For all domestic and international flights, the U.S. threat level is High, or Orange.

See the Transportation Security Administration for updates on items allowed or prohibited on airlines.

Winter Slams into The States from New Mexico to the East Coast

Winter Storm Warning for Washington, D.C. and Maryland, Virginia at the moment. Power outages across the country,18 car pile up in Oklahoma,  

Photo by Diane Knaus©

Status of Women

As the international community grappled with the global financial crisis, officials in countries from Chile to Ireland were stepping up efforts to economically empower and improve the workplace status of their female citizens, delegates and a senior United Nations official said today as the fifty-fourth session of the Commission on the Status of Women continued.

Ireland’s Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Disability Issues and Mental Health, said Ireland’s sustained economic growth could be attributed in part to a marked increase of 400,000 -- or 60 per cent -- in the number of women working in Ireland since the mid 1990s. To date, Ireland’s economic downturn had put more men than women out of work. In many cases, women’s earnings had supplemented the income of families that would otherwise have to rely on the male breadwinner’s unemployment benefits. Moreover, by introducing a national minimum wage, and better childcare services, maternity leave and child benefits, the Government had made it easier for women to balance work and family life, while narrowing the gender pay gap to below the European Union average.

Chile’s representative said that in the past four years her Government had adopted a “We are all Chile” slogan to affirm a gender-based approach. The Gender Equity Agenda 2006-2010, a set of guidelines for action by ministries and services, had helped the National Service for Women implement major programmes that promoted good labour practices. The pension system had been reformed to enhance women’s participation in the national economy, with an emphasis on the value of domestic work and motherhood.

In neighbouring Uruguay, women generally received better grades in school than men; but they faced wage discrimination in the workplace, according to that country’s representative. To better protect women, the Government had adopted a law that regulated household work and encouraged gender mainstreaming in collective bargaining, the latter of which had led to clauses that ensured equal opportunity.

Similarly, Malta’s Government had enacted policies to empower women to enter the labour force and retain the jobs once they were there, according to that country’s representative. It had set up training programmes for mothers returning after a five-year absence, as well as flexible work arrangements and special family leave provisions.

Denmark’s long and flexible parental leave schemes, and guaranteed day care for all children had helped to make it one of the most gender-equal societies in the world, its representative said. But there was room for improvement. The Government was focusing on putting more women in top management by creating a Charter for women in management, and taking steps to close the pay gap and labour market segregation. Starting in January 2007, major enterprises were required to prepare gender-divided wage statistics. The results would be analysed this year.

The Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said the global economic downturn demonstrated the need for a dramatic shift to a more equitable globalization and action to make trade an instrument for women’s empowerment. In practical terms, mainstreaming gender in trade policies required assessing the impact of those policies on the well-being of men, women and households. Such analysis would allow for better understanding of the challenges and opportunities women faced from market liberalization, as well as facilitate women’s transition to a more competitive market structure.

Tajikistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Sri Lanka’s representative pointed to efforts in their nations to bolster women’s entrepreneurship through training, skills development, marketing assistance and microcredit schemes -- all effective tools for reducing poverty. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates’ delegate noted the creation of a Business Women’s Council among other steps to strengthen women’s entry into the national workforce, where they accounted for 22.4 per cent of all employees.

During the afternoon, the Commission held an interactive expert panel on the theme, “Commemorating 30 years of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women”.

One of the panellists, Dubravka Šimonovi?, head of the Human Rights Department of Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Convention was the only gender-specific human rights instrument, and the Beijing Platform for Action was similarly gender-specific. They should not be viewed separately, but in an integrated manner, she said, adding that in the past 15 years, the links and convergences between the texts had grown stronger -- so much so, that they were actually merging into one overall framework for women’s empowerment.

Andrew Byrnes, Professor of International Law of the University of New South Wales of Australia, said the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which monitors States’ Parties compliance with the Convention, had gone far towards developing the concept of discrimination against women by coming up with a substantive definition of equality, and not just a formal one. But on a practical level, nearly all cases decided by the Committee had been against members of the Council of Europe, casting doubt over why other regions were not engaging the Committee in the same way. On States parties’ reservations to the Conventions, he called for challenging States in that regard and for ensuring that national human rights institutions saw the Convention as part of their mandate.

Moderated by Takashi Ashiki (Japan), the panel also featured presentations by Sapana Pradhan-Malla, a Member of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly and President of the Forum on Women, Law and Development.

Money Where His Mouth is

President Obama Outlines New Small Business Lending Fund

NASHUA, NH – Today, President Barack Obama outlined the new Small Business Lending Fund, which will transfer $30 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program to a new program that will support small business lending. The Small Business Lending Fund will be targeted at community and smaller banks that lend the most to small businesses, and offer incentives for banks to increase small business lending.

