TPMDC Nuclear nonproliferation
Nuclear nonproliferation
Retired General: Republicans Making Nuclear Terrorism More Likely (AUDIO)
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)
A retired Army general is taking to the radio to call out leaders of the Republican party for making it more likely we'll be blown up by a terrorist's nuclear bomb.
Lt. Gen. Robert Gard is the star of a series of radio ads targeting Republican leaders in the House and Senate for supporting "deep cuts to the U.S. Government's signature nuclear security program to remove highly enriched uranium and other dangerous nuclear materials from countries in the former Soviet Union and other unstable regions around the world."
Gard is a veteran of the Vietnam and Korean wars and a top official at Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, a nonpartisan group (with center-left lean) focused on reducing the spread of nuclear weapons and other threats.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Budget, Eric Cantor, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, Nuclear nonproliferation, Paul Ryan, Terrorism
Egypt
John Bolton: 'I Think ElBaradei Is A Dilettante'
John Bolton
John Bolton, who served at the ambassador to the United Nations under George W. Bush, visited On the Record With Greta Van Susteren to talk about about the ongoing protests in Egypt.
The wisdom that he brought to the discussion? That opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who headed the International Atomic Energy Agency for 12 years, is "a dilettante."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 2012, 2012 Presidential Primaries, 2012 elections, Egypt, John Bolton, Mohamed ElBaradei, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear nonproliferation
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Senate Poised To Ratify START
The Associated Press reports: "The Senate is poised to approve a nuclear arms pact with Russia, handing President Barack Obama a huge victory on his top foreign policy priority...The approval would mark a big comeback for Obama's arm controls efforts after the treaty appeared all but dead just weeks ago. It also would allow Obama to continue efforts to improve relations with Russia."
Obama's Day Ahead -- Signing DADT Repeal
President Obama will deliver remarks and sign the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, at 9:15 a.m. ET. He will meet at 10:15 a.m. ET with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.
Topics: Barack Obama, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Nuclear nonproliferation, Roundup
START treaty
Senate Breaks GOP Filibuster On START Nuclear Treaty
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
The Senate voted 67-28 to break a GOP filibuster and end debate on the START nuclear weapons reduction treaty with Russia, paving the way for a final vote on ratification later this week that could be another major victory for the Obama administration in the lame duck session.
A sufficient number of Republicans broke ranks against right-wing opposition to the treaty, which was led in part by Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ), to cut off debate. Now all that remains is a vote on ratification, which has to reach the Constitution's required two-thirds vote to approve a treaty, a higher bar than the 60 votes for breaking a filibuster -- and a bar that the cloture vote has already achieved so far. That vote is expected this week -- and enough Republicans have already pledged support.
The treaty had also been held up in the Senate, with some Republicans even hinting that their opposition was being fanned in reaction to Democrats pursuing such other objectives as the DREAM Act and the (ultimately successful) repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
But momentum grew in the last few days, with key Republicans such as Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) coming on board.
Numerous Republicans who are not currently in office -- including all six living Republican former Secretaries of State, from Henry Kissinger through Condoleezza Rice -- have urged ratification.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Nuclear nonproliferation, START treaty
START treaty
GOP Senators Isakson, Bennett Back START
Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Bob Bennett (R-UT)
Two more Republicans have come out in favor of the START nuclear weapons reduction treaty with Russia, with the agreement appearing to be on track for the constitutional requirement of a two-third majority for ratification.
Sens. Bob Bennett (R-UT) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) have announced their support, following an earlier announcement this morning by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN). In addition, Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) is expected to announce his support later today -- which would officially put it over the magic number.
Republican Senators who had already announced their support are Richard Lugar (IN), Susan Collins (ME), Olympia Snowe (ME), Scott Brown (ME) and George Voinovich (OH).
Bennett was defeated for renomination at his Republican state convention earlier this year, due to a Tea Party-backed challenge, while Isakson was just re-elected this past November.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Bob Bennett, Johnny Isakson, Nuclear nonproliferation, START treaty
START treaty
Lamar Alexander Announces START Support
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced his support for the START nuclear weapons reduction treaty with Russia, becoming a key Republican backer who brings some momentum to the Obama administration's efforts to get to the Constitution's required 67 votes for ratification.
