No micromanagement, no security intrusion: US Oct 15, 2009
The core intent of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act is to demonstrate the American peoples long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan, pledged the document, which was unveiled by Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who accompanied the US lawmakers, described the development as a big step forward in the US-Pakistan relationship. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Pakistan minister upbeat on US aid pledges Oct 15, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " "I am going back to Pakistan to tell my parliament and conclude the debate on the note that our relationship can move forward -- we will deepen it and we will strengthen it," Qureshi told reporters. He said the willingness of US lawmakers and administration officials "to take the time out to alleviate the fears of Pakistan, I think speaks volumes of the intent behind this legislation. (Channelnewsasia.com)
US seeks to soothe Pakistani anger over aid Oct 14, 2009
Howard Berman of California, the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said before his meeting Tuesday with Qureshi that the statement would explain what the bill does and what it does not do. The bill, he said, is meant to help Pakistan's people, not dictate what the country should do. (WCAX.com, VT)
US rejects opposition to Kerry Lugar bill Oct 14, 2009
Congressman Howard Berman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the statement would detail the intents and contents of the bill. The statement would "clarify" provisions requiring reports on Pakistan's expenditures, its progress in combating insurgents and the extent of civilian control over military, the Washington Post said quoting unnamed officials. (India Times)
US says no change in $7.5bn aid bill to Pak Oct 14, 2009
Howard Berman, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said before his meeting on Tuesday with Qureshi that the statement would explain what the bill does and what it does not do. The bill, he said, is meant to help Pakistan's people, not dictate what the country should do. (India Times, India)
President Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for strengthening "international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Oct 11, 2009
Howard Berman, D-Calif. chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that Obama already has earned recognition for his efforts "to strengthen international cooperation,". (W-USA News, DC)
Obama Will Make Up Own Mind on Afghanistan Oct 7, 2009
Howard Berman, Foreign Affairs Chairman, D-Calif. Rep. (CBS News)
Dalai Lama collects human rights prize Oct 7, 2009
The group is a formal entity of Congress, said Howard Berman, D-California, who was at Tuesday's event. Also at the ceremony was Sen. (CNN -- World)
Congress Ready to Act Swiftly on Iran, if Needed Oct 4, 2009
Howard Berman, D-Calif. He's pushing a bill that would prohibit foreign entities that sell refined petroleum to Iran from doing business in the United States. (Time.com)
Congress prepares sanctions for Iran Oct 4, 2009
Howard Berman (D-Calif. chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, are pushing new sanctions to drastically cut refine petroleum exports to Iran. (TheHill.com)
* US Congress adopts demand that China free dissident Liu Oct 3, 2009
X Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee ... Representative Howard Berman, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, voiced fear that China could sentence Liu to up to 15 years in prison. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Congress Approves Tripling Aid to Pakistan Oct 1, 2009
"The United States has an enormous stake in the security and stability of Pakistan," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman, D-Calif. "We need to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, strengthen Pakistan's democratic government and work to make Pakistan a source of stability in a volatile region.". (Time.com)
Aid to stop if Pakistan does not help fight terrorists Oct 1, 2009
We cant allow Al Qaeda or any other terrorist group that threatens our national security interests to operate with impunity in the tribal regions or any other part of Pakistan, said the bills sponsor, Democratic Representative Howard Berman. Nor can we permit the Pakistani state and its nuclear arsenal to be taken over by the Taliban, he added. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Allies: Iran risks sanctions with nuke program Sep 26, 2009
Howard Berman, D-Calif. chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a proponent of tougher sanctions against Iran, said "we have no idea what other aspects of its nuclear bomb project it may be working on in secret.". (Florida Today)
Rep. Berman: Palin's China speech 'flat wrong' Sep 25, 2009