In the State of the Union Address, the President outlined a series of proposals to create jobs and grow our nation’s small businesses. Last week, President Obama outlined a new Small Business Jobs and Wages and Tax Cut to encourage hiring and create incentives for employers to increase wages for already existing employees.

President Barack Obama said, “Jobs will be our number one focus in 2010, and we’re going to start where most new jobs do – with small businesses. This proposal takes the money that was repaid by Wall Street banks to provide capital for community banks on Main Street. Together with our proposal to cut taxes for small businesses to spur hiring and increase wages, we are making the critical investments we need for our economic recovery.”

“As I have met small businesses owners from across the country, they all stress the same thing – to expand and hire, they need better access to credit,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “The President’s proposal would take money repaid by the biggest banks and provide it to community banks so they can increase lending to small businesses.”

Small Business Administrator Karen Mills said, “Community banks are one of the strongest partners small businesses have in helping provide the capital needed to grow and create jobs. This fund targets one of the biggest challenges community banks have faced in this recession – capital to make more loans. This proposal, along with extending the SBA’s 90 percent guarantee, can help put small and medium-sized banks back in a position to step up their small business lending and support job creation in their communities.”

Key elements of the new Small Business Lending Fund are below:

Limited to Community and Smaller Banks Which Devote a Higher Share of Lending to Small Businesses: The Small Business Lending Fund would support lending among small- and medium-sized banks (with assets under $10 billion). These banks devote the highest percentage of their lending to small businesses in their communities, accounting for over 50 percent of all small business loans nationwide, even though they make up only about 20 percent of all bank assets.

Program Would Be Separate and Distinct from TARP to Encourage Participation: By transferring, through legislation, $30 billion to a new program that would be distinct from TARP, the Administration’s proposal would encourage broader participation by banks, as they would not face TARP restrictions.

A Core Function of New Fund Would Be Offering Capital With Incentives to Increase Small Business Lending: The Administration’s core proposal for the new lending fund is an initiative to invest in smaller banks capital under terms that provide strong incentives to increase lending. As participating banks increase lending to small firms compared to 2009 levels, the dividend paid to Treasury on that capital investment would be reduced.

Administration Will Discuss with Congress Additional Ideas to Enhance Credit for Small Businesses Through the Small Business Lending Fund. While the Administration is presenting its plan to provide capital with an incentive structure to maximize small business lending, it looks forward to discussing with Congress other ways that – in addition to what is described above – the Small Business Lending Fund could be fully deployed.

Internet Changes Lives

The National Library of Medicine's Mobile Medline Plus builds on the NLM's MedlinePlus Internet service, which provides authoritative consumer health information to over 10 million visitors per month. These visitors access MedlinePlus (http://medlineplus.gov) from throughout the United States as well many other countries, and use desktop computers, laptops and even mobile devices to get there.

The mobile Internet audience is large and growing fast, almost doubling from February 2007 to February 2009. Some experts predict that within the next five years, more people will connect to the Internet via mobile devices than via desktop or laptop computers. People use their mobile devices to accomplish a variety of tasks, including finding health information. With this in mind, NLM developed the mobile version of MedlinePlus to bring high-quality health information to users on the go.

"We know that a huge number of people are seeking good health information on the Web,” noted NLM Director Dr. Donald A.B. Lindberg. “What better way to reach out to them than by offering this new mobile service, which delivers trustworthy, consumer-friendly information instantly, anywhere?"

Mobile MedlinePlus is available in English and Spanish (http://m.medlineplus.gov/spanish) and includes a subset of content from the full Web site. It includes summaries for over 800 diseases, wellness topics, the latest health news, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, and information on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

For instance, you could visit the "Talking With Your Doctor" page on Mobile MedlinePlus to learn how to get the most out of your doctor’s visit.

American Red Cross And Haiti

18 January 2010 -- Strong coordination of health services and supplies is needed to effectively treat thousands of people injured in the 12 January earthquake. WHO is sending medicines and supplies to treat 165 000 people for one month, plus drugs and equipment to treat 1000 people with trauma injuries. Water pumps, containers and water quality testers are being sent to help meet water demands.

Immediate health priorities include:

search and rescue of survivors trapped underneath rubble;

treatment of people with major trauma injuries;

preventing the infection of wounds;

provision of clean water and sanitation; and ensuring breast-feeding is continued.

Haiti Update 1-19-2010

18 January 2010 – United Nations officials have stressed the need for a strongly coordinated effort to bring vital assistance to the roughly 3 million people affected by last week’s earthquake in Haiti, amid the devastated infrastructure and logistical challenges in the wake of the disaster.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who travelled to the quake-struck capital of Port-au-Prince yesterday, stressed the need to unplug any bottlenecks in the aid operation to ensure that the relief reaches people in need as quickly as possible.

