Washington, DC � With Americans across the country struggling with an unusual and unexplained spike in gas prices and with experts predicting a 25% increase in prices over last summer, 15 Senate Democrats today sent the following letter to President Bush, urging him to take action to support federal anti-price gouging legislation and renewing their call for a bipartisan energy summit to solve the dangerous problem of America�s dependence on foreign oil.*1

The text of the letter is below.

April 18, 2006

The Honorable George W. Bush

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing to enlist your support in enacting strong consumer protection measures that will protect American consumers from price gouging at the gas pump this summer. You are undoubtedly aware of projections from the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) that gas prices will rise 25 cents per gallon across this nation compared to last summer. In light of these projections, we believe a federal anti-price gouging law should be enacted before the summer driving season begins in earnest, this Memorial Day.

Already, price gouging legislation (S. 1735) exists that has been cosponsored by nearly a third of the United States Senate, and endorsed by a number of state Attorneys General. This legislation would give federal and state regulators new authority to prosecute price gouging in the wake of national energy emergencies, as well as put in place measures to ban manipulation and enhance the transparency of our nation�s fuel markets. One of the hallmarks of this legislation is that it would also apply to the wholesale fuel markets�an important distinction, given that it is often the large vertically integrated oil companies that dictate the prices that gasoline retailers can charge. While the oil companies rake in record profits, it is often these retailers that bear the brunt of consumer anger.

A strong federal price gouging law is only one element of the equation when it comes to putting our nation on the path toward greater energy independence. A comprehensive and smart approach to this vital issue of national security will help curb the tremendous volatility in energy prices that is impacting consumers, businesses and the American economy as a whole. We have thus far been disappointed by your Administrations� lack of response to our invitation to co-host an emergency bipartisan national energy summit. This offer still stands. However, in the absence of leadership or cooperation from your Administration, we will soon be moving ahead with our own set of real solutions, which will spur the kind of innovation and investment America needs to secure its energy future for the 21st Century.

Our oil dependency is one of the greatest economic and national security challenges faced by our generation. The status quo�in which the security of the United States and our domestic economy is left to the whims OF foreign regimes and companies that do not have the best interests of our nation at heart --is simply not an option. How quickly and aggressively we rise to meet this challenge will be one of the most important tests on which future generations of Americans will measure our leadership and resolve. As such, we hope you will join with us in acting quickly to protect American consumers from price gouging this summer and to vastly accelerate market penetration of biofuels, alternative fuels, and energy efficiency vehicles and technologies. We stand ready to work with you to develop a serious national strategy to curb America�s dangerous dependence on oil.*2

Sincerely,

Senator Maria Cantwell

Senator Harry Reid

Senator Richard Durbin

Senator John Kerry

Senator Joe Lieberman

Senator Russ Feingold

Senator Evan Bayh

Senator Ron Wyden

Senator Debbie Stabenow

Senator Hillary Clinton

Senator Jack Reed

Senator Barbara Mikulski

Senator Dianne Feinstein

Senator Byron Dorgan

Senator Joe Biden

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of 'u s senator harry reid' on the Google.com," (April 21, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Google.cn and Google.com published this section (Harry Reid, U. S. Senator) at 11:18 a.m. in the morning on March 23, 2006. It covers about the 25 fliers from January 7, 2006 to March 21, 2006.

Just type your name, the title of a report or an article, your concerned, the name of an organization, an event, or a reporter;{like "Chairperson Elaine Chao", "�⏬��", "�L��䗗���", and among others) on the searching box of Google.cn and Google.com please, and what can you find the good things that Google and WBTI have for you?*2

Many people have a good perspective on Google. Google.cn and Google.com will put more effort and wisdom to contribute to English and Chinese readers being an efficient visitor on the searching of fluent and useful information. Washington Business and Technology Institute's (WBTI's) website has been continuously published by Google.com and Google.cn about every 11 days. We wish advanced performance may be extended from Google.cn to WBTI.*3

You're on Google.cn and Google.com, if you're on Washington Business and Technology Institute's website at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti

[[[A compliment or encouragement is verbal sunshine! We are pleased to quote the following three short but meaningful ones:
***** No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make other person feel important. ---Mary Kay Ash
***** There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assit another human being---to help someone succeed. ---Alan Loy McGinnis
***** There are two things people want more than sex and money ...recognition and praise. ---Mary Kay Ash
All art, permanent or temporary, has a life in the immediate experience, but then has a life in the imagination. ---Anish Kapoor 1954- :in "Sunday Times" 11 July 1999
"Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination." ---Dwight D. Eisenhower]]]

[[[Dear Dr. & Mrs. Lei:
I am writing this letter to invite you to my next Senior Advisory Committee meeting at 9:30 am on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at the Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Avenue (map is enclosed). ..... Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei has been U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's Senior Advisor since January 2000.]]]*4

[[["It's really my pleasure and honor to be named as an Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration of WBTI. WBTI has a good reputation with its Advisory Board and faculty members. The Board has Governor Kenny Guinn as its Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign as Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman as Executive Directors. With the excellent and informative publications of 'Google.cn', 'Google.com', 'Communitylink of Reviewjournal.com', 'Next Weekly' and among others, high-ranking officials of Nevada with the spiritual leadership of Chairperson Elaine Chao of WBTI have been inspired to help realize the creed for professional righteousness, community service, and humane spirit of WBTI," expressed Justice Michael Douglas of Nevada Supreme Court at the Event and Dinner Party in the Emperor's Garden Restaurant on February 4, 2005 in Las Vegas. It was held by the Committee to implement the ART EXHIBIT of Mr. QIN QUAN XIONG.]]]*5

[[[Some of the significant idea from the letters to Dr. Tony Lei, President of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI):
"It's my great pleasure and honor to be named by you as a Senior Advisor and Honorary Chairman of CCDAPCC of WBTI. Please know that I irrevocably stand by my personal commitment to diversity issues in this state and that my sense of patriotism and faith in America stems from its embrace of that diversity." --A. William Maupin, Chief Justice of Nevada Supreme Court
"As Mayor, I will continue to devote my energies into the preservation and improvement of the standard of living enjoyed here in the City of Las Vegas." --Oscar B. Goodman
"It is only with the dedication and commitment of good people like yourself that I will achieve my goal of becoming Governor of this great state. Dema and I can't thank you enough for your assistance and your positive activivities in the community." --Kenny C. Guinn]]]*6

[[["As the Hononary Chairperson of International Cities Business Council of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI), I'll have more venues to work for international tourism with Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn who is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of WBTI. We're putting all our effort and wisdom to work for our people, land, and country under the spiritual leadership of Chairperson Elaine Chao of WBTI," said Lorraine Hunt, Lt. Governor of Nevada, on November 11, 2005.
The above message was signed by Lt. Governor of Nevada Lorraine Hunt:.....]]]*7