Howard Berman (D-Calif. the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, slammed the former governor's first speech since leaving office as irresponsible and ill-informed. (TheHill.com)
US Senate passes bill to triple aid to Pakistan Sep 25, 2009
Introducing the legislation in the House of Representatives, Congressman Howard Berman, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said: "After many weeks of discussion and negotiation, this step now clears the way for US efforts to help create a better future for Pakistan.". The legislation authorises military assistance to help Pakistan disrupt and defeat al Qaeda and insurgent elements, and requires that such assistance be focused principally on helping Pakistan with its critical... (India Times, India)
Jewish leaders in D.C. push for Iran sanctions Sep 25, 2009
Howard Berman (D-Calif. lead sponsor of the Iran sanctions bill and chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he would begin the process of tightening the screws on Tehran if that nation does not reverse course and halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons, JTA reported. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Palin 'flat wrong' about China in Hong Kong speech, congressman says Sep 25, 2009
Howard Berman (D-Calif. chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. (Anchorage Daily News)
Will Germany Bolt Obama's Iran Sanctions Coalition? Sep 21, 2009
House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Howard Berman, a California Democrat, has said he will mark up his bill next month. But the fewer allies that sign on for such tough sanctions, the more those sanctions are likely to hurt the U.S. rather than Iran. (Time.com)
Obama clings to hope as Iran hawks circle Sep 15, 2009
Representative Howard Berman, a California Democrat who heads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested that the clock "has almost run out" on Iran's nuclear program, and indicated that he would move ahead next month with a bill imposing sanctions on Iran's refined petroleum imports "absent some compelling evidence why I should do otherwise". The bill, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (IRPSA), has for months been the top lobbying priority of hawkish pro-Israel lobbying groups led by... (Asia Times Online)
Senior House Members Press U.S. Envoy over Protection of Camp Ashraf, Demand Release of 36 Iranian Dissidents Sep 13, 2009
Committee Chair Howard Berman (D-CA) had already expressed deep concerns over the assault in a July 29 joint statement with the Committee Ranking Republican, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). Congresswomen Ros-Lehtinen told Ambassador Hill: "I'm concerned about Iraqi actions being undertaken at the behest of the Iranian regime with respect to Ashraf." She then asked about specific measures to ensure rights of Ashraf residents and to prevent their forcible return to Iran. (PR Newswire)
Iran Faces More U.S. Sanctions Sep 12, 2009
Howard Berman announced on Thursday that he would move stalled legislation to impose new sanctions on Iran. Berman said that he intended to move on long-stalled legislation to impose sanctions on suppliers, shippers, and financiers of refined petroleum products to Iran. (Newsmax)
Why Obama Won't Use the M-Word for Honduras' Coup Sep 6, 2009
But in a Los Angeles Times op-ed last week, Democratic Representative Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that whatever Zelaya's alleged infractions, they should have been addressed legally, not militarily. "It's time to call this bird what it is," a military coup, and move on with whatever tougher sanctions that might mean in order to get the Micheletti regime to back down, Berman wrote. (Time.com)
* Washington cuts aid to Honduras Sep 5, 2009
Such a finding would have forced the administration to cut off assistance and had been urged by some lawmakers, including Democratic Representative Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This one looks, walks and quacks like a duck, Berman wrote in Thursdays editions of the Los Angeles Times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Powerful lawmaker urges US aid cutoff for Honduras Sep 3, 2009
Howard Berman, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the case in an opinion piece published before a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Zelaya at 12:30 p.m. (1630 GMT) on Thursday. Zelaya, forced into exile on June 28 aboard a military plane while still in his pajamas, was accused by opponents of trying to change the constitution to extend presidential mandates beyond a single four-year term. (AlertNet)
Pressuring Iran on Nukes: Would a Gas Embargo Help? Aug 31, 2009
Although House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman called Kyl and Lieberman's Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act "a sword of Damocles" hanging over the Iranians, the view from Tehran is quite different. In Tehran's daily newspaper Mardom Salari, columnist Hamid Reza Shokouhi recently wrote, "It is possible to turn this sword of Damocles into an opportunity for gaining self-sufficiency.". (Time.com)
