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Roste potřeba vypuštění misí ESA Sentinel
Friday, November 15, 2013
JUSTICE PICKS COURTS TO ID PROMISING PRACTICES IN VISITATION DECISIONS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Justice Department Selects Four Courts to Identify Promising Practices in Custody and Visitation Decisions in Domestic Violence Cases
Courts in Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota and Oregon to Work with National Experts to Improve Child Custody and Visitation Decision-making
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), in partnership with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), announces the selection of four courts to participate in the Family Court Enhancement Project (FCEP) to improve custody and visitation decision-making for families who have experienced domestic violence. The four courts selected are: Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, Ill.; Family Court of the State of Delaware; Hennepin County Family Justice Center in Minneapolis, Minn.; and Multnomah County Family Court in Portland, Ore.
“In order to maintain safety for the entire family, it is crucial that judges weigh the dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on both adults and children when making custody and visitation decisions,” said OVW Acting Director Bea Hanson. “Ensuring the safety of domestic violence victims and their children during and after court proceedings is an essential component of the FCEP. This project will provide guidance to courts around the country in implementing proven procedures and practices that keep victims and children safe.”
The FCEP, a collaborative project of NCJFCJ, OVW, the Battered Women’s Justice Project, and the National Institute for Justice, is designed to determine what family court procedures, practices and structures related to custody and visitation can help keep victims of domestic violence and their children safe from further violence and trauma. The four courts chosen for the FCEP applied to an open call for concept papers that was issued by NCJFCJ. OVW, NCJFCJ and BWJP reviewed the concept papers based on the criteria set forth in the call.
OVW experts have identified, from a series of roundtable discussions and extensive research, challenges that affect the safety of domestic violence victims and their children involved in custody proceedings. These challenges include: failure to identify and understand domestic violence in court and in third-party assessments; structural and procedural barriers; limited legal and advocacy resources; and the effects of race, class, and gender biases on outcomes.
Over the next two years, the FCEP and the selected courts will work closely with national domestic violence and court improvement experts to implement better approaches for keeping domestic violence victims and their children safe through and beyond court proceedings. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice will lead efforts on data collection and assisting each site in measuring the impacts of their systems change.
According to the CDC, women experience two million injuries from domestic violence each year and approximately one third of all incidents involving female victims take place in homes in which children ages twelve and under reside. More than 15 million American children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Many domestic violence victims and their children will come before a family court, and these courts make custody, visitation and other decisions that will have a significant long-term effect on these children and adults.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Justice Department Selects Four Courts to Identify Promising Practices in Custody and Visitation Decisions in Domestic Violence Cases
Courts in Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota and Oregon to Work with National Experts to Improve Child Custody and Visitation Decision-making
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), in partnership with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), announces the selection of four courts to participate in the Family Court Enhancement Project (FCEP) to improve custody and visitation decision-making for families who have experienced domestic violence. The four courts selected are: Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, Ill.; Family Court of the State of Delaware; Hennepin County Family Justice Center in Minneapolis, Minn.; and Multnomah County Family Court in Portland, Ore.
“In order to maintain safety for the entire family, it is crucial that judges weigh the dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on both adults and children when making custody and visitation decisions,” said OVW Acting Director Bea Hanson. “Ensuring the safety of domestic violence victims and their children during and after court proceedings is an essential component of the FCEP. This project will provide guidance to courts around the country in implementing proven procedures and practices that keep victims and children safe.”
The FCEP, a collaborative project of NCJFCJ, OVW, the Battered Women’s Justice Project, and the National Institute for Justice, is designed to determine what family court procedures, practices and structures related to custody and visitation can help keep victims of domestic violence and their children safe from further violence and trauma. The four courts chosen for the FCEP applied to an open call for concept papers that was issued by NCJFCJ. OVW, NCJFCJ and BWJP reviewed the concept papers based on the criteria set forth in the call.
OVW experts have identified, from a series of roundtable discussions and extensive research, challenges that affect the safety of domestic violence victims and their children involved in custody proceedings. These challenges include: failure to identify and understand domestic violence in court and in third-party assessments; structural and procedural barriers; limited legal and advocacy resources; and the effects of race, class, and gender biases on outcomes.
Over the next two years, the FCEP and the selected courts will work closely with national domestic violence and court improvement experts to implement better approaches for keeping domestic violence victims and their children safe through and beyond court proceedings. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice will lead efforts on data collection and assisting each site in measuring the impacts of their systems change.
According to the CDC, women experience two million injuries from domestic violence each year and approximately one third of all incidents involving female victims take place in homes in which children ages twelve and under reside. More than 15 million American children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Many domestic violence victims and their children will come before a family court, and these courts make custody, visitation and other decisions that will have a significant long-term effect on these children and adults.
SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS ON 3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILY PLANNING
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Video Remarks on Third International Conference on Family Planning
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 12, 2013
Good afternoon. I’d like to welcome the thousands of you from governments around the world, NGOs, public and private organizations, and elsewhere, who are taking part in the third biennial International Family Planning Conference. I’m really sorry that I couldn’t be with you in person in Addis Ababa, but I want to tell you that, as both the U.S. Secretary of State and the father of two extraordinary young women, I am exceedingly grateful for your hard work and dedication to this cause. Millions of women, men, and children have better lives today thanks to the work that many of you have done for decades.
In 1994, when I was a U.S. Senator, I attended the historic International Conference on Population and Development. What was clear back then is still clear today: that challenges like reproductive health care and family planning are bigger than the political boxes that some try to force them into. These are basic human necessities that hundreds of millions of women are forced to go without. For some, it’s because they can’t afford or don’t have access to these services. For others, it’s because their husbands or their communities simply don’t support their use.
That’s why the United States and our partners must continue our life-saving work to advocate for sexual health and reproductive rights. That includes universal access to voluntary family planning. At that population and development conference nearly two decades ago, we set a goal of ensuring universal access to reproductive health care by 2015. We’ve made enormous, really significant progress in the time since, but if we’re going to meet that objective – the same objective outlined in the Millennium Development Goals – we’ll all need to redouble our commitment to women and girls.
We’ll need to continue investing in effective programs like the United Nations Population Fund and the State Department’s Global Health Initiative.
And we’ll need to find new ways to remind people that when women and girls are better able to stay healthy and pursue new opportunities, they are also better able to contribute to the success of their families, their communities, their countries and the world. The fact is, when women and girls thrive, so do the people around them.
On behalf of the entire U.S. State Department, I look forward to hearing what comes out of this important conference, and I look forward to working together to bring about a healthier and more prosperous future for families from Addis to Adelaide, and everywhere in between.
Thank you for the work you’re doing, and I hope you have a great meeting.
Video Remarks on Third International Conference on Family Planning
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 12, 2013
Good afternoon. I’d like to welcome the thousands of you from governments around the world, NGOs, public and private organizations, and elsewhere, who are taking part in the third biennial International Family Planning Conference. I’m really sorry that I couldn’t be with you in person in Addis Ababa, but I want to tell you that, as both the U.S. Secretary of State and the father of two extraordinary young women, I am exceedingly grateful for your hard work and dedication to this cause. Millions of women, men, and children have better lives today thanks to the work that many of you have done for decades.
In 1994, when I was a U.S. Senator, I attended the historic International Conference on Population and Development. What was clear back then is still clear today: that challenges like reproductive health care and family planning are bigger than the political boxes that some try to force them into. These are basic human necessities that hundreds of millions of women are forced to go without. For some, it’s because they can’t afford or don’t have access to these services. For others, it’s because their husbands or their communities simply don’t support their use.
That’s why the United States and our partners must continue our life-saving work to advocate for sexual health and reproductive rights. That includes universal access to voluntary family planning. At that population and development conference nearly two decades ago, we set a goal of ensuring universal access to reproductive health care by 2015. We’ve made enormous, really significant progress in the time since, but if we’re going to meet that objective – the same objective outlined in the Millennium Development Goals – we’ll all need to redouble our commitment to women and girls.
We’ll need to continue investing in effective programs like the United Nations Population Fund and the State Department’s Global Health Initiative.
And we’ll need to find new ways to remind people that when women and girls are better able to stay healthy and pursue new opportunities, they are also better able to contribute to the success of their families, their communities, their countries and the world. The fact is, when women and girls thrive, so do the people around them.
On behalf of the entire U.S. State Department, I look forward to hearing what comes out of this important conference, and I look forward to working together to bring about a healthier and more prosperous future for families from Addis to Adelaide, and everywhere in between.
Thank you for the work you’re doing, and I hope you have a great meeting.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
STATEMENT BY EDUCATION SECRETARY DUNCAN ON PROPOSAL TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Bipartisan Proposal to Expand Access to High-Quality Early Education Programs
NOVEMBER 13, 2013
"The early learning bill introduced today reflects a growing, bipartisan understanding that to ensure our nation’s children have the educational and economic opportunities they deserve, we must act early. It’s long been clear that high-quality early learning opportunities produce lasting benefits, including higher high school graduation rates and lower incarceration rates. Now, a broad coalition is calling for action on President Obama’s plan to make quality preschool available to every 4-year-old in America, drawing on the example of leading states. Earlier today, Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Harkin, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Hanna, stood with leaders from law enforcement, business, the military and early childhood education advocates to call for action—and to invite others to join this vital effort. This is the most important single step we can take for the future of our young people. Let’s join together to make it happen." – Secretary Arne Duncan
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Bipartisan Proposal to Expand Access to High-Quality Early Education Programs
NOVEMBER 13, 2013
"The early learning bill introduced today reflects a growing, bipartisan understanding that to ensure our nation’s children have the educational and economic opportunities they deserve, we must act early. It’s long been clear that high-quality early learning opportunities produce lasting benefits, including higher high school graduation rates and lower incarceration rates. Now, a broad coalition is calling for action on President Obama’s plan to make quality preschool available to every 4-year-old in America, drawing on the example of leading states. Earlier today, Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Harkin, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Hanna, stood with leaders from law enforcement, business, the military and early childhood education advocates to call for action—and to invite others to join this vital effort. This is the most important single step we can take for the future of our young people. Let’s join together to make it happen." – Secretary Arne Duncan
GSA OFFICIAL DESCRIBES GSA MISSION TO MANAGE FEDERAL REAL ESTATE
FROM: GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Freezing the Federal Real Estate Footprint
Statement of Dr. Dorothy Robyn
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration
Before the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
May 22, 2013
Good morning Chairman Barletta, Ranking Member Norton, and members of the Subcommittee. I am Dorothy Robyn, Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service. I appreciate being invited here today to discuss GSA’s effort to save taxpayer dollars and shrink the federal footprint.
Under new leadership, GSA has refocused on its mission of delivering the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to government and the American people.
In the real estate area, GSA faces major challenges. Our inventory’s average age is 47 years – close to the 50-year life expectancy of most commercial office buildings. These buildings are maintained and renovated through the Federal Buildings Fund, which is supported by rents collected from the agencies we house. However, in recent years, we have not had access to all of the annual revenues collected by the Fund, limiting resources available to maintain and restore these assets and meet the needs of partner Federal agencies. This limitation has, in part, led to an increased reliance on leased space to house our federal colleagues, even though leasing is often more expensive than ownership.
Although the limits on the Federal Buildings Fund prevent us from taking many steps that would save taxpayers money, GSA is taking a threefold approach to addressing these challenges. First, we are working with agencies to reduce space requirements and shrink their footprint. We help our Federal partners optimize their existing portfolios, identify underutilized assets, and dispose of excess properties. Second, we are reducing our buildings’ operating costs. Investments here include “smart” building technology and energy-efficiency retrofits. Third, GSA is leveraging private capital to deliver better and more efficient space to our partner federal agencies. One example is our proposal to consider an exchange of the FBI’s aging J. Edgar Hoover Building for a new, consolidated headquarters within the National Capital Region.
My testimony today will focus primarily on the first of these initiatives: reducing space requirements and shrinking the federal footprint.
The Administration’s Efforts to Freeze the Federal Real Property Footprint
Over the past four years, this Administration has moved aggressively to ensure that Federal agencies dispose of unneeded properties and make more efficient use of the Government’s real estate assets. The Freeze the Footprint initiative is the latest in a series of actions the Administration has taken to this end.
In June 2010, President Obama issued a memorandum, “Disposing of Unneeded Federal Real Estate,” that required civilian agencies to achieve $3 billion in savings from sales, reduced operating costs, and improved utilization of existing inventory by the end of FY12. The agencies exceeded the goal, achieving $3.5 billion in cost savings and avoidance. GSA accounted for $350 million of that total by selling excess assets, eliminating operating costs associated with those assets, foregoing repair and alteration investments, and avoiding costly leases by using federally owned space.
In May 2012, Acting OMB Director Jeffrey Zients issued a memorandum entitled “Promoting Efficient Spending to Support Agency Operations,” which directed, in part, that agencies not increase the size of their civilian real estate inventory. In March, OMB Controller Danny Werfel issued guidance that outlined specific agency actions to freeze the federal real estate footprint and gave GSA (along with OMB) a central role in assisting and monitoring agency implementation of the policy.
Specifically, OMB’s March guidance directs each agency to submit a draft Real Property Cost Savings and Innovation Plan that contains four key elements. First, each agency must lay out a three-year plan to maintain or reduce its FY 2012 real property footprint. GSA is responsible for calculating and reporting to each agency its baseline measure using a combination of Federal Real Property Profile data, GSA occupancy agreements, and agency leasing agreements (for those agencies with independent leasing authority). Second, each agency must document its
current leasing costs as well as provide a plan to control these costs moving forward. Third, each agency must produce an analysis of its actions to increase space utilization and efficiency. Fourth, agencies must describe the internal controls and procedures in place to implement and
comply with the Freeze the Footprint policy.
GSA will work with OMB to monitor agencies’ domestic office and warehouse space and help agencies maintain or reduce their current footprints. Agencies will be required to submit annual evaluations of their management and utilization of real property. GSA will analyze these reports to measure compliance, validate agency data, and provide analysis and recommendations to OMB about each agency’s performance. (Information on agency progress will be available on www.Performance.gov.) As part of the effort to monitor opportunities for agencies to maintain or reduce their current footprints, GSA is also working with OMB to improve the quality of data in the Federal Real Property Profile and identify robust performance
metrics.
GSA’s Role in Freezing the Footprint
Although GSA directly manages only about 375 million of the nearly 3.3 billion square feet of space under the government’s control, we have the statutory authority to acquire, manage, utilize and dispose of real property for most federal agencies. Thus, GSA is well positioned to drive change in this area—and, in fact, has been actively working to do so. As one illustration, in our prospectus-level lease program this fiscal year alone, GSA and our partner federal agencies reduced space needs from a proposed requirement of 3.4 million square feet to just 3.1 million square feet, a reduction of nearly 10 percent.
