Hi, all. Today's report features:
• South Korea Trade Agreement: The President’s announcement: Agreement will boost American exports and includes environmental and labor standards. Government, business and advocacy group endorsements are listed.
• Weekly Address: The Vice President urges Congress to extend unemployment insurance and not to raise taxes on the middle class.
• The President in Afghanistan: The President thanks troops for their service at Bagram Air Base. Press briefing on Afghanistan-related goals achieved at the NATO summit in Lisbon.
• November jobs report: Commenting on continued but low growth, the Vice President and Labor Secretary Solis call for extension of unemployment benefits.
• State Department: The Secretary in Central Asia for meetings on international relations and security.
• Cabinet Round-up: HUD: Homelessness prevented or ended for 750,000. Energy: Securing nuclear materials with international partnerships. Interior: Expanding oversight of natural gas drilling and coal mining.
• PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES SOUTH KOREA TRADE AGREEMENT •
White House, Dec. 4, 2010:
President Obama on South Korea Trade Agreement
The President speaks on the new free and fair trade agreement with South Korea that includes groundbreaking environmental and labor standards.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 4, 2010:
Remarks by the President at the Announcement of a U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement
THE PRESIDENT:
.... As you’ll remember, we did not finalize this agreement on my recent visit to South Korea. And I didn’t agree to it then for a very simple reason: The deal wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t good enough for the American economy, and it wasn’t good enough for American workers.
As I said in Seoul, I’m not interested in signing trade agreements for the sake of signing trade agreements. I’m interested in agreements that increase jobs and exports for the American people and that also help our partners grow their economies....
This deal is a win for American workers. For our farmers and ranchers, it will increase exports of American agricultural products. From aerospace to electronics, it will increase our manufacturing exports to Korea, which already support some 200,000 American jobs and many small businesses. In particular, manufacturers of American cars and trucks will have much more access to the Korean market, we’ll encourage the development of electric cars and green technology in the United States, and we’ll continue to ensure a level playing field for American automakers here at home.
In short, the tariff reductions in this agreement alone are expected to boost annual exports of American goods by up to $11 billion. And all told, this agreement -- including the opening of the Korean services market -- will support at least 70,000 American jobs. It will contribute significantly to achieving my goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years. In fact, it’s estimated that today’s deal alone will increase American economic output by more than our last nine free trade agreements combined.
This deal is also a win for our ally and friend South Korea. They will gain greater access to our markets and make American products more affordable for Korean households and businesses -- resulting in more choices for Korean consumers and more jobs for Americans.
I would add that today is also a win for the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea, which for decades has ensured that the security that has maintained stability on the peninsula continues. And it’s also allowed South Korea its extraordinary rise from poverty to prosperity. At a time in which there are increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following the North’s unprovoked attack on the South Korean people, today we are showing that the defense alliance and partnership of the United States and South Korea is stronger than ever.
I’m especially pleased that this agreement includes groundbreaking protections for workers’ rights and for the environment. In this sense, it’s an example of the kind of fair trade agreement that I will continue to work for as President, in Asia and around the world....
And I look forward to working with Congress and leaders in both parties to approve this pact. Because if there’s one thing Democrats and Republicans should be able to agree on, it should be creating jobs and opportunity for our people.
Which brings me to the other issue I want to address. Earlier today, the Senate voted on two provisions to extend tax cuts for the middle class. And I’ll admit, I am very disappointed that the Senate did not pass legislation that had already passed the House of Representatives to make middle-class tax cuts permanent. Those provisions should have passed. I continue to believe that it makes no sense to hold tax cuts for the middle class hostage to permanent tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans -- especially when those high-income tax cuts would cost an additional $700 billion that we don’t have and would add to our deficit.
But with so much at stake, today’s votes cannot be the end of the discussion. It is absolutely essential -- to our hardworking middle-class families and to our economy -- to make sure that their taxes don’t go up on January 1st.
.... I believe it is simply wrong to even consider giving permanent tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans while denying relief to so many Americans who desperately need it and have lost their jobs through no fault of their own....
Last month the President made this statement after the G20 meetings in Seoul:
Office of the Press Secretary, Nov.12, 2010:
Press Conference by the President After G20 Meetings in Seoul, Korea
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I’ve always said that I’m not interested in signing a trade agreement just for the sake of an announcement. I’m interested in trade agreements that increase jobs and exports for the United States, and hopefully also increase opportunities for our trading partners. I think that is achievable between the United States and Korea.
But the whole issue here from my perspective, and has always been over the last couple of years, is do we have a deal that works for us? That’s my first obligation. President Lee’s obligation obviously is to make sure it works for Korea. I think we can get a win-win, but it was important to take the extra time so that I am assured that it is a win for American workers and American companies as well as for Korean workers and Korean companies, because I’m the one who’s going to have to go to Congress and sell it.
