This is a big, diverse country. Not everybody agrees with us. I know that shocks people. The New York Times editorial page does not permeate across all of America. Neither does The Wall Street Journal editorial page. Most Americans, they’re just trying to figure out how to go about their lives and how can we make sure that our elected officials are looking out for us. And that means because it’s a big, diverse country and people have a lot of complicated positions, it means that in order to get stuff done, we’re going to compromise. This is why FDR, when he started Social Security, it only affected widows and orphans. You did not qualify. And yet now it is something that really helps a lot of people. When Medicare was started, it was a small program. It grew.
Under the criteria that you just set out, each of those were betrayals of some abstract ideal. This country was founded on compromise. I couldn’t go through the front door at this country’s founding. And if we were really thinking about ideal positions, we wouldn’t have a union.
So my job is to make sure that we have a North Star out there. What is helping the American people live out their lives? What is giving them more opportunity? What is growing the economy? What is making us more competitive? And at any given juncture, there are going to be times where my preferred option, what I am absolutely positive is right, I can’t get done.
And so then my question is, does it make sense for me to tack a little bit this way or tack a little bit that way, because I’m keeping my eye on the long term and the long fight -- not my day-to-day news cycle, but where am I going over the long term?
And I don’t think there’s a single Democrat out there, who if they looked at where we started when I came into office and look at where we are now, would say that somehow we have not moved in the direction that I promised.
Take a tally. Look at what I promised during the campaign. There’s not a single thing that I’ve said that I would do that I have not either done or tried to do. And if I haven’t gotten it done yet, I’m still trying to do it.
And so the -- to my Democratic friends, what I’d suggest is, let’s make sure that we understand this is a long game. This is not a short game. And to my Republican friends, I would suggest -- I think this is a good agreement, because I know that they’re swallowing some things that they don’t like as well, and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the field of competition over the next two years.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 7, 2010:
Fact Sheet on the Framework Agreement on Middle Class Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance
The framework agreement announced by the President secures vital tax relief and investments in our workers that will create jobs and accelerate economic growth. The plan has three key accomplishments:
• Working families will not lose their tax cut. A typical working family faced a tax increase of over $3,000 on January 1st. That’s avoided under this framework agreement, and working families won’t see their tax cuts go away next year.
• Focused on high impact job creation measures. The framework agreement includes some of the best measures for jumpstarting growth and job creation, including a full year of emergency unemployment insurance benefits, an about $120 billion payroll tax cut for working families and a continuation of tax credits for working families. This is on top of growth generated by extension of the middle-class income tax rates.
• Does not worsen the medium- and long-term deficit. These are responsible, temporary measures to support our economy that will not add costs by the middle of the decade. The President does not believe it is affordable to make the high-income tax cuts permanent and will continue to have that debate in the years ahead.
Overview of the Framework Agreement:
• Extending the 2001/2003 Income-Tax Rates for Two Years. The framework agreement includes a mutually agreed upon solution to the impasse over taxes by extending the 2001/2003 income tax rates for two years and reforming the AMT to ensure that an additional 21 million households will not be hit with a tax increase. These measures will provide relief to more than 100 million middle-class families and prevent a tax increase of over $2,000 for the typical family.
• Additional Provisions Designed to Promote Vigorous Economic Growth. In addition to the 2001/2003 rates, the Administration secured several provisions that are vital for our economy’s growth, which would not have been possible without this framework agreement: $56 billion in unemployment insurance, an about $120 billion payroll tax cut for working families, about $40 billion in tax cuts for our hardest hit families and students; and 100% expensing for businesses next year.
1. GROWTH-ORIENTED PAYROLL TAX CUT FOR WORKERS:
The framework agreement reached by the administration includes an about 2%, employee-side payroll tax cut for over 155 million workers – providing tax relief of about $120 billion next year. This tax cut will have a major impact on jobs and growth – creating substantial numbers of jobs. It is widely recognized by economists across the political spectrum as a high bang for the buck way to boost growth and was cited by both major deficit reduction commissions as consistent with long term fiscal discipline.
A payroll tax cut has been endorsed by experts and commentators from across the political spectrum. Just last month, both the President’s Fiscal Commission and the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Debt Reduction Task Force described a payroll tax cut in 2011 as an effective way to spur growth and job creation. The tax cut legislation would provide for a transfer of General Revenues to the Social Security Trust Fund, ensuring no negative impact on Social Security solvency. And, as economist Nouriel Roubini wrote earlier this year, a payroll tax cut would spur growth because "for employees, the increased take-home pay would boost much-needed economic consumption and advance the still-crucial process of deleveraging households."