The design of many of today’s federal workspaces reflects a time when the government processed and stored paper and completed daily tasks in regimented and predictable ways. While today’s federal employees can accomplish their work in increasingly mobile and flexible ways, the physical office environment has remained largely static. This forces many federal employees to adapt to physical office space inefficiencies and utilize a workplace that doesn’t effectively support the kind of work they do, resulting in inefficient agency operations and a real estate portfolio that is larger than needed for those operations.
At GSA, we believe good workplace design supports the work that you do. Cost savings are not the only reason we seek to reduce real property footprints. Improving the utilization of real estate also can encourage a vibrant, collaborative, and productive workplace.
GSA is a government-wide leader in its efforts to maximize and increase efficiency in its utilization of space. We are committed to delivering the best value in real estate by creating workspaces that support collaboration, improve productivity, and optimize utilization. To this end, GSA is implementing innovative workplace strategies, including right-sizing individual and collaborative spaces, desk-sharing, and open-plan design. At the same time, GSA is supporting telework policy and training while providing the technology support to encourage mobility.
One impediment to improved space utilization is the need for upfront funding to reconfigure space. For this reason, the President’s FY 2014 Budget Request for GSA includes $100 million for the reconfiguration and renovation of GSA-owned space to support our ongoing work with federal agencies to improve their space utilization, decrease their reliance on costly leased space, and reduce the government’s environmental footprint. To ensure that these funds have a broad and immediate impact, GSA has proposed criteria that ensure no single project will exceed $10 million in costs and all projects will provide a payback in less than five years.
Additionally, we have requested funding in the FY 2014 Budget for a number of larger repair and alteration projects designed to renovate buildings and allow for federal agencies to consolidate their space needs, co-locate with other federal agencies, and move out of costly leases and into federally owned space. For example, at the Charles F. Prevedel Federal Building in Overland (St. Louis), Missouri, GSA is pursuing interior space alterations and building systems upgrades that will allow the Veterans Benefits Administration to consolidate operations and eliminate leases projected to cost more than $3.3 million annually. Execution of this project also will make space for second order moves that allow numerous agencies move from leased space into the Robert A. Young Federal Building in downtown St. Louis.
The President’s FY 14 budget request for GSA also includes funding for the ongoing construction of the consolidated Department of Homeland Security Headquarters at St. Elizabeths in Washington, D.C. When the Coast Guard Headquarters portion of the campus is complete later this fiscal year, it alone will eliminate five leases and convert nearly one million square feet of space from leased to federally owned space. When the entire project is complete, St. Elizabeths will house 14,000 seats and consolidate more than 50 DHS leases into one campus location. Through implementation of flexible workplace strategies, the 14,000 seat limitation can be leveraged to accommodate more than 14,000 employees. The 30-year, present value cost of this construction project is about $530 million less than the cost of leasing. In other words, this project carries an annual cost advantage of more than $30 million.
Reducing the Footprint of GSA-Occupied Space
Of course, GSA’s role in freezing the Federal government’s real property footprint starts with the space we occupy ourselves. At GSA, we will not only meet, but exceed, the Freeze the Footprint requirement by shrinking the amount of office and warehouse inventory that GSA occupies by 15 percent through FY 2015. Over the next three years, GSA will reduce its occupancy of government-owned and leased office space by more than 1 million usable square feet.
As an example, we are significantly increasing utilization of GSA’s Headquarters Building at 1800 F Street Northwest through a multi-phase modernization and consolidation project. The modernization will ultimately reduce GSA’s occupied space in the National Capital Region (NCR)
by nearly 38 percent. Upon completion of Phase One, GSA will vacate six leased locations across the National Capital Region and nearly double the capacity of its Headquarters Building by using open offices, shared workspaces, telework, and mobility practices. Phase Two of the project, which is to be funded in a future fiscal year, will modernize the remainder of the Headquarters Building and allow consolidation of approximately 1,700 additional GSA employees from the NCR Regional Office Building to our 1800 F Street Headquarters. In the meantime, we have consolidated two expiring leases into GSA’s Regional Office Building for a reduction of 42,523 rentable square feet and annual lease savings of approximately $1.7 million.
Disposal of Real Property
GSA is the primary real property disposal agent for the federal government, and it has long worked aggressively to identify and target unneeded assets for disposal. The majority of GSA disposals involve property that is not under our jurisdiction or control. In fact, we just sold a 427-acre portion of the former Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, in Arden Hills, Minnesota, on behalf of the Department of the Army. The negotiated sale amounted to $28 million and eliminated 110 buildings and 1.7 million square feet of space from the federal inventory.
Since 2008, we have disposed of 94 GSA-managed properties and received $129.5 million in receipts for the Federal Buildings Fund, while avoiding more than $153.6 million in liability costs. Additionally, we have disposed of more than 650 properties on behalf of other Federal agencies, generating $230.5 million in proceeds.
GSA provides strategic direction and oversees the development of programs related to the utilization and disposal of excess and surplus real property across the federal government. GSA has the specialized skills to assist agencies by developing tailored disposal strategies specific to
an asset’s characteristics, environmental issues, community interests, market conditions, and other factors that influence the repositioning of the unneeded asset. Similarly, when preparing a property for public sale, GSA develops marketing plans that optimize the public offering. We
use tools and techniques designed to reach very broad audiences and we target specific niche interests.
Civilian BRAC
Despite our efforts to use space more efficiently and reduce costs, a number of challenges impede agencies’ ability to better utilize their inventory and dispose of unneeded assets, as the Government Accountability Office has repeatedly pointed out.1 These challenges include the high upfront costs of property disposal, the legal requirements prior to and during the disposal process, and stakeholder resistance.
We need a civilian BRAC process to help address these challenges. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) BRAC process has yielded significant savings and helped overcome such barriers as red tape and competing stakeholder interests. A year ago, as a senior DOD official, I testified in support of the Department’s request for additional BRAC rounds:
Of all the efficiency measures that the Department has undertaken over the years, BRAC is perhaps the most successful and significant.… The first four rounds of BRAC (1988, 1991, 1993, and 1995) are producing a total of about $8 billion in annual recurring savings, and the comparable figure for BRAC 2005 is $4 billion. This amount ($12 billion) represents the additional costs that the Department would incur every year for base operating support, personnel, and leasing costs had we not had BRAC. These annual savings, or avoided costs, are equivalent to what the Department would spend to buy 300 Apache attack helicopters, 124 F/A-18E-18E/F Super Hornets, or four Virginia class submarines.2
Replicating the BRAC process for civilian agencies would further expedite the disposal process and result in additional savings.
In 2011, President Obama proposed a Civilian Property Realignment Act designed to emulate critical characteristics of the BRAC process for the Federal government’s civilian properties. The Administration reiterated its support for this proposal in the President’s FY 2014 Budget. This proposal has two key features. First, it would create an independent Board of private and public sector leaders to overcome the obstacles to reducing the Federal real estate inventory through sales and consolidations. The Board’s actions would increase the number of properties available for disposal, streamline the disposal process, seek new opportunities to help the government realize financial savings, and look for opportunities to consolidate or co-locate similar functions within government. An independent, impartial Board is essential to navigating competing stakeholder interests. Second, the Board would bundle and deliver its recommendations to sell unneeded high-value assets and consolidate other assets in the real estate inventory to Congress for an all-or-nothing, up-or-down vote. Unless Congress disapproves the package as a whole, the Board’s recommendations would become effective. This provision prevents the removal of individual properties from the process and further insulates that process from stakeholder resistance.
We hope to work with Congress to develop this or a similar proposal that addresses these ongoing challenges in managing federal real property.
Conclusion
Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. Given GSA’s expertise in asset management and our statutory authority over government-wide property disposal, we look forward to continuing this dialogue on how to improve utilization and disposal of real property. We welcome the efforts of OMB, this Subcommittee, and other Members of Congress to reform and improve Federal real property management. I am pleased to take your questions.
Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Freezing the Federal Real Estate Footprint
Statement of Dr. Dorothy Robyn
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration
Before the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
May 22, 2013
Good morning Chairman Barletta, Ranking Member Norton, and members of the Subcommittee. I am Dorothy Robyn, Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service. I appreciate being invited here today to discuss GSA’s effort to save taxpayer dollars and shrink the federal footprint.
Under new leadership, GSA has refocused on its mission of delivering the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to government and the American people.
In the real estate area, GSA faces major challenges. Our inventory’s average age is 47 years – close to the 50-year life expectancy of most commercial office buildings. These buildings are maintained and renovated through the Federal Buildings Fund, which is supported by rents collected from the agencies we house. However, in recent years, we have not had access to all of the annual revenues collected by the Fund, limiting resources available to maintain and restore these assets and meet the needs of partner Federal agencies. This limitation has, in part, led to an increased reliance on leased space to house our federal colleagues, even though leasing is often more expensive than ownership.
Although the limits on the Federal Buildings Fund prevent us from taking many steps that would save taxpayers money, GSA is taking a threefold approach to addressing these challenges. First, we are working with agencies to reduce space requirements and shrink their footprint. We help our Federal partners optimize their existing portfolios, identify underutilized assets, and dispose of excess properties. Second, we are reducing our buildings’ operating costs. Investments here include “smart” building technology and energy-efficiency retrofits. Third, GSA is leveraging private capital to deliver better and more efficient space to our partner federal agencies. One example is our proposal to consider an exchange of the FBI’s aging J. Edgar Hoover Building for a new, consolidated headquarters within the National Capital Region.
My testimony today will focus primarily on the first of these initiatives: reducing space requirements and shrinking the federal footprint.
The Administration’s Efforts to Freeze the Federal Real Property Footprint
Over the past four years, this Administration has moved aggressively to ensure that Federal agencies dispose of unneeded properties and make more efficient use of the Government’s real estate assets. The Freeze the Footprint initiative is the latest in a series of actions the Administration has taken to this end.
In June 2010, President Obama issued a memorandum, “Disposing of Unneeded Federal Real Estate,” that required civilian agencies to achieve $3 billion in savings from sales, reduced operating costs, and improved utilization of existing inventory by the end of FY12. The agencies exceeded the goal, achieving $3.5 billion in cost savings and avoidance. GSA accounted for $350 million of that total by selling excess assets, eliminating operating costs associated with those assets, foregoing repair and alteration investments, and avoiding costly leases by using federally owned space.
In May 2012, Acting OMB Director Jeffrey Zients issued a memorandum entitled “Promoting Efficient Spending to Support Agency Operations,” which directed, in part, that agencies not increase the size of their civilian real estate inventory. In March, OMB Controller Danny Werfel issued guidance that outlined specific agency actions to freeze the federal real estate footprint and gave GSA (along with OMB) a central role in assisting and monitoring agency implementation of the policy.
Specifically, OMB’s March guidance directs each agency to submit a draft Real Property Cost Savings and Innovation Plan that contains four key elements. First, each agency must lay out a three-year plan to maintain or reduce its FY 2012 real property footprint. GSA is responsible for calculating and reporting to each agency its baseline measure using a combination of Federal Real Property Profile data, GSA occupancy agreements, and agency leasing agreements (for those agencies with independent leasing authority). Second, each agency must document its
current leasing costs as well as provide a plan to control these costs moving forward. Third, each agency must produce an analysis of its actions to increase space utilization and efficiency. Fourth, agencies must describe the internal controls and procedures in place to implement and
comply with the Freeze the Footprint policy.
GSA will work with OMB to monitor agencies’ domestic office and warehouse space and help agencies maintain or reduce their current footprints. Agencies will be required to submit annual evaluations of their management and utilization of real property. GSA will analyze these reports to measure compliance, validate agency data, and provide analysis and recommendations to OMB about each agency’s performance. (Information on agency progress will be available on www.Performance.gov.) As part of the effort to monitor opportunities for agencies to maintain or reduce their current footprints, GSA is also working with OMB to improve the quality of data in the Federal Real Property Profile and identify robust performance
metrics.
GSA’s Role in Freezing the Footprint
Although GSA directly manages only about 375 million of the nearly 3.3 billion square feet of space under the government’s control, we have the statutory authority to acquire, manage, utilize and dispose of real property for most federal agencies. Thus, GSA is well positioned to drive change in this area—and, in fact, has been actively working to do so. As one illustration, in our prospectus-level lease program this fiscal year alone, GSA and our partner federal agencies reduced space needs from a proposed requirement of 3.4 million square feet to just 3.1 million square feet, a reduction of nearly 10 percent.
The design of many of today’s federal workspaces reflects a time when the government processed and stored paper and completed daily tasks in regimented and predictable ways. While today’s federal employees can accomplish their work in increasingly mobile and flexible ways, the physical office environment has remained largely static. This forces many federal employees to adapt to physical office space inefficiencies and utilize a workplace that doesn’t effectively support the kind of work they do, resulting in inefficient agency operations and a real estate portfolio that is larger than needed for those operations.
At GSA, we believe good workplace design supports the work that you do. Cost savings are not the only reason we seek to reduce real property footprints. Improving the utilization of real estate also can encourage a vibrant, collaborative, and productive workplace.
GSA is a government-wide leader in its efforts to maximize and increase efficiency in its utilization of space. We are committed to delivering the best value in real estate by creating workspaces that support collaboration, improve productivity, and optimize utilization. To this end, GSA is implementing innovative workplace strategies, including right-sizing individual and collaborative spaces, desk-sharing, and open-plan design. At the same time, GSA is supporting telework policy and training while providing the technology support to encourage mobility.
One impediment to improved space utilization is the need for upfront funding to reconfigure space. For this reason, the President’s FY 2014 Budget Request for GSA includes $100 million for the reconfiguration and renovation of GSA-owned space to support our ongoing work with federal agencies to improve their space utilization, decrease their reliance on costly leased space, and reduce the government’s environmental footprint. To ensure that these funds have a broad and immediate impact, GSA has proposed criteria that ensure no single project will exceed $10 million in costs and all projects will provide a payback in less than five years.
Additionally, we have requested funding in the FY 2014 Budget for a number of larger repair and alteration projects designed to renovate buildings and allow for federal agencies to consolidate their space needs, co-locate with other federal agencies, and move out of costly leases and into federally owned space. For example, at the Charles F. Prevedel Federal Building in Overland (St. Louis), Missouri, GSA is pursuing interior space alterations and building systems upgrades that will allow the Veterans Benefits Administration to consolidate operations and eliminate leases projected to cost more than $3.3 million annually. Execution of this project also will make space for second order moves that allow numerous agencies move from leased space into the Robert A. Young Federal Building in downtown St. Louis.