[[["It's my great pleasure to extend my warm greetings of 'Happy Lunar New Year!' to every American and Chinese here in Las Vegas and North America through the Communitylink (at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti) of the largest newspaper in Nevada, Las Vegas Review-Journal," said James Gibbons, U. S. Congressman and Senior Director of Washington Business and Technology Institute, in the Event and Dinner Party held by Nevada Republican Party and ARCC on January 29, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event and dinner party were sponsored by Asian Republicans of Clark County for a reunion of the lunar new year to the Chinese, Asian, and American people in Las Vegas:.....]]]*8

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Michael Douglas is a distinguished Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court. Valerie Weber is a famous and achieved Assemblywoman of Nevada and the Minority
Whip of the Assembly. Cheryl Moss is an outstanding District Court Judge of Nevada serving in Las Vegas, Clark County.
*2. PAI of WBTI. 'U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao's on Google!' "A search of 'U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao' on the Google.com," Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*3. Ibid.
*4. Berkley, Shelley. 'I am writing this letter to invite you to,' "A letter from U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley to Dr. and Mrs. Tony Tung-tien Lei," (February 8, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's Office.
*5. Denton, Mark; Vega, Valorie; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Michael Douglas has been appointed Associate Professor of GSBPA by WBTI,' "A search of 'Justice Michael Douglas wbti' on the Google.com," (March 25, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*6. Guinn, Kenny C. 'Nevada Proud of Our Troops in the Middle East,' "Section of 'Business & Administration' of the WBTI website," (March 23, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*7. Hunt, Lorraine. 'As the Hononary Chairperson of International Cities Business Council,' "A search of 'Chairperson Lorraine Hunt' on the Google.com," (March 26, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*8. Gibbons, James. 'It's my great pleasure to extend my warm greetings of,' "A search of 'James Gibbons, U. S. Congressman' on the Google.com," (March 27, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.

Mar. 23, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

REFORM PROPOSALS: Reid addresses immigration
Senator holds day of briefings ahead of debate in Congress
By LYNNETTE CURTIS
REVIEW-JOURNAL

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid greets MGM Mirage employees, small-business owners and Culinary union officials before giving a talk on immigration reform Wednesday morning at Mandalay Bay. Congress will begin debate next week on legislation to overhaul U.S. immigration policies.
Photo by Clint Karlsen.

Dozens of hotel valets, kitchen workers and housekeepers, waving miniature American flags, gathered Wednesday morning at Mandalay Bay to hear Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid speak briefly about immigration reform before he took off on a helicopter tour of the U.S.-Mexico border in California.

"Everyone believes we should have more protection on our borders," Reid, D-Nev., told the crowd. At the same time, "there are a lot of really compelling stories about people who are undocumented for various reasons. We have to allow people to earn the right to legalization, then provide more protection along our borders."

Reid's news conference began a day of briefings on immigration policy and national security.

Congress is scheduled to begin debate next week on sweeping legislation to reform U.S. immigration policy.

Democrats support comprehensive immigration reform that includes a fair, efficient immigration system and tough enforcement of current laws, Reid said.

He's backing the creation of a worker program that requires current undocumented workers to register and allows them to eventually earn legal residency.

"Our immigration laws are broken," he said. "We can't do little bits and parts here and there. These laws affect the lives of millions of people."

About 11 million immigrants are living in the United States illegally. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, about one in 20 workers are undocumented, a large percentage of them working in the service and construction industries.

Any potential immigration reform could have a drastic effect on the economy.

MGM Mirage Vice President of Labor Relations Jovita Thomas-Williams said that although most businesses "do all possible to ensure the individuals we employ provide proper paperwork," legislators should not punish those who are already working here illegally.

"We believe we should be cautious," she said. "We benefit from a richly diverse group of employees in all levels of our country."

Culinary Union President Geoconda Arguello-Kline, who is from Nicaragua, said undocumented workers are hard-working people.

"We have millions of people living in fear of deportation," she said. They "come to work, raise families and love this country. We need Congress to pass something completely fair."

One Strip valet worker who declined to give his name said some of his extended family members have been working illegally in the United States for years. The worker said he is in the country legally.

"We support (earned) legalization," he said in Spanish. "We have made our lives here."

Following the news conference, border agents took Reid on a helicopter tour of Southern California border areas. Las Vegas Sheriff Bill Young also was on the tour.

Washington, DC � Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following statement today on Senator Frist's threats to bring ill-considered immigration reform legislation to the Senate floor before the Judiciary Committee finishes work on its own bill. Immigration reform and border security are among the most important and most difficult issues facing America today, and neither will be solved by arbitrary political deadlines, partisan politics, or unworkable legislation. Democrats are working for comprehensive, smart solutions to immigration reform and will block any attempt to short-circuit the committee process for political gain.*1

Senator Reid's statement follows below:

�Senator Frist should stop threatening the Judiciary Committee with an arbitrary deadline for finishing work on the immigration bill. The Committee has been working diligently and should be allowed to complete its markup when the Senate returns from the recess. On an issue as complex and significant as immigration, we need bipartisan solutions not partisan ultimatums.

�There are plenty of other matters for the full Senate to consider while the Committee continues its work on immigration. For example, we could return to the lobbying reform bill and finish that important bill before starting the immigration floor debate.

�In any event, the Majority Leader�s enforcement-only approach to immigration will not work. Clearly the federal government must work to shut down the flow of illegal immigration across our borders. But without comprehensive reforms to our immigration laws, the situation on the border will continue to be chaotic.

�Democrats support bipartisan, realistic, and workable immigration policies that will reunite families, provide for continued economic growth, protect the rights of American workers, and honor our values as a nation of immigrants.

�I will object to any attempt by the Republican leadership to short-circuit the committee process on the immigration bill.�*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of 'u s senator harry reid' on the Google.com," (March 18, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Washington, DC � Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid today delivered the following floor remarks on new lobbying reform legislation under debate in the Senate. Americans were shocked by the revelations of illegal activity by Republicans in Washington, but the culture of corruption goes further than just law breaking. That�s why Democrats responded with real solutions, offering the Honest Leadership Act, setting the tone for debate, and making a tough standard the baseline for reform. Now the Senate is beginning debate on a lobbying reform proposal that incorporates much of the Honest Leadership Act, and Democrats stand ready to offer amendments to make the bill even stronger.*1

The remarks, as prepared, follow below.

