Sen. Schumer Shoots Down Proposed Iranian Missile Shield

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News Service

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) defended the scrapping of a missle shield aimed at preventing an attack from Iran Thursday morning after a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The missile shield is an ineffective and expensive way to deal with missiles," said Schumer.

The initial plan, which would have established a missle defense sysytem in Poland and the Czech Republic, was recently halted by President Barack Obama.

Schumer went on to say that the missle shield would only antagnonize the Russians and suggested an economic deterrent to Iran's alleged nuclear pursuit.

"We need to squeeze them economically," said Schumer.

Secretary Clinton left without comment.

Kerry Calls For China And U.S. To Speed Up Climate Change Conversation

Travis Martinez. University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

Sen John Kerry (D-Mass.), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called upon the U.S. and China to escalate their efforts to prevent climate change Tuesday.

"These conversations [about climate change] between the U.S. and China are at a critical stage... they need to speed up. They need to focus," Kerry said during a conference call.

"The U.S. needs to lead, we [the U.S.] have an obligation to lead", Kerry added. However, Kerry stressed that this did not release China from responsibility.

"China needs to understand along with the developing world that we [the U.S.] cannot enter into a global treaty without meaningful commitments", Kerry said.

China and the U.S. lead the world in CO2 emissions.

Efforts are currently being made to secure new climate change agreements among the international community before 192 countries converge in Copenhagen this December.

Education Secretary: $100 Billion For Education Might Not Be Enough

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

Education Secretary Arne Duncan touched upon the $100 billion that has been provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for education Monday at the Conressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 2009 Public Policy Conference, stating “While the money might not be enough, and money alone is not the answer, it doesn’t hurt to have $100 billion dollars."

The Secretary added that there are many urgent challenges facing education reform, but that he is optimistic over the future of the U.S. school system.

“We have a tall and ambitious agenda”, said Duncan. “We need to dramatically increase access [to education] and make sure it’s quality access... not just glorified babysitting."

Secretary Duncan proposed the U.S. invest in early childhood education, adding “It’s the best investment you can make."

Duncan also suggested the U.S. recognize talent in the education field by rewarding and shining a spotlight on great teachers, mentors and also principals. The Secretary also outlined his goal to cut drop out rates in underserved communities.

Senate Armed Forces Chairman Recommends Surge Of Afghan Forces

By Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.) called Friday for a significant increase in the size of Afghanistan's security forces.

"We need a surge of Afghan security forces, we have not done enough to put that into motion," Levin said during a press conference.

Levin stated he would like to see least 240,000 Afghan security forces on the ground by 2012.

According to Levin, a series of steps to help the Afghan security forces will be made to ensure that sufficient man power, equipment and support will be there to help the Afghan forces with their efforts.

Levin added that the immediate goal in Afghanistan should be to reduce the American presence in the country.

Levin set out three major goals in regard to Afghan forces: Putting more trainers on the ground, a major effort to transfer equipment and supplies from Iraq to the Afghanistan army and police, and a concerted effort to separate the local Taliban from their leaders.

“If this plan can be put into place by reintegrating Taliban forces we can turn this thing around”, said Levin.

Levin commented on the halted nomination process for Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) to be appointed as Secretary Of The Army by President Obama, stating that there were discussions within the administration. Levin said he was hopeful there would be a vote by next week.

When asked about the apparent lack of police coordination surrounding reports made from news organizations that misinterpreted a Friday morning coast guard training exercise, Levin remarked “I’m surprised ... That kind of coordination should exist”.

N.J. Congressman Worried About Abortion Language In Healthcare Plan

By Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) took issue Thursday morning with President Obama's address to Congress. Smith, a member of the Pro-Life Caucus and one of the strongest opponents of abortion in the House of Representatives, argued that the President did not do enough to erase doubts that his admistration's healthcare plan will include funding for abortions.

"Americans do not want to be complicit in the dismemberment or chemical poisoning of unborn children... public funding and facilitating [of abortions] can in no way be construed as health care reform," said Smith.

Smith claimed that Wednesday's address was merely a repeat of an August 19 conference call, when the President told members of the ‘40 Days for Health Reform’ Coalition, "You've heard this is going to be government funding of abortion, not true."

Smith argued that the plan would allow abortions to be covered under the public option and by federally subsidized private plans. Smith cited the Capps Amendment, which would protect abortion coverage and would include federal funding and federal subsidies for the facilitation of abortions.

Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), who spoke after Smith, said that the amendments he has submitted to the President's plan during the course of the past few months are, "Not about the legality or illegality of abortion... this is [health care reform] keeping the government out of the abortion business."