Federal procurement nominee outlines agenda Nov 13, 2009
Our procurement budget has increased dramatically in the past decade, yet the growth in the workforce has not kept pace, Gordon told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at his. In fiscal 2008, the federal government spent roughly $539 billion on contracts, which is twice as much as the government spent earlier in the decade. (FCW.com)
Hasan's Personal Jihad Nov 12, 2009
Unless an investigation such as called for by Lieberman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, can jolt our national security leadership out of its suicidal reluctance to name the enemy and pursue him wherever he may be found, the brave members of the U.S. military will remain in mortal peril, not only on foreign battlefields, but right here at home on American soil. And if the U.S. Army cannot even defend its own -- against its own -- then how can it... (Human Events Online)
Tileo Joan Forcella Nov 11, 2009
Youngberg has worked for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation since 1992 and has served in several capacities in his tenure, including membership field staff, director of membership, director of member services and currently as vice president of governmental affairs, where he serves as a lobbyist. As an agriculture advocate, he has worked diligently for improved funding for MSU and the Montana Agriculture Experiment Station. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Soldier did 'what I'm trained to do' Nov 10, 2009
If Hasan was showing signs of being an Islamic extremist, the Army should have acted on that earlier, and "he should have been gone," said Lieberman, a Connecticut independent and chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He spoke on "Fox News Sunday.". (CNN -- US)
FBI dropped inquiry... Nov 10, 2009
" The FBI determined that the e-mails did not warrant an investigation, according to the law enforcement official. Investigators said Hasan's e-mails were consistent with the topic of his academic research and involved some social chatter and religious discourse. Hoekstra and others are raising questions about whether government agencies paid sufficient attention to warning signs about Hasan. On Capitol Hill, several investigations of the shootings are taking shape, with the Senate Homeland... (The Drudge Report)
Fort Hood Rampage Spurs Congressional Interest in Missed `Warning Signs' Nov 9, 2009
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will investigate what motivated the suspect, Major , Senator said yesterday. Thirteen people were killed and 30 injured in the Nov. 5 attack at Fort Hood. (Bloomberg -- US)
Military Fears Gains with Muslim Soldiers May Be Lost Nov 9, 2009
Lieberman's Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will try to move forward on an investigation to address Hasan's motives and whether signs of extremism were apparent but ignored. At Fort Hood on Sunday, at least there was one sign that the military's embrace of its Muslim soldiers would continue undeterred. (Time.com)
Senate Committee Will Probe Whether Warning Signs From Shooter Were Missed Nov 9, 2009
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn. said Sunday his panel will launch an investigation into the Army s handling of Maj. (Roll Call)
Spanier: Tuition increase possible Nov 9, 2009
UPUA Governmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Colleen Smith said her committee will send letters to the majority and minority whips and Speaker of the House in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, as well as to members of pertinent committees. Up to 15 members of the House could receive one of these letters, Smith (sophomore-biology) said, urging the legislators to acknowledge the importance of education and the negative impact this impasse could have on the future of Penn State students. (Daily Collegian, PA)
UPUA reviews future agenda Nov 9, 2009
UPUA Governmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Colleen Smith said she found Sunday's meeting helpful. Colleen Smith (sophomore-biology) said she was glad to have the input of the entire assembly, giving each member the opportunity to voice his or her opinion on what should happen with each initiative. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Oh, that Lieberman Nov 8, 2009
Majority Leader Harry Reid let him keep his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on the belief that Lieberman would provide him with a filibuster-proof 60 votes. Well, it took him 10 months to show his stripes. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Shell Oil to pay $19.5M in environmental fines Nov 7, 2009
said during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing. Central Unified tries again with bond measure. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Watchdogs: 'Shell' Schemes Are on the Rise Nov 6, 2009
The bill is before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, which held a on Nov. 5. Page. (BusinessWeek)
Committee supports new fields Nov 5, 2009
The search committee for a director of Legal Services that will include Director of the Assembly Samantha Miller (senior-political science) and Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Colleen Smith (sophomore-political science) has been pushed back two weeks, he said. But Keirans (senior-business management) said he is excited to see it get up and running and in place for the spring semester. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Lieberman's Chairmanship Threatened Nov 4, 2009
Joe Lieberman's chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. In an e-mail on Monday, Democrats. (Newsmax)
Collins opposes White House cyber czar Nov 3, 2009
Susan Collins (R-Maine), the top-ranking Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today argued against establishing a new cybersecurity coordinator position at the White House ... chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. (FCW.com)
The GOP is just a pup tent now Nov 3, 2009
He is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. Doesn t give off a real big I hate you vibe. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Lieberman outlines plan for cybersecurity legislation Oct 31, 2009