Statement of Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid

Honest Leadership and Open Government Act

March 6, 2006

In recent months, the public has been shocked and outraged over stories detailing abusive and criminal practices by lobbyists, Senior Administration officials, Members of Congress, and congressional staff. A number of the participants in these schemes that breached the public trust have pled guilty � Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, former staffer for the recent House Republican Majority Leader Michael Scanlon, and Republican Member of Congress Duke Cunningham and one of his co-conspirators, Mitchell Wade. Others are under indictment, including Bush political appointee David Safavian.

The guilty pleas, indictments, and documents released to date suggest wrongdoing or improper behavior, as well, by many others, including a former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, other former aides to the recent House Republican Majority Leader, former aides to Republican Senators, Grover Norquist, a close ally of the Bush White House, Ralph Reed, and the heads of two other groups closely associated with the Republican party.

The American people understand these are not one or two isolated incidents. They understand this is a clear pattern of wrongdoing, wrongdoing that can only be explained by an alarming sense of impunity.

The public understands these individuals felt that they were above the law. They felt that they could ignore the rules. They felt that the government was not there to serve the people�s interest, but to serve their own special interests or the interests of their cronies. What the public has seen is a [Republican] culture of corruption that has distorted government priorities and grown into the greatest pubic corruption scandal since Watergate.

As we begin this debate, it is important to realize that this corruption and wrongdoing often violated existing laws and congressional ethics rules. It is already illegal to offer or accept a bribe. It is already illegal to defraud your clients. It is already illegal to lie and commit perjury. The rules already prohibit Members from taking trips that have no real business purpose and are just excuses to golf. So much of what went on was already criminal or clearly unethical. The problem in many cases was not in the rules, it was in the culture of corruption that allowed everyone to feel that they could ignore the rules.

But, in other cases, it was also clear that the Rules had some shortcomings. In these areas, we need to expand disclosure and to tighten up rules that had been abused. We also need to find some way to restore public faith in the integrity of the government. And the best way for us to do that is to show the public that we take this issue seriously and that we will act aggressively and swiftly to change the culture in this town.

That is why I am so proud of what my Democratic colleagues and I have been able to do this year. As soon as we came back from the winter recess, we acted decisively. We unveiled sweeping reform principles and backed them up with legislation. It is one thing to address this issue through hastily called press conferences that offered no details. It is another to put reform to paper and introduce a reform bill that has the support of virtually the entire Democratic caucus. And that is what we did.

The Honest Leadership Act took the bull by the horns and fundamentally changed the debate on ethics and lobbying reform. Democrats stood united and said, �We are not going to let this process drag on and hope that people get distracted; we are going to seize the initiative and begin to change the culture of corruption.� The Democrats established the baseline for reform by getting caucus-wide support for a tough and comprehensive reform bill. Democrats raised the stakes on this issue and forced the Senate to deal with this in a meaningful way. I would like to commend Senators Feingold, Obama, Lieberman, Dodd and Levin for their initial work in this area and their efforts to advance these reform proposals in the Senate.

So, I am glad we are here today. I think it is fair to say we would not be here, and certainly not with as strong a bill, if not for the efforts of my Caucus in the Honest Leadership Act. In fact, much of what Democrats supported in S. 2180 has been included in the bill we are taking up today.

- Slow the revolving door between government jobs and lucrative private sector employment.

- Revoke Floor Privileges for former Member lobbyists.

- Eliminate gifts paid for by lobbyists, not just disclose them.

- More disclosure and scrutiny of privately-funded travel.

- Stop dead of night legislating by making conference reports available on the internet.

- More frequent and more detailed lobbyist disclosure available on the internet and increased civil penalties for violations.

- Required ethics training for congressional staff.

- New disclosure for stealth lobbying campaigns by business coalitions and Astroturf lobbying campaigns.

Now, not all of what the Democratic Caucus sought is in the bill, and in some cases the provisions that were included are weaker than what Democrats sought. Democrats will offer amendments to strengthen the bill in these areas. But, I am very pleased that so much of what we worked for as a Caucus has now gained broad bipartisan support.

During this debate, I hope we remain honest with the American people about an important point. When we approve this bill, we will not have �put the Abramoff scandal behind us.� Indeed, it is likely that future indictments and additional revelations will end any confusion on this point. The only way we put the Abramoff and other scandals behind us and restore the public faith in government is by each and every one of us conducting ourselves and operating this institution with the highest level of integrity.

Let�s remember, the costs of corruption are high. And it is the America people who pay them. The culture of corruption in Washington erodes the ability of our government to meet the needs of our people

Look at this Administration�s response to hurricane Katrina and the growing national unease about our security both here and abroad. Just imagine � if Duke Cunningham and his co-conspirators had not succeeded in spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to give their cronies bogus contracts, that money could have been used to pay for body armor, for port security, or some other critical need.

The culture of corruption distorts our priorities and frustrates efforts to address the real needs of Americans -- who are trying to cope with high natural gas prices to heat their homes, high fuel prices for their cars, concerns about their own retirement security and a growing sense that they are having to work harder and harder to maintain even their current standard of living.

We were sent here to serve the people in our states and the country. We have been given an awesome responsibility and a real privilege. I hope we can begin clean up this mess in Washington so that we can get on with the nation�s business.

America deserves a government as good as its people.

Together, America can do better.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of 'u s senator harry reid' on the Google.com," (March 6, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Feb. 24, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid holds up GOP leader's TVA nominees
No Democrats chosen for board
By NANCY ZUCKERBROD
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Nominees to the expanded Tennessee Valley Authority board could win Senate confirmation next week despite a congressional fight, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said Thursday.

Nevada's Harry Reid, the Senate's top Democrat, is using a procedural move to block the six nominees' confirmation because none are Democrats.

But Frist, who wrote legislation expanding the board from three full-time to nine part-time members, was hopeful an agreement could be reached.

"I will try to bring the nominees to the floor of the Senate next week," Frist said during a visit to Nashville. "I've had discussions with Senator Reid and others, and I believe we will be able to proceed."

A spokesman confirmed Reid and Frist were trying to work things out.

Reid says President Bush should pick at least one Democrat for the board, saying that would be typical of many other bipartisan federal boards and commissions.

Besides the six Republicans awaiting confirmation, Bush must name one more person. Asked if he would support putting a Democrat in that slot, Frist simply said, "After the six nominees are confirmed, you still have a seventh slot."

Two TVA directors, Democrat Skila Harris and Republican Bill Baxter, are staying on the board.

Bush is being urged to nominate a black candidate from Memphis. No blacks have served on the board, and none of the directors has been from Memphis.

A Republican source said GOP officials are eyeing William Graves, a black bishop at the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis.

Democrats, including Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford Jr., expressed support for Herman Morris, former head of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, TVA's largest customer.

Frist confirmed Thursday Graves and Morris have been mentioned "among others."