And from my perspective, again, I’m not interested in a announcement but then an agreement that doesn’t produce for us. We’ve had a lot of those in the past -- a lot of announcements but, at the same time, we see American manufacturing deteriorate and, as a consequence, a lot of concern back home. And understandably, I think there’s a lot of suspicion that some of these trade deals may not be good for America. I think this one can be but I want to make sure that when I present that trade agreement to Congress I am absolutely confident that we’ve got the kind of deal that is good for both countries.
Office of the Press Secretary, December 03, 2010:
Statement by the President Announcing the US-Korea Trade Agreement
I am very pleased that the United States and South Korea have reached agreement on a landmark trade deal that is expected to increase annual exports of American goods by up to $11 billion and support at least 70,000 American jobs. Last month in Seoul I directed our negotiators to achieve the best deal for American workers and companies, and this agreement meets that test.
American manufacturers of cars and trucks will gain more access to the Korean market and a level playing field to take advantage of that access. We are strengthening our ability to create and defend manufacturing jobs in the United States; increasing exports of agricultural products for American farmers and ranchers; and opening Korea’s services market to American companies. High standards for the protection of worker’s rights and the environment make this a model for future trade agreements, which must be both free and fair.
Today’s agreement is an integral part of my Administration’s efforts to open foreign markets to U.S. goods and services, create jobs for American workers, farmers and businesses, and achieve our goal of doubling of U.S. exports over five years. It deepens the strong alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea and reinforces American leadership in the Asia Pacific. I look forward to working with Congress and leaders in both parties to get this done and to ensure that America competes aggressively for the jobs and markets of the 21st century.
FACT SHEET: Overview of the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement
FACT SHEET: Economic Value of the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement
FACT SHEET: Increasing U.S. Auto Exports and Growing U.S. Jobs Through the U.S. Korea Trade Agreement
Department of Commerce, Dec. 3, 2010:
Statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement
"The U.S.-Korea trade agreement will make America more competitive in a fast-growing market and help put tens of thousands of Americans to work right here at home. Thanks to this agreement, billions of dollars worth of American goods and services – ranging from cars and industrial equipment to delivery and telecommunications services – will be able to compete on a level playing field in the Korean marketplace. Knocking down trade barriers is one of the key planks of President Obama's National Export Initiative, and I commend Ambassador Kirk and his team at USTR for negotiating a deal that will have immense benefits for American businesses and workers."
USDA, Dec. 3, 2010:
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Statement on U.S.- Korea Trade Agreement
.... "Agriculture has a great deal to gain from the trade agreement with Korea.
"First, U.S. agricultural exports to South Korea were valued at nearly $5 billion in fiscal year 2010. This agreement will open the market even more for U.S. agriculture. A combination of tariff phaseouts, new tariff-rate quotas, and regulatory harmonization will result in improved access to Korea's $1 trillion economy.
"Second, the agreement with Korea will affirm a strong position for U.S. agriculture in Korea for decades to come. Korea already has trade agreements in place with Chile, India, and the 10-country ASEAN group, and is negotiating new FTAs with the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and China. The U.S. agreement with Korea will put U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses on a more level playing field with competitors around the world...."
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 3, 2010:
Statements of Support for the U.S-Korea Trade Agreement
Below please see statements of support for the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement from various elected officials, the business community, and advocacy groups.
Elected Officials
Representative Steny Hoyer
".... This is an important step forward to expand the reach of American exports, which will help create more American jobs. It also helps strengthen our ties to a dependable democratic ally that fosters prosperity and stability in Asia and enhances our economic and national security. The FTA also includes important changes to ensure that workers’ rights and the environment are protected."
Representative Dave Camp
".... Not only will this agreement ensure that job-creating U.S. exports are competitive in this vital market, it will – along with other ongoing trade talks in the region – provide us with a critical counterbalance to China’s growing influence... I look forward to working, on a bipartisan basis and with the Administration, to implement this agreement."
Representative Sander Levin
"The changes announced to the U.S. – Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today are a dramatic step toward changing from a one-way street to a two-way street for trade between the U.S. and South Korea...."
Representative Allyson Schwartz
".... South Korea is one of the United States’ largest trading partners and closest allies in the region. This agreement will strengthen our relationship and bolster the U.S. economy by expanding export of U.S. products and creating jobs here at home."
Representative Kevin Brady
"Today’s announcement is a critical step toward increasing American competitiveness and creating jobs here at home. South Korea is a key ally and trading partner to the United States, and this agreement will strengthen our relationship and add billions to the U.S. economy through increased exports...."
Business Community
Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Company
".... President Barack Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk vigorously advocated the important principle of two-way trade, and the resulting agreement provides greater clarity and transparency by affirmatively addressing the issues surrounding non-tariff and tariff barriers.... We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of the Obama Administration and Congress to improve this agreement and open the Korean auto market."
Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
"This agreement will create thousands of new jobs, advance our national goal of doubling exports in five years, and demonstrate that America is once again ready to lead on trade. The administration has done its part. Now it’s time for the new Congress to make passage of KORUS a top priority in January. We will do everything in our power to round up the votes."
Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of GE
".... We applaud the conclusion of the agreement and urge Congress to ratify it quickly."
Jim McNerney, Chairman, President and CEO of The Boeing Company and Chairman of Business Roundtable’s International Engagement Initiative
"This agreement is a U.S. jobs creator. It sets the stage for a dramatic increase in U.S. exports of manufactured goods, agricultural products and services to a dynamic and growing Korean economy.... we urge Congress to make its ratification a top priority."
Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase
"We applaud President Obama and President Lee for their leadership in moving forward with the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement.... Today’s announcement is an important step in achieving the goal of doubling exports in five years, as well as helping to fuel the overall economic recovery."
Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citigroup
"I applaud President Obama and President Lee on the tremendous leadership they've shown in reaching a final agreement on the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).... We look forward to the ratification and implementation of this important accord."
Greg Slater, Director of Trade and Competition Policy at Intel Corporation
"Intel is extremely pleased with the Administration’s significant efforts to finalize the U.S./Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).... Prompt approval will help the U.S. maintain its competiveness, especially as other governments like the European Union move ahead with their own trade agreements with Korea."
Evan G. Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of ACE Limited and Business Roundtable Member
".... The FTA will reinforce America’s ties not only with South Korea but throughout Asia, produce significant potential economic benefits and create good-paying jobs here in the United States...."
Bill Toppeta, Chairman of Coalition of Service Industries and President, MetLife International
"The Coalition commends President Obama and President Lee for their leadership and extraordinary efforts .... This agreement will boost exports, deepen our commercial ties with an important trading partner and ally, and generate American jobs."
Doug DeVos, President of Amway
".... This new trade agreement allows Amway to continue meeting aggressive growth targets, and gives a much needed boost for all export business in Michigan."
Peter Bowe, President of Ellicott Dredges
".... The KORUS FTA will help give us an advantage over foreign competitors by reducing tariffs currently placed on our products exported to Korea...."
Jason Speer, Vice President and General Manager of Quality Float Works, Inc.
"....This agreement has the potential to create tens of thousands of new American jobs and boost U.S. exports and GDP by billions of dollars."
Dr. Stephanie A. Burns, Chairman and CEO of Dow Corning
"This is a major milestone ....(and) demonstrates the Administration’s willingness and commitment to opening new markets for American goods, boosting our exports, and leveling the playing field for American workers."
Advocacy Groups
Harold McGraw III, Chairman of the Emergency Committee for American Trade
".... ECAT will redouble its efforts in support of passage of the FTA and commits to working with the Administration and Congress to secure its approval as early as possible in 2011."
Steve Bartlett, President and CEO of The Financial Services Roundtable
"The Financial Services Roundtable commends (President Obama’s) leadership in reaching a final agreement on the U.S.-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA)... The KORUS FTA will bring down barriers to the delivery of financial services, including: foreign ownership limitations, license quotas, product and service restrictions, client restrictions, non-transparent regulation, and restrictions on the cross-border supply of services.... and help continue our economic recovery."
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
"....With KORUS approval, USAPEEC expects U.S. poultry exports to South Korea to sharply increase in the years ahead. Without it, our exporters could lose this important and growing market to our competitors."
Bill Reinsch, National Foreign Trade Council President
".... The FTA will play a critical role in strengthening our economic partnership with Korea, as well as our decades-long strategic alliance."
Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association
".... CEA represents over 2000 of the world’s most cutting edge technology companies, two thirds of which are engaged in international trade. This agreement is vital for U.S. businesses to remain competitive and to create American jobs which are the source of our innovation."
Dirk Kempthorne, President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers
".... ACLI thanks President Obama for his continued support of this vital agreement and looks forward to working with Congress on a swift adoption."
John Engler, President of the National Association of Manufacturers
".... this agreement (is) critical for manufacturers in America and means jobs, jobs and jobs...."
Tim Ryan, President and CEO of SIFMA
".... When ratified it will be one of the most significant bilateral trade pacts for the U.S. securities industry since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement."
Bob Stallman, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation
".... Farm Bureau has been a strong advocate for passage of the agreement and urges President Obama to send the implementing language to Capitol Hill as soon as possible."
Dean Garfield, President and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council
"This is a huge win for America’s economy ...."
Bob Pisano, President and Interim CEO of the MPAA
"We commend Presidents Obama and Lee.... This agreement is a victory for the U.S. motion picture and television industry and the creative men and women whose livelihoods depend on it, and we support its prompt ratification."
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 4, 2010:
Additional Statements of Support for the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement
From the House and Senate...
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
"The President’s announcement is a positive development towards completing a free trade agreement with our ally South Korea that will promote economic opportunity and private sector job creation.... I intend to support a strong agreement and am hopeful that with a more balanced Congress, we will see renewed support for this, and the other trade agreements that have been languishing for the past two years."