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman of Connecticut today outlined his priorities for comprehensive cybersecurity legislation that he plans to introduce in the near future. Lieberman, a political independent who caucuses with Senate Democrats, laid out his plan during a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. (FCW.com)
Lieberman wont allow Senate vote on public option Oct 28, 2009
He also struck a deal to keep his chairmanship of the Governmental Affairs Committee that require him to ask permission of Dick Durbin for procedural votes, though he is free to vote as he wants on policy votes. There IS a strategy afoot because of his loss of stature over the Iraq position in his 2006 campaign. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
UPUA to draft IM field legislation Oct 28, 2009
UPUA Governmental Affairs Chairwoman and committee representative Colleen Smith said she agrees with Mendoza -- it's the responsibility of committee members to represent their respective organizations. But, she said, it is "only practical" to get the support of the entire assembly for a multi-million dollar project that is also the first project facilities fee funds will be used on. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Lieberman Riles His Party Again Oct 28, 2009
told his Democratic colleagues nearly a year ago that they would not regret letting him keep his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. LOG IN NOT A SUBSCRIBER. (Roll Call)
Byrne announces Montgomery leadership team Oct 27, 2009
Posted: Monday, October 26, 2009 8:06 PM EST Updated: Monday, October 26, 2009 8:06 PM EST. MONTGOMERY, AL - Reform-minded Republican gubernatorial candidate Bradley Byrne, who, as former chancellor of Alabama's two-year college system has been credited with cleaning up an entrenched culture of institutional corruption inside the post secondary system, today announced a distinguished group of Montgomery business and community leaders who have committed their support to him and will serve, under... (WSJA.com, AL)
Chief Pentagon Auditor Forced from Post Oct 27, 2009
At a Sept. 23 hearing by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Democrats and Republicans said they were out of patience with the agency. The committee chairman, Sen. (CBS News)
Dodd and Lieberman at Odds Once Again Oct 26, 2009
Despite Lieberman s McCain endorsement, leadership allowed him to retain his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at the urging of President Barack Obama and Dodd. Democratic operatives familiar with both Senators conceded the two aren t best friends but said the pair have made a concerted effort to put the recent past behind them. (Roll Call)
Multichannel Newswire Oct 23, 2009
Arris claims an upgraded version of a video encoder from EGT -- which it acquired last month -- now lets cable operators fit four high-definition MPEG-2 channels into a single QAM channel without "observable video quality degradation." FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has gone the somewhat nontraditional route in naming the new deputy chief of the consumer and governmental affairs bureau. Rogers Communications is rolling out Big Ten Network to select parts of its service area. (Multichannel News)
How FBI traced Tarek Mehanna in his quest to become a jihadi Oct 23, 2009
May 8, 2008 A report from the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs notes that "39 Ways to Serve and Participate in Jihad" in English (which FBI contends Mehanna translated) is a popular text on the Internet that describes ways to support violent Islamist ideology and aid the movement with fundraising and electronic jihad, including chat rooms, disseminating propaganda, and attacking enemy websites. Nov. 8, 2008 JTTF obtains consent from a Mehanna family... (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Senators Take On Obama's Czars Oct 23, 2009
This is what the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will examine on Thursday in the first full committee hearing on the topic. At the heart of the session: does the proliferation of czars a practice favored by past Presidents from both parties undermine the ability of Congress to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. (Time.com)
HEALTH SEC SICK? Oct 22, 2009
Sebelius, Homeland Security Secretary and Education Secretary testified Wednesday at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on the federal government's H1N1 flu preparations. Follow | Submit your news tips. (The Drudge Report)
White House czars: Is Congress to blame? Oct 20, 2009
The Senate has already held one hearing this month, and another hearing is set for this week in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Before acting, however, Congress should consider a fundamental (and potentially uncomfortable) question: Is Congress to blame for the proliferation of White House czars. (Christian Science Monitor)
Wambold a seamless transition for city govt Oct 17, 2009
member, Governmental Affairs Committee for Gaylord Area Chamber & Tourism Bureau. former member, Hospice. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
UPUA discusses semester goals Oct 15, 2009
Governmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Colleen Smith spoke on behalf of both candidates and said she is glad to see them as an official part of UPUA.. "These two candidates really stood out," Smith (sophomore-biology) said. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Off-duty NYPD cop accused of showing gun on train Oct 13, 2009
Mueller testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee in the Obama administration's first public appearance before lawmakers since news broke that Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year-old Denver airport driver, is suspected of plotting a terrorist attack in New York. Authorities have said Zazi admitted receiving explosives training from al-Qaida in Pakistan. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Student tells Congress of college costs Oct 7, 2009
