Archive: 2007

As noted earlier this morning here, and confirmed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates this afternoon, “Tours of duty for members of the U.S. Army will be extended from 12 months to 15 months effective immediately.” Majority Leader Steny Hoyer: “The Defense Department… Continue

Like Americans all across the country, I want to express my deep disgust with the despicable words used by Don Imus. What he said was indefensible, and hurtful. Such racist and sexist words have no place in our society. His words do… Continue

“‘Today’s announcement just underscores the fact that the burden of the war in Iraq has fallen upon our troops and their families. The Bush Administration has failed to create a plan to fully equip and train our troops, bring them home safely and soon, and provide our veterans with the quality care they deserve.”

“‘Like Americans all across the country, I want to express my deep disgust with the despicable words used by Don Imus. What he said was indefensible, and hurtful. Such racist and sexist words have no place in our society. His words do not reflect the values of hope and opportunity that these outstanding young women represent, nor do they represent the aspirations of our nation. As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of Title IX this year, we should celebrate the achievements and contributions of our young women athletes, not denigrate them with reprehensible comments.”

“‘Democrats in Congress want to sit down with the President to talk about the best way to both fully fund our troops and move forward in Iraq. We have sent him repeated requests to do so, the most recent today. We have been disappointed with the President’s decision to avoid a serious, substantive discussion with Congress on Iraq.”

This just in from Bloomberg: Sallie Mae to Pay $2 Million to Settle Lending Probe (Update2) Karen Freifeld, Bloomberg – April 11, 2007 SLM Corp., the largest student loan company, will pay $2 million and adopt a new code of conduct to… Continue

“She went to advance US interests in the Middle East, believing that we can perhaps get more out of Syria by engaging it than by shunning it.”

EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon Considers Extended Tours for All Soldiers Jonathan Karl, ABC News – April 10, 2007 ABC News has learned that the Pentagon is considering extending the tours of duty for every active duty soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. Forget small extensions… Continue

The Gavel welcomes Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, posting on the Congressional delegation to the Middle East last week: The bi-partisan Congressional delegation Speaker Pelosi led to the Middle East last week and which I was proud to join went abroad without any illusions…. Continue

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton today wrote a letter to the Secretary of Defense, expressing concerns about Army readiness and questioned the Pentagon about its preparations to fully train and equip the National Guard brigade combat teams which were recently… Continue