"Madam President, I will vote to ratify the new START treaty with Russia -- because it leaves our country with enough nuclear warheads to blow any attacker to Kingdom Come, and because the president has committed to an $85 billion, ten-year plan to make sure that those weapons work," Alexander said on the Senate floor just now.
"I will vote for the treaty because it allows for inspection of Russian warheads, and because our military leaders say it does nothing to interfere with the development of a missile defense system. I will vote for the treaty because the last six Republican Secretaries of State support its ratification. In short, I'm convinced that Americans are safer and more secure with the new START treaty than without it."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Lamar Alexander, Nuclear nonproliferation, START treaty
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Unhappy Democrats Say Tax Bill Likely To Pass
The Associated Press reports: "Slowly, painfully and reluctantly, congressional Democrats are slogging their way toward acceptance of President Barack Obama's tax cut compromise, which would let rich and poor Americans keep Bush-era tax cuts that were scheduled to expire this month. After Obama publicly defended the plan for a third day Wednesday, and Vice President Joe Biden met with Democratic lawmakers in the Capitol for a second day, several Democrats predicted the measure will pass, mainly because of extensive Republican support."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET. Obama will hold a meeting of the President's Export Council at 10:15 a.m. ET. He will meet with senior advisers at 11:05 a.m. ET. Obama and Biden will meet for lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET, and receive the economic daily briefing at 2:30 p.m. ET. Obama will meet with Admiral Mike Mullen at 3:35 p.m. ET. The First Family will attend the National Christmas Tree Lighting at 4:55 p.m. ET, at which Obama will deliver remarks.
Topics: 2012 elections, Barack Obama, Bush Tax Cuts, Joe Biden, Lobbying, Nuclear nonproliferation, Pres '12, Ralph Nader, Roundup, Tax Cuts, Taxes
Roundup
TPMDC Saturday Roundup
Obama: The Iraq War Is Ending
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama discussed the upcoming drawdown of troops in Iraq, and his administration's commitment to veterans.
"In the months ahead, our troops will continue to support and train Iraqi forces, partner with Iraqis in counterterrorism missions, and protect our civilian and military efforts," said Obama. "But the bottom line is this: the war is ending. Like any sovereign, independent nation, Iraq is free to chart its own course. And by the end of next year, all of our troops will be home."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 2010 elections, Barack Obama, Chris Van Hollen, DCCC, Dick Lugar, FL-SEN, Harry Reid, House '10, Marco Rubio, NRA, Nuclear nonproliferation, Roundup
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Gibbs: Liberal Detractors 'Ought To Be Drug Tested'
The Hill reports: "The White House is simmering with anger at criticism from liberals who say President Obama is more concerned with deal-making than ideological purity. During an interview with The Hill in his West Wing office, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs blasted liberal naysayers, whom he said would never regard anything the president did as good enough. 'I hear these people saying he's like George Bush. Those people ought to be drug tested,' Gibbs said. 'I mean, it's crazy.'"
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 10 a.m. ET, and the economic daily briefing at 10:30 a.m. ET. He will deliver remarks on teacher jobs at 11:40 a.m. ET. He will meet at 1:50 p.m. ET with senior advisers. At 2:45 p.m. ET, he will participate in an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony. He will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Topics: 2010 elections, Barack Obama, Census, Nuclear nonproliferation, Robert Gibbs, Roundup
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Obama: Vilsack 'Jumped The Gun' On Sherrod
In an interview with ABC News, President Obama said that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack "jumped the gun" in the firing of Shirley Sherrod. "He jumped the gun, partly because we now live in this media culture where something goes up on YouTube or a blog and everybody scrambles," said Obama. He also added: "I've told my team and I told my agencies that we have to make sure that we're focusing on doing the right thing instead of what looks to be politically necessary at that very moment. We have to take our time and think these issues through."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 11 a.m. ET, and meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with senior advisers. He does not have any public events scheduled for today.