The President’s FY 14 budget request for GSA also includes funding for the ongoing construction of the consolidated Department of Homeland Security Headquarters at St. Elizabeths in Washington, D.C. When the Coast Guard Headquarters portion of the campus is complete later this fiscal year, it alone will eliminate five leases and convert nearly one million square feet of space from leased to federally owned space. When the entire project is complete, St. Elizabeths will house 14,000 seats and consolidate more than 50 DHS leases into one campus location. Through implementation of flexible workplace strategies, the 14,000 seat limitation can be leveraged to accommodate more than 14,000 employees. The 30-year, present value cost of this construction project is about $530 million less than the cost of leasing. In other words, this project carries an annual cost advantage of more than $30 million.
Reducing the Footprint of GSA-Occupied Space
Of course, GSA’s role in freezing the Federal government’s real property footprint starts with the space we occupy ourselves. At GSA, we will not only meet, but exceed, the Freeze the Footprint requirement by shrinking the amount of office and warehouse inventory that GSA occupies by 15 percent through FY 2015. Over the next three years, GSA will reduce its occupancy of government-owned and leased office space by more than 1 million usable square feet.
As an example, we are significantly increasing utilization of GSA’s Headquarters Building at 1800 F Street Northwest through a multi-phase modernization and consolidation project. The modernization will ultimately reduce GSA’s occupied space in the National Capital Region (NCR)
by nearly 38 percent. Upon completion of Phase One, GSA will vacate six leased locations across the National Capital Region and nearly double the capacity of its Headquarters Building by using open offices, shared workspaces, telework, and mobility practices. Phase Two of the project, which is to be funded in a future fiscal year, will modernize the remainder of the Headquarters Building and allow consolidation of approximately 1,700 additional GSA employees from the NCR Regional Office Building to our 1800 F Street Headquarters. In the meantime, we have consolidated two expiring leases into GSA’s Regional Office Building for a reduction of 42,523 rentable square feet and annual lease savings of approximately $1.7 million.
Disposal of Real Property
GSA is the primary real property disposal agent for the federal government, and it has long worked aggressively to identify and target unneeded assets for disposal. The majority of GSA disposals involve property that is not under our jurisdiction or control. In fact, we just sold a 427-acre portion of the former Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, in Arden Hills, Minnesota, on behalf of the Department of the Army. The negotiated sale amounted to $28 million and eliminated 110 buildings and 1.7 million square feet of space from the federal inventory.
Since 2008, we have disposed of 94 GSA-managed properties and received $129.5 million in receipts for the Federal Buildings Fund, while avoiding more than $153.6 million in liability costs. Additionally, we have disposed of more than 650 properties on behalf of other Federal agencies, generating $230.5 million in proceeds.
GSA provides strategic direction and oversees the development of programs related to the utilization and disposal of excess and surplus real property across the federal government. GSA has the specialized skills to assist agencies by developing tailored disposal strategies specific to
an asset’s characteristics, environmental issues, community interests, market conditions, and other factors that influence the repositioning of the unneeded asset. Similarly, when preparing a property for public sale, GSA develops marketing plans that optimize the public offering. We
use tools and techniques designed to reach very broad audiences and we target specific niche interests.
Civilian BRAC
Despite our efforts to use space more efficiently and reduce costs, a number of challenges impede agencies’ ability to better utilize their inventory and dispose of unneeded assets, as the Government Accountability Office has repeatedly pointed out.1 These challenges include the high upfront costs of property disposal, the legal requirements prior to and during the disposal process, and stakeholder resistance.
We need a civilian BRAC process to help address these challenges. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) BRAC process has yielded significant savings and helped overcome such barriers as red tape and competing stakeholder interests. A year ago, as a senior DOD official, I testified in support of the Department’s request for additional BRAC rounds:
Of all the efficiency measures that the Department has undertaken over the years, BRAC is perhaps the most successful and significant.… The first four rounds of BRAC (1988, 1991, 1993, and 1995) are producing a total of about $8 billion in annual recurring savings, and the comparable figure for BRAC 2005 is $4 billion. This amount ($12 billion) represents the additional costs that the Department would incur every year for base operating support, personnel, and leasing costs had we not had BRAC. These annual savings, or avoided costs, are equivalent to what the Department would spend to buy 300 Apache attack helicopters, 124 F/A-18E-18E/F Super Hornets, or four Virginia class submarines.2
Replicating the BRAC process for civilian agencies would further expedite the disposal process and result in additional savings.
In 2011, President Obama proposed a Civilian Property Realignment Act designed to emulate critical characteristics of the BRAC process for the Federal government’s civilian properties. The Administration reiterated its support for this proposal in the President’s FY 2014 Budget. This proposal has two key features. First, it would create an independent Board of private and public sector leaders to overcome the obstacles to reducing the Federal real estate inventory through sales and consolidations. The Board’s actions would increase the number of properties available for disposal, streamline the disposal process, seek new opportunities to help the government realize financial savings, and look for opportunities to consolidate or co-locate similar functions within government. An independent, impartial Board is essential to navigating competing stakeholder interests. Second, the Board would bundle and deliver its recommendations to sell unneeded high-value assets and consolidate other assets in the real estate inventory to Congress for an all-or-nothing, up-or-down vote. Unless Congress disapproves the package as a whole, the Board’s recommendations would become effective. This provision prevents the removal of individual properties from the process and further insulates that process from stakeholder resistance.
We hope to work with Congress to develop this or a similar proposal that addresses these ongoing challenges in managing federal real property.
Conclusion
Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. Given GSA’s expertise in asset management and our statutory authority over government-wide property disposal, we look forward to continuing this dialogue on how to improve utilization and disposal of real property. We welcome the efforts of OMB, this Subcommittee, and other Members of Congress to reform and improve Federal real property management. I am pleased to take your questions.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
AG HOLDER MAKES REMARKS AT MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR TSA OFFICER GERARDO HERNANDEZ
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Memorial Service for TSA Officer Gerardo Hernandez
~ Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today, in the city that Gerardo Hernandez was proud to call home. And I am honored to stand among so many of the friends, colleagues, and family members who knew him best and who loved him most.
To Officer Hernandez’s wife, Ana; to their children, Louis and Stephanie; to his mother, Maria [Esperanza Acevedo]; to his extended family; and to his fellow Transportation Safety Officers – particularly Master Behavior Detection Officer [Tony] Grigsby and Master Security Training Instructor [James] Speer – thank you for allowing me to share in this moment. To the heroic law enforcement officers, paramedics, bystanders, and doctors who responded to the senseless act of violence that took Officer Hernandez’s life – thank you for your bravery, and your dedication. Although we gather in a moment of sorrow – in the wake of a horrific crime – your actions on that terrible day remind us that courage and compassion will always be stronger than violence and hate.
No one understood this better than Gerardo Hernandez – a passionate public servant who stood on the front lines of our struggle to prevent terrorism. But what made Gerardo Hernandez a hero was not only how he died – in the line of duty, becoming the first member of the Transportation Security Administration to lose his life in service of his country. This profound sacrifice – what Abraham Lincoln once called the “last full measure of devotion” – marked him as a man of bravery and valor. But what truly made Officer Hernandez a hero was how he lived: with kindness, with consideration – and with love – for all who were fortunate to know him.
Every single day, Officer Hernandez took pride in the role he played to keep the American people safe. Over the years, the contributions that he and others have made – and the tireless work of TSA employees across the country – have too often been unappreciated, overlooked or even discounted. Yet the importance of their efforts – in preventing acts of terror and deterring those who would threaten our nation – is difficult to overstate.
That’s why I want to take this moment to say “thank you” to our Transportation Security Officers for everything that they do. To wish Officers Grigsby and Speer a full and speedy recovery from their injuries. And to promise all of you that my colleagues and I will stand with this community not only in paying tribute to one of the best among us – but working to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
I also want to make a solemn pledge: that we will not rest until justice has been done. And we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible for this senseless act can and will be held accountable – to the fullest extent of the law.
Like many of you, I cannot help but reflect that the pain we feel at Officer Hernandez’s untimely passing is all the more acute because this was supposed to be a time of celebration – when friends and family would have come together to celebrate his 40th birthday. Instead, we gather to take this brave young man to his rest.
And although today our hearts are broken – and there are no words that can erase the pain that we feel – my hope is that we can take comfort in the fact that Officer Hernandez will live on in the cherished memories of the friends, the coworkers, and the airline passengers whose lives he touched – and especially the loved ones he leaves behind. His work will go on every day in the persistent efforts of all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. And his example, and many contributions, will never be forgotten. His legacy will enrich the community, and the country, that he loved. And his story will inspire generations of public servants to follow in his footsteps, helping to make the nation that mourns him – and the world he left too soon – not only safer, but stronger.
This great nation owes Gerardo Hernandez a debt of gratitude that it can never, will never, fully repay. So we must lift up, remember, and emulate his life of service – and of sacrifice. Let this be the way in which we say "thank you" to this decent, loving, good man. Let this be our challenge, and our solemn pledge – to one another, and to the memory of a man who, in his too-short life, touched many, accomplished much, and showed us the way.
May he rest in peace.
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Memorial Service for TSA Officer Gerardo Hernandez
~ Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today, in the city that Gerardo Hernandez was proud to call home. And I am honored to stand among so many of the friends, colleagues, and family members who knew him best and who loved him most.
To Officer Hernandez’s wife, Ana; to their children, Louis and Stephanie; to his mother, Maria [Esperanza Acevedo]; to his extended family; and to his fellow Transportation Safety Officers – particularly Master Behavior Detection Officer [Tony] Grigsby and Master Security Training Instructor [James] Speer – thank you for allowing me to share in this moment. To the heroic law enforcement officers, paramedics, bystanders, and doctors who responded to the senseless act of violence that took Officer Hernandez’s life – thank you for your bravery, and your dedication. Although we gather in a moment of sorrow – in the wake of a horrific crime – your actions on that terrible day remind us that courage and compassion will always be stronger than violence and hate.
No one understood this better than Gerardo Hernandez – a passionate public servant who stood on the front lines of our struggle to prevent terrorism. But what made Gerardo Hernandez a hero was not only how he died – in the line of duty, becoming the first member of the Transportation Security Administration to lose his life in service of his country. This profound sacrifice – what Abraham Lincoln once called the “last full measure of devotion” – marked him as a man of bravery and valor. But what truly made Officer Hernandez a hero was how he lived: with kindness, with consideration – and with love – for all who were fortunate to know him.
Every single day, Officer Hernandez took pride in the role he played to keep the American people safe. Over the years, the contributions that he and others have made – and the tireless work of TSA employees across the country – have too often been unappreciated, overlooked or even discounted. Yet the importance of their efforts – in preventing acts of terror and deterring those who would threaten our nation – is difficult to overstate.
That’s why I want to take this moment to say “thank you” to our Transportation Security Officers for everything that they do. To wish Officers Grigsby and Speer a full and speedy recovery from their injuries. And to promise all of you that my colleagues and I will stand with this community not only in paying tribute to one of the best among us – but working to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
I also want to make a solemn pledge: that we will not rest until justice has been done. And we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible for this senseless act can and will be held accountable – to the fullest extent of the law.
Like many of you, I cannot help but reflect that the pain we feel at Officer Hernandez’s untimely passing is all the more acute because this was supposed to be a time of celebration – when friends and family would have come together to celebrate his 40th birthday. Instead, we gather to take this brave young man to his rest.
And although today our hearts are broken – and there are no words that can erase the pain that we feel – my hope is that we can take comfort in the fact that Officer Hernandez will live on in the cherished memories of the friends, the coworkers, and the airline passengers whose lives he touched – and especially the loved ones he leaves behind. His work will go on every day in the persistent efforts of all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. And his example, and many contributions, will never be forgotten. His legacy will enrich the community, and the country, that he loved. And his story will inspire generations of public servants to follow in his footsteps, helping to make the nation that mourns him – and the world he left too soon – not only safer, but stronger.
This great nation owes Gerardo Hernandez a debt of gratitude that it can never, will never, fully repay. So we must lift up, remember, and emulate his life of service – and of sacrifice. Let this be the way in which we say "thank you" to this decent, loving, good man. Let this be our challenge, and our solemn pledge – to one another, and to the memory of a man who, in his too-short life, touched many, accomplished much, and showed us the way.
May he rest in peace.
ASSISTANT AG BAER'S REMARKS ON PROPOSED SETTLEMENT IN MAJOR AIRLINE MERGER
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY BY ASSISTANT ATTORNEY
GENERAL BILL BAER AT THE CONFERENCE CALL REGARDING
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
WITH US AIRWAYS AND AMERICAN AIRLINES
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Good afternoon. Thanks for joining me on this call.
As you have all seen by now, today the Department of Justice filed a proposed settlement with US Airways and American Airlines that, if approved by the court, would resolve our lawsuit challenging their proposed merger. Under the agreement, we are requiring US Airways and American Airlines to divest critically important facilities at seven key airports across the country.
Specifically, the parties will divest 104 air carrier slots at Reagan National here in D.C., 34 slots at LaGuardia in New York, and 2 gates and ground facilities at each of Logan in Boston, O’Hare in Chicago, LAX in Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas Love Field. These divestitures are the largest ever in an airline merger and will allow low cost carriers to fly more direct and connecting flights throughout the country each day. This is a game changer. As the Attorney General said in this morning’s press release, this agreement has the potential to shift the landscape of the airline industry.
As you know, we filed a lawsuit to block this merger out of concerns about the potential reduction in competition for air travel throughout the country. This settlement addresses those concerns and opens up the marketplace as never before. It will disrupt today’s cozy relationships among the incumbent legacy carriers and provide consumers with more choices and more competitive airfares.
New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami and Dallas are among the largest, most important business centers in the country. But due to access limitations – such as slot and gate constraints – key airports in these cities are among the most difficult for an airline to enter and establish a meaningful presence.
The divestitures announced today changes that limiting dynamic. Making slots and gates available to low cost carriers will lower barriers to entry, providing the incentive and ability for those carriers to invest in new capacity, and positioning those carriers to provide significant new competition system-wide. The low cost carriers that acquire the slots and gates will be able to offer increased competition not just on direct flights to and from these key airports, but also on connecting flights nationwide.
How do we know this? Because, in the past, providing even modest competitive opportunities for the LCC’s has made a real difference. A few years ago, when JetBlue started service from Reagan National, prices to Boston dropped 30 percent and consumers saved $50 million per year. And those savings came from just 16 slots, or 8 round trips a day. This agreement divests those slots – currently subleased from American – and makes available 88 more at Reagan National.