2. HIGH IMPACT, JOB CREATING TAX CUTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Economic studies consistently find that lower-income households are the most likely to spend additional money, creating jobs and helping overall growth. That’s why the Congressional Budget Office, for instance, has concluded that "policies aimed at lower-income households tend to have greater stimulative effects." The President fought to secure a two-year increase of the full Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. These provisions will, together, provide ongoing tax cuts to 12 million lower income families, with a total of 24 million children. In addition, the deal fully extends the American Opportunity Tax Credit for two years.
Lower-Income Working Families Benefited by Expansions in EITC and CTC
(Chart summarized: Of the 12.2 million lower-income working families with 24.3 million children benefited by expansions in EITC and CTC, 5.6 million families are White, with 9.8 children; 3.7 million are Hispanic, with 8.0 million children; 2.2 million are African American, with 4.7 million children, and .7 million are Other, with 1.7 million children.)
Illustrative Family: A working family with three children making $20,000 will continue to receive a tax cut of more than $2,000 as a result of the EITC and Child Tax Credit expansions in this framework agreement. The same family would receive an additional $400 tax cut from the new payroll tax cut.
• Child Tax Credit: The $1,000 child tax credit will be extended for two years with the $3,000 refundability threshold established in the Recovery Act. This extension will ensure an ongoing tax cut to 10.5 million lower income families with 18 million children.
• Earned Income Tax Credit: The Recovery Act included an expansion of the EITC worth, on average, $600 in additional assistance to families with 3 or more children. It also helped working married families by reducing the marriage penalty in the EITC. Continuing this tax cut for two years will benefit 6.5 million working parents with 15 million children.
• American Opportunity Tax Credit: The Recovery Act included a new, partially refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 to help students and their families cover the cost of college tuition. This deal fully extends AOTC for two years, ensuring that more than 8 million students will continue to receive this tax benefit to help them afford college.
3. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE:
The framework agreement extended unemployment benefits at their current level for 13 months, through the end of 2011. This will save millions of Americans searching for work from losing their unemployment benefits in the coming months and will help create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
• In December alone, 2 million workers who would have lost benefits will continue to receive them because of this framework agreement. Over the next year, 7 million workers will no longer need to worry that their unemployment benefits could be eliminated as they search for jobs.
• According to the Council of Economic Advisers, passing this provision will create 600,000 jobs in 2011 alone.
4. BUSINESS TAX CUTS TO INCREASE INVESTMENT AND GROWTH:
In September, the President called for temporarily allowing businesses to expense all of their investments in 2011. This growth-oriented tax cut was included in the framework agreement.
• According to the Treasury Department, complete expensing could generate more than $50 billion in additional investment in the U.S. in 2011.
• The provision will provide a crucial incentive to 2 million businesses to invest and create jobs in the U.S and would be the largest temporary investment incentive in American history.
• The framework agreement also includes a 2-year extension of the R&D tax credit and other tax incentives to support business expansion.
• FIRST QUESTION •
Prior to the briefing, WH Press Secretary Robert Gibbs took the day's First Questions.
White House, Dec. 7, 2010:
First Question with Robert Gibbs -- December 7th, 2010
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs takes first questions before his press briefing from the online audience on the proposed compromise on tax cuts, unemployment insurance and job creation and the possible repeal of Don't ask Don't Tell.
• STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT FOR THE TAX CUT AGREEMENT •
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 7, 2010:
Statements of Support on the Framework Agreement for Middle Class Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance
Below please see some statements of support on the framework agreement on middle class tax cuts and unemployment insurance from various economists, advocacy groups, pundits and editorial boards.