TVA provides electricity to 8.5 million people in Tennessee and parts of Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

The TVA dispute between Frist and Reid demonstrates their frosty relations.

Don Ritchie, one of the Senate's historians, said he can't remember another time when a leader of one party put a hold on a bill written by the leader of the opposing party.

"It's unusual, certainly, if not unprecedented," Ritchie said, describing the Frist-Reid relationship as "a brittle one."

Frist's relationship with former Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota wasn't chummy either, especially after Frist did fundraising and campaigning for Republican John Thune, who eventually unseated Daschle.

"Everything is polarized now," Ritchie said. "The leadership of the parties reflects that polarization."

Americans deserve true Energy Independence by 2020.

Washington, DC�Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following statement on President Bush's speech today on energy policy in Milwaukee.*1

"All Americans appreciate President Bush's apparent new commitment to changing our energy future and to ending our dependence on foreign oil, but we need more than just rhetoric from a president who let Big Oil write our energy policies. Now the president has offered a budget with much different priorities than his speeches, putting off green technologies and energy reform until 2030."

"America needs a major new initiative to end our dependence on foreign energy and to work for new energy efficient technologies, and Democrats are ready to work with the president if his new words match new actions. At a time when so many Americans are struggling with the cost of fueling their cars or heating their homes, America can do better than to sell our energy future to the oil companies." *2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (February 23, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Senators React to Trade Deficit Data Released Today

Washington, DC�Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, Joint Economic Committee Ranking Democrat Jack Reed, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton raised serious concerns about the trade deficit numbers released today by the U.S. Census. The U.S. trade deficit for 2005 was $726 billion, a 17.5% increase from the record set in 2004. The trade deficit now stands at about 6% of U.S. GDP.*1

�The trade deficit figures today should raise alarm bells around the country about the Bush Administration�s flawed trade policy,� said Senator Reid. �Experts all around the world agree that these astronomical trade deficits are not sustainable and threaten to disrupt the U.S. and global economies. This Administration has ignored the problem and continues to pursue a trade policy that puts special interests above the interests of American families.�

�The staggering U.S. trade deficit is a symptom of the unsound fiscal policies of the Bush Administration,� said Sen. Jack Reed, Ranking Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee. �The Bush Administration�s huge federal budget deficits encourage us as a nation to spend more than we earn and to pay for our excess imports with IOUs. In just 5 years under President Bush, foreign holdings of U.S. government debt have risen by $1.2 trillion � more than the increase under all previous Presidents combined. The money to pay back that debt will be coming out of the pockets of our children and grandchildren for years to come.�

Senator Debbie Stabenow stated, �Last year alone Michigan lost 110,000 manufacturing jobs while the trade deficit in manufactured goods rose by about $60 billion. Faced with this growing crisis the Administration has done nothing but ignore the problem while American manufacturers have suffered and Americans have lost their jobs. Domestically, the Administration has failed to develop a real plan to help the U.S. manufacturing sector; internationally, they have consistently dropped the ball on enforcing U.S. rights under our trade agreements. As the numbers released today clearly show, over $200 billion or more than 25% of the trade deficit is accounted for only by China, yet the Administration refuses to confront China on its unfair trade practices. It is time for the Administration to wake up and start fighting for American businesses and workers.�

�American manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world if we give them a level playing field. But the Bush Administration is undermining our manufacturers by failing to enforce our trade laws and refusing to address our skyrocketing trade deficit. We can�t ignore the problem and leave our manufacturers to fight with both hands tied behind their backs. We need a national manufacturing policy that makes a real commitment to driving down our trade deficit and preserving our domestic manufacturing capacity,� said Senator Clinton.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (February 10, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Jan. 28, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid says U.S. unprepared for disaster, blames Bush
By WILL LESTER
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Cities are at risk because the Bush administration is too preoccupied with its political problems to properly prepare for another natural disaster or terrorist attack, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid told mayors from around the country Friday.

"Any one of your cities and towns could be the next New Orleans," Reid said at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. "The federal government owes it to you and your citizens to be prepared the next time disaster strikes."

The Nevada lawmaker said efforts to find out what went wrong after Hurricane Katrina illustrate how the administration's priorities are wrong.

Governments at the federal, state and local level have been harshly criticized for a slow response to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated coastal areas of Mississippi and Louisiana and flooded New Orleans. Yet the White House has been slow in helping Congress investigate what happened at the federal level, Reid said.

The senator said the investigation must be completed -- not to fix blame but to learn what needs to be done to avoid a repeat of the post-Katrina problems.

President Bush on Thursday defended the administration's level of cooperation, citing the thousands of administration documents given to congressional investigators. Responding to complaints that more information could be provided, Bush said that it would have a "chilling effect" on the ability of presidential advisers to speak freely.

Reid said the poor choices of the administration and Republicans in Congress are also evident in steps taken to secure the nation after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Efforts to spend more money for emergency workers in cities were rejected as were efforts to restore money for extra police, he said.

Responding to Reid's criticisms, Tracey Schmitt, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said: "Harry Reid's accusation that President Bush is playing politics with national security may earn him the title of hypocrite in chief."

Jan. 20, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid apologizes to senators over 'war room' release
Tone of document attacking Republicans 'went too far,' Senate minority leader says
By TONY BATT
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada on Thursday issued letters of apology to 33 Republican senators, including fellow Nevadan John Ensign, who were attacked in a document his office issued this week.

The Senate Democratic Communications Center, also known as Reid's "war room," issued the 26-page document titled "Republican Abuse of Power" on Tuesday.

The document listed GOP senators individually, noting contributions they have received from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and citing news articles that purport to show Republicans are "out of touch."

"I am writing to apologize for the tone of this document and the decision to single out individual senators for criticism in it," Reid said.

Reid said the document "went too far, and I want to convey to you my personal regrets."

The flap over Reid's document is another sign of how heated Capitol Hill has become in the wake of Abramoff's guilty plea this month to three corruption-related felonies.

Republicans and Democrats this week rushed to offer reform proposals cracking down on lobbyist-funded meals, gifts and travel while campaigning to tie the other party to the burgeoning scandal which so far has focused on several Republican House members.

The attack on Republicans came a day before the National Republican Senatorial Committee released a 23-page document of its own, "Harry's Hypocrisy," that focused similar accusations on Reid.

Jim Manley, staff director of the Communications Center, said Thursday that he authorized release of the attack on Republican senators. Reid did not see it in advance nor did he sign off on it, he said.

Asked if he was being disciplined, Manley said "no," and declined further comment on that point.

"Reid more than most understands that politics is a contact sport," Manley said. "He felt this one hit too hard."