Southwest’s entry into Newark Liberty airport after the United-Continental merger shows how consumers benefit from increased competition on both non-stop and one-stop routes. In 2010, Southwest acquired 36 divested slots at Newark Liberty, and added direct service to six cities – but with connections to more than 60 more. That new competition benefited consumers: on the nonstop routes alone fares dropped more than 10 percent and passenger traffic increased by 36 percent.
The combined slot divestitures announced at Reagan National and LaGuardia today –138 in total – are almost four times the size of the United divestitures to Southwest at Newark Liberty. The additional gate divestitures at five other major airports around the country will amplify the procompetitive impact of this settlement. Non-stop and one-stop opportunities for both leisure and business travelers will increase.
When we filed this lawsuit, I explained that this merger would eliminate the head-to-head competition between US Airways and American, risked increased coordination between the remaining three legacy carriers – New American, United and Delta – and increased the parties’ dominance at Reagan National.
This settlement addresses each of these concerns. In important ways this outcome is better than a full stop injunction.
By lowering barriers to enter and compete, this settlement will enable low cost carriers to expand their presence, injecting new competition into the marketplace.
By divesting all of the 104 air carrier slots that American Airlines owns today at Reagan National, the settlement will allow JetBlue to keep competing with the slots it currently subleases from American and further expands competition by placing the other 88 slots in the hands of low cost carriers. Thus, the settlement not just prevents the increased dominance of US Airways at Reagan National, it provides for expanded competition at this airport.
In designing the remedy, we were mindful of concerns that the merger would lead to fewer flights from Washington to small and medium-sized cities. The settlement allows the parties to retain the small aircraft commuter slots at Reagan National intended to serve small and medium-sized cities. The parties have pledged to do just that in an agreement with the Department of Transportation which requires them to use those slots exclusively for service to small, non-hub and medium-sized airports. The state attorneys general who have joined in our settlement have also secured additional relief specific to their states in a separate settlement with the parties.
As you are aware, we were preparing to go to trial. And, I can assure you that we were confident in the evidence we would have presented at trial. That said, why settle this case? Because in the ways I have discussed, this settlement improves on a problematic status quo. It provides more competition than exists today in this industry. That is good news for consumers all across the country who will benefit from more choices and more competitive airfares.
I’m proud of our team, proud of our collaboration with the Attorneys General of the seven states who joined in this settlement and proud of what we have accomplished for U.S. consumers.
I’m happy to take your questions.
REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY BY ASSISTANT ATTORNEY
GENERAL BILL BAER AT THE CONFERENCE CALL REGARDING
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
WITH US AIRWAYS AND AMERICAN AIRLINES
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Good afternoon. Thanks for joining me on this call.
As you have all seen by now, today the Department of Justice filed a proposed settlement with US Airways and American Airlines that, if approved by the court, would resolve our lawsuit challenging their proposed merger. Under the agreement, we are requiring US Airways and American Airlines to divest critically important facilities at seven key airports across the country.
Specifically, the parties will divest 104 air carrier slots at Reagan National here in D.C., 34 slots at LaGuardia in New York, and 2 gates and ground facilities at each of Logan in Boston, O’Hare in Chicago, LAX in Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas Love Field. These divestitures are the largest ever in an airline merger and will allow low cost carriers to fly more direct and connecting flights throughout the country each day. This is a game changer. As the Attorney General said in this morning’s press release, this agreement has the potential to shift the landscape of the airline industry.
As you know, we filed a lawsuit to block this merger out of concerns about the potential reduction in competition for air travel throughout the country. This settlement addresses those concerns and opens up the marketplace as never before. It will disrupt today’s cozy relationships among the incumbent legacy carriers and provide consumers with more choices and more competitive airfares.
New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami and Dallas are among the largest, most important business centers in the country. But due to access limitations – such as slot and gate constraints – key airports in these cities are among the most difficult for an airline to enter and establish a meaningful presence.
The divestitures announced today changes that limiting dynamic. Making slots and gates available to low cost carriers will lower barriers to entry, providing the incentive and ability for those carriers to invest in new capacity, and positioning those carriers to provide significant new competition system-wide. The low cost carriers that acquire the slots and gates will be able to offer increased competition not just on direct flights to and from these key airports, but also on connecting flights nationwide.
How do we know this? Because, in the past, providing even modest competitive opportunities for the LCC’s has made a real difference. A few years ago, when JetBlue started service from Reagan National, prices to Boston dropped 30 percent and consumers saved $50 million per year. And those savings came from just 16 slots, or 8 round trips a day. This agreement divests those slots – currently subleased from American – and makes available 88 more at Reagan National.
Southwest’s entry into Newark Liberty airport after the United-Continental merger shows how consumers benefit from increased competition on both non-stop and one-stop routes. In 2010, Southwest acquired 36 divested slots at Newark Liberty, and added direct service to six cities – but with connections to more than 60 more. That new competition benefited consumers: on the nonstop routes alone fares dropped more than 10 percent and passenger traffic increased by 36 percent.
The combined slot divestitures announced at Reagan National and LaGuardia today –138 in total – are almost four times the size of the United divestitures to Southwest at Newark Liberty. The additional gate divestitures at five other major airports around the country will amplify the procompetitive impact of this settlement. Non-stop and one-stop opportunities for both leisure and business travelers will increase.
When we filed this lawsuit, I explained that this merger would eliminate the head-to-head competition between US Airways and American, risked increased coordination between the remaining three legacy carriers – New American, United and Delta – and increased the parties’ dominance at Reagan National.
This settlement addresses each of these concerns. In important ways this outcome is better than a full stop injunction.
By lowering barriers to enter and compete, this settlement will enable low cost carriers to expand their presence, injecting new competition into the marketplace.
By divesting all of the 104 air carrier slots that American Airlines owns today at Reagan National, the settlement will allow JetBlue to keep competing with the slots it currently subleases from American and further expands competition by placing the other 88 slots in the hands of low cost carriers. Thus, the settlement not just prevents the increased dominance of US Airways at Reagan National, it provides for expanded competition at this airport.
In designing the remedy, we were mindful of concerns that the merger would lead to fewer flights from Washington to small and medium-sized cities. The settlement allows the parties to retain the small aircraft commuter slots at Reagan National intended to serve small and medium-sized cities. The parties have pledged to do just that in an agreement with the Department of Transportation which requires them to use those slots exclusively for service to small, non-hub and medium-sized airports. The state attorneys general who have joined in our settlement have also secured additional relief specific to their states in a separate settlement with the parties.
As you are aware, we were preparing to go to trial. And, I can assure you that we were confident in the evidence we would have presented at trial. That said, why settle this case? Because in the ways I have discussed, this settlement improves on a problematic status quo. It provides more competition than exists today in this industry. That is good news for consumers all across the country who will benefit from more choices and more competitive airfares.
I’m proud of our team, proud of our collaboration with the Attorneys General of the seven states who joined in this settlement and proud of what we have accomplished for U.S. consumers.
I’m happy to take your questions.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER MAKES REMARKS AT PHILADELPHIA REENTRY COURT
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Philadelphia Reentry Court
~ Tuesday, November 5, 2013
I’ve got to say, this is really heartwarming to see what you all are doing with your lives. There are a whole bunch of different paths I’m sure that brought you to this place, and other paths that took you to places that you didn’t want to be. But the question is, you know, what do you do when you’re faced with a negative situation?
Everybody fails at something, everybody does. I have. And the question is, what do you do with those failures. And I think that what we’ve seen here today gives me a great deal of hope and gives me faith that what we’re trying to do with the Justice Department in supporting programs like this one is the right thing to do.
I’ve said in speeches, you know, we can’t incarcerate our way out of the problems that confront us as a nation, that there are issues that we have to deal with.I’ve seen a bunch of strong men who came in here today and who are trying to make better their lives and I think it’s our obligation -- it’s my obligation as Attorney General to try to help you in that -- in that way, and we’re not fundamentally different.
You know, that’s the other thing. I think you all have to understand something. I’m a kid who grew up in Queens in New York. You’re all probably like Philadelphia athletic fans and all that stuff -- and I don’t hold that against you, you know, the Phillies. And, you know, the Knicks -- do we have any New York Knicks fans here? We need to stay close so I can see them. But we’re not fundamentally different, you know?
I grew up in a neighborhood in Queens where guys like you would have been my boys, you know? We’d have played ball together, we’d have partied together, we’d have done a whole variety of things and I’ve seen guys who were my friends who, you know, didn’t have just the breaks.
Things didn’t work out. Things didn’t work out for them and I try to keep that in my mind as I go through my professional career as an Attorney General not to lose sight of the fact that at the end of the day, we’re dealing with human beings who are dealing with issues.
Life is not sometimes fair, you know, and we have to acknowledge that as well. The question is how do you deal with that unfairness. It will not be easy. The path that you’re on, you’ve proven to be successful with the certificates that you’ve gotten.
It’s good to hear the reports that you have shared with the Judge, but the reality is there are still going to be negative things that you’re going to have to deal with on the path that you’re on, but you have to resolve -- resolve to be strong, you know?
Find that strength that got you to this place, hold on to that strength to deal with the issues that you will continue to have to confront. You can be successful. You have been successful, and there’s no reason why, you know, this positive path that you’re on can’t keep going.
There might be detours, you know, there are going to be -- I mean, if you look at my four and a half years as Attorney General, you can see there are detours, you know? There are negatives that you have to deal with. But the question is how do you -- how do you deal with those negative things.
It is for me -- and some of it’s kind of emotional because a few of you came up here who reminded me of people who I grew up with in Queens, a couple guys who aren’t with me anymore who are near and dear to me who, you know, got in the wrong situation, made some bad decisions and, you know, didn’t make it -- people who grew up on my block, 101st Street, 24th Avenue in Queens. Guys who had to deal with drug issues.
ou know, good guys, guys like you -- guys like you, you know, who want to do the right things, who want to be responsible, who want to be good fathers, you know, like the Judge said. You know, that’s an inner-core thing. It’s who you are. It’s really who you are. Never forget that. Never forget that.
So I’m proud to be up here and I’m glad to be up here. I’m proud of each and every one of you and I expect to hear good things about all of you. This is a unique opportunity that you have and you’ve got to seize that opportunity, and this is a program that is really worthwhile. This is a chance.
It’s a chance. Make the most of it. Don’t make excuses, you know? If you’ve got to get up in the morning, get up. If you’re tired, deal with that fatigue, you know? Don’t find excuses not to do the things that you know you’ve got to do. Whatever the problem, whatever the obstruction, whatever the issue that you have to deal with, figure out how you can get around it.
Every one of you is smart, every one of you knows how to deal, you know, with life, so use the skills that you have and use them in a positive way -- whether you’re an EMT, whether you’re working in restaurants -- whatever it is, there’s real value in the work that you do and the contributions that you can make, and that’s something that you should really understand.
There are kids and younger people who are going to be looking at you all and who are going to learn from you, from your example. You have a unique opportunity and I think a responsibility to give something back and to make better the lives of those youngsters who will be looking up to you. In some ways, you know, they can identify with you more than they can identify with me, you know?
They see me with a suit, tie, maybe on TV every once in a while, you know, getting hammered in a congressional hearing or whatever. That’s different. You guys are more real-world to them and you have a responsibility to that next generation.
You do, you know? As men of color you have an obligation to them. You have to put your arms around them, you have to make sure that they learn from the mistakes that you’ve made. You’ve got to be honest with them about the dangers that they’re going to face, and you have to help them find the way so that they can have -- you know, positive lives, and not, you know, make the mistakes that you made.
Or if they are on a path that’s going to lead them to something negative, you have got to figure out how to get them back on the right path. You have that ability, you really do. You really do, and you have to accept that responsibility as well.
So again, I thank you all so much for allowing me to observe what it is that I guess you guys go through on a periodic basis. I’m going to follow up and kind of just keep in touch in some form or fashion and see how you guys make out over the coming months and years and I expect to hear, as I say, great things -- great things from all of you, all right?
So keep it up, do well, be positive and remember that responsibility you have to the youngsters.
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Philadelphia Reentry Court
~ Tuesday, November 5, 2013
I’ve got to say, this is really heartwarming to see what you all are doing with your lives. There are a whole bunch of different paths I’m sure that brought you to this place, and other paths that took you to places that you didn’t want to be. But the question is, you know, what do you do when you’re faced with a negative situation?
Everybody fails at something, everybody does. I have. And the question is, what do you do with those failures. And I think that what we’ve seen here today gives me a great deal of hope and gives me faith that what we’re trying to do with the Justice Department in supporting programs like this one is the right thing to do.
I’ve said in speeches, you know, we can’t incarcerate our way out of the problems that confront us as a nation, that there are issues that we have to deal with.I’ve seen a bunch of strong men who came in here today and who are trying to make better their lives and I think it’s our obligation -- it’s my obligation as Attorney General to try to help you in that -- in that way, and we’re not fundamentally different.
You know, that’s the other thing. I think you all have to understand something. I’m a kid who grew up in Queens in New York. You’re all probably like Philadelphia athletic fans and all that stuff -- and I don’t hold that against you, you know, the Phillies. And, you know, the Knicks -- do we have any New York Knicks fans here? We need to stay close so I can see them. But we’re not fundamentally different, you know?
I grew up in a neighborhood in Queens where guys like you would have been my boys, you know? We’d have played ball together, we’d have partied together, we’d have done a whole variety of things and I’ve seen guys who were my friends who, you know, didn’t have just the breaks.
Things didn’t work out. Things didn’t work out for them and I try to keep that in my mind as I go through my professional career as an Attorney General not to lose sight of the fact that at the end of the day, we’re dealing with human beings who are dealing with issues.
Life is not sometimes fair, you know, and we have to acknowledge that as well. The question is how do you deal with that unfairness. It will not be easy. The path that you’re on, you’ve proven to be successful with the certificates that you’ve gotten.
It’s good to hear the reports that you have shared with the Judge, but the reality is there are still going to be negative things that you’re going to have to deal with on the path that you’re on, but you have to resolve -- resolve to be strong, you know?
Find that strength that got you to this place, hold on to that strength to deal with the issues that you will continue to have to confront. You can be successful. You have been successful, and there’s no reason why, you know, this positive path that you’re on can’t keep going.
There might be detours, you know, there are going to be -- I mean, if you look at my four and a half years as Attorney General, you can see there are detours, you know? There are negatives that you have to deal with. But the question is how do you -- how do you deal with those negative things.