“Help has been arriving. More is coming in. But for those who have lost everything, I know that aid cannot come soon enough,” he told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York today, adding that the most important challenge is coordination of the relief effort.

Tuesday’s 7.0-magnitude quake has levelled buildings, including homes, schools and hospitals, damaged roads and other vital infrastructure, and left one third of the country’s 9 million people in need of food, water, shelter, medical assistance and other urgent aid.

“This disaster ranks among the most devastating and logistically challenging in recent history,” Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said today. “We are seeing the difficulties that arise when disaster strikes an already disastrous public health situation.”

She noted that many of the problems that agencies try to prevent after a disaster were already present in Haiti, including diseases associated with poor water and sanitation systems, low immunization coverage and widespread malnutrition.

The first priorities are to assess the nature and magnitude of emergency health needs, to treat the injured, to recover bodies, and to set up surveillance for infectious diseases. “Offers of help continue to pour in. But aid must closely match urgent health needs and be tightly coordinated,” stressed Ms. Chan.

With the hospitals that are functioning already overcrowded with victims, many with crushed limbs or fractured bones, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is warning of the emergency that can occur when pregnant women are forced to give birth in unsanitary conditions and without access to medical care.

“Giving birth under such conditions can quickly turn deadly if complications such as bleeding, obstructed delivery or high blood pressure occur. Everyday hygiene supplies, including sanitary napkins and soap, are also necessary, but often forgotten in emergencies,” said the agency, which estimates there are 37,000 pregnant women among those affected by the quake who need maternal health services.WASHINGTON, Wednesday, January 13, 2010 —The American Red Cross is sending money, supplies and staff to Haiti to support relief efforts there after yesterday’s earthquake, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.

According to reports, as many as three million people may have been affected by the quake, which collapsed government buildings and caused major damage to hospitals in the area.

Red Cross Donations

The Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million from the International Response Fund to support the relief operation, and has opened its warehouse in Panama to provide tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets for approximately 5,000 families.

In addition to Red Cross staff already in Haiti, six disaster management specialists are being deployed to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief efforts. At this time, the American Red Cross is only deploying volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations.

There has been an outpouring of support from the public. To help, people can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

Debris and collapsed bridges are making access to many areas extremely difficult. Telephone service and electricity are out in many places. Haitian Red Cross staff worked throughout the night to rescue people still trapped in their homes and provide first aid. The priority remains to provide food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.

The American Red Cross already had fifteen staff in Haiti providing ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs. All are reported to be safe and responding to the disaster.

To date, there have been no requests for blood products from the government of Haiti. However, some patients at an affected facility in Haiti have been moved to a Guantanamo Bay hospital, and the Armed Services Blood Program has asked both the Red Cross and Florida Blood Services for support for those patients. In addition, the American Red Cross will be sending a shipment of blood products to the United Nations Mission in Haiti.

While communication with those in Haiti is still difficult, people should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 if trying to reach a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti. If trying to reach a Haitian citizen, callers should continue to call or contact other family members who live nearby.

While donations are coming in for Haiti relief, the initial American Red Cross response is made possible in part by contributions from members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). The following partners designate a portion of their ADGP commitment to the International Response Fund: American Express, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Morgan Stanley and State Street Foundation.

Climate Change in Copenhagen

The heads of the world’s leading international financial institutions called for a comprehensive agreement to combat climate change at this month’s Copenhagen Conference and agreed to further coordinate their own efforts to help achieve the meeting’s ambitious goals.

In a joint statement, the leaders pledged to use their own organisations’ mandates, expertise, and resources to help authorities combine with the private sector to confront the challenges of climate change and to make the best possible use of available financing.The heads of the world’s leading international financial institutions called for a comprehensive agreement to combat climate change at this month’s Copenhagen Conference and agreed to further coordinate their own efforts to help achieve the meeting’s ambitious goals.Safeguard Medicare says American Medical Associations' President J.James Rohack, MD. 

The Joint Statement

We, the Heads of the MDBs and the IMF, appeal to the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to agree in Copenhagen the foundations for an ambitious, comprehensive, and equitable global climate change regime that enables all countries to achieve sustainable development along climate-resilient and low greenhouse gas emission-intensive paths. We recognise the primacy of the UNFCCC, whose principles and process we have supported from the start. We endeavour, in accordance with our organizations’ respective mandates, expertise, and resources, to further coordinate our financing and analyses of climate change actions and enable our client partners to maximise the effective use of new financial flows.