Ryan (junior-communication arts and sciences), who is the Campus of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) governmental affairs director and CCSG liaison to the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), spoke before the committee Monday ... UPUA Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Colleen Smith said she hopes Ryan's testimony will have a positive impact on the members of Congress who listened to it Monday. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Groups request halt of National Animal ID (2) Oct 4, 2009
Washington, D.C. In formal correspondence sent today to the leaders of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, two national groups and nine others all from different states requested that Congress immediately halt any further advancement of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and to conduct an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture s (USDA s) NAIS activities to carefully and... (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
New ICANN agreement runs into criticism Oct 2, 2009
The problem is that ICANN's chairman or CEO and the chairman of ICANN's Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), selected by all the nations involved with ICANN, would have the final say on the makeup of those review teams, said , operations director the , a group of academics focusing on Internet governance issues. "The review panels are not external to ICANN," Kuerbis said Thursday at an ICANN forum hosted by the. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Homegrown terrorists a concern, agencies say Oct 2, 2009
He and Napolitano, testifying before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, stressed that terrorism is a threat throughout the country, not just in landmark cities like New York and Washington, and that people of any background might be involved. "These events can happen anywhere in our country at any time," Napolitano said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Al-Qaida using Yemen as launchpad: US Oct 1, 2009
"We are concerned that if AQAP strengthens, al-Qaida leaders could use the group and the growing presence of foreign fighters in the region to supplement its transnational operations capability," Leiter said before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. A suicide attack in August on Saudi Arabia's anti-terror chief Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was carried out by a bomber who crossed from Yemen. (India Times, India)
Fighting for the Rights of the Disabled Sep 30, 2009
Eventually, she was selected to chair the state governmental affairs committee. It was 2003, and the state of Minnesota had proposed a budget that would have resulted in severe cutbacks in state support for people who received assistance in their home. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Bennet gets seat on Senate health, education committee Sep 30, 2009
He is relinquishing his seat on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Bennet remains a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and the Senate Special Committee on Aging. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Lawmakers: Help Can Improve After Ike Sep 26, 2009
During Friday's hearing, a joint meeting of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Disaster Recovery Subcommittee, Galveston business owners along with city, state and federal officials were expected to talk about lessons learned and progress made since Ike. Ike, which made landfall just outside Galveston on Sept. 13, 2008, caused billions of dollars in damage along the southeast Texas coast. (Click2Houston, TX)
ACORN voter fraud, misspent taxpayers' money: What next? Sep 25, 2009
The Government Accountability Office, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee have documented more than $1 billion in waste and fraudulent spending in the whole Katrina-relief effort because of poor internal controls. Cheney's Halliburton stock options rose 3,281% in 2005, senator finds (posted by , Sep. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Stimulus spenders race to the finish line Sep 25, 2009
These obstacles will need to be overcome, Devaney testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. If recipients do not report the required information for whatever reason mistake, neglect or willfulness the data on Recovery. (FCW.com)
Senate hearing to look at progress made after Ike Sep 25, 2009
A joint meeting of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Disaster Recovery Subcommittee was set to meet on Friday. The panel will hear testimony from Galveston business owners, city, state and federal officials about lessons learned and progress made since Ike hit on Sept. 13, 2008. (KSLA.com, LA)
UPUA addresses tickets, downtown office Sep 24, 2009
Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Colleen Smith drafted legislation with her committee to allow more use in this office. Director of Media Christopher Nock said the office would serve multiple purposes like off-campus representative office hours and meetings with State College borough government officials. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Tenant-landlord center awaits visitors Sep 23, 2009
UPUA Governmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Colleen Smith said she hopes to see a "full-fledged" program running by spring semester. Smith plans to create a promotional advertising and outreach program so all students are aware of the center. (Daily Collegian, PA)
GAO Finds Audit Quality Problems at Pentagon Sep 23, 2009
In testimony prepared for a Wednesday hearing of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, DCAA Director April Stephenson says the agency has "taken the GAO's findings very seriously.". A spokesman for the agency referred all questions to the Pentagon. (ABC News -- Wire)
Is Connecticut Ready For The Resurgence Of Swine Flu? Sep 22, 2009
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman hosted a field hearing entitled, "H1N1 Flu: Protecting Our Community.". "At the point, the state appears to be on track to stay out in front of a broad H1N1 outbreak," Lieberman says. (FOX61, CT)
Council could vote to double its pay Sep 17, 2009