It is for me -- and some of it’s kind of emotional because a few of you came up here who reminded me of people who I grew up with in Queens, a couple guys who aren’t with me anymore who are near and dear to me who, you know, got in the wrong situation, made some bad decisions and, you know, didn’t make it -- people who grew up on my block, 101st Street, 24th Avenue in Queens. Guys who had to deal with drug issues.
ou know, good guys, guys like you -- guys like you, you know, who want to do the right things, who want to be responsible, who want to be good fathers, you know, like the Judge said. You know, that’s an inner-core thing. It’s who you are. It’s really who you are. Never forget that. Never forget that.
So I’m proud to be up here and I’m glad to be up here. I’m proud of each and every one of you and I expect to hear good things about all of you. This is a unique opportunity that you have and you’ve got to seize that opportunity, and this is a program that is really worthwhile. This is a chance.
It’s a chance. Make the most of it. Don’t make excuses, you know? If you’ve got to get up in the morning, get up. If you’re tired, deal with that fatigue, you know? Don’t find excuses not to do the things that you know you’ve got to do. Whatever the problem, whatever the obstruction, whatever the issue that you have to deal with, figure out how you can get around it.
Every one of you is smart, every one of you knows how to deal, you know, with life, so use the skills that you have and use them in a positive way -- whether you’re an EMT, whether you’re working in restaurants -- whatever it is, there’s real value in the work that you do and the contributions that you can make, and that’s something that you should really understand.
There are kids and younger people who are going to be looking at you all and who are going to learn from you, from your example. You have a unique opportunity and I think a responsibility to give something back and to make better the lives of those youngsters who will be looking up to you. In some ways, you know, they can identify with you more than they can identify with me, you know?
They see me with a suit, tie, maybe on TV every once in a while, you know, getting hammered in a congressional hearing or whatever. That’s different. You guys are more real-world to them and you have a responsibility to that next generation.
You do, you know? As men of color you have an obligation to them. You have to put your arms around them, you have to make sure that they learn from the mistakes that you’ve made. You’ve got to be honest with them about the dangers that they’re going to face, and you have to help them find the way so that they can have -- you know, positive lives, and not, you know, make the mistakes that you made.
Or if they are on a path that’s going to lead them to something negative, you have got to figure out how to get them back on the right path. You have that ability, you really do. You really do, and you have to accept that responsibility as well.
So again, I thank you all so much for allowing me to observe what it is that I guess you guys go through on a periodic basis. I’m going to follow up and kind of just keep in touch in some form or fashion and see how you guys make out over the coming months and years and I expect to hear, as I say, great things -- great things from all of you, all right?
So keep it up, do well, be positive and remember that responsibility you have to the youngsters.
LABOR'S OSHA PROPOSES RULE TO TRACK WORKPLACE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
FROM: U.S. LABOR DEPARTMENT
OSHA announces proposed new rule to improve tracking
of workplace injuries and illnesses
WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued a proposed rule to improve workplace safety and health through improved tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. The announcement follows the Bureau of Labor Statistics' release of its annual Occupational Injuries and Illnesses report, which estimates that three million workers were injured on the job in 2012.
"Three million injuries are three million too many," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "With the changes being proposed in this rule, employers, employees, the government and researchers will have better access to data that will encourage earlier abatement of hazards and result in improved programs to reduce workplace hazards and prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The proposal does not add any new requirement to keep records; it only modifies an employer's obligation to transmit these records to OSHA."
The public will have 90 days, through Feb. 6, 2014, to submit written comments on the proposed rule. On Jan. 9, 2014, OSHA will hold a public meeting on the proposed rule in Washington, D.C. A Federal Register notice announcing the public meeting will be published shortly.
The proposed rule was developed following a series of stakeholder meetings in 2010 to help OSHA gather information about electronic submission of establishment-specific injury and illness data. OSHA is proposing to amend its current recordkeeping regulations to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information employers are already required to keep under existing standards, Part 1904. The first proposed new requirement is for establishments with more than 250 employees (and who are already required to keep records) to electronically submit the records on a quarterly basis to OSHA.
OSHA is also proposing that establishments with 20 or more employees, in certain industries with high injury and illness rates, be required to submit electronically only their summary of work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA once a year. Currently, many such firms report this information to OSHA under OSHA's Data Initiative.
OSHA plans to eventually post the data online, as encouraged by President Obama's Open Government Initiative. Timely, establishment-specific injury and illness data will help OSHA target its compliance assistance and enforcement resources more effectively by identifying workplaces where workers are at greater risk, and enable employers to compare their injury rates with others in the same industry. Additional information on the proposed rule can be found at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?
OSHA announces proposed new rule to improve tracking
of workplace injuries and illnesses
WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued a proposed rule to improve workplace safety and health through improved tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. The announcement follows the Bureau of Labor Statistics' release of its annual Occupational Injuries and Illnesses report, which estimates that three million workers were injured on the job in 2012.
"Three million injuries are three million too many," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "With the changes being proposed in this rule, employers, employees, the government and researchers will have better access to data that will encourage earlier abatement of hazards and result in improved programs to reduce workplace hazards and prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The proposal does not add any new requirement to keep records; it only modifies an employer's obligation to transmit these records to OSHA."
The public will have 90 days, through Feb. 6, 2014, to submit written comments on the proposed rule. On Jan. 9, 2014, OSHA will hold a public meeting on the proposed rule in Washington, D.C. A Federal Register notice announcing the public meeting will be published shortly.
The proposed rule was developed following a series of stakeholder meetings in 2010 to help OSHA gather information about electronic submission of establishment-specific injury and illness data. OSHA is proposing to amend its current recordkeeping regulations to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information employers are already required to keep under existing standards, Part 1904. The first proposed new requirement is for establishments with more than 250 employees (and who are already required to keep records) to electronically submit the records on a quarterly basis to OSHA.
OSHA is also proposing that establishments with 20 or more employees, in certain industries with high injury and illness rates, be required to submit electronically only their summary of work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA once a year. Currently, many such firms report this information to OSHA under OSHA's Data Initiative.
OSHA plans to eventually post the data online, as encouraged by President Obama's Open Government Initiative. Timely, establishment-specific injury and illness data will help OSHA target its compliance assistance and enforcement resources more effectively by identifying workplaces where workers are at greater risk, and enable employers to compare their injury rates with others in the same industry. Additional information on the proposed rule can be found at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?
Monday, November 11, 2013
LAWYER BARRED FROM PROMOTING TAX-FRAUD SCHEMES AND PREPARING VARIOUS TYPES OF TAX RETURNS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Chicago Lawyer Permanently Barred from Promoting Tax-Fraud Schemes and Preparing Related Tax Returns
A federal court has permanently barred Gary J. Stern from promoting tax fraud schemes and from preparing related tax returns, the Justice Department announced today. The civil injunction order, to which Stern consented without admitting the allegations against him, was entered by Judge Robert Gettleman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The order permanently bars Stern from preparing various types of tax returns for individuals, estates and trusts, partnerships or corporations (IRS Forms 1040, 1041, 1065, and 1120), among others. The United States alleged that Stern used those returns to facilitate the unlawful schemes identified in the complaint.
According to the complaint, Stern designed at least three tax-fraud schemes that helped hundreds of customers falsely claim over $16 million in improper tax credits and avoid paying income tax on at least $3.4 million. Stern allegedly promoted the schemes to customers, colleagues, and business associates. The complaint alleges that his customers included lawyers, entrepreneurs and professional football players, and some of the latter, including NFL quarterback Kyle Orton, have sued Stern in connection with the tax scheme, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and professional malpractice.
Federal law allows an income tax credit with respect to certain sales of fuel from non-conventional sources (FNS), including methane produced from landfills. According to the complaint, beginning in the early 2000’s Stern created a web of partnerships, companies and other entities to serve as a conduit for sham transactions designed to funnel false FNS credits to his customers. Stern allegedly funneled over $11.4 million of these bogus FNS credits to customers and used a bogus trust arrangement to fraudulently distribute an additional $5.34 million in FNS credits to his customers.
Finally, according to the complaint, Stern promoted an abusive income-shifting technique to help his wealthiest customers illegally avoid taxes. Stern and his business associates allegedly kept most of the money that customers contributed to this scheme. The court has barred Stern from using any entity to assist others in illegally shifting income for the purpose of avoiding tax.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Chicago Lawyer Permanently Barred from Promoting Tax-Fraud Schemes and Preparing Related Tax Returns
A federal court has permanently barred Gary J. Stern from promoting tax fraud schemes and from preparing related tax returns, the Justice Department announced today. The civil injunction order, to which Stern consented without admitting the allegations against him, was entered by Judge Robert Gettleman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The order permanently bars Stern from preparing various types of tax returns for individuals, estates and trusts, partnerships or corporations (IRS Forms 1040, 1041, 1065, and 1120), among others. The United States alleged that Stern used those returns to facilitate the unlawful schemes identified in the complaint.
According to the complaint, Stern designed at least three tax-fraud schemes that helped hundreds of customers falsely claim over $16 million in improper tax credits and avoid paying income tax on at least $3.4 million. Stern allegedly promoted the schemes to customers, colleagues, and business associates. The complaint alleges that his customers included lawyers, entrepreneurs and professional football players, and some of the latter, including NFL quarterback Kyle Orton, have sued Stern in connection with the tax scheme, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and professional malpractice.
Federal law allows an income tax credit with respect to certain sales of fuel from non-conventional sources (FNS), including methane produced from landfills. According to the complaint, beginning in the early 2000’s Stern created a web of partnerships, companies and other entities to serve as a conduit for sham transactions designed to funnel false FNS credits to his customers. Stern allegedly funneled over $11.4 million of these bogus FNS credits to customers and used a bogus trust arrangement to fraudulently distribute an additional $5.34 million in FNS credits to his customers.
Finally, according to the complaint, Stern promoted an abusive income-shifting technique to help his wealthiest customers illegally avoid taxes. Stern and his business associates allegedly kept most of the money that customers contributed to this scheme. The court has barred Stern from using any entity to assist others in illegally shifting income for the purpose of avoiding tax.
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DUNCAN ISSUES STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Statement by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Veterans Day
NOVEMBER 8, 2013
"Our country's Veterans have helped build the United States into the world leader it is today. Since the birth of our nation, they have protected us time and time again. From the rural hills in Kentucky to the towering buildings in Manhattan, our Veterans are from every corner of the country representing the best of what it is to be American.
"Thanks to the GI Bill, America's Veterans have helped develop our education system and build the middle class. One million Veterans, servicemembers, and family members have benefited from the Post-9/11 GI Bill since the program's inception in August 2009, demonstrating the importance of helping Veterans reach their educational goals. While many have left the Armed Forces, they continue to serve their country in new ways as teachers, coaches or mentors for our children. As they have served us, we should continue to serve them by ensuring they have access to a high quality education system and affordable college programs. Veterans Day is a day of remembrance and reflection to honor those that have served."
Statement by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Veterans Day
NOVEMBER 8, 2013
"Our country's Veterans have helped build the United States into the world leader it is today. Since the birth of our nation, they have protected us time and time again. From the rural hills in Kentucky to the towering buildings in Manhattan, our Veterans are from every corner of the country representing the best of what it is to be American.
"Thanks to the GI Bill, America's Veterans have helped develop our education system and build the middle class. One million Veterans, servicemembers, and family members have benefited from the Post-9/11 GI Bill since the program's inception in August 2009, demonstrating the importance of helping Veterans reach their educational goals. While many have left the Armed Forces, they continue to serve their country in new ways as teachers, coaches or mentors for our children. As they have served us, we should continue to serve them by ensuring they have access to a high quality education system and affordable college programs. Veterans Day is a day of remembrance and reflection to honor those that have served."
Sunday, November 10, 2013
U.S. SENDS BEST WISHES TO PEOPLE OF ANGOLA ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Angola National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 10, 2013
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to all Angolans as you celebrate 38 years of independence on November 11.
The United States celebrates your independence and all that Angolans have achieved after decades of war. We are optimistic about the opportunities for economic growth and trade between our countries, and we look forward to working together to strengthen Angola’s democratic institutions, promote economic prosperity, combat HIV/AIDS and malaria, and reinforce peace and security.
As you celebrate this special day from Lubango to Lucapa, I wish all people of Angola peace and prosperity in the coming years.
Angola National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 10, 2013
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to all Angolans as you celebrate 38 years of independence on November 11.
The United States celebrates your independence and all that Angolans have achieved after decades of war. We are optimistic about the opportunities for economic growth and trade between our countries, and we look forward to working together to strengthen Angola’s democratic institutions, promote economic prosperity, combat HIV/AIDS and malaria, and reinforce peace and security.
As you celebrate this special day from Lubango to Lucapa, I wish all people of Angola peace and prosperity in the coming years.
VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL RESOLVES CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION WITH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
U.S. Education Department Announces First-of-Its Kind Resolution of Virtual Charter School Civil Rights Investigation
The U.S. Department of Education announced today that its Office for Civil Rights has entered into an agreement with Virtual Community School of Ohio to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act for students with disabilities at the school. This first-of-its-kind resolution promises equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities in virtual charter schools.
Virtual Community School of Ohio is an Internet-based, public charter school that serves approximately 1,200 students who reside throughout the state of Ohio.
"Students with disabilities who attend online public charter schools are entitled to all the protections of the federal civil rights laws that their peers receive at traditional public schools, including the right to receive a free appropriate education. Online schools also must take steps to ensure that the websites and online classrooms they use to promote their services and to educate students are accessible to individuals with disabilities," said Catherine E. Lhamon, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. "Online education environments such as this in which students reside across the state and go to school together in a totally on-line environment, may present unique challenges. Nevertheless, these online schools must comply with the civil rights laws. I commend Virtual Community School of Ohio for agreeing to address these issues as part of its agreement with OCR."
OCR initiated a compliance review in 2011 to assess whether the school discriminates against students with disabilities by failing to ensure that they receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). OCR also examined whether individuals with disabilities are provided an equal opportunity to access the school's website and on-line learning environment.
OCR's investigation identified compliance problems with the evaluation and placement procedures used by the school to identify students with disabilities under Section 504 and to determine their individual education needs and the services necessary to provide them an appropriate education.
OCR also found that the school did not provide procedural safeguards for students with disabilities relating to identification, evaluation and placement under Section 504; did not publish contact information for the employee designated to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504 and Title II; and did not adopt and publish disability grievance procedures, as required under Section 504 and Title II.
The office also determined that the school utilized a website and an on-line learning environment that are not accessible to individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities, such as learning disabilities that substantially limit their ability to access printed materials.