The Context

Climate change is a major threat to sustainable development in all regions of the world and, in particular, to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Scientific evidence reveals unequivocal proof of the human footprint on the global climate and the adverse impacts that will ensue.

With climate change already happening and with more severe impacts to follow, it is essential that all countries integrate consideration of risks associated with climate change into their planning functions and development strategies. There is an urgent need to support the poorest countries and communities that are most vulnerable and least able to adapt to climate change.

It is critical that developed countries continue to take the lead in the mitigation of climate change by adopting adequate quantitative emissions reduction targets beyond 2012, and support and enable nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing countries with technology, financing, and capacity-building.

The collective development experience of the MDBs suggests that many opportunities exist in developing countries, in particular in middle-income countries, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while advancing sustainable development, creating opportunities for further growth, and reducing the impact of, and vulnerability to, climate change.

Ultimately, stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases within safe levels would require adequate, predictable and sustainable financial flows to developing countries, as well as policies in all major economies conducive to the creation of a broadly similar carbon price signal around the world.

Common Objectives from Experience Gained

The MDBs collectively are ready, in collaboration with other International Financial Institutions, UN agencies and other development partners, to build upon their respective mandates, expertise, and resources to help countries and their public and private sectors respond to the challenge of climate change while achieving the MDGs. To this end, we endeavour to:

help developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, adapt to climate change and strengthen the climate resilience of their development processes;

Help ensure that the world economy develops along a sustainable greenhouse gas emissions pathway;

Promote sustainable development, respecting human rights, in all client countries, and help developing countries achieve the MDGs;

Facilitate and enable access to finance for the development and transfer of climate-friendly technology and knowledge according to the needs and priorities of partner countries;

Promote market based solutions and mobilize and leverage private sector finance in support of climate change objectives.

MDB Collaboration for Better Results

First, in order to facilitate efficient and effective public and private investment, the MDBs endeavour to further coordinate their financing of climate actions within a common framework in accordance with their respective mandates, expertise, and resources. Such a framework will benefit from lessons learnt from our cooperation past and present, including recently-established Climate Investment Funds executed by the MDBs. As part of this common framework, we will seek to provide and facilitate country-driven, comprehensive packages of technical assistance and financing which may include blends of loans, grants, equity, carbon finance, and guarantees as appropriate and available. We will also seek to leverage public funds with private financial flows so as to mobilize market-based financing for climate investments.

Second, the MDBs will work to scale up financing for adaptation, developing projects and programmes that contribute to greater climate resilience, supporting national adaptation strategies, strengthening related institutions, and providing technical assistance and insurance products.

Third, following the outcome of the UNFCCC negotiations, the MDBs are also ready to scale up their support of processes that generate positive incentives relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. We recognize agriculture, the building sector, industry and municipal infrastructure as other important sectors where opportunities exist to reduce emissions with proper incentives, capacity-building and technical support.

Fourth, the MDBs already have projects and programmes in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation systems, and will further support increasing public and private sector investment to scale-up such projects and programmes using the full array of climate finance instruments and other financing products.

Fifth, the MDBs endeavour to work together to facilitate the continuity of and to reinforce the carbon market and related mechanisms beyond 2012. Our efforts will be directed to support a wider participation of all client countries and their private sectors in such mechanisms thereby facilitating a more equitable geographical distribution of their benefits. We intend to make available financing instruments to scale-up emission reductions, notably through programmatic and other broad approaches, as well as to provide further help to manage risks related to regulatory uncertainties associated with a post-2012 climate regime. We further intend to support countries in building readiness to participate effectively in these mechanisms by building the capacity of domestic public institutions and the private sector, including for project determination and emission verification, and by facilitating the establishment of domestic regulatory frameworks.

Sixth, the MDBs will seek to continue coordinating and harmonizing their respective approaches, processes and practices in the field of climate change to ensure a high-quality service to our clients, and to coordinate as appropriate with others supporting developing countries efforts to cope with climate change. We will continue to enhance knowledge and shared learning of best practices, including vulnerability and climate risk assessments at the regional, country and project level, low-emissions growth studies and other analytical work and tools.

Finally, the MDBs will support these efforts through technical advice, knowledge, and policy-development work. The IMF will advise countries in creating and managing fiscal space for dealing with the challenges of climate change, and in addressing the fiscal and financial risks that it poses.

The Heads of the MDBs and the IMF stand ready to put the depth and breadth of their human and financial resources at the service of the UNFCCC Parties and their private sectors in confronting the challenges posed by climate change. Rising to these challenges is imperative to avoid dangerous climate change and the threat that it poses to the achievement of the MDGs. An equitable and ambitious outcome in Copenhagen offers the prospect of sustainable development in all regions and countries.

