Retired Lt. General calls for change in Afghan War

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service

While testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Retired Lt. General David Barno said that in his opinion the Afghan war at the beginning of 2009 was "drifting towards failure", and that a change in strategy is necessary. He defined success for the United States in 5 ways. First, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda being defeated in the region and denied usable sanctuary, preventing them from engaging in future attacks on the United States and its allies. Secondly, Pakistan would become a long term ally of the United States, and no longer would serve as a terrorist base. Next, success for NATO is important to the US mission, as is establishing a stable and sustainable Afghan government which is legitimate in the eyes of its people and can govern and control its territory. Finally, the people in this region should be confident in U.S. as a friend in helping them combat extremism. (2:12)
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McCain: "We must win the war in Afghanistan"

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) emphasized the importance of winning the Afghan war, because otherwise it would hurt American standing in the world, and "deal a crushing blow to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization" (NATO). He said the problems with the war is that it has been fought without enough troops, without sufficient economic aid, without effective coordination, and without a regional strategy. (01:27)
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Fraud contributed to economic crisis

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

This was an answer given by Neil Barofsky, Special Inspector General for the Trouble Assets Relief Program, at a Senate Judiciary Hearing, when asked by Committee Chairman Partrick Leahy (D-Vt), whether or not he thought fraud contributed to the economic crisis.
February 11, 2009.


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"Come on in, fraud is welcome"

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Committee Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) made this comment in an opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee on how he felt banks and private mortgage companies had relaxed their standards for loans.
February 11, 2009.
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Nominee for the Director of CIA talks possible threats

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Leon Panetta, nominee for the Director of the CIA listed a number of potential threats facing America today at his hearing before the Senate Select Intelligence Committee. February 5, 2009.
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Director for CIA nominee calls for cross-party unity

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Leon Panetta, nominee for Director of the CIA called for Republicans and Democrats to work together in tackling security at his hearing before the Senate Select Intelligence Committee today. February 5, 2009.
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Deputy Attorney General nominee talks torture

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Or), asks Deputy Attorney General nominee David Ogden his opinion on torture at his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today. February 5, 2009.
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Former Vice-President Al Gore speaks at Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Former Vice-President Al Gore speaks at a Climate Change hearing and says that "we must take bold action now" in order to find solutions for our climate crisis which will lead to solutions for our economic and national security problems as well. We are buying foreign oil and using burning it in ways that destroy our planet. Gore says that "the first step is already before us. I urge this congress to quickly pass the entirety of President Obama's Recovery Package." (1:25)

by Suzia van Swol and Candyce Torres, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
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Lilly Ledbetter wants women of the future to have equal pay

by Suzia van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service and Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Talk Radio News Service speaks with Lilly Ledbetter after a news conference to discuss her Fair Pay Act 2009. January 22, 2009.


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Equal wage for equal work likely to pass in Senate

By Suzia van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service and Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Senator Barbara Mikulski speaks at a news conference today to discuss the progress of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act 2009. January 22, 2009.


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Voinovich: Auto companies should be bailed out

Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) expresses disappointment that the Senate did not pass the bailout bill but also said that the Bush administation may have the correct answer. (1:43)
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Lott: As Senate leader, I would force a vote

Speaking to reporters after the first presidential debate, former Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) says that if he were still Senate Majority Leader, he would force a vote. On important political votes like this, he says, Senators and Members of the House will delay as long as possible. (0:31)


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Mother of dead soldier testifies to Senate

Cheryl Harris, whose son was electrocuted in Iraq because faulty wiring, talks about her son's tragedy and how contractors should be held accountable. (1:20)
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Republicans blocking Senate debate

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) describes the Senate as “surreal” due to the actions of republicans and their refusal to allow debate on issues important to Americans. (0:46)
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“Democrats need to put our troops first”

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Ensign (R-Nev.) says that “we are at war, and our troops need funding,” but that the Democrats are not putting the troops first. He said the Democrats are adding items to the supplemental bill that are “inviting a veto.” (0:34)
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Kerry asks for privacy for Kennedy and his family

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) says that it is important for people to remember that Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), though a living legend, deserves privacy for his family. He said Kennedy is drawing strength from his wife, his two children, and his caring family. He said Kennedy is determined to fight the cancer, and wants co continue to fight for “the people of Massachusetts and the things he believes in in the United States Senate.” (0:55)
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“The Senate really is a family”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) says that the Senate is concerned for Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and his health. He says anyone who knows Kennedy knows he is a fighter, and has risen to every challenge he has faced, and that “we’re confident he will rise to this one as well.” (0:32)
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Senator Levin gets tough on Secretary Gates

Senator Levin discusses differences in the testimonies of Secretary Gates and General Petraeus. He also disagrees with the Secretary going off of "hope."(1:29)
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Attorney General Mukasey disputes that the OLC memo argued that the 4th Amendment does not apply to domestic military operations

In a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Feinstein questioned Attorney General Mike Mukasey about a Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel memo allegedly arguing that the 4th Amendment’s prohibition of warrantless, unreasonable searches and seizures. Mukasey responds that his statement that the 4th Amendment applies "across the board" is not newsworthy, saying that his understanding of the memo is not that it argued the 4th Amendment did not apply. (0:40)
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Attorney General Mukasey says that the 4th Amendment applies to domestic military operations

In a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Feinstein questioned Attorney General Mike Mukasey about a Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel memo allegedly arguing that the 4th Amendment's prohibition of warrantless, unreasonable searches and seizures. Mukasey initially avoided answering by saying that he was unaware of any domestic military operations, but he then said that the 4th Amendment applies "across the board." (0:41)
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