* MORAKOT: THE AFTERMATH: Ma heckled on visit to Baolai Village Aug 22, 2009
Earlier yesterday in Taipei, while meeting with US Representative Howard Berman at the Presidential Office, Ma thanked the US for assisting rescue efforts by providing helicopters earlier this week to help lift engineering vehicles to hard-hit villages. Meanwhile, Wang yesterday dismissed speculation that Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (xWK) chief executive officer Ou Chin-der (w), a former Ma aide, would take over as Executive Yuan secretary-general after Hsueh Hsiang-chuan (t)... (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
China jails copyright violators Aug 21, 2009
A US congressman, Howard Berman, who has just been visiting China expressed scepticism about China's efforts to contain software piracy. "China's efforts to stop intellectual property theft have been weak and ineffective - heavy on tough talk but light on implementation," Mr Berman said in a statement issued by his office and quoted by Reuters news agency. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
What Are the Blue Dogs Thinking? Aug 17, 2009
Recently, a friend forwarded me a newsletter from Howard Berman, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. My friend suggested that we find someone to run against Berman and defeat him in the next election. (Townhall.com)
Tough sanctions won't tame Tehran Aug 14, 2009
Failure to meet the deadline will result in the unleashing of harsh sanctions, according to Howard Berman, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. But on August 7, news broke that raised serious questions about the intentions behind these sudden and orchestrated efforts to up the pressure on Iran. (Asia Times Online)
Jewish identity is about far more than ties to Israel Aug 12, 2009
Rabbi Howard Berman Boston. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Dabashi: Huge risks in Iran sanctions Aug 6, 2009
(CNN) -- In a recent congressional hearing, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman called the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act "a sword of Damocles over the Iranians" that will soon come down if President Obama's diplomatic overture did not show signs of success by the fall. That sword is no mere metaphor and might kill more than the president's diplomatic overture. (CNN -- US)
Obama Administration Finally Gets Something Right Aug 3, 2009
I remember confronting Congressman Howard Berman, Henry Waxmans more reasonable twin, when there was a discussion about why Congress still had elevator operators instead of pushing their own buttons. He laughed at what minor savings this would be relative to the huge federal budget. (Townhall.com)
In Obama's Middle East Push, a Message to Tehran Jul 30, 2009
At a congressional hearing on Iran on July 23, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Howard Berman announced that if Iran doesn't engage in talks, he would move ahead "in the early fall" with a widely supported bill that would ban U.S. commercial ties with any company that sells refined petroleum products to Iran. Despite Iran's massive oil reserves, its lack of refining capacity forces the nation to import almost half the gasoline it consumes. (Time.com)
New Senate Bill Pushes for Development Aid Transparency, Stronger USAID Jul 29, 2009
In Congress, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) has introduced the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act of 2009 (HR 2139), which has more than 90 bipartisan co-sponsors. For more information contact Helen DaSilva at " target="_new"> or (617) 331-2984. To learn more about Oxfam America's aid reform initiative visit: . Oxfam America is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. Together with... (PR Newswire)
After weeks of watching, Israel and U.S. groups push forward on Iran (39) Jul 13, 2009
Howard Berman (D-Calif. the chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee and a key to advancing legislation, is said to be concerned that punishing Iranians when they are seeking to replace a tyranny may not be opportune. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Letters to the Editor Jul 5, 2009
Howard Berman, D-North Hollywood, and Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. (San Francisco Chronicle)
U.S., Russia hold talks before Obama visit Jun 30, 2009
Committee chief Howard Berman says he "goes back to Washington energized" to improve bilateral relations. Berman said he would try to eradicate Cold War-era laws that hamper their development. (MSNBC -- International)
Lawmakers, president focus on immigration Jun 25, 2009
Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove (Orange County), Howard Berman, D-North Hollywood (Los Angeles County), Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
The Fifty-Fourth Vote Jun 22, 2009