Under the agreement, the school committed to take specific actions to ensure that it is providing a FAPE to students with disabilities, as well as an equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in the school’s web-based education program. The agreement provides that the school will:
Develop Section 504 policies and procedures so that students with disabilities are appropriately identified, evaluated, , and provided services to ensure they receive a FAPE; Notify parents, guardians, and students of the revised Section 504 policies and procedures; Evaluate or reevaluate students with disabilities enrolled in the last two years to determine whether they need compensatory special education and/or related aids or services and, based on this evaluation, promptly provide compensatory services; Publish contact information for the school's Section 504/Title II coordinator and ensure that the coordinator is appropriately trained; Develop and publish grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of disability discrimination complaints; Provide training to staff involved in the evaluation and placement of students with disabilities; Develop policies and procedures to ensure that the school's online technologies are accessible, including the adoption of technical standards to ensure accessibility; Revise its website and on-line learning environment so that they are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including students with visual, hearing, or print disabilities and those who otherwise require use of assistive technology to access the school's program; Monitor the accessibility of the school's online technologies; and Provide annual training for staff responsible for online technologies about the school's accessibility policies and procedures and their roles and responsibilities in ensuring online content is accessible.
OCR will closely monitor the school's implementation of the agreement.
A copy of the resolution letter can be found here: http://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/virtual-community-ohio-letter.doc
U.S. Education Department Announces First-of-Its Kind Resolution of Virtual Charter School Civil Rights Investigation
The U.S. Department of Education announced today that its Office for Civil Rights has entered into an agreement with Virtual Community School of Ohio to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act for students with disabilities at the school. This first-of-its-kind resolution promises equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities in virtual charter schools.
Virtual Community School of Ohio is an Internet-based, public charter school that serves approximately 1,200 students who reside throughout the state of Ohio.
"Students with disabilities who attend online public charter schools are entitled to all the protections of the federal civil rights laws that their peers receive at traditional public schools, including the right to receive a free appropriate education. Online schools also must take steps to ensure that the websites and online classrooms they use to promote their services and to educate students are accessible to individuals with disabilities," said Catherine E. Lhamon, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. "Online education environments such as this in which students reside across the state and go to school together in a totally on-line environment, may present unique challenges. Nevertheless, these online schools must comply with the civil rights laws. I commend Virtual Community School of Ohio for agreeing to address these issues as part of its agreement with OCR."
OCR initiated a compliance review in 2011 to assess whether the school discriminates against students with disabilities by failing to ensure that they receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). OCR also examined whether individuals with disabilities are provided an equal opportunity to access the school's website and on-line learning environment.
OCR's investigation identified compliance problems with the evaluation and placement procedures used by the school to identify students with disabilities under Section 504 and to determine their individual education needs and the services necessary to provide them an appropriate education.
OCR also found that the school did not provide procedural safeguards for students with disabilities relating to identification, evaluation and placement under Section 504; did not publish contact information for the employee designated to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504 and Title II; and did not adopt and publish disability grievance procedures, as required under Section 504 and Title II.
The office also determined that the school utilized a website and an on-line learning environment that are not accessible to individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities, such as learning disabilities that substantially limit their ability to access printed materials.
Under the agreement, the school committed to take specific actions to ensure that it is providing a FAPE to students with disabilities, as well as an equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in the school’s web-based education program. The agreement provides that the school will:
Develop Section 504 policies and procedures so that students with disabilities are appropriately identified, evaluated, , and provided services to ensure they receive a FAPE; Notify parents, guardians, and students of the revised Section 504 policies and procedures; Evaluate or reevaluate students with disabilities enrolled in the last two years to determine whether they need compensatory special education and/or related aids or services and, based on this evaluation, promptly provide compensatory services; Publish contact information for the school's Section 504/Title II coordinator and ensure that the coordinator is appropriately trained; Develop and publish grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of disability discrimination complaints; Provide training to staff involved in the evaluation and placement of students with disabilities; Develop policies and procedures to ensure that the school's online technologies are accessible, including the adoption of technical standards to ensure accessibility; Revise its website and on-line learning environment so that they are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including students with visual, hearing, or print disabilities and those who otherwise require use of assistive technology to access the school's program; Monitor the accessibility of the school's online technologies; and Provide annual training for staff responsible for online technologies about the school's accessibility policies and procedures and their roles and responsibilities in ensuring online content is accessible.
OCR will closely monitor the school's implementation of the agreement.
A copy of the resolution letter can be found here: http://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/virtual-community-ohio-letter.doc
HUSBAND, WIFE PLEAD GUILTY IN IDENTITY THEFT SCHEME INVOLVING FALSE TAX RETURN REFUNDS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Alabama Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Identity Theft Scheme
Mary Young and Christian Young each pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft for their role in a stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) scheme , announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr.
According to court documents, between January 2010 and June 2012, Mary Young, Christian Young, Octavious Reeves and others obtained stolen identities from individuals and used those stolen identities to file false tax returns. The false tax returns were filed from the Youngs’ residence and the conspirators directed the false tax refunds to prepaid debit cards in the names of the identity theft victims. The Youngs and others used the prepaid debit cards to withdraw the fraudulent proceeds, which allegedly totaled over $400,000.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The Youngs each face a minimum sentence of two years imprisonment with a maximum of twelve years, as well as three years of supervised release, restitution and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the loss caused by the offense. Reeves previously pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on Feb. 19, 2013.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the IRS - Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Michael Boteler, Charles Edgar Jr. and Gregory Bailey of the Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown are prosecuting the case.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Alabama Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Identity Theft Scheme
Mary Young and Christian Young each pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft for their role in a stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) scheme , announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr.
According to court documents, between January 2010 and June 2012, Mary Young, Christian Young, Octavious Reeves and others obtained stolen identities from individuals and used those stolen identities to file false tax returns. The false tax returns were filed from the Youngs’ residence and the conspirators directed the false tax refunds to prepaid debit cards in the names of the identity theft victims. The Youngs and others used the prepaid debit cards to withdraw the fraudulent proceeds, which allegedly totaled over $400,000.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The Youngs each face a minimum sentence of two years imprisonment with a maximum of twelve years, as well as three years of supervised release, restitution and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the loss caused by the offense. Reeves previously pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on Feb. 19, 2013.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the IRS - Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Michael Boteler, Charles Edgar Jr. and Gregory Bailey of the Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown are prosecuting the case.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
FDA RECOMMENDS SEEING PROFESSIONAL BEFORE ORDERING HEARING AIDS OR SOUND AMPLIFIERS
FROM: U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Hearing Loss Signals Need for Diagnosis
Straining to hear? Do people say you’re talking loudly? Thinking about ordering a hearing aid or sound amplifier from a magazine or late-night TV advertiser?
Doing so could delay the diagnosis of a treatable or serious ear condition and lead to further hearing loss or other complications.
“The problem might be as simple as a wax impaction blocking the ear canal, which is easily treated, or at the other end of the spectrum, it could be something as serious as a tumor pressing on the hearing nerve,” says Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D., clinical deputy director for the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Many cases of hearing loss are related to aging and exposure to loud noises, and a hearing aid, or frequently one for each ear, might be the solution. But while a prescription is not required for most kinds of hearing aids, it’s important to see a health care professional not only to rule out other medical causes of hearing loss, but to ensure that hearing aids are properly fitted and come with follow-up care.
“Sometimes there are issues with comfort. Perhaps you can’t wear a particular hearing aid because it is scratching the ear canal,” said Mann. “There are sometimes problems with a whistling noise from the hearing aid known as ‘feedback’ because it’s not a proper fit in the ear canal. These are all issues a hearing health care professional will work through with you.”
Aids Versus Amplifiers
Mann adds that consumers should not confuse hearing aids with the personal sound amplification products (PSAPs.) Although some PSAP technology is similar to that of a hearing aid, only hearing aids are intended to make up for impaired hearing.
A PSAP, in contrast, is for people with normal hearing who have a desire or need to amplify sounds in certain situations. For example, a PSAP may be helpful for hunters or bird-watchers. They are often advertised as a way to listen to a television set to a low volume that won’t disturb someone sleeping nearby.
FDA regulates hearing aids as medical devices in order to assure their safety and effectiveness. PSAPs are not subject to medical device regulations, although they are subject to other safety regulations as an electronic product that emits sound vibrations. FDA recently issued a draft update to this guidance to clarify what claims are appropriate for each of these two distinct types of products.
Differences among hearing aids themselves are more complex, which is one of the reasons a professional should be involved. Because hearing loss affects people in different ways, you need a device appropriate for your condition, and tailored to your lifestyle. A librarian, for example, might need different features in a hearing aid than a concert manager or a salesperson who spends the workday on the phone.
Hearing aids of various sizes may be worn behind the ear, in the ear or completely in the ear canal. Some include directional microphones, which allows sound coming from a specific direction to be amplified to a greater degree than sound from another direction. Some have switches specifically for telephone conversations, or inputs to allow you to plug directly into an electrical device, such as a TV or computer.
Buyer Beware
FDA strongly encourages a medical evaluation before the purchase of a hearing aid. Hearing aid sellers are required to tell you about the importance of a medical evaluation before they sell the aid. If you decide to forego an evaluation, you must sign a waiver.
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist in ear, nose and throat conditions—an otolaryngologist (commonly known as an ENT specialist) -- for evaluation and diagnosis of hearing loss. Two types of hearing health professionals that are authorized to measure hearing loss and dispense hearing aids include:
Audiologists, who must have at least a master’s degree and specialized training in hearing loss.
Hearing aid dispensers, who are licensed by states under varied requirements.
The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to avoid businesses that dismiss the need for a medical exam before selling you a hearing aid. Other advice includes:
Seek a licensed hearing aid professional who offers products from several manufacturers.
Ask whether there is a trial period—most states require 30-60 day trial periods. Find out what exactly is refundable if you return the hearing aid during the trial period.
Examine the details of the warranty, including whether you’ll get a free loaner if your device needs serving and repair.
Check whether the price quoted includes testing and follow-up services.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Hearing Loss Signals Need for Diagnosis
Straining to hear? Do people say you’re talking loudly? Thinking about ordering a hearing aid or sound amplifier from a magazine or late-night TV advertiser?
Doing so could delay the diagnosis of a treatable or serious ear condition and lead to further hearing loss or other complications.
“The problem might be as simple as a wax impaction blocking the ear canal, which is easily treated, or at the other end of the spectrum, it could be something as serious as a tumor pressing on the hearing nerve,” says Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D., clinical deputy director for the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Many cases of hearing loss are related to aging and exposure to loud noises, and a hearing aid, or frequently one for each ear, might be the solution. But while a prescription is not required for most kinds of hearing aids, it’s important to see a health care professional not only to rule out other medical causes of hearing loss, but to ensure that hearing aids are properly fitted and come with follow-up care.
“Sometimes there are issues with comfort. Perhaps you can’t wear a particular hearing aid because it is scratching the ear canal,” said Mann. “There are sometimes problems with a whistling noise from the hearing aid known as ‘feedback’ because it’s not a proper fit in the ear canal. These are all issues a hearing health care professional will work through with you.”
Aids Versus Amplifiers
Mann adds that consumers should not confuse hearing aids with the personal sound amplification products (PSAPs.) Although some PSAP technology is similar to that of a hearing aid, only hearing aids are intended to make up for impaired hearing.
A PSAP, in contrast, is for people with normal hearing who have a desire or need to amplify sounds in certain situations. For example, a PSAP may be helpful for hunters or bird-watchers. They are often advertised as a way to listen to a television set to a low volume that won’t disturb someone sleeping nearby.
FDA regulates hearing aids as medical devices in order to assure their safety and effectiveness. PSAPs are not subject to medical device regulations, although they are subject to other safety regulations as an electronic product that emits sound vibrations. FDA recently issued a draft update to this guidance to clarify what claims are appropriate for each of these two distinct types of products.
Differences among hearing aids themselves are more complex, which is one of the reasons a professional should be involved. Because hearing loss affects people in different ways, you need a device appropriate for your condition, and tailored to your lifestyle. A librarian, for example, might need different features in a hearing aid than a concert manager or a salesperson who spends the workday on the phone.
Hearing aids of various sizes may be worn behind the ear, in the ear or completely in the ear canal. Some include directional microphones, which allows sound coming from a specific direction to be amplified to a greater degree than sound from another direction. Some have switches specifically for telephone conversations, or inputs to allow you to plug directly into an electrical device, such as a TV or computer.
Buyer Beware
FDA strongly encourages a medical evaluation before the purchase of a hearing aid. Hearing aid sellers are required to tell you about the importance of a medical evaluation before they sell the aid. If you decide to forego an evaluation, you must sign a waiver.
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist in ear, nose and throat conditions—an otolaryngologist (commonly known as an ENT specialist) -- for evaluation and diagnosis of hearing loss. Two types of hearing health professionals that are authorized to measure hearing loss and dispense hearing aids include:
Audiologists, who must have at least a master’s degree and specialized training in hearing loss.
Hearing aid dispensers, who are licensed by states under varied requirements.
The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to avoid businesses that dismiss the need for a medical exam before selling you a hearing aid. Other advice includes:
Seek a licensed hearing aid professional who offers products from several manufacturers.
Ask whether there is a trial period—most states require 30-60 day trial periods. Find out what exactly is refundable if you return the hearing aid during the trial period.
Examine the details of the warranty, including whether you’ll get a free loaner if your device needs serving and repair.
Check whether the price quoted includes testing and follow-up services.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES RESULTS FOR 4TH ROUND OF INVESTING IN INNOVATION COMPETITION
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
U.S. Department of Education Announces Highest-Rated Applications for Investing in Innovation 2013 Competition
The U.S. Department of Education today announced results for the fourth round of the Investing in Innovation (i3) competition, which will award the 25 highest-rated applications (HRAs) more than $135 million to expand innovative practices designed to improve student achievement. These 25 potential grantees, selected from 618 applications and representing 13 states and the District of Columbia, must secure matching funds by Dec. 11, 2013, in order to receive federal funding.
"In this era of rapid change, we must make sure that our students are keeping pace with the rigor, relevance and changing demands of the global job market," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "I am encouraged by the innovative ideas to accelerate student achievement demonstrated in these applications."
Of the 25 HRAs, 18 are in the "Development" category and seven are in the "Validation" category (see list of applicants below). This year, the Department did not identify any potential grantees for the "Scale-up" category, instead choosing to invest in promising projects in the other two categories. The Development category attracted the greatest participation similar to the past three years of the competition. With the 18 Development HRAs from this competition, there will potentially be a total of 77 Development i3 grantees nationwide implementing new, promising practices to improve outcomes for students.