Economists and Economic Research
Michael Linden and Michael Ettlinger, Center for American Progress
"The deal as announced would save or create 2.2 million jobs (through 2012), excluding jobs saved by extending the broad based Bush tax cuts, on which everyone agreed." CAP
Peter Cardillo, Chief Market Economist, Avalon Partners in New York
"From a psychological standpoint, this probably will continue to boost the markets in the sense that this most likely will lead to an expansion in economic activity. People are going to be feeling a little bit better, and that means they'll be maybe even spending a little bit more." (Avalon Partners, 12/07/2010)
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
"When the deal does get signed into law, it will force us to boost our GDP estimates for 2011. Now, the early reports show that many Democratic lawmakers are agitated with the deal struck by the Obama administration. This implies there will be some political maneuvering, particularly in the House of Representatives. Democrats in Congress may pressure the President to make changes that Republicans are almost certain to resist. Remember, what is critical for the economic outlook is whether the two parties can work together and our sense is that the President has too much invested in this deal to let it be scrapped.... (Bank of America Merrill Lynch, 12/07/2010)
Greg Mankiw, Professor of Economics at Harvard University
"I am generally pleased with the compromise over taxes the President and Republicans struck yesterday... As the policy was described yesterday, this payroll tax cut goes entirely to the worker...." Greg Mankiw
John Silvia, Chief Economist of Wells Fargo
"(The deal) suggests more positive outlook for economic growth, corporate profits (and) employment." (Wells Fargo, 12/07/2010)
Pundits and Editorials
Jonathan Bernstein, The New Republic
".... What I think happened here is that instead of the rejectionist strategy Republicans have used on most issues, on taxes Republicans and Democrats both wanted substantive results -- and that, given the party breakdown in the Senate, made a trade-off close to inevitable." The New Republic
Ezra Klein, Washington Post
"...It's something of a hopeful sign: The White House sat in a room with Republicans and Democrats and managed to negotiate an actual compromise. The final deal includes some things that Democrats will like and some things they won't like, and it includes some things Republicans will like and some things they won't like. But it's a deal, and a better one than many -- myself included -- thought they'd reach...." Washington Post
Boston Globe Editorial Board
".... Obama has rightly stated that the outcome of the 2010 election reflected a desire for more compromise and less partisan gridlock. In dealing with the Republican leadership, Obama is acting in the national interest, if not necessarily pleasing his party’s faithful." Boston Globe
Derek Thompson, The Atlantic
".... In the near future, this means significant help for American families and businesses that seemed out of reach just a few days ago. Unemployment benefits are considered the most effective form of stimulus. The payroll tax holiday will double the relief from the Making Work Pay tax credit, giving average worker thousands -- yes, thousands -- of dollars in additional after-tax income. The extensions to the refundable portions of the Child Tax Credit and EITC will also target low income families hit hardest in the downturn. In short, a $60 billion tax cut for the richest will be unsavory to some people, but it's become a vehicle for historic tax relief for average Americans. Of the six stimulus ideas analyzed by the CBO in the summer, this deal has four, including the two most stimulative: jobless benefits and a payroll tax cut, both of which target the middle- and low-income Americans." The Atlantic
David Leonhardt, New York Times
".... The amount of money pumped into the ailing economy: about $900 billion over years. Subtract the $400 billion cost of the Bush tax cuts. Subtract another $140 billion or so, which is the cost of extending the Alternative Minimum Tax patch (and almost certainly would have happened regardless). You’re then left with more than $300 billion in net stimulus over two years. And while that sum will not be enough to fix the economy all by itself, it is serious money... the outcome is not all bad, especially for the short-term sake of the economy." New York Times
The Economist
".... Though it must still pass the parties’ respective caucuses, this is good news for the economy: the prospect of inadvertent fiscal tightening was the biggest cloud hanging over the 2011 outlook.... Tonight’s deal is likely to lead to a round of upward revisions." The Economist
Steve Kornacki, Salon
"There's also a longer term calculation at work. Note that the deal also includes a reduction in the Social Security payroll tax and an expansion of the earned income tax credit and the college tuition tax credit. This is on top of the extension in unemployment benefits. These measures have one thing in common: They are stimulative in nature. (So, for that matter, is the fact that middle class Americans won't face a tax hike -- something that would have happened had Obama balked at the deal and played a long-term game of chicken with the GOP).... The compromise, in other words, gives Obama a chance to take further action to boost the economy and bring unemployment down..." Salon
Bill Scher, Campaign for America’s Future
".... Unemployment benefits for those out of work between 26 and 99 weeks beats no benefits for any long-term unemployed workers. That's a compromise, where we get something. Not a capitulation, where we get nothing. The deal is taking action ... our government taking action. That should be embraced. We need to keep fighting for robust investment in America's future to spark a sustainable recovery. And the best way to do that is to build on what's good in this deal, tout what middle-class voters are getting and bring back their appetite for more action by our government."Campaign for America’s Future
Steve Goldstein, MarketWatch