Senator John Kerry
"....I am pleased the President made the politically difficult decision to take the time to get this deal done right for America.....
.... Moreover, this agreement delivers an important message to an ever closer ally and the region at a time of uncertainty on the Korean Peninsula...."
Senator Maria Cantwell
"South Korea is Washington’s fifth largest export market, meaning any new trade agreement will spur new job and economic growth in our state.... by making many U.S. food products duty-free – such as our world-class wheat, cherries, wine, and potatoes. I urge the negotiators discussing the remaining beef issue to work toward an agreement that will ensure American beef producers have full access to a Korean market potentially worth $1 billion to U.S. producers."
Senator Saxby Chambliss
"Today's announcement is a positive development and it is my hope it signals President Obama's intention to submit the United States-South Korea Free Trade Agreement to Congress early next year...."
Congressman Dave Reichert
".... Each day we fail to implement this agreement is another missed opportunity to create hundreds of thousands of American jobs ...
Senator Jim Webb
".... The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement will bolster the U.S. economy and send a strong signal to our ally, the Republic of Korea, and the rest of the region that the United States will follow through on its commitments and remain deeply engaged in East Asia...."
... and from the private sector.
AT&T Statement
"We are pleased that the U.S. and South Korean governments have been able to resolve the outstanding issues that hindered bringing this vital trade agreement to a close...."
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) President and CEO John Castellani
".... PhRMA has long viewed the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement as a terrific opportunity for Korean patients to access biopharmaceutical medicines produced in the United States.... This agreement will contribute directly to increased U.S. exports and the expansion of highly skilled, well paying jobs here. PhRMA looks forward to the ratification of the Agreement by Congress in the next year."
American Meat Institute President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle
"The American Meat Institute (AMI) supports the free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea announced today and urges the Congress to ratify it at its earliest opportunity. South Korea is already a major market for U.S. meat. Pork exports in 2010 are expected to exceed $150 million, making South Korea the fifth largest export market for pork.... AMI looks forward to working with our negotiators and Congressional allies to continue discussions with Korea to provide full access for all U.S. beef products."
The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) Statement
Representing its member companies Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company – appreciates President Barack Obama, Ambassador Ron Kirk and the office of the United States Trade Representative’s hard work to reach a deal improving the auto provisions of the pending Korea Free Trade Agreement. AAPC and its member companies support this agreement....
Walmart Statement
".... We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to secure passage of the Korea agreement, as well as the pending free trade agreements with Panama and Colombia in the near future."
Ernst & Young Chairman and CEO James S. Turley
"For the United States, this trade agreement will yield exports, and those exports will yield jobs.... I applaud the Administration for coming to this agreement with South Korea and urge Congress to approve it promptly."
National Pork Producers Council President Sam Carney
".... to get a final agreement, we needed to give a little, we needed to take one for the team. This is still a good deal for us."....
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Executive Vice President (International) Neil Turkewitz
".... We highlight in particular the very important commitments undertaken by Korea with respect to addressing internet piracy.... In short, we strongly support the agreement, and hope that Congress will ratify it as quickly as possible.
.... The ability of our country to lead – the ability of our companies to lead and to create employment – will depend upon our continued success."
Entertainment Industry Coalition Statements
Elizabeth Frazee, Executive Director of the EIC said, ".... We will work hard as a coalition to educate the U.S. Congress about the benefits of the agreement and urge its rapid consideration in Congress."....
• WEEKLY ADDRESS•
White House, Dec. 3, 2010:
Weekly Address: Tax Cuts & Unemployment Insurance
With President Obama visiting troops in Afghanistan, Vice President Biden says Congress must extend both the middle class tax cuts and unemployment insurance for the sake of those families and the broader economy.
Office of the Press Secretary Dec. 4, 2010:
Weekly Address: Vice President Biden Calls on Congress to Preserve the Middle Class Tax Cuts and to Extend Unemployment Insurance This Year
THE VICE PRESIDENT:
.... After shrinking for four straight quarters, our economy has now grown five straight quarters. After nearly two years of job loss, our economy has created more than one million private sector jobs just this year.
And after teetering on the brink of liquidation last year, our auto industry is posting healthy gains, assembly lines are running again, and American manufacturing is getting up off the mat and fighting its way back.
Still, Friday’s jobs report was a sobering reminder of that. While we saw another month of job growth in November, it just wasn’t enough.
That underscores why it’s so important to get going without delay on two things that will have the most impact in growing the economy.
One: we’ve got to extend the tax cuts for the middle class that are set to expire at the end of the month. If we don’t, millions of middle-class families will see a big bite out of their paychecks starting January 1. And that’s the last thing we should let happen. After a decade in which they lost ground, middle class families can ill-afford a tax hike – and our economy can’t afford the hit it will take if middle class families have less money to spend.
And the second thing we’ve got to do is extend unemployment insurance for Americans who have lost their jobs in a tough economy. Without unemployment benefits, families can’t spend on basic necessities that are grown, made, and sold by other Americans.