Janet Napolitano Annoucnes Virtual Job Fair

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the launch of a virtual job fair at www.dhs.gov/cyberjobfair to recruit cybersecurity experts—capitalizing on DHS’ recently acquired authority to recruit and hire up to 1,000 cybersecurity professionals across the Department over the next three years.

“Effective cybersecurity is a shared responsibility between individuals, communities, government and the private sector to protect our cyber networks from terrorism and intrusion,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The virtual job fair will help us recruit top cyber analysts, developers and engineers to serve their country by leading the nation’s defenses against cyber threats.”

Through the virtual job fair, DHS is looking for applicants with experience in cyber risk and strategic analysis; malware/vulnerability analysis; incident response; exercise facilitation and management; vulnerability detection and assessment; intelligence analysis; and cyber-related infrastructure interdependency analysis.

The new hiring authority, which results from a collaborative effort between DHS, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget, streamlines the hiring process to allow the Department to hire up to 1,000 positions over three years across DHS to fulfill critical cybersecurity roles. Although DHS does not anticipate the need to fill all 1,000 positions, this cap reflects the Obama administration’s commitment to building a world-class cyber organization and competing for the nation’s top cybersecurity talent.

Secretary Napolitano announced the new hiring authority in October as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a campaign to highlight the steps being taken by the federal government to secure the nation’s cyber infrastructure, systems and networks and educate citizens about guarding against cyber threats at home, work and school.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/cyberjobfair.

Imaging Technology for Airports

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the first 11 airports to receive advanced imaging technology (AIT) units purchased with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds—strengthening security at airports throughout the country while boosting local economies.

“By accelerating the deployment of this technology, we are enhancing our capability to detect and disrupt threats of terrorism across the nation,” said Secretary Napolitano. “These 11 airports will be the first of many to receive this enhanced technology as a result of the Recovery Act.”

Based on security and operational needs, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will deploy AIT units to the following airports:

Boston Logan International (BOS)

Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FFL)

Kansas City International (MCI)

Los Angeles International (LAX)

Mineta San José International (SJC)

Oakland International (OAK)

Port Columbus International (CMH)

San Diego International (SAN)

AIT units are being installed today at Boston Logan International airport, and within the coming week at Chicago O’Hare International airport, followed by full deployment of the ARRA-funded technology at the remainder of the 11 airports by Summer 2010. All airports receiving ARRA-funded AIT units, except Los Angeles International, are receiving this technology for the first time.

Additional airports will be announced in the near future. Many factors are taken into consideration before AIT units are deployed including airport readiness, checkpoint infrastructure, and capacity to ensure privacy protections—including a separate, remotely located room for viewing images.

Advanced imaging technology is designed to bolster security by safely screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats—including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing. The ARRA-funded machines will include the latest security enhancements to detect new and evolving threats.

TSA ensures passenger privacy through the anonymity of AIT images—a privacy filter is applied to blur all images; images are permanently deleted immediately once viewed and are never stored, transmitted or printed; and the officer viewing the image is stationed in a remote location so as not to come into contact with passengers being screened.

Currently, 40 AIT units purchased previously are deployed at 19 airports nationwide. TSA expects to deploy a total of 450 AIT units by the end of 2010.

Last month, in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the Recovery Act, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the ARRA investments in technology and infrastructure at airports across the country.

ARRA, signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, committed more than $3 billion for homeland security projects through DHS and the General Services Administration (GSA). Of the $1 billion allocated to TSA for aviation security projects, $700 million is dedicated to screening checked baggage and $300 million is allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technologies.

Make Your Homes More Affordable

If you're having trouble getting a straight answer in connection with the Making Home Affordable program, call 1-888-995-HOPE and they will be able to get you the help you need.

If you believe you have experienced discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, or another reason, contact HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at 1-800-669-9777.

Update by the American Red Cross

February 12, 2010 — The American Red Cross today issued a one-month progress report on its efforts to provide food, water, relief supplies, shelter, healthcare, family services and other assistance since the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.

“Every day since the earthquake, we have been focused on getting aid into the hands of those who need it most,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO with the American Red Cross. “The American people have entrusted us with this responsibility, and we remain committed to helping the people of Haiti cope with their losses.”