The criticism of Ensign appeared striking since he and Reid boast a friendly working relationship. The Democrat-prepared document noted Abramoff and his wife donated $4,000 to Ensign in 2004 and gave Ensign's leadership political action committee $1,000 in 2002.

"All we want to say is Sen. Ensign received a phone call from Sen. Reid and he accepted his apology," Ensign spokesman Jack Finn said.

The episode also called new attention to the Reid "war room," a taxpayer-funded operation staffed by a dozen "rapid response" Democratic staffers who prepare and disseminate the party's messages to print and television reporters, Hispanic media and Internet bloggers while poking holes into Republican initiatives.

"Researching, compiling and distributing what amounts to nothing more than a campaign ad on the taxpayer's dime raises serious ethical questions," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. "Senator Reid once chaired the Ethics Committee; he should know better."

Despite his charge, Cornyn does not intend to file a complaint against Reid with the Senate ethics committee, spokesman Don Stewart said.

"I don't think the taxpayers of Nevada or any other state could look at this gigantic hate document and conclude their money is being spent to do the people's business," said Brian Nick, a spokesman for the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Reid spokeswoman Rebecca Kirszner defended his use of the war room.

"Just as the president has a full press operation to deliver his message across the country, Senator Reid as Democratic leader has a staff to fulfill his obligation to spread the word about the Democratic caucus's commitment to a better America," Kirszner said.

Despite Republican complaints about the Reid war room, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee is setting one up for himself, according to a report Thursday in Roll Call, a newspaper that covers the inner workings of Congress.

Republicans are dubbing their communications center as the "peace room," Roll Call reported.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," Manley said.

A year after becoming Democratic leader, Reid has several times drawn notice for his sharp tongue, which sometimes moved more quickly than was helpful to his own cause.

In February, the Republican National Committee sent a million people a 13-page flier attacking Reid's Senate record and labeling him the "chief Democrat obstructionist."

The next day, the NRSC issued a release containing a 2002 quote in which Reid called President Bush "a liar." Reid stood by that accusation, along with his labeling of then-Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan as "a political hack." But he apologized last year for having called Bush "a loser."

The Washington Post contributed to this report.

Washington, DC � While Republicans try to provide cover from their culture of corruption, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following report and statement on Republicans' abuse of power:*1

�The idea of Republicans reforming themselves is like asking John Gotti to clean up organized crime. I thought I�d seen the last of corruption when I helped clean up Las Vegas thirty years ago. But, while its not quite the mafia of Las Vegas in the 1970s, what is happening today in Washington is every bit as corrupt and the consequences for our country have been just as severe.

�Some problems have no legislative fix, and the Republican culture of corruption is one of them. Today�s announcements by House and Senate Republicans should be taken at face value � minor wrist slapping and good public relation stunts by the same people responsible for this mess. Democrats will lead the tough reforms, because we owe it to the American people to stand up for their interests over special interests. Are we really going to believe that Republicans will stop answering the calls from their friends on K Street? Are they really going to put seniors ahead of drug companies when it comes reforming Medicare? Are they really going to help families over oil companies when it comes to gas prices? The answer to these questions is no, and that�s why the American people trust Democrats to clean up Washington and put their interests first.� *2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (January 18, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Jan. 11, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid, Salazar take case to 'red states'
Tour part of effort to win votes in rural areas
By JUDITH KOHLER
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

[[[Harry Reid
Senate minority leader, D-Nev., on tour of 'red states']]]

DENVER -- Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid was in Colorado Tuesday to spread the Democratic message to "red states," touring the state with fellow Democrat Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar who bucked the trend by winning last year on GOP turf.

Salazar and Reid, from Nevada, made stops in Arizona before talking to reporters in Salazar's Denver office. Reid planned to travel without Salazar to Utah, Idaho and Nebraska in what he said will be a continuing effort to win back rural voters for his party.

"Democrats lost around the county because we simply had forgotten about rural America," Reid said. "They thought they could win all the elections by campaigning in the big cities."

Nevada is a template for the party's failure to regain the White House and a majority in Congress last year, Reid added. Democratic nominee John Kerry beat President Bush in Las Vegas and broke even in other populous areas, but was pummeled in the rural areas, where Republicans spent more time.

Kerry lost the state by about 2 percentage points.

In contrast, Salazar won in GOP-leaning Colorado last year because he "was like gangbusters" in the rural areas, Reid said.

Salazar, a former Colorado attorney general, emphasized his farming background and Roman Catholic faith during his campaign against Republican and beer baron Pete Coors. His older brother, John, also a Democrat, captured the GOP-leaning 3rd Congressional District.

"I think people like Harry Reid and Ken Salazar can be elected all over the country," Reid said.

His next swing through so-called red states, which Bush carried and trend Republican, will be in February or March in the South, Reid said.

Colorado GOP spokeswoman Rachael Sunbarger said Reid is "way off base" visiting Colorado because Republicans outnumber Democrats.

Reid's role in helping defeat renewal of the anti-terror Patriot Act and his obstructionism in Congress won't play well in Colorado, said Tucker Bounds, spokesman for the Republican National Committee. Colorado is a solid red state, having voted for Bush twice, he said.

Salazar, though, said Democrats are the ones who have supported programs for agriculture and rural America while the Bush administration has pushed cuts of nearly $500 million for rural economic development.

"While the farmers and ranchers are dying on the vine, the Republicans are supporting the banks that are foreclosing on their mortgages," Reid said.

In the world's wealthiest nation, 45 million people don't have health insurance and millions more are underinsured, he added.

Reid assailed the Republicans for a "culture of corruption." He pointed to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's indictment on money laundering and conspiracy charges, the federal investigation of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist for his sale of stock in his family-founded health care company and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has strong ties to Republicans.

Republicans, however, have pointed back at Reid, calling him a hypocrite for not returning $61,000 in contributions he received from Abramoff's clients.

Several congressional Republicans have anted up donations tied to Abramoff in hopes of avoiding the taint of scandal in the wake of the former lobbyist's guilty plea on federal charges of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud.

"My main response is, 'Look in the mirror,'" Colorado GOP spokeswoman Sunbarger said of Reid.

The Nevada senator called his GOP critics "spin doctors."

Jan. 05, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid, Goodman discuss challenging Ensign
Las Vegas mayor would run against Jack Carter
BY BRENDAN RILEY
Associated Press

The U.S. Senate's Democratic leader confirmed Tuesday that he and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman have discussed the possibility of Goodman challenging Republican Sen. John Ensign this election year.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the Democratic mayor is "a real vote-getter" and would be "a very, very strong candidate" if he entered the race.

"Oscar Goodman is one of the most popular figures ever to hold public office in Nevada," Reid said. "He got 86 percent of the vote the last time he ran. Eighty-six percent."

