Detainee Language In Defense Bill Irks Pentagon's Top Lawyer

By Lisa Kellman

Defense Department General Counsel Jeh Johnson spoke out Tuesday against provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act’s (NDAA) that would force give the military full control of handling suspected terrorists.

The Senate and House have each drafted versions of the 2012 NDAA, the primary funding bill for the Department of Defense, and while there is broad agreement on the major issues, the detainee-related provisions inserted by Republicans are a point of contempt.

The provisions would amend the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) Act that gave the president increased authority to capture and prosecute suspected terrorists. The new policies proposed would restrict transfer of detainees out of U.S military prisons and force civilian governments to turn over terror suspects to the U.S. military.

Johnson, who spoke at The Heritage Foundation, argued that pending legislation from Congress will “limit the executive branch’s and military’s counterterrorism options, complicate our efforts to achieve continued success and will make military detention more controversial, not less.”

Johnson recommended a “less controversial, more credible and sustainable legal framework” similar to that afforded by the AUMF.

The Washington Post has more on the story…

U.S. May Not Be Prepared For Public Health Crises, Says New Report

By Chingyu Wang-Talk Radio News Service

According to a report issued by Trust For America's Health (TFAH), an organization based around disease prevention, many states are not prepared for a possible public health crisis.

"13 states have purchased less than 50% of their share of federally-subsidized antiviral drugs to stockpile for use during an influenza pandemic," said Jeffrey Levi, the organizations director.

Levi also pointed out that 27 states cut funding for public health in FY 2008-09 due to the recession.

The report states that the H1N1 flu outbreak highlights possible problems with the U.S.'s ability to respond to public health crises. Partial blame can be attributed to the lagging state of the economy, TFAH contends.

Just a Spoonful "Economic Medicine"

By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service

The Recovery Act is doing just as its name promised, according a press conference Wednesday from the office of Vice President Joe Biden. Biden released his first of a series of quarterly reports to President Barack Obama Wednesday morning.

In an on background conference call, a senior administration official from the Vice President’s Office said the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has shown “early progress providing immediate financial relief for American families.”

The recession has been broad-based, causing unemployment to rise across the country. However, the Recovery Act has been responsible for creation of 150,000 new jobs so far, across all 50 states, including those in areas where it is most needed. “There are programs targeted to specific high unemployment
areas,” the official said.

The report discussions on state fiscal stabilization funds highlights Wisconsin’s application. It is is a good example of how states are “ramping up,” according to the official.

“The report find the anticipated funds are already having an effect on economic and job growth as private sector companies step up to meet expected demand for their projects under the act and state governments adjust their spending plans and they expect to received additional funds,” the
official said.