US Politics News Bits for 09/16/2009

The House officially condemned Congressman Joe Wilson's "You lie!" outburst Tuesday. Democrats in the House were responsible for pushing forward with the resolution against Wilson. Republicans in the House felt the resolution was a poor use of time and money.

Adm. Mullen wants more troops sent to Afghanistan

Tuesday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen advocates increasing the number of troops in the war in Afghanistan. Mullen attributes his stance to the multifarious nature of the war and its insurgents. General Stanley Mc Chrystal is also expected to request a large increase in troops sent to Afghanistan.

Obama will not rush decision on increasing troops in Afghanistan

Wednesday, President Barack Obama said that he will not rush his judgment on whether or not to increase the number of troops sent to Afghanistan. In August, General Stanley McChrystal alerted President Obama that the situation in Afghanistan is declining and he is expected to appeal for additional troops to be sent to Afghanistan.

Jesse Jackson investigation postponed

Investigation of whether Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his associates were involved in a scheme to buy a Senate seat has been postponed. The House ethics committee is investigating Jackson, who is accused of trying to guarantee his seat in the Senate by using his staff to campaign publicly, a possible federal law violation and House rules violation.

Baucus presents health care reform plan despite criticism

Despite lacking Republican support, an eager Senator Max Baucus presented legislation, which would reform the health care system. Baucus' legislation follows is in suit with President Barack Obama's proposal to revamp health care. Next week, the Finance Committee will hold a vote on Baucus' proposal.

EPA wants to revise Bush administration smog rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is re-evaluating former President Bush's smog rules that did not meet standards set by the scientific community. The EPA hopes that revising the Bush administrations rules will bring the smog rules into accordance with scientific standards and federal pollution laws.

Intelligence director says US is safer from terrorist attacks

Tuesday, Dennis Blair the National Intelligence Director stated that the United States is much safer from terrorist threats. He attributes this increased safety to improvements in the organization of United States' sixteen intelligence agencies. According to Blair, communication and cooperation between the numerous intelligence agencies is improved. Had the September 11 terrorist threat been presented to U.S. intelligence today, the plot would have been foiled, Blair said Tuesday.

References

Lawmaker's 'You lie' outburst draws House rebuke

US military chief wants more troops for Afghan war

Obama: No 'pending' decision on troops to Afghan

Ethics panel defers probe on Jesse Jackson Jr.

Baucus outlines health plan without GOP support

EPA tells court it will redo Bush-era smog rule

Intel official: US safer from al-Qaida