Goodman on Wednesday would not answer direct questions about whether he intended to enter the race. Instead, he met all inquiries with his oft-repeated statement: "I'm the happiest mayor in the world."

Asked whether he would consider himself a strong candidate should he decide to run against Ensign, Goodman said, "I'm told I would. That's what other people are telling me. I've never even contemplated it."

Reid said his conversations with Goodman indicate otherwise.

"It's something that he's not disinterested in," Reid said.

If Goodman got into the race, he could wind up in a primary battle with Jack Carter, the son of former President Jimmy Carter, who already has launched a Web site soliciting donations and support for a potential run against Ensign. Reid previously has said he would support a Carter campaign.

Carter said Wednesday that he would welcome a primary contest against Goodman, but doubted the mayor is serious about seeking Ensign's seat.

"If Oscar did decide to run and he won," Carter said, "the only problem Oscar would have is he'd actually have to leave Las Vegas for D.C. I don't think that Oscar would be OK with that."

Reid also said he told Goodman that decisions about political campaigns "are very personal decisions. It's a decision he's going to have to make on his own."

"I'm happy to give him any advice or counsel that he needs or wants," Reid said. "I've known him for many, many years and will have to wait and see what he decides to do."

Reid also said Tuesday that any involvement that he might have with Goodman if he became a candidate wouldn't harm the good working relationship he has with Ensign, who narrowly lost to Reid in 1998 and then ran successfully for the state's other Senate seat two years later.

Ensign spokesman Jack Finn wouldn't comment.

"I'm somebody who carries the banner of the Democratic Party," Reid said. "I will do what I can to help Democrats who are running this election cycle."

Reid also said Ensign supported Reid's Republican foe, Richard Ziser, in 2004 and "that certainly didn't affect our relationship."

Review-Journal writer Mike Kalil contributed to this report.

Searchlight, Nevada � Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following statement as the Medicare prescription drug benefit takes effect on January 1, 2006:

�At the start of this new year, millions of Americans will begin to have coverage under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. While Republicans continue to fight for their special interest friends, Democrats have been fighting to protect seniors and people with disabilities. Democrats created Medicare in 1965 to help seniors struggling with the costs of medical care and it was Democrats who fought for and proposed a voluntary, comprehensive, and affordable prescription drug benefit that would improve the lives of Medicare beneficiaries. In 2003, when Republicans designed this new drug coverage, most Democrats could not support the final legislation because it was so needlessly complicated and included shameless giveaways to the drug and insurance industries at the expense of seniors. The law goes too far in protecting special interests, actually prohibiting Medicare from using the bargaining power of its 42 million beneficiaries to negotiate lower drug prices and providing a $10 billion slush fund to HMOs, while leaving confused seniors with gaps in coverage and burdensome penalties.

�Not only is the program�s design unfair to seniors, but the Bush Administration has continued to bungle the implementation of the new drug benefit. They have failed to process applications in a timely manner; they have sent empty envelopes to beneficiaries; they have printed and distributed millions of copies of the Medicare&You Handbook with errors about the premiums plans will charge the lowest-income enrollees; and they have mischaracterized the drug benefit in a Parade Magazine insert. At the same time, Republicans in the White House and on Capitol Hill have rejected Democratic efforts to protect beneficiaries and make this process easier for them. Republicans defeated a Democratic attempt to ensure that our most vulnerable beneficiaries do not lose access to medications as the Administration transfers them from Medicaid to private plans, they blocked attempts to repeal the prohibition on Medicare negotiation, and rejected our attempts to delay the late enrollment penalty and to allow beneficiaries to change plans once in this very confusing first year.

�Seniors and people with disabilities are confused by the multitude of plans offering different benefit packages that cover different drugs from different pharmacies for very different prices. Democrats believe that Medicare should offer comprehensive and comprehensible drug coverage. We know that it is not too late to make the drug program work for people with Medicare, and that is what we should be doing. We have offered, and will continue to fight for, solutions that will improve this program because together, we can do better to help America�s seniors and people with disabilities.�

Dec. 29, 2005
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid plans tour of 'red states' to discuss Republican scandals

Nevadan told he'll get chilly reception
By STEVE TETREAULT
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU

"Don't lump me in with Jack Abramoff. This is a Republican scandal."
HARRY REID

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., plans to take on Republicans in their own backyards when he visits five "red states" next month to promote a theme that Republican-led Washington is corrupt and needs to be cleaned up, a spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.

Reid, the Senate minority leader, has scheduled a three-day tour with stops in Phoenix; Denver; Salt Lake City; Pocatello, Idaho; and Omaha, Neb. All are in "Republican red" states that President Bush carried in the 2004 election.

"He wants to take his message to some of these red states that the Democrats want to clean up Washington," spokeswoman Tessa Hafen said. "He will be talking on the theme that America can do better and just letting these red states know who the Democrats are.

"The primary message will be the corruption in Washington and needing to change Washington," Hafen said.

Hafen said plans were being made for the trip, which was reported in Roll Call, a newspaper that covers the inner workings of Congress.

Hafen confirmed Reid will be the keynote speaker at a Democratic banquet in Pocatello on Jan. 11.

Also, Hafen said Reid will be accompanied for at least part of the trip by Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., who was the only Democratic Senate challenger to win in a Republican state in 2004.

Republicans took a dim view of Reid's planned tour.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a statement advising Reid to "pack warm clothes because you may get a chilly reception."

In recent public appearances and interviews, Reid has sought to draw attention to scandals where Republicans have been major players, such as the indictment of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, the investigations of lobbyists Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon and the arrest of David Safavian, a top procurement official in the Bush administration.

Reid called the Republican-led Congress "the most corrupt in history" during a Dec. 18 appearance on Fox News Sunday.

On the show, Reid dismissed suggestions he also had benefited from contributions from Abramoff clients. The lobbyist is being investigated by the Justice Department for possibly steering payoffs to members of Congress.

"Don't lump me in with Jack Abramoff. This is a Republican scandal," Reid said, adding he never met Abramoff nor received money from him.

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (December 31, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

http://reid.senate.gov/pdfs/Take_Title_2005.pdf

Bill will eliminate need for central nuclear waste repository like proposed Yucca Mountain project

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign introduced legislation today mandating that nuclear waste be stored on-site where it is produced and requiring the federal government to take responsibility for possession, stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring of the waste.*1

For decades, under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the government has focused only on the proposed Yucca Mountain site as a central repository for nuclear waste generated at plants around the country. However, conclusive evidence has shown that the Yucca Mountain project is fraught with safety, scientific and budgetary problems, making it a near certainty that the site will never be approved for use. Additionally, any plan that includes only one waste site would require transporting nuclear material from sites all over the country across thousands of miles, greatly increasing the chances of an accident or terrorist attack.