Topics: 2010 elections, Barack Obama, Jack Lew, Joe Biden, Nuclear nonproliferation, OMB, Pentagon budget, Roundup, Russia, Shirley Sherrod, Tom Vilsack, Trade
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Obama: 'BP Is Responsible For This Leak'
Visiting the Gulf Coast yesterday, President Obama said of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico: "So let me be clear. BP is responsible for this leak. BP will be paying the bill." Obama also defended the government's response, saying that they had "coordinated an all hands on deck relentless response to this crisis from day one," and would "spare no effort" in the future.
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive his daily briefing at 12 p.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at 4 p.m. ET, at the Commander in Chief Trophy Presentation with the Naval Academy. He will host a dinner for the Business Council at 6:45 p.m. ET.
Topics: BP, Barack Obama, Gulf Coast Oil Spill, Health Care, Joe Biden, Nuclear nonproliferation, Oil, Roundup, Scott Brown
Roundup
TPMDC Saturday Roundup
Obama: Congress Must Stop 'Potential Corporate Takeover Of Our Elections'
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama called upon Congress to pass a new set of campaign finance reforms in reaction to the Citizens United decision from the Supreme Court:
"Now, we can expect that these proposed changes will be met with heavy resistance from the special interests and their supporters in Congress. But I'm calling on leaders in both parties to resist these pressures," said Obama. "For what we are facing is no less than a potential corporate takeover of our elections. And what is at stake is no less than the integrity of our democracy. This shouldn't be a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. This is an issue that goes to whether or not we will have a government that works for ordinary Americans - a government of, by, and for the people."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 2010 elections, Barack Obama, David Axelrod, Joe Biden, MI-GOV, Nancy Pelosi, Nuclear nonproliferation, Pete Hoekstra, Roundup
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Obama: Al-Qaida Would 'Have No Compunction' About Using A Nuke
President Obama said Sunday that the "single biggest threat to U.S. security" would be the possibility of a terrorist organization obtaining a nuclear weapon: "We know that organizations like al-Qaida are in the process of trying to secure nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, and would have no compunction at using them."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will arrive at the Washington Convention Center, to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, at 10:15 a.m. ET. He will hold a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at 10:45 a.m. ET; a meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia at 11:45 a.m. ET; a meeting with President Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine at 12:55 p.m. ET; a meeting with with President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia at 1:30 p.m. ET; and a meeting President Hu Jintao of China at 2:30 p.m. ET. He will welcome Heads of Delegation to the National Security Summit at 5 p.m. ET, and hold a working dinner at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Topics: 2010 elections, Bailout, Barack Obama, Climate Change, Cloture, Filibuster, Harry Reid, Joe Biden, Nuclear nonproliferation, Roundup, TARP
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
White House to Unveil More Restrictive Nuke Policy
The Obama administration is set to unveil a new policy on nuclear weapons, which narrow the circumstances under which the United States would use such weapons. The Associated Press reports: "The U.S. officials said the administration's new policy would stop short of declaring that the United States would never be the first to launch a nuclear attack, as many arms control advocates had recommended. But it would describe the weapons' purpose as 'primarily' or 'fundamentally' to deter or respond to a nuclear attack. The officials said the document would say it is a U.S. goal to move toward a policy in which the 'sole purpose' of nuclear weapons is to deter or respond to nuclear attack. That wording would all but rule out the use of such weapons to respond to an attack by conventional, biological or chemical weapons. Previous U.S. policy was more ambiguous."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will host an Easter Prayer Breakfast at 9:40 a.m. ET. He will receive the presidential daily briefing at 10:45 a.m. ET, and the economic daily briefing at 12 p.m. ET. He will have lunch with Vice President Biden at 12:30 p.m. ET. He will meet with senior advisers at 2 p.m. ET, and he will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Topics: 2010 elections, Barack Obama, CA-GOV, Iran, Joe Biden, Meg Whitman, Nuclear nonproliferation, Roundup, Timothy Geithner
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Sarkozy Lays Into The U.S. On Health Care Debate
