The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released its schedule of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examinations to be conducted in the second quarter of 2010.
{ 0 comments }
Comptroller of the Currency John C. Dugan said today that the central challenge for bank regulators over the coming year will be to strike the right balance between capital and credit availability.
{ 0 comments }
First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will host the annual International Women of Courage Awards on March 10, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. EST at the Department of State. You may watch the ceremony broadcast live on DipNote.
To mark International Women’s Day, the annual International Women of Courage Award recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and advancement. This is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide, and offers a unique opportunity to recognize those who work in the field of international women’s issues.
Secretary Clinton announced the 10 winners of this year’s International Women of Courage (IWOC) award. The awardees are: Shukria Asil (Afghanistan), Col. Shafiqa Quraishi (Afghanistan), Androula Henriques (Cyprus), Sonia Pierre (Dominican Republic), Shadi Sadr (Iran), Ann Njogu (Kenya), Dr. Lee Ae-ran (Republic of Korea), Jansila Majeed (Sri Lanka), Sister Marie Claude Naddaf (Syria), and Jestina Mukoko (Zimbabwe).
Read more about the honorees here.
{ 0 comments }
Today, Secretary Clinton met with Haitian President Rene Preval. Following their meeting, Secretary Clinton remarked, “Let me begin by saying how honored we are to have President Preval here at the State Department. Everyone knows how devastated Haiti was by the earthquake of January the 12th. The Haitian people suffered so greatly and the Haitian Government was severely damaged. President Preval, Prime Minister Bellerive, the members of the cabinet, and the presidential staff, along with the people of Haiti themselves, have worked very hard these last two months to recover.”
The Secretary continued, “The United States and the international community mounted the largest ever rescue and relief effort. Progress has been made, but not nearly enough, and therefore, we are holding these meetings with President Preval today and tomorrow and the next day to discuss in depth what we need to do still to alleviate suffering and what we will do together to help build back Haiti better. The United States alone in this first phase has supplied nearly $700 million in assistance. Nearly one half of all households in America have contributed something to private relief efforts.
“We are preparing for the major donors conference in New York on March 31st, and we are listening very carefully to President Preval and the voices of the Haitian people as to what our next steps should be. President Preval made the very important point that we must work toward elections to ensure the stability and legitimacy of the Haitian Government. I assured President Preval that the United States would work with the international community to hold elections as soon as appropriate.
“There are many specific problems that must be addressed, from how we get people into safe housing before and during the rainy season, to how we provide fertilizer and seed to Haiti’s farmers so that they can begin planting, to how we get Haiti’s factories going again and start new factories throughout the country, how we convince other countries to extend the same favorable tariffs that the United States does under the HOPE program.”
The Secretary concluded, “I want to assure you again that the United States and President Obama and our Administration remain committed to you. We believe in Haiti’s promise and we are committed to Haiti’s future.”
Read the Secretary’s full remarks here.
{ 0 comments }
Jerusalem
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
?VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:? I want to thank our hosts for showing us through Yad Vashem.? As a young father, when I introduced each of our sons — who are grown men now — to Europe at age 15, I took them first to Dachau for them to understand as young men the human capacity — ability of mankind to be so brutal.? But also, I took my son here to Israel to let him know that the indomitable spirit of the human being is not able to be snuffed out.
What I wrote in the book is as a fan of the Irish poet William Butler Yeats.? Writing about his Ireland, he said, “Too long a suffering makes a stone of the heart.”? What I wrote here is that every day, Israel makes a lie of the poet’s words — ”too long a suffering makes a stone of the heart” — because for world Jewry, Israel is the heart.? For world Jewry, Israel is the light.? For world Jewry, Israel is the hope.? If anyone ever wondered about that, they ought to take the tour of the museum.? They would not doubt it again.? The word — phrase “never again” is used so often it almost has lost its meaning.? But, again, all you have to do is walk through — walk through Yad Vashem and understand how incredible — how incredible the journey has been and the spirit a world Jewry and that Israel is such a central part to its existence.