Together, the economic hit caused by raising taxes on the middle class, and denying two million Americans unemployment insurance, will wind up costing us hundreds of thousands of more jobs. It just isn’t smart.
And, cutting unemployment insurance is not only not smart, it’s not right either. It would mean telling millions of our neighbors who are out of work today through no fault of their own, that they’re on their own.
That’s no message to send in the season of hope. We all know someone who’s hit a rough patch. When that happens in America, we help him get back up on his feet. That’s who we are. That’s the American way.
So I just don’t agree with the folks who’ve said we can’t afford a lifeline for Americans who lost their jobs during the worst recession in generations, but we can afford to borrow hundreds of billions of dollars to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent of Americans. That’s bad economic policy, and it’s also just simply wrong....
• THE PRESIDENT IN AFGHANISTAN •
White House, Dec. 3, 2010:
President Obama Speaks to Troops in Afghanistan
During a surprise visit to Afghanistan, President Obama speaks to the troops at Bagram Air Base.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 3, 2010:
Remarks by the President to the Troops at Bagram Air Base
THE PRESIDENT:
.... You know, when I was here in the spring, we had a coalition of 43 nations. Now we’ve got a coalition of 49 nations. And this sends a powerful message that the coalition of nations that supports Afghanistan is strong and is growing....
I know it’s not easy for all of you to be away from home, especially during the holidays. And I know it’s hard on your families. They’ve got an empty seat at the dinner table. Sometimes during the holiday season that’s when you feel the absence of somebody you love most acutely.
But here’s what I want you to know. As President of the United States, I have no greater responsibility than keeping the American people secure. I could not meet that responsibility, we could not protect the American people, we could not enjoy the blessings of our liberty without the extraordinary service that each and every one of you perform each and every day....
As General Petraeus mentioned, one year ago I ordered additional troops to serve in this country that was the staging ground for the 9/11 attacks. All of those troops are now in place. And thanks to your service, we are making important progress. You are protecting your country. You’re achieving your objectives. You will succeed in your mission. (Troops: Hooah!)
We said we were going to break the Taliban’s momentum, and that’s what you’re doing. You’re going on the offense, tired of playing defense, targeting their leaders, pushing them out of their strongholds. Today we can be proud that there are fewer areas under Taliban control and more Afghans have a chance to build a more hopeful future.
We said a year ago that we’re going to build the capacity of the Afghan people. And that’s what you’re doing, meeting our recruitment targets, training Afghan forces, partnering with those Afghans who want to build a stronger and more stable and more prosperous Afghanistan.
I don’t need to tell you this is a tough fight. I just came from the medical unit and saw our wounded warriors, pinned some Purple Hearts. I just talked to the platoon that lost six of their buddies in a senseless act of violence....
This year alone nearly 100 members of 101st have given their last full measure of devotion. There are few days when I don’t sign a letter to a military family expressing our nation’s gratitude and grief at their profound sacrifice. And this holiday season our thoughts and prayers are with those who’ve lost a loved one -- the father and mother, the son or daughter, the brother or sister or friend who’s not coming home. And we know that their memories will never be forgotten and that their life has added to the life of our nation.
And because of the service of the men and women of the United States military, because of the progress you’re making, we look forward to a new phase next year, the beginning of a transition to Afghan responsibility.
As we do, we continue to forge a partnership with the Afghan people for the long term. And we will never let this country serve as a safe haven for terrorists who would attack the United States of America again. That will never happen....
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 3, 2010:
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes en route Bagram Air Base
....MR. RHODES: .... So, above all, we wanted to underscore (the troops’) sacrifice at a time of year when Americans are coming together as families to mark the holiday.
The visit also comes at a time in which there have been a number of milestones around Afghanistan. Some of you were with us in Lisbon just a couple weeks ago, where the President had the ability to meet with President Karzai, so he’s just recently met with him. So this continues their consultations. But at Lisbon, we felt we had a very successful outcome that achieved really three principal goals.
First, all of ISAF’s requirements for trainers were met by new commitments, so we filled what had been a trainer gap in terms of the capability necessary to support the Afghan security forces.
Second, we agreed on a framework for a transition that identifies early 2011 as the beginning of a transition to lead for security in Afghanistan to Afghan forces. As you heard us say in Lisbon, that transition will begin in early 2011 and it will conclude in 2014.
.... NATO-ISAF transition begins earlier in the year. So we expect that there will be certain parts of Afghanistan that will begin to transition earlier in the year. The American transition begins in July of 2011. So in July of 2011, the United States, as you’ve heard the President say, will begin a conditions-based transition and removal of troops from Afghanistan from our surge levels.
The ISAF transition, generally speaking, including the United States, will be complete in 2014. So that process of transition that was outlined in Lisbon was a key business that was done in advance of this trip.