The legislation introduced today would eliminate the need for a single repository, ensuring nuclear waste can be safely stored on-site and under control of the federal government. The legislation will also increase safety at all nuclear power plants by providing funding for additional security to guard against accidents or terrorist attack.

�The Yucca Mountain project is never going to open,� Reid, the Senate Democratic Leader, said. �It is time we put the safety of this country first and approach the storage of nuclear waste in a way that is productive and realistic. There cannot be any weak links in the chain of security of our nation�s nuclear power infrastructure. Storing nuclear waste on-site is the safest, most reasonable and most effective way of allowing nuclear power companies to continue operating while keeping the health and safety of Americans as our top priority.�

�What we are proposing today represents the safest and most responsible course of action available for storing nuclear waste,� Ensign said. �The dry cask storage technology exists to provide a viable, on-site alternative to shipping waste across the country and it is time we make use of that technology for the health and safety of Americans everywhere. Yucca Mountain is not feasible and it is not acceptable. This is a safe and real solution for nuclear waste storage.�

Reid and Ensign pointed to a long list of set backs for the Yucca Mountain project including a July, 2004 court decision that the radiation standard for the site was not stringent enough to protect the public from the significant risks associated with nuclear waste and a November 2004 announcement by the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board that there is no plan for safely transporting nuclear waste to the proposed repository.

The same board in February of this year called for hearings to review concerns over the corrosion of the titanium drip shields that are supposed to keep water from leaking into casks inside Yucca Mountain. On March 16, 2005, the Department of Energy announced the falsification of document and models about water infiltration, a key issue, at Yucca Mountain. On July 18, 2005, DOE announced that if Yucca Mountain were to open, high-level nuclear waste would be shipped by train ignoring the fact that about one-third of reactor sites are not capable of shipping fuel by rail.

The legislation was cosponsored by Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). It would require nuclear power companies to store nuclear waste in what is known as dry cask storage containers. As approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, dry cask containers can safely store waste for at least one-hundred years and are already used at thirty-three nuclear power site throughout the country.

�I�ve always said that storage on site is the right scientific answer, but differing state laws have made it impossible. The Reid legislation resolves this problem, and buys us time to craft a sensible national policy on nuclear energy,� said Sen. Bob Bennett.

Companion legislation was also introduced in the House of Representatives today by Representatives Jim Matheson (D-UT), Jim Gibbons (R-NV), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Jon Porter (R-NV) and Rob Bishop (R-UT).

Summary of The Spent Nuclear Fuel On-Site Storage Security Act of 2005

Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 as follows:

� Requires commercial nuclear utilities to transfer nuclear waste from spent nuclear fuel pools into dry storage casks within 6 years after enactment or 6 years after the waste is produced, whichever comes first.

� Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to take title of all spent nuclear fuel currently in on-site dry cask storage within 30 days of enactment.

� Requires the spent nuclear fuel on-site storage sites and storage casks to comply with NRC regulations.

� Requires the DOE to take title to, and full responsibility for the waste at the reactor sites after it has been transferred to dry cask storage in compliance with regulations.

� Expenditures from the Nuclear Waste Fund will compensate utilities for expenses associated with transferring, storing and securing the waste.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (December 22, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

WASHINGTON, D.C. � U. S. Senator Reid is sending millions of dollars to Nevada to reduce crime, protect communities and increase economic development. The money will go to local police departments and agencies with programs to reduce underage drinking, prevent elder abuse, and provide resources for at-risk youth.*1

�I often hear from law enforcement officials and social service advocates who need more resources to prevent crime and assist victims,� Senator Reid said. �This funding will help make our communities safer and stronger. I think our best approach to fighting crime is to fund programs that offer support and training to at-risk youth.�*2 .....
.............................................

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Senator Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (November 30, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Washington, DC � Today, Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following statement on the so-called Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005:

�Democrats know that together, we can do better than the misplaced priorities of the Republican budget passed today. The Republican Senate stood up for the special interests and against the American people�s interest today. In the pursuit of their immoral budget that will increase the deficit, Republicans stood in the way of important initiatives for middle-class Americans.*1

�Today�s budget debate hides the irresponsible Republican priorities that are still to come. After cutting important priorities for working Americans, Senate Republicans will now turn to spending billions more on tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Democrats will continue to stand on the side of the American people.�

HERE�S WHAT SENATE REPUBLICANS DID FOR YOU TODAY

Republicans Voted Against Fiscal Responsibility. Senate Republicans voted against Senator Kent Conrad�s attempt to restore Pay-As-You-Go rules to the budget process. The amendment, which required 60 votes to pass, failed 50-49. [RC 283, A. Amdt. 2351 to S. 1932, 11/3/05]*2 .....
...........................................

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (November 1, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Washington, DC � Today, Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following statement on the Avian Flu:*1

�For nearly two years, Senate Democrats have been taking action to protect Americans from a potentially catastrophic avian flu pandemic and have been calling on the president to release and implement a comprehensive plan. I am pleased to see that the president has finally followed our lead and released his avian flu plan today.

�The United States has already fallen behind nations like Canada, Britain and Australia who finalized their avian flu plans months ago. The recent spread of avian flu to Europe proves we cannot afford to drag our feet any longer. The looming threat of a pandemic demands action now.

�Together, we can do better to protect Americans. Democrats have already secured $8 billion � nearly $1 billion more than the president outlined today � and began work to improve surveillance, increase our stockpile of antiviral medications and vaccines, improve our vaccine production capacity, strengthen our public health infrastructure, improve public awareness and to devote adequate resources to pandemic preparedness. I look forward to studying the plan the president has released today to ensure that it meets these important goals.�

DEMOCRATS LONG RECORD OF FIGHTING TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM THE AVIAN FLU

January 2004: Kennedy asks HHS to release a Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan. In a letter to HHS Secretary Thompson, Senator Kennedy asks that the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan be released and implemented.*2 .....
..........................................

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Harry Reid. 'A press release,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (November 1, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Oct. 27, 2005
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid's popularity holds firm
Standing rises slightly among Democrats, drops among Republicans
By FRANK GEARY
? 2005 REVIEW-JOURNAL

Sen. Harry Reid's popularity in Nevada has remained stable the past five months, with fewer voters rating his performance as Senate minority leader as excellent and more saying it has been good, according to a new poll.

Ten months after he was selected Democratic leader, support for Reid among Nevada Democrats inched up while support among Republican voters dropped since May, the poll showed.

The poll of 625 registered voters was done Friday through Monday for the Review-Journal by Washington, D.C.-based Mason-Dixon Polling & Research.