Since the earthquake, the American Red Cross has raised approximately $255 million for the Haiti relief and recovery efforts. To date, it has spent or committed $80 million, with approximately 69 percent of the funds spent or committed for food and water; 20 percent for shelter; and 11 percent for health and family services. As the response progresses and recovery begins, the Red Cross will continue to support these priority areas and longer-term assistance initiatives.v

In coordination with other relief agencies, the Red Cross aims to address the complex shelter situation in Haiti through a combination of strategies, including:

Providing local families with solutions that will encourage them to rebuild safely near their pre-disaster homes, supporting host families who are housing displaced people, supporting people in post-quake settlements by providing both tarps and tents, Health and Family Services

Since the earthquake, American Red Cross has provided nearly 750 units of blood for earthquake survivors, more than 50 Creole-speaking interpreters for the USNS Comfort hospital ship, and $600,000 worth of food for the mobile clinics and hospitals operated by other Red Cross teams in Haiti.

In the United States, the American Red Cross has been providing welcoming services, shelter and other support for repatriated citizens and medical evacuees who arrived home following the earthquake. In addition, the American Red Cross is helping people find and reestablish contact with their loved ones in Haiti through its international family tracing service – a form of assistance that is also being provided by the Red Cross in Haiti.

Looking Ahead

It is clear that what took minutes to destroy will take many years and the collective support from governments and relief agencies across the globe to help rebuild. Because of extraordinary support from the American public, the American Red Cross will continue to play an important role in relief efforts in the months ahead.

“The needs are great, but the generous support of the American people is making a difference every day,” said McGovern.

Marylanders' Reponse to Haiti

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 15, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley today encouraged Maryland residents who wish to help with the ongoing earthquake relief efforts in Haiti to provide monetary donations to agencies that are or will be deploying to the area. The Governor has asked the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to coordinate the preparation of any state or local assets that may be requested.

“The devastation that we have seen from media reports in Haiti is unspeakable,” the Governor said. “We have received calls and emails from many Marylanders looking for ways to help in the relief efforts. The best and most effective means of assistance we can provide is economic support to disaster relief agencies who are experienced with these types of operations.”

Monetary donations are the best way to support relief activities in any disaster. The State Department is tasked with coordinating any United States response to a foreign disaster, and has established a link to a list of disaster relief agencies working in the area. The list also includes information on how to make donations to the agencies.

MEMA is reaching out to other state agencies, local emergency managers and volunteer agencies around Maryland to discuss what assets might be available if requested by the State Department. There also have been meetings with the Maryland National Guard to discuss transportation of people, supplies and equipment to Haiti, if requested.

Those wishing to donate clothing and other materials are asked not to do so unless a disaster response agency specifically requests such items. After many disasters, truckloads of such good often are discarded due to the difficulty of matching the donated items with an appropriate recipient; therefore monetary donations are strongly encouraged as they can be used to more effectively assist survivors.

Marylanders who wish to help should not deploy to any disaster area unless they belong to a disaster relief organization or an approved response agency and have been requested by the State Department, MEMA or a local emergency management office.

WHO

13 JANUARY 2010 | GENEVA -- The severe earthquake that struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic has inflicted large-scale damage, including on hospitals and health facilities, and large numbers of casualties are feared.

Immediate health priorities include:

Control of communicable diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, will be another major concern in coming days.

WHO is working with local authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to respond to the emergency. More specifically, WHO is supporting the Haitian government to best coordinate international health assistance to the country. WHO is also collecting data on the health impact of the earthquake to disseminate to other humanitarian aid providers.

In addition, WHO is deploying a 12-member team of health and logistics experts. The WHO experts being sent include specialists in mass casualty management, coordination of emergency health response and the management of dead bodies.

UN buildings, including the WHO premises, have suffered damage in the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which struck on 12 January. The main force of the earthquake was felt 17 kilometres south-west of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haiti is a country that has already suffered from years of humanitarian crisis and natural disasters, including a series of hurricanes that battered the country in 2008.

Electorate Way Ahead

12-15-09 There is broad support among Democrats, Republicans and Independents for a bipartisan fiscal commission to address America's debt and deficit challenges according to a new poll commissioned by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. The poll also shows that Americans believe dealing with the debt and deficit should be a top priority and that leaders Washington are not paying enough attention to this issue.

"The bottom line is that our electorate is way ahead of Washington policymakers — many of whom who don't seem to realize that we can't spend and borrow our way to prosperity," said David M. Walker, President & CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

"Tough choices must be made in connection with budget controls, entitlement reforms, spending constraints and revenue increases. A special bipartisan commission is needed to engage the American people in a discussion about comprehensive reforms."

There is growing recognition among policymakers that a bipartisan commission is the best way to address the fiscal crisis. It was recently reported that the Obama Administration is giving serious consideration to establishing a special commission to addressing America's large and growing structural deficits and debt burdens.

Among the survey's findings:

80% of voters believe dealing with America's growing budget deficit and national debt should be a high or absolute top priority for the President and Congress, second only to preeminent need to get the economy back on track and get Americans back to work.