And then lastly, in Lisbon the NATO-Afghanistan Partnership Declaration also underscored that even as we were undertaking this transition, we’re going to build a long-term commitment to Afghanistan, to its security and stability, both through our continued and enduring support for their security forces and also through the long-term bilateral partnership that the United States will build with Afghanistan and that the coalition will.
And then the last thing I’d highlight is that we are also approaching or in the process of conducting a national security staff-led review. This is the December review that you all are familiar with. The President, when he rolled out his strategy just one year ago the other day, called for monthly check-ins and assessments with his national security team, in addition to the weekly written reports he receives from the field. So each month, as you know, he meets with his national security team to get an update on the strategy. As a part of that process of assessment, he asked for a comprehensive assessment of the strategy in December, and so we’ve been tracking up towards that assessment.
As we’ve said in recent weeks, this is a process that is diagnostic in nature. This is not a policy review similar to the one that was undertaken last year. We have a strategy in place; this is a process that will assess that strategy and review the need for any adjustments. But these adjustments, again, won’t be of the nature of a policy overhaul, but rather to make sure that we’re taking a hard look at everything that we’re doing, assessing what’s working well, assessing where we could do better.
So we’re in the process of that review. The review, frankly, does build upon the foundation of what was done in Lisbon since there was a lot of inputs that came into Lisbon from both our team in the field -- General Petraeus, Ambassador Eikenberry, as well as our ISAF partners. So we’re in the middle of that review. We expect a series of meetings that are ongoing right now in the interagency process. The President will have meetings with his national security team in the upcoming weeks, and then we expect a completion of that review before we leave for the holidays later this month. So we expect the results of that review to be announced by the President in the week before we leave for Christmas....
Well, I would anticipate that it’s the week of December 13th, whatever the beginning -- I think it’s the 13th to the 18th or something like that is the work week....
I wouldn’t anticipate a major speech. Again, this is not analogous to the policy review that we undertook last year. It’s more of an assessment process. So I would expect it would be a lower-key rollout with a statement and then some briefings by the President’s national security team on top of that to update the American people on the progress that’s being made, what we see as the areas where we’re moving forward well and areas where we’re going to be putting additional focus.
Again, it comes at a time where we have seen some progress, particularly on the security side. In and around Kandahar, for instance, we’ve had some success in challenging some Taliban strongholds and clearing out some areas that were traditionally held by the Taliban, just as we’ve had some success in targeting Taliban leadership through our operations in Afghanistan. Obviously that has to be complemented by the work that we’re doing to train Afghan security forces. And there we’ve had some success in meeting -- improving targets. But it’s an ongoing challenge. I’m sure that we can build up the Afghan capacity on the military and governance side that can sustain these security gains....
This is about thanking the troops and the civilians. So his ability to -- again, he was able to meet at length with President Karzai in Lisbon. He was able to speak the General Petraeus at some length in Lisbon. He meets with his national security team regularly. He’ll do so as well during the process review. So obviously his ability to have ongoing conversations with General Petraeus, Ambassador Eikenberry while he’s here, and President Karzai, are part of the process of keeping updated on what’s taking place in Afghanistan, but this is -- I wouldn’t characterize this as a trip associated with this review....
.... So this trip is really just about thanking the troops and our civilians during the holiday season.
• NOVEMBER JOBS REPORT •
White House, Dec. 3, 2010:
Vice President Biden on November Jobs Numbers
Vice President Joe Biden says while the economy continued to produce new jobs in November, the overall jobs picture was disappointing and underscores the necessity that Congress extend unemployment benefits.
Department of Labor, Dec. 3, 2010:
Statement of Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on November employment numbers
"This past November, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 39,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate increased to 9.8 percent. Furthermore, the job numbers for the months of September and October were revised upward 38,000. This year, we've seen the creation of 1.2 million private sector jobs — steady growth averaging 106,000 new private sector jobs each month.
"This private sector job growth, while positive, is not enough to keep up with the new entrants into the labor market each month, let alone create jobs for the 15 million unemployed workers. That's why we cannot forget the millions of Americans who, through no fault of their own, are still unemployed and looking for work. We still have a lot of work to do before we will have gained back everything that we lost in this recession.
"One way to bolster our economic recovery, and provide desperately needed support for the millions of Americans who continue to wake up every morning and look for work, is to reauthorize expiring Unemployment Insurance benefits.
"These benefits make it possible for unemployed Americans to keep looking for work, and we know that every dollar spent on UI generates $2 in economic activity. Letting these benefits expire will cost our economy half a percentage point in gross domestic product. Congress has a choice, and for the sake of our economy, Congress must reauthorize these expiring unemployment benefits without further delay.
"Today's numbers make clear the need to push sensible, effective and efficient ways to create jobs. Extending federal unemployment benefits now will help those who need it most and also will provide needed momentum for the economic recovery. It is not just the right thing to do for the unemployed; it is the right thing to do for everyone in America."