As in the past, the HRAs this year address a variety of issues, including programs that develop and implement initiatives for training parents and families in the skills and strategies that support their children's educational growth, and redesigning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) course content and instructional practices to engage students and increase their academic achievement.
This year's i3 competition used newly revised evidence standards and definitions that were established in the i3 Notice of Final Priorities, published in March 2013. Validation applicants had to meet the moderate evidence of effectiveness standard, and Development applicants had to choose to apply under evidence of promise or strong theory in order to be eligible for a grant. The Department is encouraged by the number of high-quality applications that were able to apply and meet these more rigorous evidence standards, and excited about the new evidence all i3-funded projects are expected to produce.
"The fourth round of the i3 competition continues to demonstrate that there are organizations across the country that are eager to implement a wide range of innovative and effective practices to improve educational outcomes for students," said Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement Nadya Chinoy Dabby. "Each year, we are able to grow the portfolio of solutions and the body of evidence that supports these practices."
The i3 competition requires all grantees to secure private-sector matching funds. This year, each HRA must submit evidence of 50 percent of the required private-sector match prior to the awarding of an i3 grant. The i3 grantees must then provide evidence of the remaining 50 percent of the required private-sector match no later than six months after the project start date. As part of its efforts to support potential grantees as they secure private matching funds, the Department has been encouraging applicants over the past few months to reach out to potential private-sector donors. In addition, the Department has provided resources on its website to help potential i3 grantees in their efforts to secure a private-sector match. If these 2013 highest-rated applicants secure matching funds, in total the i3 program will encompass 117 grantees that are utilizing more than $1 billion in federal funds to address some of the most important challenges in education.
The 2013 i3 grant awards will be announced no later than Dec. 31, 2013. A list of the 2013 highest-rated applicants is below. More information about the i3 program can be found on the i3 website: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/index.html. More information about the 2013 highest-rated applications can be found at http://www.data.gov/education.
Highest-Rated 2013 Applicants for Development and Validation Grants
Validation
Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, Inc. (NY)
Jacksonville State University (AL)
Teachers College, Columbia University (NY)
The Regents of the University of California (CA)
Spurwink Services, Inc. (ME)
SRI International (CA)
Waterford Institute (UT)
Development
Cabarrus County Schools (NC)
Carroll County Schools (GA)
CASA de Maryland, Inc. (MD)
Center for Applied Linguistics (DC)
Challenger Center for Space Education (DC)
ConnectED: The California Center for College and Career (CA)
Maricopa County Education Service Agency (AZ)
National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform (IL)
NYC Leadership Academy, Inc. (NY)
Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
Seneca Family of Agencies (CA)
Sonoma State University (CA)
The Children's Aid Society (NY)
The Providence Plan (RI)
United Way of Greater Atlanta (GA)
University of Massachusetts Boston (MA)
University Public Schools, Inc. (AZ)
U.S. Department of Education Announces Highest-Rated Applications for Investing in Innovation 2013 Competition
The U.S. Department of Education today announced results for the fourth round of the Investing in Innovation (i3) competition, which will award the 25 highest-rated applications (HRAs) more than $135 million to expand innovative practices designed to improve student achievement. These 25 potential grantees, selected from 618 applications and representing 13 states and the District of Columbia, must secure matching funds by Dec. 11, 2013, in order to receive federal funding.
"In this era of rapid change, we must make sure that our students are keeping pace with the rigor, relevance and changing demands of the global job market," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "I am encouraged by the innovative ideas to accelerate student achievement demonstrated in these applications."
Of the 25 HRAs, 18 are in the "Development" category and seven are in the "Validation" category (see list of applicants below). This year, the Department did not identify any potential grantees for the "Scale-up" category, instead choosing to invest in promising projects in the other two categories. The Development category attracted the greatest participation similar to the past three years of the competition. With the 18 Development HRAs from this competition, there will potentially be a total of 77 Development i3 grantees nationwide implementing new, promising practices to improve outcomes for students.
As in the past, the HRAs this year address a variety of issues, including programs that develop and implement initiatives for training parents and families in the skills and strategies that support their children's educational growth, and redesigning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) course content and instructional practices to engage students and increase their academic achievement.
This year's i3 competition used newly revised evidence standards and definitions that were established in the i3 Notice of Final Priorities, published in March 2013. Validation applicants had to meet the moderate evidence of effectiveness standard, and Development applicants had to choose to apply under evidence of promise or strong theory in order to be eligible for a grant. The Department is encouraged by the number of high-quality applications that were able to apply and meet these more rigorous evidence standards, and excited about the new evidence all i3-funded projects are expected to produce.
"The fourth round of the i3 competition continues to demonstrate that there are organizations across the country that are eager to implement a wide range of innovative and effective practices to improve educational outcomes for students," said Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement Nadya Chinoy Dabby. "Each year, we are able to grow the portfolio of solutions and the body of evidence that supports these practices."
The i3 competition requires all grantees to secure private-sector matching funds. This year, each HRA must submit evidence of 50 percent of the required private-sector match prior to the awarding of an i3 grant. The i3 grantees must then provide evidence of the remaining 50 percent of the required private-sector match no later than six months after the project start date. As part of its efforts to support potential grantees as they secure private matching funds, the Department has been encouraging applicants over the past few months to reach out to potential private-sector donors. In addition, the Department has provided resources on its website to help potential i3 grantees in their efforts to secure a private-sector match. If these 2013 highest-rated applicants secure matching funds, in total the i3 program will encompass 117 grantees that are utilizing more than $1 billion in federal funds to address some of the most important challenges in education.
The 2013 i3 grant awards will be announced no later than Dec. 31, 2013. A list of the 2013 highest-rated applicants is below. More information about the i3 program can be found on the i3 website: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/index.html. More information about the 2013 highest-rated applications can be found at http://www.data.gov/education.
Highest-Rated 2013 Applicants for Development and Validation Grants
Validation
Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, Inc. (NY)
Jacksonville State University (AL)
Teachers College, Columbia University (NY)
The Regents of the University of California (CA)
Spurwink Services, Inc. (ME)
SRI International (CA)
Waterford Institute (UT)
Development
Cabarrus County Schools (NC)
Carroll County Schools (GA)
CASA de Maryland, Inc. (MD)
Center for Applied Linguistics (DC)
Challenger Center for Space Education (DC)
ConnectED: The California Center for College and Career (CA)
Maricopa County Education Service Agency (AZ)
National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform (IL)
NYC Leadership Academy, Inc. (NY)
Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
Seneca Family of Agencies (CA)
Sonoma State University (CA)
The Children's Aid Society (NY)
The Providence Plan (RI)
United Way of Greater Atlanta (GA)
University of Massachusetts Boston (MA)
University Public Schools, Inc. (AZ)
Friday, November 8, 2013
U.S. MARSHALS ARREST MAN WHO FLED TO U.S. AFTER ABDUCTING CHILDREN
FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
U.S. Marshals Arrest Foreign Fugitive Wanted in Canada
WASHINGTON – A team of Deputy U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas, Nevada arrested a foreign fugitive Monday who was wanted on an outstanding federal warrant based on charges from Quebec, Canada.
Marc Adam, age 60, is accused of abducting his two children and fleeing to the United States. On Oct. 29, a Justice of the Peace in Quebec, Canada issued an arrest warrant for Adam. Canadian authorities sought the help of the U.S. Marshals Service to apprehend the fugitive. On Friday, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., which seeks his extradition from the United States to Canada, based upon the outstanding criminal charges in Quebec. The warrant was issued as a result of a request from the Government of Canada to the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
On Sunday, Deputy U.S. Marshals from Washington D.C., with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Investigative Operations Division, obtained information that Adam was in Las Vegas, Nevada. A request for assistance was forwarded to the U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas, where Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Adam without incident, and the two children were safely recovered and turned over to child protective services. The United States Marshals Service and the Department of State are working with authorities in Canada to return the children to their legal guardian.
“Our team acted quickly to ensure the safe resolution of this case. I am proud that the U.S. Marshals could assist our international counterparts.” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia Edwin Sloane.
Adam made an initial appearance Monday in the District of Nevada, where he now faces extradition to Canada.
Annually, investigations carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service result in the apprehension of approximately 36,000 federal fugitives.
U.S. Marshals Arrest Foreign Fugitive Wanted in Canada
WASHINGTON – A team of Deputy U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas, Nevada arrested a foreign fugitive Monday who was wanted on an outstanding federal warrant based on charges from Quebec, Canada.
Marc Adam, age 60, is accused of abducting his two children and fleeing to the United States. On Oct. 29, a Justice of the Peace in Quebec, Canada issued an arrest warrant for Adam. Canadian authorities sought the help of the U.S. Marshals Service to apprehend the fugitive. On Friday, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., which seeks his extradition from the United States to Canada, based upon the outstanding criminal charges in Quebec. The warrant was issued as a result of a request from the Government of Canada to the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
On Sunday, Deputy U.S. Marshals from Washington D.C., with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Investigative Operations Division, obtained information that Adam was in Las Vegas, Nevada. A request for assistance was forwarded to the U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas, where Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Adam without incident, and the two children were safely recovered and turned over to child protective services. The United States Marshals Service and the Department of State are working with authorities in Canada to return the children to their legal guardian.
“Our team acted quickly to ensure the safe resolution of this case. I am proud that the U.S. Marshals could assist our international counterparts.” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia Edwin Sloane.
Adam made an initial appearance Monday in the District of Nevada, where he now faces extradition to Canada.
Annually, investigations carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service result in the apprehension of approximately 36,000 federal fugitives.
VA SAYS OVER 800 VETERANS HIRED AS MENTAL HEALTH PEER SPECIALISTS AND PEER APPRENTICES
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
VA Meets President’s Mental Health Executive Order Hiring Goal
November 5, 2013
More than 800 Veterans Hired as Mental Health Peer Specialists and Peer Apprentices
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has hired 815 Peer Specialists and Peer Apprentices, exceeding the hiring goal set in President Obama’s Aug. 31, 2012 Executive Order aimed at improving access to mental health services for Veterans, service members and military families.
On June 3, VA announced the department met another goal established by the Executive Order by hiring 1,600 additional mental health professionals.
“We have made strong progress to expand Veterans’ access to quality mental health services, but we must continue to increase access,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These newly hired employees, Veterans themselves, are uniquely equipped to guide fellow Veterans through difficult issues.”
Peer Specialists and Peer Support Apprentices are a unique cadre of people joining VA’s mental health care teams. They are Veterans who have successfully dealt with their own mental health recovery for a minimum of one year. Peer Specialists are trained and certified, while Peer Support Apprentices are undergoing training and certification to become Peer Specialists. An additional component from the Executive Order mandated that all training for these peer counselors would be complete by the end of the year. VA remains on track to meet that requirement.
“We are proud to have exceeded the hiring goal established by the President in his Executive Order,” said Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Robert A. Petzel. “We are well on the way to have all of these new hires trained by the end of the calendar year.”
Specialists and apprentices are working at every VA medical center throughout the country as well as at Community-Based Outpatient Clinics with over 10,000 enrollees. As the Nation’s largest integrated health care system, VA cares for more than 6.3 million Veterans annually, and has seen an increase in the amount of service men and women who are dealing with mental health issues. VA’s push to hire Veterans who can provide peer support is a key part of a greater effort aimed at increasing access to mental health care services for the nation’s Veterans by hiring thousands of new mental health professionals.
Earlier this year, VA announced a 50 percent increase in staffing for the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255), which has been credited with rescuing more than 26,000 actively suicidal Veterans.
This year, VA held Mental Health Summits at 151 VA medical centers across the country to further engage community partners, Veteran Service Organizations, health care providers and local governments, and to address the broad mental health needs of Veterans and their families.
To learn more about current VA Peer to Peer job opportunities visit: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/peer-to-peer/. Veterans and their families interested in learning more about the mental health services provided by VA can go to www.mentalhealth.va.gov.
VA Meets President’s Mental Health Executive Order Hiring Goal
November 5, 2013
More than 800 Veterans Hired as Mental Health Peer Specialists and Peer Apprentices
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has hired 815 Peer Specialists and Peer Apprentices, exceeding the hiring goal set in President Obama’s Aug. 31, 2012 Executive Order aimed at improving access to mental health services for Veterans, service members and military families.
On June 3, VA announced the department met another goal established by the Executive Order by hiring 1,600 additional mental health professionals.
“We have made strong progress to expand Veterans’ access to quality mental health services, but we must continue to increase access,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These newly hired employees, Veterans themselves, are uniquely equipped to guide fellow Veterans through difficult issues.”
Peer Specialists and Peer Support Apprentices are a unique cadre of people joining VA’s mental health care teams. They are Veterans who have successfully dealt with their own mental health recovery for a minimum of one year. Peer Specialists are trained and certified, while Peer Support Apprentices are undergoing training and certification to become Peer Specialists. An additional component from the Executive Order mandated that all training for these peer counselors would be complete by the end of the year. VA remains on track to meet that requirement.
“We are proud to have exceeded the hiring goal established by the President in his Executive Order,” said Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Robert A. Petzel. “We are well on the way to have all of these new hires trained by the end of the calendar year.”
Specialists and apprentices are working at every VA medical center throughout the country as well as at Community-Based Outpatient Clinics with over 10,000 enrollees. As the Nation’s largest integrated health care system, VA cares for more than 6.3 million Veterans annually, and has seen an increase in the amount of service men and women who are dealing with mental health issues. VA’s push to hire Veterans who can provide peer support is a key part of a greater effort aimed at increasing access to mental health care services for the nation’s Veterans by hiring thousands of new mental health professionals.
Earlier this year, VA announced a 50 percent increase in staffing for the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255), which has been credited with rescuing more than 26,000 actively suicidal Veterans.
This year, VA held Mental Health Summits at 151 VA medical centers across the country to further engage community partners, Veteran Service Organizations, health care providers and local governments, and to address the broad mental health needs of Veterans and their families.
To learn more about current VA Peer to Peer job opportunities visit: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/peer-to-peer/. Veterans and their families interested in learning more about the mental health services provided by VA can go to www.mentalhealth.va.gov.
LABOR SECRETARY PEREZ TELLS COMPANIES THEY SHOULD HIRE MILITARY VETS
FROM: U.S. LABOR DEPARTMENT
U.S. Labor Secretary Perez urges companies to hire military veterans during department's annual Salute to Veterans
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today urged employers to recruit and hire transitioning service members and veterans because they possess "essential skills that companies are looking for: leadership, problem-solving and teamwork." Perez made his remarks at the department's annual Salute to Veterans, which was held to honor the sacrifices of our nation's veterans and in observance of Veterans Day.
