US Politics News Bits

Friday, a Coast Guard exercise taking place near to a ceremony in memory of September 11, 2001 went awry. The Coast Guard exercises taking place near the Pentagon were confused for a terrorist attack. Coast Guard radio messages, which could be overheard by the public, led to confusion and numerous false reports of an attack. Misreports of gunfire and an attack near to the event, which was attended by President Barack Obama, led to flight groundings and a rush of FBI Agents to the Pentagon.

President Barack Obama calls Americans to serve

On the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, President Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Pentagon, encouraging Americans to recall the "ordinary goodness" that followed the attacks and to come together in the spirit of servitude. He urged Americans to band together to "strengthen" our communities, our country, and our world.

Senate revisits health care bill in light of Rep. Wilson's outburst

Friday, the Senate revisited what they believed to have been a complete health care bill. In light of Congressman Joe Wilson's outburst during President Barack Obama's Wednesday night speech, senators wanted to ensure that the bill contained sufficient provisions which would prevent illegal immigrants from accessing federal subsidized health care benefits.

Democrats in the House intend to vote on punishment for Congressman Joe Wilson should he refuse to issue an apology on the House floor. Wednesday night, during President Barack Obama's health care speech, Wilson yelled "You lie!" breaking House rules and causing a major backlash against the congressman. As a result of the outburst, Wilson's 2010 campaign has raised in excess of $700,000. His opponent, Rob Miller has raised more than $1 million.

Senator Carl Levin reluctant to deploy more troops to Afghanistan

Democratic Senator Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has expressed his reluctance to send more troops to Afghanistan. The Senator wants to focus on helping Afghanistan's security forces become more "self-sufficient".

Obama: Public health care option & competition with private insurers

In response to fears that a government-run health insurance program would compete with private health care options, President Barack Obama emphasized that there would be a multitude of choices available to Americans. At a Saturday rally in Minneapolis, President Obama gave a speech saying that the public plan would be optional and would promote competition.

Obama wants talks about Iran's nuclear program

Monday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared that Iran will not entertain talks regarding the right of Iran to develop nuclear capabilities. President Barack Obama wants Iran's nuclear program to remain a topic of international discussion.

References

River drill shakes up DC on 9/11 anniversary

Intercepted Coast Guard message led to confusion

Obama marks 9/11 with memorial, call to service

Health care talks focus on illegal immigrants

Obama: Public option helps health care competition

White House wants talks to focus on Iran's nukes