Voters ranked the need for the President and Congress to deal with our nation's growing deficit and debt ahead other timely issues facing our country, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, improving public schools, passing health care reform, and cutting taxes for the middle class.

Roughly two-thirds of voters (66%), believe leaders in Washington D.C. are not paying enough attention to federal budget problems. This is a significant increase from the 56% of voters who felt the same way earlier this year, according to a PGPF national survey conducted in February 2009.

The survey reveals that 70% of voters favor a bi-partisan fiscal commission to the regular congressional process as the best means to begin tackling our growing budget deficit and national debt.

Support for a special bipartisan commission was consistent among Democrats (71% support), Republicans (68%) and Independents (69%). Even after hearing an argument for and against it, support for a bipartisan commission remained strong, with 63% of voters favoring a commission after hearing both pro and con arguments.

The poll is based on a national survey of 700 registered voters. The survey was conducted November 16-18, 2009 by leading pollsters Public Opinion Strategies and Peter D. Hart Research Associates and has a margin of error of +/- 3.7%.

Napolitano Announces Grants Program

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the release of fiscal year 2010 grant application guidance kits for 13 DHS grant programs totaling more than $2.7 billion—funds for state, local, tribal and territorial governments and private sector entities to strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

The grant program guidance kits announced today also incorporate the input of DHS’ state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners and include specific steps undertaken by DHS to improve the ability of state and local partners to apply for and utilize grant funding.

The guidance announced by Secretary Napolitano today has increased tribal funding, reduced administrative paperwork for state and local government and enabled local jurisdictions to use preparedness funding for ongoing maintenance contracts, warranties, repair or replacement costs, upgrades and user fees for equipment purchased with previous DHS grants.

These 13 preparedness grant programs may fund a variety of activities including planning, organization, equipment purchases, training and exercises:See The full grant information

2.5 Million Cribs Recalled

WASHINGTON, DC11-24-2009 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., of British Columbia, Canada, today announced the voluntary recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs, including about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.

The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break, deform, or parts can become missing. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

CPSC, Health Canada, and Stork Craft are aware of 110 incidents of drop-side detachment; 67 incidents occurred in the United States and 43 in Canada. The incidents include 15 entrapments; 12 in the U.S. and three in Canada. Four of the entrapments resulted in suffocation: a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. Included in these incidents are 20 falls from cribs; 12 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. Fall injuries ranged from concussion to bumps and bruises. The cribs involved in these incidents had plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, missing, or deformed claws, connectors, tracks, or flexible tab stops; loose or missing metal spring clips; stripped screws; and/or drop-sides installed upside-down.

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.

This recall includes Stork Craft cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009. This recall also includes Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that have manufacturing dates between October 1997 and December 2004. The Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo were first sold in the U.S. in July 1998 and in Canada in September 1998.

Fannie Mae New Executives

WASHINGTON, DC — Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Williams announced the appointment of three new executive vice presidents as the company fills key positions and rounds out its new leadership team. Timothy J. Mayopoulos has been appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Edward G. Watson has been appointed Executive Vice President, Operations and Technology. Kenneth J. Phelan has been appointed Executive Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management.

"Each of these outstanding individuals brings extensive and distinguished experience in their respective fields to the critical positions they assume at Fannie Mae," said Williams. "We're very pleased that the company continues to attract top talent as we continue to build and realign our company to better serve the market and prevent foreclosures during these difficult economic times. I look forward to working closely with Tim, Ed and Ken in the months ahead, and I'm certain we will benefit tremendously from their wisdom and leadership."

Mayopoulos has 25 years of legal experience. He comes to Fannie Mae from Bank of America, where he served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for five years and was responsible for the delivery of all legal services for the Fortune 50, diversified financial services company. Prior to his position at Bank of America, Mayopoulos was Managing Director and General Counsel, Americas for Deutsche Bank AG's Corporate and Investment Bank. Prior to that he was the Managing Director and Senior Deputy General Counsel, Americas for Credit Suisse First Boston. Before moving in-house, Mayopoulos was in private practice at Davis Polk & Wardwell. Mayopoulos is a graduate of the New York University School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

Watson joins Fannie Mae with more than 25 years experience in the financial services industry. He most recently served as Global Head, Capital Markets Operations and ICG Business Services at Citigroup where he was responsible for 5,600 employees in 70 countries. Prior to his tenure at Citigroup, Watson held senior positions at Republic Bank and Shearson Lehman Brothers. Watson has a Master's degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University and a Bachelor of Arts, Accounting degree from St. John's University.

Phelan joins the company with an extensive background in risk management, most recently as Senior Executive Vice President, Risk Management Group at Wachovia Corporation. Prior to Wachovia, he served as Head of Risk Management Services at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and held senior positions at UBS and CS First Boston. Phelan is a graduate of the Villanova University School of Law and he holds a Master's degree from Trinity College and an undergraduate degree from Old Dominion University.