Perez said the same fortitude and resilience service members and veterans have exhibited in the military can be brought successfully to bear in civilian work; and businesses recruit and hire veterans "because they know it's as sound a business decision as they can make." Veterans receive priority of service — including career counseling and job placement — at nearly 2,600 American Job Centers nationwide. More information on American Job Centers is available at http://jobcenter.usa.gov. To find American Job Center locations, go to http://www.servicelocator.org.
Several of the department's efforts to assist service members and veterans transition to civilian careers that Perez discussed include:
My Next Move for Veterans, an online tool where veterans can enter their military occupation code and discover civilian occupations for which they are well-qualified, at http://www.mynextmove.org/vets/.
An overhaul of the Transition Assistance Program, which helps exiting service members prepare for civilian life. More information about this program is available at http://www.militaryonesource.mil/transition.
A collaborative program called the Women Veterans Initiative, which is designed to address the issue of women veterans unemployment.
Examples of the work of this initiative include the Symposium on Women Veterans' Employment: Skills Matter held at the department on Aug. 29, 2013, and the Trauma-Informed Care for Women Veterans Experiencing Homelessness guide.
More information on this initiative can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets/womenveterans/.
U.S. Labor Secretary Perez urges companies to hire military veterans during department's annual Salute to Veterans
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today urged employers to recruit and hire transitioning service members and veterans because they possess "essential skills that companies are looking for: leadership, problem-solving and teamwork." Perez made his remarks at the department's annual Salute to Veterans, which was held to honor the sacrifices of our nation's veterans and in observance of Veterans Day.
Perez said the same fortitude and resilience service members and veterans have exhibited in the military can be brought successfully to bear in civilian work; and businesses recruit and hire veterans "because they know it's as sound a business decision as they can make." Veterans receive priority of service — including career counseling and job placement — at nearly 2,600 American Job Centers nationwide. More information on American Job Centers is available at http://jobcenter.usa.gov. To find American Job Center locations, go to http://www.servicelocator.org.
Several of the department's efforts to assist service members and veterans transition to civilian careers that Perez discussed include:
My Next Move for Veterans, an online tool where veterans can enter their military occupation code and discover civilian occupations for which they are well-qualified, at http://www.mynextmove.org/vets/.
An overhaul of the Transition Assistance Program, which helps exiting service members prepare for civilian life. More information about this program is available at http://www.militaryonesource.mil/transition.
A collaborative program called the Women Veterans Initiative, which is designed to address the issue of women veterans unemployment.
Examples of the work of this initiative include the Symposium on Women Veterans' Employment: Skills Matter held at the department on Aug. 29, 2013, and the Trauma-Informed Care for Women Veterans Experiencing Homelessness guide.
More information on this initiative can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets/womenveterans/.
GSA PURSUES CAR SHARING TO SAVE U.S. MONEY
FROM: U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Federal Government Looks to Car Sharing for Savings
November 5, 2013
With savings and efficiencies in mind, GSA announces new approach to fleet management and services
WASHINGTON — Following the lead of popular low-cost commercial car sharing ventures, GSA is actively pursuing similar initiatives to help federal agencies reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and optimize vehicle use. GSA manages more than 200,000 vehicles, one of the largest non-tactical federal fleets in the U.S. government. Today, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking innovative ideas from commercial vendors that could help the federal government incorporate car sharing government-wide and reduce the federal fleet over time. GSA will also launch a car sharing pilot program in Washington DC, Boston, New York City and Chicago to immediately explore best practices and test how the government can effectively integrate low-cost alternative transportation services. GSA’s ultimate goal is to help agencies find savings in their fleet program.
Key Facts
GSA to offer a new cost-saving and sustainable alternative to fleet purchases government-wide.
Today, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) in search of car sharing best practices and innovations that allow agencies to focus on their core missions rather than fleet services.
In the coming months, GSA will also launch a car sharing pilot program in Washington DC, New York City, Boston, and Chicago to immediately begin exploring how car sharing can work across multi-federal agencies in large metropolitan cities.
Both the RFI and the pilot program will measure the effectiveness, cost savings, and overall benefits of car sharing for the federal workforce.
GSA anticipates that the demand for car sharing in the federal government will increase due to budget constraints and the need to find efficiencies and savings in government operations.
Car sharing allows agency flexibility and access to vehicles for short-term use; it saves money by reducing the need to purchase new vehicles; and provides a more sustainable approach to government fleet management.
GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini and GSA Federal Acquisition Services Commissioner Tom Sharpe weigh in:
“Every day across America, families and businesses look for practical ways to save money. GSA is doing just that with this first-of-its-kind car-sharingprogram that drives down costs, increases efficiency, and improves operations of the government fleet program.” - Dan Tangherlini, GSA Administrator
“GSA manages one of the largest federal fleets in the U.S. government. This common-sense approach will help agencies focus their limited resources on their critical mission, rather than fleet services. We will be able to test whether it is more cost-effective and beneficial to use a car sharing service in lieu of taxi cabs, renting, leasing and/or purchasing a vehicle.” - Tom Sharpe, Federal Acquisition Services, GSA
Federal Government Looks to Car Sharing for Savings
November 5, 2013
With savings and efficiencies in mind, GSA announces new approach to fleet management and services
WASHINGTON — Following the lead of popular low-cost commercial car sharing ventures, GSA is actively pursuing similar initiatives to help federal agencies reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and optimize vehicle use. GSA manages more than 200,000 vehicles, one of the largest non-tactical federal fleets in the U.S. government. Today, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking innovative ideas from commercial vendors that could help the federal government incorporate car sharing government-wide and reduce the federal fleet over time. GSA will also launch a car sharing pilot program in Washington DC, Boston, New York City and Chicago to immediately explore best practices and test how the government can effectively integrate low-cost alternative transportation services. GSA’s ultimate goal is to help agencies find savings in their fleet program.
Key Facts
GSA to offer a new cost-saving and sustainable alternative to fleet purchases government-wide.
Today, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) in search of car sharing best practices and innovations that allow agencies to focus on their core missions rather than fleet services.
In the coming months, GSA will also launch a car sharing pilot program in Washington DC, New York City, Boston, and Chicago to immediately begin exploring how car sharing can work across multi-federal agencies in large metropolitan cities.
Both the RFI and the pilot program will measure the effectiveness, cost savings, and overall benefits of car sharing for the federal workforce.
GSA anticipates that the demand for car sharing in the federal government will increase due to budget constraints and the need to find efficiencies and savings in government operations.
Car sharing allows agency flexibility and access to vehicles for short-term use; it saves money by reducing the need to purchase new vehicles; and provides a more sustainable approach to government fleet management.
GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini and GSA Federal Acquisition Services Commissioner Tom Sharpe weigh in:
“Every day across America, families and businesses look for practical ways to save money. GSA is doing just that with this first-of-its-kind car-sharingprogram that drives down costs, increases efficiency, and improves operations of the government fleet program.” - Dan Tangherlini, GSA Administrator
“GSA manages one of the largest federal fleets in the U.S. government. This common-sense approach will help agencies focus their limited resources on their critical mission, rather than fleet services. We will be able to test whether it is more cost-effective and beneficial to use a car sharing service in lieu of taxi cabs, renting, leasing and/or purchasing a vehicle.” - Tom Sharpe, Federal Acquisition Services, GSA
Thursday, November 7, 2013
SECRETARY OF STATE KERRY'S REMARKS AT FORMER PRIME MINISTER RABIN'S MEMORIAL
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's Memorial
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Tel Aviv, Israel
November 5, 2013
SECRETARY KERRY: It’s a great privilege for me and always a sad moment to come to remember the memory of a great man, a great general, a great prime minister, a great leader, a great man of peace. And one can hear his booming voice saying the words – the famous words – “We are destined to live together.”
Here, just moments before his life was taken and the possibilities of peace were disrupted through an act of violence, he stood up on that balcony with his friend, Shimon Peres, and together, they sang, “Don’t whisper a prayer. Sing a song of peace in a loud voice.” We are now 18 years since that moment, and it is clear that we need voices ready to sing a song of peace loudly, with courage, with the same determination that Prime Minister Rabin showed in his quest for peace. He dared to take the risks for peace because he believed not just that it was important for the sake of peace, but that it was vital for the security and future of Israel, and of the region.
Eighteen years is important because I am told that 18 is important in the Proverbs – the 18th Proverb, it says that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Death and life in the power of the tongue. So what we say with our voices, how we talk about peace, how we prepare the possibilities of peace are really critical to all of us. We need to avoid incitement. We need to sing that song that Prime Minister Rabin and President Peres embraced together.
Eighteen is also, I am told, very important in Hebrew, because the letters that write the word “eighteen” literally mean life, hayyim. I remember shouting those words once from the top of Masada in my first visit to the Holy Land. And we stood up there and together, as a group, we shouted across the chasm, “(In Hebrew), hayyim.” Those words meant something to me. And so maybe 18, maybe the word hayyim in life will have a special meaning at this particular moment.
The Proverbs also teach us L’chaim. That’s something we now need to put into practice. So I come here without any illusions about the difficulties, but I come here determined to work with leaders – with the Prime Minister, with the President of the Palestinian Authority – to try to find a way forward so that Israel can live the dream that President Peres and Prime Minister Rabin expressed so eloquently and beautifully in the tragedy of that day here and in many days before that.
We will continue to work, and I can promise Israelis that America will stand by the side of Israel every step of the way. We believe this is something that is possible, that is good for all, and that it can be achieved. And I will leave here inspired by being here with Dalia and with members of the family, most importantly by seeing the symbolism of the turbulence, the earthquake that followed that moment of violence. It should rededicate every person in Israel with the possibility of a just and appropriate and fair peace which protects the security of Israel, guarantees that Israel’s security will be protected, but makes possible for people to live the words of the prime minister, “We are destined to live together,” I add, in peace. Thank you.
MR. HULDAI: We appreciate the fact that you took the time to begin your visit here in Tel Aviv, the center of Israeli democracy. In this spot, Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated because of his quest for peace. From here, he spoke. We want to tell you, Mr. Secretary, that the people of Israel and the city of Tel Aviv, therefore, want peace. And the person who will manage to bring peace, will receive our highest appreciation, and it is true.
So I wish you and all of us good luck in this challenging mission. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
MS. RABIN-PELOSSOF: Mr. Secretary, Mayor of Tel Aviv, ambassadors of Israel to Washington and Ambassador Dan Shapiro, Ambassador Martin Indyk, and all the staff that joins you, I really appreciate and I am moved – the fact that you came to this painful and tragic spot in Tel Aviv where his life was taken brutally 18 years ago. It’s very symbolic that you came here. It’s the 5th of November. Yesterday, we marked the 18th anniversary.
And we all wish you all the best because everybody that stands here understand that this is the only way, his way, that maybe was a little ahead of his time, but 18 years is enough time that has passed by, and it’s time to make peace between Israelis and the Palestinians. We wish you luck and we keep our fingers crossed. And thank you so much for coming over here. (Applause.)
Remarks at Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's Memorial
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Tel Aviv, Israel
November 5, 2013
SECRETARY KERRY: It’s a great privilege for me and always a sad moment to come to remember the memory of a great man, a great general, a great prime minister, a great leader, a great man of peace. And one can hear his booming voice saying the words – the famous words – “We are destined to live together.”
Here, just moments before his life was taken and the possibilities of peace were disrupted through an act of violence, he stood up on that balcony with his friend, Shimon Peres, and together, they sang, “Don’t whisper a prayer. Sing a song of peace in a loud voice.” We are now 18 years since that moment, and it is clear that we need voices ready to sing a song of peace loudly, with courage, with the same determination that Prime Minister Rabin showed in his quest for peace. He dared to take the risks for peace because he believed not just that it was important for the sake of peace, but that it was vital for the security and future of Israel, and of the region.
Eighteen years is important because I am told that 18 is important in the Proverbs – the 18th Proverb, it says that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Death and life in the power of the tongue. So what we say with our voices, how we talk about peace, how we prepare the possibilities of peace are really critical to all of us. We need to avoid incitement. We need to sing that song that Prime Minister Rabin and President Peres embraced together.
Eighteen is also, I am told, very important in Hebrew, because the letters that write the word “eighteen” literally mean life, hayyim. I remember shouting those words once from the top of Masada in my first visit to the Holy Land. And we stood up there and together, as a group, we shouted across the chasm, “(In Hebrew), hayyim.” Those words meant something to me. And so maybe 18, maybe the word hayyim in life will have a special meaning at this particular moment.
The Proverbs also teach us L’chaim. That’s something we now need to put into practice. So I come here without any illusions about the difficulties, but I come here determined to work with leaders – with the Prime Minister, with the President of the Palestinian Authority – to try to find a way forward so that Israel can live the dream that President Peres and Prime Minister Rabin expressed so eloquently and beautifully in the tragedy of that day here and in many days before that.
We will continue to work, and I can promise Israelis that America will stand by the side of Israel every step of the way. We believe this is something that is possible, that is good for all, and that it can be achieved. And I will leave here inspired by being here with Dalia and with members of the family, most importantly by seeing the symbolism of the turbulence, the earthquake that followed that moment of violence. It should rededicate every person in Israel with the possibility of a just and appropriate and fair peace which protects the security of Israel, guarantees that Israel’s security will be protected, but makes possible for people to live the words of the prime minister, “We are destined to live together,” I add, in peace. Thank you.
MR. HULDAI: We appreciate the fact that you took the time to begin your visit here in Tel Aviv, the center of Israeli democracy. In this spot, Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated because of his quest for peace. From here, he spoke. We want to tell you, Mr. Secretary, that the people of Israel and the city of Tel Aviv, therefore, want peace. And the person who will manage to bring peace, will receive our highest appreciation, and it is true.
So I wish you and all of us good luck in this challenging mission. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
MS. RABIN-PELOSSOF: Mr. Secretary, Mayor of Tel Aviv, ambassadors of Israel to Washington and Ambassador Dan Shapiro, Ambassador Martin Indyk, and all the staff that joins you, I really appreciate and I am moved – the fact that you came to this painful and tragic spot in Tel Aviv where his life was taken brutally 18 years ago. It’s very symbolic that you came here. It’s the 5th of November. Yesterday, we marked the 18th anniversary.
And we all wish you all the best because everybody that stands here understand that this is the only way, his way, that maybe was a little ahead of his time, but 18 years is enough time that has passed by, and it’s time to make peace between Israelis and the Palestinians. We wish you luck and we keep our fingers crossed. And thank you so much for coming over here. (Applause.)
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