Thank you.
{ 0 comments }
“I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I’ve had here in Israel. We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them. This announcement underscores the need to get negotiations under way that can resolve all the outstanding issues of the conflict. The United States recognizes that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians.? We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem and safeguards its status for people around the world.? Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues.?? As George Mitchell said in announcing the proximity talks, “we encourage the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks.”"
{ 0 comments }
My job provides a lot of opportunities to meet with people face-to-face. I’ve met with environmental justice advocates in New Orleans, mayors affected by auto sector closures in the Midwest, and tribal representatives in Montana, just to name a few. It’s all part of Administrator Jackson’s directive to expand the conversation on environmentalism. But no matter how much I travel, no matter how many people I meet, it’s impossible for me to meet in person with everyone who wants to talk to me. That’s why I’m excited that technology is making it possible for anyone in the county to participate in the conversation about the environment.
My office held our second Video Town Hall two weeks ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion. The session covered two topics: reducing your carbon footprint through reducing, reusing, and recycling, and EPA’s recent decision to conduct an environmental justice analysis of the definition of the solid waste rule. We had an excellent conversation. We answered a question from a man in California who wanted to see us do more to promote energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs, and one from a Minnesota woman who wanted to build an environmentally-friendly house. A Brooklyn non-profit wanted to know how we balance our focus on environmental justice with preserving industrial jobs and the tax base in urban areas. These are just a few examples, and you can watch the whole session on our Video Town Hall page.
As was the case with our first Video Town Hall, we were able to answer every question we received on the topics we were discussing. That’s gratifying to me. Anyone who had an internet connection or a phone could ask me a question. That didn’t used to be possible, and I’m glad that technology is enabling people outside of Washington to speak directly with their government.
We plan to hold more Video Town Halls in the near future. Check our Video Town Hall page for future sessions.
About the author: Mathy Stanislaus is EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
This blog is part of an ongoing series about the EPA’s efforts toward the Open Government Directive that lays out the Obama Administration’s commitment to Open Government and the principles of transparency, participation and collaboration.
{ 0 comments }
About the Author: Tom Countryman is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
It’s been just over a year since the United States joined with partners across the international community to establish the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, which has honored Secretary Clinton’s call for a 21st century solution to a 17th century crime of pirate attacks in the waters off the Horn of Africa. In the year since this voluntary effort was founded following the United Nations call for such an effort, it has grown from 24 countries to more than 50 countries. In addition, several international organizations participate, including the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States, the International Maritime Organization, INTERPOL, and NATO.
Those of us participating in the Contact Group also share a conviction that joint action, sharing of effective tactics and strategies, and coordination of military, business, and legal measures together offer the best means of dealing with piracy. In that regard, there are three general areas in which we have made steady progress to meet this challenge:
Security: Everyday, ships from more than 20 nations jointly patrol the Gulf of Aden, creating an internationally recognized transit corridor to provide safe passage for the 30,000 cargo ships that pass through this area every year. This effort represents cooperation not only among American and European naval forces participating under NATO and the European Union, but also remarkable individual contributions by a number of other countries, such as Russia, China, and India. This is a result of a coordination mechanism based in Bahrain, which also obviates the need for a supreme commander to lead the effort. As a result, the success rate for pirate attacks in this transit corridor has fallen to nearly zero. It’s a good model not only for the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin, but for future cooperative security endeavors.
Partnering with Industry: Since naval vessels can’t be everywhere all of the time, employment of relatively simple means of deterring pirates, such as briefing crews and increasing watch in high-risk waters, upgrading lighting, preparing to take evasive action or positioning fire hoses to repel would-be boarders, has proven to be the most important factor in the declining rate of successful pirate attacks in the region. Over the last year, the Contact Group has worked closely with the International Maritime Organization to establish and codify best management practices that ships should employ when they’re in this dangerous territory. We hope to see other states require the same kind of best management practices that we’ve adopted for U.S.-flagged commercial ships operating in the region. It’s the lowest cost and most effective way to deter pirate attacks.