"He's been relatively popular in Nevada. He's a bit of a lightning rod. Democrats love him, and Republican support has slipped over the past four years," pollster Brad Coker said.

When asked to rate Reid's performance, 27 percent of voters polled said Reid is doing an excellent job, and 26 percent said he is doing a good job. Sixteen percent of those polled said Reid is doing a fair job and 28 percent said he is doing a poor job, according to the poll. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

In a May poll, taken at a time when Reid was leading Democratic opposition to President Bush's judicial nominations, 32 percent of Nevada voters polled ranked Reid's performance as excellent and 23 percent said he was doing a good job.

In the poll completed Monday, 84 percent of Democrats polled said Reid's performance was either excellent or good. Nearly three out of four Republicans rated his performance as fair or poor.

Independents, meanwhile, were split with 54 percent saying it was either excellent or good and 44 percent rating him fair or poor.

"His national position has changed the way Republican voters see him," Coker said. "When you are minority leader, you have to take positions that might be unpopular with the constituents because you have to represent your party. You can't go too far out of the mainstream of your caucus or you risk losing your position with your fellow senators."

Reid couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday, and the state Democratic Party referred calls to Reid's office.

Richard Ziser, the Republican nominee who unsuccessfully ran against Reid last year, said the poll results show that Republicans who voted for Reid a year ago don't support him now.

Reid won the election with 65 percent of the vote, while Ziser received 31 percent of the vote.

In the last Review-Journal poll taken before the November election, 59 percent of state voters polled supported Reid while 35 percent supported Ziser.

Reid had support from 92 percent of the Democrats polled, 25 percent of the Republicans and 60 percent of Independent voters, according to the October 2004 poll.

Ziser said that Reid campaigned as an independent but that he has betrayed such an image as one of the most high-profile spokesmen for the Democratic Party and its positions in Washington.

"If 51 percent of Republicans in the state of Nevada think he is doing a poor job, that tells me there are a lot of Republicans who made a mistake when they voted in November," Ziser said of the recent poll numbers.

"There were a lot of people in the state who bought the line that Reid would be good for Nevada because he was in the leadership."

Coker disagreed with Ziser, saying that the election results didn't show that Reid was more popular among Republicans a year ago.

Instead, they showed that Independents and Republicans chose Reid because they preferred him to the alternative, Coker said.

"I think a lot of Republicans voted for him (Reid) because of who his opponent was," he said.

"I think voters preferred Reid to Ziser. I think if they were asked today to make the same choice, they would make the same choice."

Oct. 21, 2005
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Senate committee approves nomination of Sandoval
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- By a unanimous voice vote and without discussion, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved the nomination of Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval to become a federal judge in Nevada.

The vote on Sandoval included a group of four other non-controversial judicial nominees.

The committee's approval sends Sandoval's nomination to the Senate floor for the last step in the confirmation process.

The Senate is expected to clear Sandoval's nomination within weeks.

"We're not going to comment out of respect for the Senate confirmation process," Sandoval spokeswoman Nicole Moon said after Thursday's vote.

As a federal judge, Sandoval would be paid $162,100 per year for a lifetime appointment.

As Nevada attorney general, Sandoval receives $110,000 per year.

Sandoval, 42, sailed through his confirmation hearing on Sept. 29. If confirmed, he would succeed U.S. District Judge Howard McKibben of Reno, who assumed senior status in April.

President Bush nominated Sandoval in March.

Nevadan named to road-building panel
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Nevada consultant and lobbyist Tom Skancke has been appointed to a federal commission that will study whether the government should change the way it finances road-building, Sen. Harry Reid announced Monday.

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission was created by Congress earlier this year.

Skancke was named to the 12-member body by Reid, the Senate Democratic leader from Nevada who was allowed to appoint two panel members. Skancke said he believed he was the first member announced.

"I think that this country and Congress together need to take a look at the future funding of transportation infrastructure in this country," Skancke said. "Our country needs to be forward thinking in how we fund this."

Most improvements are paid for with gasoline taxes and other fees that are fed into the Highway Trust Fund.

Some experts wonder what the fund will contain in the future if motorists shift to hybrid vehicles that use less gasoline.

The commission was given until July 1, 2007, to report to Congress on the needs of the road and highway system, the condition of the Highway Trust Fund, possible alternatives to replace or supplement the fund and whether projected revenues will be enough to meet demands in the future.

Skancke is a prominent Nevada consultant and lobbyist who has advised clients on transportation matters in the Western states including Interstate 15 widening in Nevada and California and the new bridge being built across the Colorado River downstream from Hoover Dam.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Funding will help coordinate the search for missing, abducted, and runaway children

Washington, D.C. � Children of Nevada will be better protected as a result of funding secured in the federal budget by Senator Harry Reid. The money will go to Nevada Child Seekers, a non-profit group that helps locate missing, abducted, or runaway children.*1

�As Nevada continues growing rapidly there is a critical need to help locate missing children in our state,� said Reid. �I can only imagine how scared a young child must be when they are separated from their parents. It is important that we invest in programs that help keep our children safe. I�m glade to know Nevada Child Seekers will be able to continue helping young people and saving families as a result of this grant.�

�Protecting children is what we do,� said Stephanie Parker, Executive Director of Nevada Child Seekers. �Providing hope, help and support for the safe return of missing and abducted children. This funding has given us the ability to safely recover more children and reunite them with their families throughout Nevada.�

Nevada Child Seekers, founded in 1985, provides a networking system for identifying and locating missing or abducted children. They also conduct crisis intervention for parents and children, sponsor education and prevention programs, and hold weekly family support groups.

Reid has been a long-time supporter of Nevada Child Seekers. This is the fourth consecutive year that he has secured money for their operational expenses.

�Nevada Child Seekers is exactly the kind of organization that should be getting this funding,� said Reid. �These are dedicated workers and volunteers with a proven track record of serving their community. They�ve helped thousands of Nevada families through crises, and keeping those families intact makes our entire state stronger. This money will allow Nevada Child Seekers to continue its good work.�

The money will be used to assist law enforcement and parents in locating missing, abducted and runaway children. The funding will also cover the operational cost of the 24 hour hotline for parents of missing children, troubled youth and runaways.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Harry Reid. 'A profile of Harry Reid,' "A search of u s senator harry reid," on the Google.com," (October 12, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Highlight this "wbti - business & administration - september - 2005" to the searching box of Google.com please, and you'll find Google's power on WBTI.....

Google publishes most of the information on WBTI's website (through the Communitylink of Reviewjournal.com) about each every 10 days. September 12, 2005 was again its publication day for WBTI since last one at August 31, 2005. Searching leaders like AOL.com, WebCrawler.com, among others follow.....