"We welcome Tim, Ed and Ken to the company and we're very pleased to be able to fill these key positions with such quality individuals," said Philip A. Laskawy, Chairman of the Board. "Fannie Mae continues to play a central role in the collective effort to prevent foreclosures, stabilize the markets and hasten recovery. As we continue fulfilling this important mission, it is critical that we have a highly skilled leadership team in place moving forward. These appointments will strengthen the company and bolster our ability to fully execute the Administration's Making Home Affordable plan."

Can I Buy a Fannie Mae Home 3-14-2009

Fannie Mae works with all of its partners to help homeowners prevent and avoid foreclosure; however, sometimes it is unavoidable. When foreclosures occur on mortgages in which Fannie Mae is the investor, our goal is to sell properties in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on the community.

What kinds of properties are available in the Fannie Mae HomePath database?

Fannie Mae's HomePath database includes only properties that are owned by Fannie Mae. There is a wide selection of homes, including single-family homes, condominiums, and town houses -- located in a variety of neighborhoods. The number, types and the sales prices of the homes that are offered for sale may vary substantially. Many of these homes are relatively new; however, older homes are offered in some areas. Some homes may require repairs.

How is buying a home owned or managed by Fannie Mae different from other home purchases?

Usually, when you buy a home, you deal with a seller who lives in the home. Fannie Mae has acquired these properties through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or forfeiture. When buying a Fannie Mae-owned home, you should know the condition of the property, as explained in more detail below, the cost of any needed repairs, and the steps in the loan qualification and closing process before you enter into a purchase and sales agreement.

Has Fannie Mae fixed everything in the house?

Fannie Mae may make some repairs to properties to increase their marketability; however, the buyer should be aware that other repairs may be needed. Fannie Mae sells each property "as is," which means that the buyer accepts the property "as is." Fannie Mae is not responsible for fixing any problems after settlement. Even if the house has fresh paint, brand new carpet, new appliances, perhaps even a new roof or siding, it doesn't mean everything in the house is new, or even works.

Fannie Mae does not warrant or guarantee any work that may have been done on the property, whether as part of its efforts to sell the home or pursuant to conditions in the purchase contract. Where a home warranty is available, you may wish to buy it at your own expense. You should also consider hiring a qualified professional to inspect the property, whether it has been repaired or not.

Hiring a home inspector is a recommended practice, no matter what type of home you buy.

What can you tell me about this house?

If Fannie Mae knows of any hazards on properties we own or market, we disclose this information through our real estate listing agents. However, we may not have been informed by the previous owner of all hazards. We encourage you to have the property inspected by a professional before you buy.

What type of sales contract does Fannie Mae use?

Fannie Mae uses a state-specific real estate purchase contract and a real estate purchase addendum for our properties. If there is anything in the document you don't understand or aren't comfortable with, you may want to contact a real estate attorney, the real estate sales professional who has listed the property, or any real estate professional of your choice to review these documents with you.

Do I have to use Fannie Mae's selected title, settlement, or escrow companies?

No. You may designate the title, settlement, or escrow company of your choice, subject to the terms of the contract.

Will Fannie Mae accept an offer contingent on the sale of my house?

No, Fannie Mae will not accept offers contingent on the sale of your current home. Other types of contingencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why does Fannie Mae require a lender's prequalification statement before negotiating a home purchase offer?

Fannie Mae wants to be sure that prospective buyers will be able to complete the sales transaction, including obtaining financing when needed. Prequalification allows you to see how much house you can afford and the mortgage amount you may be able to qualify for before you make an offer on a home. It also helps you focus on homes in an affordable price range. A loan prequalification doesn't mean your loan is approved. You must apply for a loan separately, after you are prequalified and your purchase offer is accepted.

Does Fannie Mae provide special financing?

Special financing is available on many properties through HomePath® Mortgage and HomePath® Renovation Mortgage.

Can I buy a house directly from Fannie Mae without going through a real estate sales professional?

No. Fannie Mae depends on the expertise of local real estate sales professionals and accepts offers only through our real estate listing agents. You may work with any real estate sales professional to submit an offer to the real estate agent who has listed the property.

What happens if Fannie Mae gets more than one offer?

All interested parties may be asked to submit their best offer in writing though the listing agent no later than a specified date and time. Fannie Mae may accept or provide a counteroffer that we determine to be in our best interest. Fannie Mae is not obligated to accept any offer submitted. To get more information on financing a Fannie Mae home see: http://www.fanniemae.com/homepath/financing/index.jhtml