"Wall Street economists were tapping into their spreadsheets Tuesday, ready to ratchet up their economic growth forecasts for next year in light of the tax deal struck by President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans, particularly the surprise one-year reduction in payroll taxes.... MarketWatch
Advocacy Groups
John D. Podesta, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for American Progress
".... On balance, I think the President was right to choose helping working Americans over a December conflagration." CAP
Lawrence Mishel, President of the Economic Policy Institute
"Who got what out of the deal is clear. The Republicans got tax cuts for the best-off two percent and lower estate taxes for the very wealthiest families, neither of which will do much if anything to create jobs. President Obama won policies that will put or keep money in the pockets of the families of the unemployed and middle and low-income families, which will increase spending and create jobs. That’s what a payroll tax holiday for workers, unemployment benefits and the various tax credits will do: create customers for business and create jobs, which is our biggest need right now. In two years, the American people will have a clear choice about who the tax code will favor. That debate will, I hope, highlight the hypocrisy of those wanting to deepen the deficit by extending tax cuts for the rich while simultaneously cutting health care, Social Security and domestic public investments." (EPI.org, 12/06/2010)
Business Roundtable
".... This tax relief – including the extension of the dividends and capital gains rate – will provide a needed boost to job creation and investment. We applaud the inclusion of the R&D credit and other important business tax provisions that expired at the end of 2009. These provisions include long-standing features of the tax code that businesses rely on when they undertake hiring and investment decisions. Restoration of these provisions lifts an uncertainty for businesses that will improve their ability to employ more workers and grow the economy. Additionally, an employee payroll tax deduction and an increased incentive to undertake investment in machinery and equipment in 2011 should help to assist in the recovery." (BusinessRoundtable.org, 12/07/2010)
Bob Greenstein, President of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
"It’s a bigger deal than anyone expected... Both sides gave more expected and both sides got more than expected." Washington Post
Judy Conti, National Employment Law Project
"While it is a deal that gives much to the top 2 percent of wage earners in this country, and far less to those struggling the most in this economy, we commend the White House and all negotiators for realizing that the long-term unemployed need our continued support. There is much more to be done, especially for those who are beyond the reach of the UI system, but this is a very positive first step." (National Employment Law Project, 12/07/2010)
• SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS AND EXPORT INITIATIVE •
Department of Energy, Dec. 7, 2010:
Chu at COP-16: Building a Sustainable Energy Future
U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu addresses the U.S. Center in Cancun, Mexico on the need to build a sustainable energy future as part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP-16. In his remarks he highlights the need to promote international collaborations to find new solutions that will benefit us all, to use energy more wisely and develop low-carbon technologies.
Department of Energy, Dec. 7, 2010:
Secretary Chu Joins 7 Other Agencies in Launching Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today joined seven other U.S. Government agencies in launching the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative, a coordinated effort to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency exports. In partnership with the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy co-chairs the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Working Group of the federal agencies participating in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative.
While continuing to support trade missions, commercial advocacy, and industry outreach, DOE is also investing in instrumental market research and discovery that can help focus U.S. government resources for trade promotion. For example, DOE will identify U.S. manufactured energy efficiency products likely to be competitive in global markets, and in collaboration with U.S. trade associations, DOE will explore the creation of guides for foreign buyers listing technologies and services available from U.S. providers.
"Expanding U.S. clean technology exports is a critical step to ensuring America's economic competitiveness in the years ahead," said Secretary Chu. "The initiatives we are announcing today will provide us with a better understanding of the global clean energy marketplace and help boost U.S. exports."
The Initiative is the country's first-ever Federal government coordinated effort to support renewable energy and energy efficiency exports. Through the implementation of 23 interagency actions, the Initiative will facilitate a significant increase of renewable energy and energy efficiency exports during the next five years, helping to meet the goals of the National Export Initiative and President Obama's challenge to become the leading exporter of clean energy technologies.
The prospects for U.S. technology exports focusing on this industry are vast. More than 100 countries now have policies to encourage the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Many of these countries have substantial deployment targets that will drive demand for renewable energy and energy efficiency for years to come.
The Initiative was developed through the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) Working Group on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which includes representatives from the Departments of Commerce, Energy, State, and Agriculture, as well as the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
The report is available for download on the Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Exporter web portal.
