Monthly Archives: February 2009

Senate Dilutes Buy American Provision

Posted on February 5, 2009 by billmanzi

The Senate, under prodding from the Obama Administration, yesterday diluted the provisions in the stimulus package mandating that bill beneficiaries “Buy American”. The White House utilized a provision that ensures that no proviso in the bill would violate existing trade … Continue reading →

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Buy American Provisions stir trade tensions

Posted on February 4, 2009 by billmanzi

The stimulus bill voted out of the House of Representatives contains provisions mandating that American products, specifically iron and steel, be used in the infrastructure projects funded by the bill. These “buy American” provisions, which may be expanded upon in … Continue reading →

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Stimulus Bill Lacks Senate Votes

Posted on February 4, 2009 by billmanzi

The stimulus bill passed by the House and under consideration by the Senate appears to lack sixty Senate votes as it is currently written. The issue appears to center around both the size of the bill and the sections of … Continue reading →

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Obama Acknowledges “Error”

Posted on February 4, 2009 by billmanzi

President Obama gave an interview to Brian Williams of NBC in which he acknowledged his frustration and accepted responsibility for the vetting process that failed to detect the Daschle and Geithner tax issues. The President trying to put out a … Continue reading →

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Methuen Dems Caucus

Posted on February 4, 2009 by billmanzi

METHUEN DEMOCRATS CONVENE ANNUAL CAUCUS Event selects delegates for the 2009 Massachusetts State Issues Convention Methuen – Eleni Varitimos, Chairwoman, of the Methuen Democratic Town Committee today announced that the Methuen Democratic Town Committee would be holding this year’s caucus … Continue reading →

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Gregg Named at Commerce, Newman Named as Replacement

Posted on February 3, 2009 by billmanzi

As expected President Obama today named Senator Judd Gregg to be Secretary of Commerce, and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch immediately named former Chief of Staff to Gregg Bonnie Newman, a Republican, to fill the vacated Senate seat. Newman, in … Continue reading →

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Tom, You’re Out!

Posted on February 3, 2009 by billmanzi

Tom Daschle today withdrew from consideration as HHS Secretary, bowing to the mounting pressure from his tax problems. President Obama accepted Daschle’s withdrawal with the requisite “regret”. Obama also had Nancy Killefer withdraw from consideration for the job of Chief … Continue reading →

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Judd Gregg to be Named at Commerce

Posted on February 3, 2009 by billmanzi

New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg will be named today to be Commerce Secretary by President Obama. Gregg has been mentioned for over a week as a possible candidate, but has said that he would not take the post if in … Continue reading →

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Methuen Eliminates Primary

Posted on February 3, 2009 by billmanzi

The Methuen City Council last night agreed to eliminate the potential for a primary in this election season in order to save $32,400. The cost saving measure must be approved by the State Legislature and would be effective only for … Continue reading →

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Eric Holder Confirmed as Attorney General

Posted on February 2, 2009 by billmanzi

Eric Holder was confirmed today as the first African American Attorney General by a vote of 75-21. He did receive some heat over the Mark Rich issue, but picked up a good block of Republican support in winning confirmation. Holder … Continue reading →

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