Legal prosecutions: Since piracy has long been defined as a universal crime, every state has the jurisdiction to prosecute pirates. Whether it’s an attack on their flag, their property or their citizens, we encourage the states affected by piracy to prosecute. We recognize, in particular, that Kenya has stepped forward and offered itself as a site for the prosecution of suspected pirates. This has been a step of great responsibility, and we respect and thank the Kenyans for taking that step.
What also binds Contact Group participants together is a realization that the root causes of piracy off the coast of Somalia rest in the state of disorder that has characterized Somalia now for 20 years. While a parallel UN-led diplomatic effort to stabilize Somalia continues on land, the Contact Group seeks to manage piracy’s consequences for disruption to aid and trade, as well as the human cost it ultimately imposes upon the people of Somalia.
We’re mindful of some of the motivations that cause young Somali men to go to sea in this desperate effort. The economic situation in Somalia has led to a situation in which some may undertake these very high-risk criminal activities. However, when past pirate attacks have been successful, the money has not come back primarily to benefit the economy of Somalia. As in other forms of criminal activity, the people deriving the primary benefit are the enablers and organizers on land convincing young men to endanger their lives. To these organized crime leaders, the young Somali man is just as disposable as the leaky old boats and second-hand small arms they use to threaten shipping traffic.
The United States supports the Djibouti Peace Process as the Somali-led vehicle for bring stability back to Somalia. We encourage Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government to reach out to those actors who want peace in Somalia and to move forward on transitional tasks. As surely as the Somali fisherman, farmer and teacher are victims of Somalia’s continuing land-based instability, peace and stability can only be realized by addressing Somalia’s governance, security, humanitarian and development needs.
Related Content: Tom Countryman’s remarks on U.S. anti-piracy effort.
{ 0 comments }
10:42 A.M. EST
MRS. OBAMA:? Thank you, everyone.? Thanks so much.
Well, clearly, it’s a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you today.
Let me begin by thanking Secretary Clough for that generous introduction.? I want to thank him and his wife Anne for their dedication to the mission of the Smithsonian.
And I want to thank our hosts from the National Museum of American History -– Dr. Brent Glass and John Rogers.? Thank you for making these museums such wonderful places for people of all ages to learn and to explore.
And I have to also do my part in recognizing our very special guests, the students and the teachers from Huntington High School, who made the trip all the way from New York to be here.? You all please stand so we can see you.? (Applause.)? Now, there’s a special reason why I invited these students here.? They sent me this book of beautifully designed inaugural gowns of their own creations, and I had so much fun looking through all the designs.? You all are obviously a very talented and beautiful and handsome group of people.? And I am so pleased to be able to share this special day with you.? You make us proud.? And thank you for the gifts.
And, finally, I also want to thank all the board members, the staff, the supporters of these museums, all of you, for the work that you do every day, and for being here and sharing this moment with me, as well.
So, here we are.? It’s the dress.? (Laughter.)? And I have to say, to be honest, I am very honored and very humbled, but I have to say that I’m also a little embarrassed by all the fuss being made over my dress.? Like many of you, I’m not used to people wanting to put things I’ve worn on display.? (Laughter.)? So, all of this is a little odd, so forgive me.
But, at the same time, I truly recognize the significance of this day.? This gown –- and all of the items that we’ll see in this wonderful exhibit –- help us connect with a moment in history in a very real way.
When we look at the gown that Jackie Kennedy wore 50 years ago, or the one that Mary Todd Lincoln wore more than a hundred years before that, it really takes us beyond the history books and the photographs, and it helps us understand that history is really made by real live people.
The detail of each gown –- the fabric, the cut, the color –- tells us something much more about each single First Lady.? It’s a visual reminder that we each come from such different backgrounds, from different generations, and from different walks of life.