Mike Pence (R-Ind), chairman of the House Republican Conference (along with Democratic Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman of California) introduced H. Res. 549, which expressed clear support for the Iranian demonstrators and condemned the violence against them by the Iranian regime. (Human Events Online)
If Iran cracks down, Obama may change course Jun 21, 2009
Howard Berman, D-North Hollywood, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "It's about American values, which I believe are universal values: the values of the rule of law; of participatory democracy; about individual liberty and about justice.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Iranian opposition to keep up protests Jun 20, 2009
" Democrat Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs committee, said: "It is an acknowledgement that we cannot remain silent when cherished, universal principles are under attack. " A similar measure passed by voice vote in the Senate. Iran's reformist former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi meanwhile became the second losing candidate to demand a new election, in a letter to the electoral watchdog the Guardians Council. Ahmadinejad's principal challenger Mousavi, a former prime... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Congress condemns Iran crackdown Jun 20, 2009
Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-sponsor of the resolution, said it is not for us to decide who should run Iran, much less determine the real winner of the June 12 election. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Obama to Remain Cautious Over Iran Conflict Jun 20, 2009
Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-sponsor of the resolution, said "it is not for us to decide who should run Iran, much less determine the real winner of the June 12 election. "But we must reaffirm our strong belief that the Iranian people have a fundamental right to express their views about the future of their country freely and without intimidation," added Berman, D-Calif. Congress particularly the 435-member House frequently weighs in on foreign policy... (Time.com)
Hoping Obama's policies fail Jun 17, 2009
One of the earmarks in the stimulus bill is for the "taxpayers get tattooed award" for $200,000 for a tattoo removal program introduced by Howard Berman, a Democrat from California. Rush Limbaugh was exactly right, Ihope Obama's policies fails. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Republicans may gain ethics issue Jun 16, 2009
Howard Berman of California. Berman told Democratic colleagues in a closed meeting that there's a right and wrong way to start an ethics investigation. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Congressional Spending: High-End Laptops, TVs Jun 2, 2009
Howard Berman, D-Calif. for example, expensed $84,000 worth of personalized calendars, printed by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, for his constituents. (Newsmax)
Taxpayers Foot Lawmakers' Bills... Jun 1, 2009
Howard Berman expensed $84,000 worth of personalized calendars, printed by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, for his constituents. A spokeswoman for Mr. Berman, a California Democrat, didn't return requests for comment. (The Drudge Report)
Netanyahu: "What the hell do they want from me?" May 30, 2009
"We've been watching the move in Congress, especially among certain high profile Jewish American members -- people like Representative Gary Ackerman, Representative Robert Wexler, and Representative Howard Berman," Ibish said. "What has occurred -- and this has been greatly intensified by the election of Obama: There has been a growing sense of members of Congress who are well-informed on foreign policy ... that peace is essential to the American national interest and the Israeli national... (Slate)
Netanyahu's peace plan May 25, 2009
In the meantime, at his urging, Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House International Affairs Committee, has set aside a bill requiring sanctions against oil companies that export refined fuel into Iran. Finally there was Obama's contention that the best way for the US to convince Iran to give up its nuclear program is by convincing Israel to give away more land to the Palestinians. (Townhall.com)
Obama Is Costing You $1,300 Per Vehicle May 25, 2009
Jeers to House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-Calif. and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for proposing legislation and supporting the efforts of the State Department to provide benefits to same-sex partners of U.S. diplomats stationed overseas. (Human Events Online)
McCaul puts stipulation on Pakistan aid bill May 22, 2009
McCaul s original amendment, which named Khan and asked Pakistan to monitor his movements, was not accepted by committee chairman Howard Berman (D-Calif. . (Brenham Banner, TX)
US Congress drops India mention in aid bill to Pak May 21, 2009