Department of Commerce, Dec. 7, 2010:
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative Announced Today
Today Secretary Locke joined seven other U.S. government agencies in launching the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative, a coordinated effort to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency exports.
Through the Initiative, the U.S. government will support renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE&EE) exporters by offering new financing products, enhancing market access, increasing trade promotion and improving the delivery of export promotion services to current and future RE&EE companies. The federal government is also launching a new online portal as part of the Initiative to provide renewable energy companies easy access to government export resources, and the Commerce Department is committing to an increased number of RE&EE trade and trade-policy missions.
Energy is a $6 trillion global market, and clean energy is the fastest growing sector.
The Initiative is the federal government’s first-ever coordinated effort to support the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency exports and is designed to facilitate an increase of RE&EE exports during the next five years, helping to meet the goals of the National Export Initiative and President Obama’s challenge to become the leading exporter of clean energy technologies.
• DREAM ACT UPDATE •
White House, Dec. 7, 2010:
One Day Closer, One More Update on DREAM
Posted by Stephanie Valencia, an Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement
This morning, Under Secretary of Defense Dr. Clifford Stanley held a press conference call to highlight how the DREAM Act is important to our military’s recruitment efforts and readiness. The DREAM Act is a part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts.
Under Secretary Stanley described the DREAM Act as "the sweet spot," pointing out it is "common sense," and that given that recruitment rates go through cycles in the military, the DREAM Act is important to expand the pool of recruits.
In addition, Secretaries Duncan and Napolitano sent letters to the Hill today expressing their support for the DREAM Act and urging Congress to pass it (view Secretary Duncan's letters here and Secretary Napolitano letters here).
And Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, penned an op-ed that ran in today’s Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and Miami Herald, providing her perspective as an educator, and as someone who has had the privilege to work with military families. As she wrote, "The power of the talent of these young future-Americans is immense. Whether they want to serve our military or further their education, it's in our nation's best interest to make that possible. Let's put their talent to good use."
And other op-eds and editorials continue to run in support of the DREAM Act, including one in the Washington Post written by conservative Michael Gerson titled, "How the Dream Act Transcends Politics." Clearly, people across the political spectrum and from across a broad range of sectors -- education, military, and security communities -- see that passing the DREAM Act is good for our economy, good for our security, and good for our nation.
• JUSTICE ROUND-UP •
Department of Justice, Dec. 7, 2010:
Assistant Attorney General Tony West Speaks at Press Conference Announcing Major Settlements with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
"Over the last two years, the Justice Department—in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services—has made cracking down on health care fraud a top priority. Today, we announce the latest results of those efforts." ....
Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Bureau of Justice Assistance National Conference
"This conference is a unique opportunity – a chance to forge and reinforce relationships, to share effective strategies, and to help ensure the strength and integrity of our justice system." ....
Kos Pharmaceuticals to Pay More Than $41 Million to Resolve Kickback and Off-Label Promotion Allegations
Kos Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, has agreed to pay more than $41 million to resolve criminal and civil liability arising from conduct relating to its drugs Advicor and Niaspan....
Bank of America Agrees to Pay $137.3 Million in Restitution to Federal and State Agencies as a Condition of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Corporate Leniency Program
Bank of America entities have agreed to pay a total of $137.3 million in restitution to federal and state agencies for its participation in a conspiracy to rig bids in the municipal bond derivatives market and as a condition of its admission into the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Corporate Leniency Program....
Four Detroit-Area Residents Arrested in Connection with $14.5 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme
Four Detroit-area residents were arrested today by federal agents from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and FBI as part of an ongoing investigation into a $14.5 million home health care fraud scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and HHS....
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers to Pay $421.2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Cases
In Past Two Years, Civil Division & U.S. Attorneys Have Recovered More Than $9 Billion in Cases Alleging False Claims and Fraud Against the Government
Abbott Laboratories Inc., B. Braun Medical Inc. and Roxane Laboratories Inc. n/k/a Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Inc. and affiliated entities have agreed to pay $421 million to settle False Claims Act allegations, the Justice Department announced today. These settlements resolve claims by the United States that the defendants engaged in a scheme to report false and inflated prices for numerous pharmaceutical products knowing that federal healthcare programs relied on those reported prices to set payment rates. The actual sales prices for the products were far less than what defendants reported....
President of Iowa Ready-Mix Concrete Company Pleads Guilty to Price Fixing
The president of an Iowa ready-mix concrete company pleaded guilty yesterday to participating in a conspiracy to fix prices for sales of ready-mix concrete, the Department of Justice announced today....
