Maliki Confident That U.S.-Iraq Economic Relations Will Prosper

By Courtney Costello- Talk Radio News Service

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki expressed his support for stronger economic relations between the U.S. and Iraq on Friday at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Iraq Business Initiative conference.

Through a translator, Maliki said he supported a firm economic alliance with the U.S. and described Iraq's economic turn around. He said that Iraq has become a promising market and has much to offer in terms of infrastructure and business. He also commented on Iraq's initiative to boost its economy and move it from a centralized system to an open market.

Said Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, "The U.S. Chamber is prepared to play a special role in forging closer commercial ties between the United States and Iraq."

Donohue added that "Iraq must also do its part to attract foreign investment. It must root out corruption, increase transparency, strengthen the rule of law and remove barriers to doing business."

Maliki explained how Iraq's increased security level has benefited the country's economy, stating that citizens have seen their average wages increase dramatically from 700 dollars per year to 4,000 dollars per year. He also said that the nation's inflation rate has lowered drastically as has its unemployment rate, which has decreased roughly 35% in recent years.

"There is no question that U.S. companies have many opportunities to help revive the Iraqi economy [and] beat down 25 years of brutal dictatorship with a strong economy," said Donohue.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Summit on October 20th-21st, which it will underline economic improvements that have been made in Iraq as well as help the country gain even more U.S. investment support.

Gingrich, Other GOP Leaders Lament Lack Of Offshore Drilling

By Courtney Costello- Talk Radio News Service

One year after President Bush signed an executive order lifting the federal ban on drilling along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)," congressional leaders gathered in Washington to shed light on the Obama administration's failure to make offshore drilling a priority.

“In the last 29 years, nothing has been done to upgrade our knowledge about gas and oil reserves [off American shores],” said former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.).

Funding OCS offshore drilling will help create 1.2 million jobs for Americans, and create a pay roll close to 70 billion dollars, if these resources are used right away, said Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wa.).

The Congressional leaders all stressed that the U.S. has to limit its dependency on foreign oil.

“The idea that we are sending dollars abroad, taking jobs away from our Americans, bleeding our economy to buy oil from overseas is wrong, when we have vast quantities available...I’ve suggested, let’s have a transition, with fossil fuels developed in this country. Develop them for domestic use and transfer those dollars into developing alternative forms of energy,” said Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska).

Female Senators Show Support For Sotomayor

By Courtney Costello- Talk Radio News Service

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) explained their support Thursday for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor in relation to the nominee's gender.

“[Sotomayor’s nomination is] important because we want our [government] institutions in this country...to reflect the diversity of our country, and the majority of the people in this country are women and we need to be represented. It doesn’t mean women are better but we are equal,” said Boxer.

The Senators described how Sotomayor’s 17 years of experience as a judge is more than any other nominee to the Supreme Court in the past hundred years.

In addition to gaining the backing of law enforcement organizations, The American Bar Association and the National Association of Women Lawyers found Sotoymayor to be very qualified, said Klobuchar.

Boxer stressed that Sotomayor deserves a fair process without any foul play.

“This woman, this excellent judge deserves to be treated fairly and equal to those who came before her,” said Boxer.

Sonia Sotomayor’s will begin confirmation hearings on Monday July 13th by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Recommends New Safety Policies For Nuclear Facilities

By Courtney Costello- Talk Radio News Service

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko recommended the adoption of a safety culture policy statement for all nuclear facilities Tuesday.

“[The safety culture policy] is an area that I think there is tremendous uncertainty and tremendous interest among licensees, among the public, and I think it’s an area that we need to ultimately bring to some closure,” said Jaczko.

The safety culture policy would entail a common definition of safety practices that would be a guideline for all nuclear facilities.

Jaczko also recommended changing NRC’s money management, updating security and safety regulations, and enhancing the Commission’s communication efforts with the public.

Health And Human Services Department To Give Grants To Uninsured Children

Courtney Costello-Talk Radio News Service

Grant applications are now available through the Health and Human Services Department for organizations and state and local governments to receive between $25 thousand and $1 million to help uninsured children receive health care.

During a conference call with reporters, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, announced that that the funding will be coming from Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), which was passed in February. It will provide $40 million in grants this year and a total of $100 million in grants over the next four years.

“This grant opportunity is going to be a great help to states and communities that are working hard to ensure kids and families are getting health care that they need even in the down turn,” said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter.

According to Sebelius, the grants will be primarily awarded towards cities and rural areas where there are high populations of uninsured children. Sebelius predicts the program will also allow states to reach out to over 4 million children who are currently uninsured.