"Contrary to what some have said, these are not 'rigid' or 'inflexible' condition,." said Howard Berman, the Democratic chairman of the HFAC. "To ensure that the President has sufficient flexibility, we provide a waiver if he is unable to make the determinations (on non-proliferation and cutting terrorism links).". "I think this is an excellent bill that will strengthen the critical US-Pakistan relationship and support US national security objectives in South Asia," he added. (India Times, India)
Gay U.S. Diplomats to Get Equal Benefits May 21, 2009
Howard Berman, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had sought to require the State Department to offer benefits such as medical care, transport between postings and security training to partners regardless of sexual orientation. Berman, in a hearing on funding for the Foreign Service, said he would drop his legislative bid as "it is my expectation, based on very recent conversations, that the Secretary of State will move forward with implementing all of the benefits provided in that... (Newsmax)
China slams U.S. foreign affairs bill proposal, urges deletion May 20, 2009
Ma's comments came as U.S. Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced "Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 and 2011 (H.R.2410)" on May 14. The Section 237 of the bill proposed giving grants to groups that protect Tibetan culture and history, or promote environmental protection, education and health care services there. (Xinhuanet, China)
Iran Divides Obama, Netanyahu May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
House Panel OKs Bill to Pay Artists for Radio Play May 14, 2009
Howard Berman, a California Democrat, accused Lungren of trying to kill the bill entirely, which Lungren denied. "We have to take the time to gather the facts," Lungren said, but the committee ultimately rejected the amendment. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
This Old House Gets Some Needed Upgrades May 13, 2009
For example, the hearing room for the Foreign Affairs Committee now has a screen that automatically displays the order Members show up to a hearing allowing Chairman Howard Berman (D-Calif. to more easily follow the rules of order on who can speak next. (Roll Call)
Read the 'JER' transcript May 12, 2009
She even recently called in the former top Democr 00001C18 at on the House Ethics Committee, who's California's Howard Berman, to brief young Democrats as to why they should continue to oppose this. So this is somewhere where pressure is mounting. (Fox News)
A Perfect Storm? May 12, 2009
Howard Berman, D-Calif. chairman of the House panel, remarked that Zardari "did not present a coherent strategy for the defeat of this insurgency." When confronted with Berman's complaints on NBC's "Meet the Press," the best Zardari had to offer was to say he has "always have been of the view that democracy is the answer to the problem.". (Investors Business Daily)
Pakistan's Top Gun Obsession May 8, 2009
Hence a Pakistan aid bill recently crafted by House International Relations Committee Chairman Howard Berman would cut off the use of any more U.S. funds for the purchase or upgrade of Pakistan's F-16s. But, even now, opponents of cracking down make a strong case. (CBS News)
Flake Offers Democrats a Deal on PMA Resolutions May 7, 2009
Howard Berman (Calif. formerly the top Democrat on the ethics panel, to help make the case to her Caucus that Flake s resolution is the wrong approach. (Roll Call)
US Senate takes up bill to triple aid to Pakistan May 5, 2009
Despite its seemingly rigorous conditions, the Senate bill is much softer than the one being moved in the House by California lawmaker Howard Berman. His ''Peace Act'' makes aid to Pakistan contingent on, among other benchmarks, stopping all Kashmiri militant groups from operating from the Pakistani soil and on Pakistan giving an undertaking that it will not allow its territory to be used for any armed attack against or inside India. (India Times, India)
'Time's Running Out' for Jailed Aid Worker in Iran May 5, 2009
Howard Berman, D-Calif. chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has stepped up to offer assistance. (Fox News)
'Children Uniting Nations' and Russell Simmons' 'Hip Hop Summit Action Network' Partner in Nation's Capital to Motivate Change for Child Welfare May 1, 2009
This year's confirmed political leaders include former House Majority Leader Richard Armey, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, Senator Evan Bayh, Congressman Dennis Cardoza, Congressman Joe Crowley, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Mary Landrieu, Honorable Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Adam Schiff, Senator Olympia Snowe, Senator John Kerry, Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congressman Howard Berman, Speaker of Assembly Karen Bass and Senator Dianne Feinstein while... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
