U.S. Envoy Says International Cooperation In Sudan Is Vital

By Justine Rellosa- Talk Radio News Service

The President’s Special Envoy for Sudan General Scott Gration told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday that an international effort must be implemented in order to guarantee peace, accountability and security for Darfur as Sudan prepares for an independence referendum in 2011.

“We have to have more people join with us; That’s why we’re reaching out in a very concerted way to expand our team," Gration said. "Not that we’re stepping away, but to make sure that other people step up to the plate and this becomes an international issue to resolve, and not a U.S issue to fix."

Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) agreed with Gration's sentiments and said that Congress needs to “reengage on Sudan.”

“I am developing legislation to help shape our Sudan policy and ensure that our policies maximize the chances of peace,” Kerry said. “The bill will seek to re-frame U.S. assistance, prepare for the potential changes that may come and accelerate contingency development capacity.”

Sen. Lieberman Shows Support At Rally To End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

By Justine Rellosa- Talk Radio News Service

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) made an appearance at a rally Tuesday morning held by gay and lesbian veterans who hope to convince members of Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the controversial policy barring gay Americans from openly serving in the military, this year.

“The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is consistent with our country’s best values and it is consistent with the best interests of the United States military, and therefore, Americans' national security,” Lieberman said. “We have justice on our side ... we really can, and I believe will, repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' this year.”

The veterans and Lieberman converged on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Following the rally, the veterans planned on going inside the Congressional office buildings and talking to members and their staffs directly.

“We need to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' now ... this legislation is sending good people out of the military," said Joe Lazzerini, a member of the Army Reserve from Massachusetts. "I want to be able to continue serving my country, not because I’m gay, but because I do like serving my country.”

In the coming weeks, Congress will take on the Defense Authorization Bill. Opponents of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are expected to attempt to add an amendment to repeal the policy.

American Dollars Should Not Help Fund Greek Bailout, Says Pence

By Justine Rellosa
Talk Radio News Service

On Tuesday House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) issued a definitive 'no' on the U.S. contributing any financial assistance to Greece.

"Instead of putting American taxpayers and future generations at further risk by bailing out European countries...our country should be tending to our own fiscal crisis," he said. "Where did this administration get the impression that we have the money to be bailing out fiscal recklessness in the European Union?"

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), of which the U.S. is a member, has agreed to contribute $39 billion of the total $140 billion rescue package to help Greece avoid defaulting on its massive debt. Pence said he fears the U.S. would be on the hook for billions as its status as the IMF's largest contributor.

As a result, Pence said he will lead a coalition of Republicans in drafting a bill designed to prevent the U.S. from participating in bailing out nations in the "Euro Zone."

"The [legislation] would block any funding that has not been borrowed by the IMF, from being used by the IMF, to provide loans to any nation that uses the Euro as its primary currency."

Pence added that House Republicans are determined to oppose more bailouts forced on the American public.

Reed Amendment Would Strengthen Regulation On Investment Pools

By Justine Rellosa
Talk Radio News Service

During a conference call Monday, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) said he will soon introduce an amendment to the Senate's financial regulatory reform bill aimed at closing loopholes within the financial sector.

Reed’s bill would require investment pools, such as hedge funds, private equity funds and venture capital funds, to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to Reed, this would boost transparency within the greater system.

“This approach is designed to give the regulators better insight about size, leverage and risk-taking in private pools of capital and I think that is going to be helpful,” he said.

Specifically, Reed wants to require advisers that fall short of the new $100 million adviser registration threshold to either register with the SEC or open their documents to state regulators for inspection.

Reed said he will introduce his amendment on the floor next Monday and assured that there is bipartisan support for it.

“By in large, there is strong support on both sides."

Group In Landmark Supreme Court Case Blasts DISCLOSE Act

By Justine Rellosa
Talk Radio News Service

The leader of a conservative non-profit group that was at the center of a major Supreme Court ruling earlier this year had harsh words for legislation aimed at adding more transparency to the process by which foreign corporations make campaign contributions.

In 2008, the group, Citizens United, filed an injunction against the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for enforcing provisions within the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act -- also known as McCain-Feingold -- that prevented the group from running television ads to promote a documentary film it produced entitled, Hillary: The Movie within 30 days of the 2008 Democratic primaries.

After a federal court ruled in favor of the FEC's actions, Citizens United appealed and the case went before the Supreme Court. In January of this year, the Court ruled in favor of the group, arguing that corporate funding of political elections cannot be limited under the First Amendment.

During a press conference today, Citizens United President David Bossie assailed a recently introduced piece of legislation called the “Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE)” Act, arguing that it does not consider the First Amendment rights of Americans.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), is aimed at prohibiting foreign influence on American elections, and strengthens the 'Pay-to-Play' law.

“This debate is about one thing and one thing only, the right of all Americans to speak out for or against their elected officials,” said Bossie. “Senator Schumer stated that he hoped this legislation would result in fewer people participating in the political process...if that’s not the definition of chilling free speech, I don’t know what is.”

Craig Holman, a legislative representative for Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, offered support for the bill.

“What could be achieved in the DISCLOSE Act is critical disclosure provisions that allow members of Congress and the public to realize...who is financing various campaign ads, who’s behind the campaign ads, and what interest it is that they’re attempting to achieve behind those campaign ads,” he said.