• EPA @ 40 •
Environmental Protection Agency, Dec. 6, 2010:
EPA @ 40
A montage of archival and contemporary footage that captures some of the most pivotal and memorable events of past 40 years of the environmental protection movement.
Council on Environmental Quality Blog, Dec. 6, 2010:
Celebrating EPA's 40th Anniversary
Posted by Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality
Last week marked a major milestone for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as it turned 40 years old on December 2, 2010. On Thursday, I joined EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and other Obama Administration officials in wishing the agency "Happy Birthday" after four decades of work to protect the health of the environment and all Americans. We launched the event by reading President Obama's Proclamation on the 40th Anniversary of the Environmental Protection Agency, which called on the EPA and other Federal Agencies to continue their legacies of responsible stewardship and to advance environmental quality in the face of new challenges, including global climate change.
On Friday, I joined other environmental leaders at Harvard University for its conference: "EPA @ 40: Protecting the Environment and Our Communities." I had the opportunity to lead a panel on "Global Problems and Local Solutions," which included a dynamic discussion on EPA's history of success in working with state and local governments and communities to safeguard the health of our environment. EPA's 40 years of leadership have fostered cleaner communities, promoted the health of children, and helped build a stronger America. The Obama Administration is committed to continuing this proud legacy, and to leaving a clean and healthy country for future generations.
Environmental Protection Agency, Dec. 6, 2010:
EPA Announces 2010 Enforcement and Compliance Results / More than 1.4 billion pounds of harmful air, land, and water pollution to be reduced
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the release of its annual enforcement and compliance results. In fiscal year (FY) 2010, EPA took enforcement and compliance actions that require polluters to pay more than $110 million in civil penalties and commit to spend an estimated $12 billion on pollution controls, cleanup, and environmental projects that benefit communities. These actions when completed will reduce pollution by more than 1.4 billion pounds and protect businesses that comply with regulations by holding non-compliant businesses accountable when environmental laws are violated.
"At EPA, we are dedicated to aggressively go after pollution problems that make a difference in our communities through vigorous civil and criminal enforcement," stated Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Our commitment to environmental enforcement is grounded in the knowledge that people not only desire, but expect, the protection of the water they drink, the air they breathe and the communities they call home."
EPA’s civil enforcement actions for violations of the Clean Air Act alone will account for the reduction of an estimated 400 million pounds of air pollution per year. Those reductions will represent between $6.2 billion and $15 billion annually in avoided health costs. As a result of water cases concluded in FY 2010, EPA is ensuring that an estimated 1 billion pounds of water pollution per year will be reduced, eliminated or properly managed and investments in pollution control and environmental improvement projects from parties worth approximately $8 billion will be made. EPA’s civil enforcement actions also led to commitments to treat, minimize or properly dispose of more than an estimated 11.8 billion pounds of hazardous waste.
EPA’s criminal enforcement program opened 346 new environmental crime cases in FY 2010. These cases led to 289 defendants charged for allegedly committing environmental crimes, the largest number in five years, 198 criminals convicted and $41 million assessed in fines and restitution.
This year’s annual results include an enhanced mapping tool that allows the public to view detailed information about the enforcement actions taken at more than 4,500 facilities that concluded in FY 2010 on an interactive map of the United States and its territories. The map shows facilities and sites where civil and criminal enforcement actions were taken for alleged violations of U.S. environmental laws regulating air, water, and land pollution. The mapping tool also displays community-based activities like the locations of the environmental justice grants awarded in FY 2010 and the Environmental Justice Showcase Communities.
The release of the EPA’s enforcement and compliance results and the accompanying mapping tool are part of EPA’s commitment to transparency. They are intended to improve public access to data and provide the public with tools to demonstrate EPA’s efforts to protect human health and the environment in communities across the nation.
View the FY 2010 results and an announcement message from Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Cynthia Giles.
• DEFENSE SECRETARY IN AFGHANISTAN •
Department of Defense, Dec. 7, 2010:
Gates in Afghanistan
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in Afghanistan meeting with U.S. commanders and troops on the front lines.
Department of Defense, Dec. 7, 2010:
Gates Thanks Soldiers, Asks Them to Thank Families
By John D. Banusiewicz, American Forces Press Service
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited two forward operating bases in eastern Afghanistan today to personally thank 101st Airborne Division soldiers who have been engaged in tough fighting and to ask them to thank their families for him.