Each gown places us right in the moment and makes us wonder about the intimate details of that evening, like how did she feel in the dress??? Did her feet hurt in those shoes?? (Laughter.)? How many times did her husband step on that train?? (Laughter.)? But, more importantly, these gowns and this exhibit uniquely define a moment in our American history.
When I look at my gown –- which I, in fact, have not seen since the day that I took it off –- memories of that moment truly come rushing back.? I remember that it was freezing cold in Washington.? I know we all remember that.? Yet, despite the frigid temperatures, hundreds of thousands of people flooded the Mall.? Nothing was going to stop them from being part of history.
That day was so hectic for us.? And I remember the inaugural parade and how the President and I stood and we waved until every last band walked by.
Then we only had less than an hour — ladies, if you can believe that — (laughter) — all of my friends left us in the stands, by the way.? (Laughter.)? “See ya, good luck!”? (Laughter.)? I was like, “Yeah, thanks.”? (Laughter.)? “We have to get ready for the ball.”? (Laughter.)? Like, “Yeah, so do I.”? (Laughter.)? So at the time I wasn’t really focused on what I was wearing that evening -– I was really just trying to stay warm.
But I’ll never forget the moment that I slipped on this beautiful gown.? I remember how just luscious I felt as the President and I were announced onto the stage for the first of many dances.? And I’ll cherish that moment for the rest of my life.
And now that the crowds are gone, and the Mall is silent, and our family has settled into our new home, the White house, this gown is one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day.? And that’s why it will always hold a special place in my heart.
And today, when I look at the dress, I remember all of the incredible people that we met along our journey and on that day, and how warmly — welcome they received us.
I remember the joy on the faces of so many young people who devoted so much time to getting us to that point.
I remember the wonderful letters we received from folks who were there and others who watched the event from home; people who told us about how much that day meant for them and their families — letters from octogenarians who told us how they never thought they’d live to see the day.
I remember all the men and women who worked so hard and so long to make sure that every single detail was just perfect.
And I remember the time we shared with Americans from every corner of this nation.
And one of the people who made that day possible is the creator of this beautiful gown, Jason Wu, a young man who, not so long ago, was just an aspiring designer like many of you students here.? When Jason was just five years old, growing up in Taiwan, his parents would take him to the bridal shops so that he could sketch the gowns in the windows.? He started making clothes for dolls when he was 16, and after studying under some of the best designers in the world, he opened his own shop four years ago with the money he had saved.
And Jason’s dress, as you can see — this gown is a masterpiece.? It is simple, it’s elegant, and it comes from this brilliant young mind, someone who is living the American Dream.
The countless hours that you can see that he spent sewing this piece made my night even more special, and now I am proud that millions of visitors will be able to see just how talented this young man is.
Thank you, Jason.? Thank you for your vision and for your hard work, because, in the end of the day, today is about much more than this gown.? It’s also about how, with enough focus and with enough determination, someone in this room could be the next Jason Wu.? Someone in this room could be the next Barack Obama.? It’s about how the American story is written by real people –- not just names on a page.? And it’s about how something you create today –- whether it’s a dress, or a painting, or a story or a song –- can help teach the next generation in a way that nothing else can.
Thank you all so much.? (Applause.)
END
10:50 A.M. EST
{ 0 comments }
|
DOT 45-10 |
? |
|
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 |
? |
?
Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January?
??????????? The nation’s largest airlines had a higher on-time performance rate this past January than in both January 2009 and December 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).?
According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 18 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 78.7 percent in January, better than both January 2009’s 77.0 percent and December 2009’s 72.0 percent. Starting with this report, Northwest Airlines is no longer a ranked carrier, having merged in January with Delta Air Lines.?
The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, mishandled baggage, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.? This report also includes reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.
A news release on the report is available at (insert link).? The full report is available at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/index.htm.? Detailed information on flight delays is available at http://www.bts.gov.
-END-
?
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
{ 0 comments }
