The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) continues its three-day meeting promoting the conservative movement and its policies. Today's agenda features prominent Congressional leaders including Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY) and fmr. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (GA). Fmr. presidential candidates Rep. Ron Paul (TX) and Mitt Romney will also address attendees.
Pres. Barack Obama is in Camp Lejeune, NC, to announce a plan for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. The drawdown is expected to extend over 19 months, following recommendations by commanders in the field. The President's FY 2010 Budget Request allocates $205.5 billion for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
$3.55 Trillion FY2010 Budget Released by White House
Today
Yesterday, Pres. Obama unveiled his $3.55 trillion FY 2010 Budget Request. OMB Dir. Peter Orszag briefed reporters on the request and later, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Budget committees offered their reactions.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), House Minority Whip, and other members of the GOP Leadership spoke to the media to announce the launch of the House-Senate Fiscal Responsibility Working Group.
Sec. of Defense Robert Gates was joined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen at a joint press conference where he announced a policy shift in allowing media coverage of the dignified transfer of America's fallen soldiers, and also discussed how military operations are impacted by President Obama's proposed FY 2010 budget.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan testified before the Senate Banking Cmte. on the Administration’s plan to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag conducted a briefing on the U.S. Government Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Overview from the Old Executive Office Building.
Attorney General Eric Holder and DEA Acting Administrator Michele Leonhart hold a press conference to announce the results of "Operation Xcellerator," a multi-agency law enforcement effort led by the DEA targeting the Mexican drug trafficking cartel known as the Sinaloa Cartel.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke to the media about the release of the 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Following Sec. Clinton's remarks, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Karen Stewart responded to reporters' questions.
After an Oval Office meeting with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and members of the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committees, President Obama made remarks on the financial system.