In a speech at Columbia University, French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke about the recent American debates on health care -- sharply criticizing Americans for a lack of compassion on the issue. "Welcome to the club of states who don't turn their back on the sick and the poor," said Sarkozy. He also added: "When we look at the American debate on reforming health care, it's difficult to believe. The very fact that there should have been such a violent debate simply on the fact that the poorest of Americans should not be left out in the streets without a cent to look after them ... is something astonishing to us."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET, and the economic daily briefing at 10 a.m. ET. Obama will sign the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, at 11:05 a.m. ET, at Northern Virginia Community College. Obama will meet with senior advisers at 12 p.m. ET. He will have lunch with Vice President Biden at 12:20 p.m. ET. Obama and Biden will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at 2:45 p.m. ET, and with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at 3:30 p.m. ET. Obama and Sarkozy will hold a joint press availability at 4:45 p.m. ET. The President and First Lady will host a dinner for President Sarkozy and French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Topics: Afghanistan, Barack Obama, China, Hamid Karzai, Health Care, Hillary Clinton, Iran, Nicolas Sarkozy, Nuclear nonproliferation, Roundup, Russia, Tea Party
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Hoyer: House Will Re-Approve Reconciliation Bill
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) predicted that the House will re-pass the health care reconciliation bill, in the wake of minor modifications made to it by the Senate parliamentarian. "I expect to get this bill back from the Senate sometime this afternoon, and I would expect several hours after we will have the bill on the floor, and we will pass the bill and send it to the president," said Hoyer.
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive his daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET, and meet at 10 a.m. ET with senior advisers. He will depart from Andrews Air Force Base at 10:55 a.m. ET, arriving at 1:05 p.m. ET in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He will deliver remarks on health care reform at 2 p.m. ET. He will depart from Cedar Rapids at 3:35 p.m. ET, arriving back at Andrews Air Force Base at 5:25 p.m. ET, and at the White House at 5:40 p.m. ET.
Topics: Alan Frumin, Barack Obama, Budget Reconciliation, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Health Care, Nuclear nonproliferation, Parliamentarian, Robert Gates, Roundup, Russia
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Bunning's Senate Impasse Puts Two Thousand Federal Employees Out Of Work
Two thousand federal transportation workers will be put on unpaid furlough today, due to Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) blocking the passage of the extension of transportation funding and unemployment benefits. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in a statement: "As American families are struggling in tough economic times, I am keenly disappointed that political games are putting a stop to important construction projects around the country."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at 10:10 a.m. ET, at the America's Promise Alliance Education event. He will receive the presidential daily briefing at 10:45 a.m. ET. He will meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with senior advisers. He will meet at 3:45 p.m. ET with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. He will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Topics: Barack Obama, Debt Commission, Hillary Clinton, Jim Bunning, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Nuclear nonproliferation, Rashad Hussain, Roundup
Asia trip
First News From Asia Trip: Agreements With Japan On Climate, Nuclear Weapons
President Barack Obama
President Obama arrived in Tokyo about six hours ago for the start of his 8-day Asia trip and the White House has announced he's secured agreements on both climate change and nuclear weapons.
In a joint statement with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama the leaders said they aim to reduce carbon emissions in Japan and the U.S. by 80 percent by 2050. They also said they "endorse a global goal of reducing emissions by 50 percent by that year."
The U.S. and Japan also issued a joint statement complimenting "renewed international attention and commitment to achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons" and said they are determined "to realize such a world."
The start of the trip is marked with big news back home - Attorney General Eric Holder will be announcing today that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other detainees from Guantanamo Bay prison will face trial in New York. Also, White House counsel Greg Craig is leaving and being replaced with longtime Obama friend Bob Bauer.
The White House laid out more climate change details which you can read after the jump.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)Topics: Asia trip, Barack Obama, Climate Change, Nuclear nonproliferation
TPM Top News
© 2011 TPM Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