• STATE DEPARTMENT: THE SECRETARY IN CENTRAL ASIA •
Department of State, Dec. 3, 2010:
Secretary Clinton: Travel to Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Bahrain
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton traveled to Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Bahrain November 30 - December 3. In Kazakhstan, she attended the Summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as head of the U.S. delegation. Prior to the Summit, she hosted an event for local and international nongovernmental organizations, underscoring the importance of a vibrant civil society.
ulybek, Dec. 2, 2010:
Secretary Clinton addresses "Empowering Civil Society: Central Asia's Future."
Remarks given at Eurasian National University in Kazakhstan.
Secretary Clinton:
.... President Obama and I understand this. I started my career at a nongovernmental organization called the Children’s Defense Fund. He began his as a community organizer in Chicago. We live in a country where civil society movements have been the engine of major social advance. Change is not easy anywhere. It wasn’t easy in the history of the United States and it is not easy anywhere else in the world. It takes persistence and it takes a commitment by people, sometimes generation after generation. We found that in the struggle to abolish slavery, to establish civil rights, to empower women, to protect our environment. And we have watched civil society write history, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the end of apartheid in South Africa, to the spread of democracy. Thirty-five years ago when the Helsinki commitments were made, very few people predicted the end of the Soviet Union. And yet 15 years later, it was no longer.
So think about the work you are doing in the urgency of the moment, but also with the perspective of what it takes to create change. We now have so many organizations ready, willing, and able to help you – foundations, universities, other nongovernmental organizations. We now can communicate to understand what is happening in countries and societies far from our own. We can become global problem solvers. And that is what I hope we will determine to do going forward, and that we will bring governments into partnerships....
She also met with Kazakhstan’s President Nazarbayev and Foreign Minister Saudabayev to discuss various aspects of the U.S.-Kazakhstan strategic partnership.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, Secretary Clinton met with President Otunbayeva and other government officials. She reviewed political developments in the wake of Kyrgyzstan’s historic election, and discuss a range of issues of mutual concern.
In Uzbekistan, Secretary Clinton met with President Karimov to discuss a wide range of matters in our bilateral relationship and in regional affairs.
In Bahrain, Secretary Clinton delivered the keynote address on the role of the United States in regional security at The Manama Dialogue 2010, an annual forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain (IISS).
IISS, Dec. 3, 2010:
Secretary Clinton's remarks to Iranian representatives at the The Manama Dialogue 2010, 7th IISS Regional Security Summit
Secretary of State Clinton delivers the keynote at the 7th IISS Regional Security Summit: the Manama Dialogue. This excerpt directly addresses the representatives of Iran.
Secretary Clinton:
.... At this time, I would like to address directly the delegation at this conference from the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
I am pleased to have this opportunity for your government and mine to gather here with representatives from other nations to discuss problems of mutual concern and interest.
In Geneva next week, the P-5+1 will meet with representatives from your nation – the first such meeting since October of 2009. (Applause.) We hope that out of this meeting, entered into with good faith, we will see a constructive engagement with respect to your nuclear program.
Nearly two years ago, President Obama extended your government a sincere offer of dialogue. We are still committed to this offer.
But the position of the international community is clear. You have the right to a peaceful nuclear program. But with that right comes a reasonable responsibility: that you follow the treaty you signed, and fully address the world’s concern about your nuclear activities. We urge you to make that choice – for your people, your interests, and our shared security. We urge you to restore the confidence of the international community and live up to your international obligations. Unfortunately, the most recent IAEA report reflected once again that so far Iran has chosen a different path, one that leads to greater international concern, isolation, and pressure.
We know that Iran is home of one of humankind’s great civilizations. The Iranian people are heirs to that tradition with tremendous potential to contribute to the world we are building together. And the world in turn would benefit from the full participation of the Iranian nation in the political, social, and economic life of this region.
We continue to make this offer of engagement with respect for your sovereignty and with regard for your interests – but also with an ironclad commitment to defending global security and the world’s interests in a peaceful and prosperous Gulf region....
(Note: P-5 + 1 refers to UN Security Council permanent members China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States plus Germany. )
IISS, Dec. 3, 2010:
Secretary of State Clinton's remarks on Lebanon at The Manama Dialogue 2010, 7th IISS Regional Security Summit
Secretary Clinton:
....Also on the matter of sovereignty, let me just mention Lebanon. Because the international community has repeatedly aimed to secure and promote Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, including through multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
The Special Tribunal established by the United Nations represents a statement by the world that the era of political assassination with impunity in Lebanon or anywhere must end. To those who claim that the tribunal will destabilize Lebanon, I would answer: Justice is not a threat to Lebanon’s stability – the attempts to subvert justice by undermining the tribunal are the threat. (Applause.)
The United States joins the international community in supporting a sovereign, independent, and stable Lebanon. The support we provide is transparent and in accordance with our signed agreements with the Government of Lebanon, in accordance with our mutual interests, and in accordance with respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty....
• CABINET ROUND-UP: HUD, ENERGY, INTERIOR •
Recovery.gov, Dec. 1, 2010:
HUD Announces That Recovery Funding Has Prevented or Ended Homelessness For Over 750,000 Persons
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program is using $1.5 billion to help more than 300,000 households
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced (12/1) that homelessness for 750,000 Americans was prevented or ended, thanks to HUD’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP), funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The program provided $1.5 billion to local communities to keep families in their homes or help them find other affordable housing after a sudden financial crisis, which might have otherwise led to homelessness.
Department of Energy, Dec. 3, 2010:
NNSA, Russia Cooperate to Enhance Nuclear Security
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) officials this week led the U.S. delegation to the 17th meeting of the Joint Coordinating Group (JCG). Organized by NNSA’s Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) program, the JCG meets twice a year to review the progress of cooperative efforts on nuclear material security between the United States and the Russian Federation.
This year’s three-day meeting was held in Lisbon, Portugal, and included NNSA officials, representatives from the national laboratories and the U.S. Department of Defense, officials from the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense (MOD), and representatives from all the nuclear weapons related services of the Russian Federation. It featured discussions on how to ensure the long-term success of more than two decades of cooperation to improve nuclear security....
During the Nuclear Security Summit in April, the United States and Russia highlighted the importance of exchanging nuclear security best practices. The Summit’s Action Plan included commitments from each state to promote the strengthening of global nuclear security through dialogue and cooperation with all states. Since the summit, the U.S. and Russia have jointly developed a plan to sustain upgraded physical protection systems at MOD sites in the Russian Federation....
NNSA’s MPC&A program works in Russia and other countries to secure and eliminate weapons-usable material. By securing materials at their source, the NNSA strengthens the first line of defense against nuclear theft and terrorism.
For more information on the MPC&A program, click here....
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation’s national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Department of Energy, Dec. 3, 2010:
Norway Increases Support of NNSA Work to Combat Nuclear Smuggling
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Government of Norway announced today that they expanded their partnership to combat nuclear smuggling with a $500,000 contribution by Norway to support NNSA’s Second Line of Defense (SLD) program work in Kazakhstan....
NNSA has developed similar partnerships with Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom. The financial and in-kind contributions from international partners support NNSA’s nonproliferation efforts around the world, including:
• More than $31 million to shut down the last remaining weapons-grade plutonium production reactors in Russia.
• More than $17 million to reduce and protect vulnerable nuclear and radiological materials located at civilian nuclear sites worldwide.
• More than $11 million to strengthen NNSA’s Second Line of Defense.
The SLD program works with foreign governments at border crossings, airports and seaports to install specialized radiation detection equipment and train officials to detect smuggled nuclear and other radioactive materials that could be used to construct nuclear weapons or radiological dispersal devices.
For a fact sheet on NNSA’s SLD program, click here....
Department of the Interior, Dec. 3, 2010:
Interior Hosts Forum on Hydraulic Fracturing Practices on Public Lands
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar hosted a forum on the practice of hydraulic fracturing to examine best practices to ensure that natural gas is developed on public lands in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner. (Ignore the URL at the end of the video; transcript is available here).
Reuters.com, Nov. 30, 2010:
US Interior considering fracking disclosure rule
By Ayesha Rascoe
The U.S. Interior Department said it is considering requiring companies to reveal the chemicals used in a controversial natural gas drilling technique, as it becomes the latest federal agency to hone in on public concerns about water contamination from the practice.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said natural gas production has a "bright future" in the United States, but his department must make sure gas development utilizing hydraulic fracturing on federal lands is done in a manner that is not harmful to the environment.
"The question really in my mind is how we move forward in a way that can reassure the American public that what we are doing is in fact safe and is in fact protective of the environment," Salazar said on Tuesday at the start of a department forum on the use of hydraulic fracturing on public lands.
The agency's efforts are part of a growing movement of federal and state agencies to expand oversight of hydraulic fracturing and allay public worries of contamination of ground water.
Department of the Interior, Dec. 3, 2010:
Office of Surface Mining Improves Oversight and Regulation of Coal Mining
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar commended the employees of the Office of Surface Mining for their efforts to improve oversight of state surface coal-mining operations. In the past 12 months the Office of Surface Mining has increased the number of oversight inspections to evaluate how each state is administering its regulatory program.
Department of the Interior, Nov. 18, 2010:
Salazar Commends OSM Initiatives to Improve Oversight of State Surface Coal Mining Programs
.... In the past 12 months, OSM has increased the number of its oversight inspections of coal-mining operations to evaluate how each state is administering its regulatory program. Under these additional inspections, OSM observed an increase in the number of violations and issued more Ten-Day Notices (TDNs)....
OSM has also implemented several new immediate stream protection measures, while it develops a rule to better protect streams. Bureau inspectors are verifying that coal operators have complied with CWA requirements before starting projects that require authorization under the CWA; increasing assurance that operators enhance or minimize disturbances to wetlands and riparian vegetation along rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes; and better ensuring that operators build mine facilities according to the approved designs and performance standards of a state’s reg