In a mostly empty City Council chamber, four citizens presented the council's Governmental Affairs Committee with what could become a controversial request. Council salaries have not increased for 20 years or so, said Michael Cowan, a member of Common Good. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Report criticizes drilling exclusions Sep 17, 2009
Kathleen Sgamma, director of governmental affairs for the Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States, said BLM managers at every level discouraged their use and did not follow the law as intended by Congress. "If you actually look at the (report's) findings, the number of instances (of abuse) is very small where they found problems ... or the problems they found were kind of administrative, or just administrative errors," Sgamma said. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Cyber Criminals Targeting Small Businesses Sep 15, 2009
The officials are testifying at a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Nurse bill on life watch Sep 14, 2009
Shaun Green, governmental affairs director for the 36,000-member Nurses Association, says he believe Paterson is leaning toward endorsing the bill. The information is considered proprietary by hospitals, and consumers should get it, he said. (Albany Times Union)
Watchdog agency slashed Sep 13, 2009
On March 24, the House Committee on Governmental Affairs took up Senate Bill 168. The bill made minor changes to the law governing electronic filing of campaign finance reports. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Business Events Scheduled for the Coming Week Sep 12, 2009
WASHINGTON Treasury auction; Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on cyberattacks. TUESDAY, Sept. 15. (ABC News -- Wire)
Senate confirms head of White House regulatory office Sep 12, 2009
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved Sunstein in May. Cass Sunstein has exceptional qualifications and extraordinary talents and will lead OIRA in a positive direction, Sen. (FCW.com)
FTC chief warns of stimulus scams Sep 11, 2009
Opportunistic fraudsters have quickly adapted their schemes and sales pitches to take advantage of consumers during the economic downturn, Leibowitz told the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Using come-ons that offer the lure of free government grant money, these and other schemes have defrauded tens of thousands of consumers out of millions of dollars, he said. (Boston Globe)
Version 2.0 of spending site to debut in October Sep 11, 2009
It will have a mapping capacity that will allow visitors to search for spending all the way down to their own neighborhoods or their congressional districts, Devaney told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The date of operation for the new iteration of Recovery. (FCW.com)
Behind the Afghan Embassy Scandal, a Cost-Cutting Security Firm Sep 11, 2009
"We would welcome any help that the Senate Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs might be able to provide to enable the government to pay a more reasonable price for security for the embassy.". MORE.. (Time.com)
Health Care: The Conservative Alternative in the Senate Sep 8, 2009
He serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee and Indian Affairs Committee. U.S. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina serves as a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. (Human Events Online)
Editorial: Miller's return good for UPUA Sep 3, 2009
A former UPUA governmental affairs chairwoman and presidential candidate, Miller should prove to be nothing but an asset to this student government ... As governmental affairs chairwoman, Miller and her committee were responsible for hand-delivering an invitation to Gov. Ed Rendell for Tuition Awareness Day back in March 2009. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Senators Return to Work Facing Hefty Agenda Sep 3, 2009
Sunstein was approved May 20 by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. July 6, 12 a.m.. (Roll Call)
Consolidate Fresno city, county services now Aug 18, 2009
Ruth Evans is vice-chair of the Chamber s governmental affairs division and a Joint Powers Authority member. A few rules are needed to help foster a feeling of community. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Obama Backers Outspend Conservative Opponents Nearly Three to One on Healthcare Ads Aug 17, 2009
Im up against a dozen groups running ads that will spend between $50 million and $80 million to promote a public plan and promote an employer mandate, regardless of the cost, said R. Bruce Josten, executive vice president for governmental affairs for the United States Chamber of Commerce, which has produced ads attacking the Obama administrations ideas about healthcare. Were trying to create a dialogue rather than cede the ground. (Newsmax)
Beijing Games furthered the Olympic movement Aug 8, 2009
" Summers currently serves as a senior advisor on a host of issues ranging from governmental affairs and community outreach to the Chicago 2016 legacy strategy and the potential economic, educational, environmental and social benefit of the Games to the City of Chicago. The Beijing Games opened on Aug. 8 last year with a spectacular opening ceremony watched by more than 4 billion people. More than 10,000 athletes from 204 IOC member associations competed in 302 events in 28 sports, creating 43... (Xinhuanet, China)
Interview: Chicago 2016 Committee confident of winning bid Aug 8, 2009
Summers currently serves as a senior advisor on a host of issues ranging from governmental affairs and community outreach to the Chicago 2016 legacy strategy and the potential economic, educational, environmental and social benefit of the Games to the City of Chicago. He said that the Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley is the one who has the courage to step up and say Chicago wants to compete. (Xinhuanet, China)
Push for stronger protection for whistleblowers is encouraging Aug 7, 2009
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has given unanimous approval to the first expansion of whistleblower protections since 1994 ... POGO s Brian, testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, recounted the case of a 10-year federal law enforcement officer with an unblemished record who had questioned a cost-saving proposal. (Longview Daily News, WA)