.... (Gates spoke to) hundreds of soldiers of the 327th Infantry Regiment’s 1st and 2nd battalions (at Forward Operating Base Joyce in Kunar province) and of the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, at Forward Operating Base Connolly in Nangarhar province....
Gates presented numerous awards at both bases, including Silver Star medals to six soldiers at Forward Operating Base Joyce: 1st Lt. Stephen R. Tangen, Sgt. 1st Class John P. Fleming, Staff Sgts. Brent A. Schneider and Daniel J. Hayes, Cpl. Joshua Bush and Spc. Richard T. Bennett.
At Forward Operating Base Connolly, the secretary met privately with 18 members of the platoon that lost six soldiers last week when a rogue Afghan border policeman opened fire on them.
The secretary posed for pictures with every soldier present at both locations and presented each with his commemorative secretary of defense coin....
The secretary said his meetings with commanders gave him a sense that they’re confident and making "a good deal of headway." Though there’s no question the going is tough, he added, continued progress with local governance and good district leaders is a positive sign.
Gates met this evening with Petraeus, Army Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry.
• PEARL HARBOR DAY •
KITV TV, Dec. 7, 2010:
(These videos are not embeddable.)
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Dedicated On Anniversary, Pt. 1
http://www.youtube.com/...
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Dedicated On Anniversary, Pt. 2
http://www.youtube.com/...
Department of Interior, Dec. 7, 2010:
Strickland Commemorates Pearl Harbor Anniversary, Helps Dedicate New USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center
PEARL HARBOR, HI —Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Tom Strickland today joined Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, senior Navy officials, and more than 100 Pearl Harbor survivors to commemorate the anniversary of the surprise attack on Oahu that began U.S. involvement in World War II. At the events today, Strickland also helped to dedicate the new Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial visitor center that will serve as a gateway for visitors to learn about the entire war in the Pacific.
"This extraordinary new visitor center will ensure that the story of Pearl Harbor and the war in the Pacific is told not only to those alive today but to future generations," Strickland said. "It is a living memorial to all who fought and sacrificed to defeat the forces of fascism and defend freedom and democracy in the Pacific."
The theme of this year’s ceremony was "A Promise Fulfilled 1941 - 2010" because the dedication of the visitor center fulfills a commitment to the men and women who put their lives at risk during the Pacific War to ensure the memory of their service and sacrifice is remembered in future generations.
The center, built through the combined efforts of the National Park Service, the U.S. Navy and the non-profit Pacific Historic Parks, replaces the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. It will serve as the primary gateway for visitors to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, the USS Bowfin Submarine Park and Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Memorial.
"This new visitor center will provide one of the finest gateways to an era in American history in the National Park System," Strickland added. "Visitors entering this center will embark upon a journey from the terrible destruction of Pearl Harbor to the moment of triumph on the deck of the USS Missouri."
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 7, 2010:
Presidential Proclamation--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Nearly 70 years ago, on December 7, 1941, our service members and civilians awoke on a quiet Sunday to a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces. Employing whatever weapons were at hand, those who defended Hawaii that fateful morning stand as examples of the selfless heroism that has always characterized the Armed Forces of the United States. More than 3,500 Americans were killed or wounded, and the images of burning battleships and the grief for lives lost were forever seared into our national memory.
The deadly attack on Pearl Harbor did not accomplish its mission of breaking the American spirit. Instead, it reinforced our resolve. Americans responded with unity and courage to a tragedy that President Franklin D. Roosevelt called "a date which will live in infamy." In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, thousands of resolute individuals immediately volunteered their service to a grieving Nation. Sixteen million of America's sons and daughters served during World War II, and more than 400,000 paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of life and liberty. Countless other patriots served on the home front, aiding the war effort by working in manufacturing plants, participating in rationing programs, or planting Victory gardens. In the face of great loss, America once again showed the resilience and strength that have always characterized our great country.
The Allied Forces battled the scourge of tyranny and ultimately spread the transformative march of freedom. As we recognize the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we honor not only those who gave their lives that December day, but also all those in uniform who travelled to distant theaters of war to halt the progression of totalitarianism and hate. In honor of all who have borne the cost of battle throughout America's history, let us pledge to meet our debt of honor and uphold the ideals they fought to preserve.
The Congress, by Public Law 103 308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2010, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA