By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2009 – The safe return of the American maritime captain being held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia is of primary importance, senior U.S. officials said here today at the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial.
Following ministerial discussions on Afghanistan, U.S. engagement in Asia and other topics, […]

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice is planning to drop charges against Ted Stevens.
“In connection with the post-trial litigation in United States v. Theodore F. Stevens, the Department of Justice has conducted a review of the case, including an examination of the extent of the disclosures provided to the defendant,” attorney General Eric Holder […]

JUNEAU, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin submitted her federal economic stimulus appropriation bill to legislators today to provide jobs and needed infrastructure improvements in Alaska under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.
Palin is accepting just 55 percent of the available stimulus funds, all for capital projects. This amount includes the funds the state accepted last […]

WASHINGTON — In his opening statement today, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., said it was “shameful” and “a disgrace” that a number of private corporations who received a portion of the billions in capital infusion through the controversial Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) owe back taxes.
Two […]

WASHINGTON –U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., admitted that he added language that allowed for the AIG bonuses.
“I’m the one who has led the fight against excessive executive compensation, often over the objections of many.  I did not want to make any changes to my original Senate-passed amendment but I did so at the request of […]

PRNewswire-USNewswire
BELLEVUE, Wash., March 17 — A revelation by the Washington Times that President Barack Obama is trying to quietly end the armed pilot program, making air travel more vulnerable to terrorist attack, should outrage travelers, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.
“The Washington Times nailed it,” said CCRKBA Chairman […]

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2009 – As President Barack Obama considers deploying National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to control escalating violence, Arizona’s governor has requested about 250 more National Guard troops on its border with Mexico, and the Texas governor is considering a similar action.
“We’re going to examine whether, […]

PRNewswire-USNewswire
WASHINGTON — Travel industry leaders met with President Obama to discuss the unique role that travel can play in strengthening the American economy. The meeting focused on two critical areas: the need to welcome more international visitors and the business community’s concerns about the dramatic nationwide downturn in meetings and events.
“We are pleased that President […]

Special to HarpBlaster.com News Wire
WASHINGTON – Beverly L. Masek, a former elected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bribery, Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin of the Criminal Division announced.
Masek, a Republican, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline in Anchorage to one count of […]

By Todd DeFeo
HarpBlaster.com News Wire
A new campaign from the U.S Travel Association aims to “challenge policymakers to tone down the dangerous rhetoric, embrace sensible guidelines for companies receiving assistance and promote travel as an economic solution.”
Business travel, the group says, accounts for 15 percent of the nation’s travel, creates 1 million jobs and generates $16 […]