SlideShare a Scribd company logo
November 2, 2012
  DOMESTIC POLICY MATTERS
Hurricane Sandy. Late Monday evening, category one Hurricane Sandy made landfall in southern New
Jersey as a post-tropical cyclone, converging with two cold fronts and wreaking damage as it moved inland
impacting the mid-Atlantic and Eastern seaboard. In advance of the storm’s arrival, Washington closed the
federal government and New York and New Jersey suspended their mass transit systems, and several
evacuations took place in lower-lying portions of New York City. Thousands remain without power throughout
New York and New Jersey, and the death toll in New York City climbed to 41 Friday as clean up efforts
continue. More than 36,000 storm victims from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut have applied for
federal disaster assistance, and more than $3.4 million in direct aid has been approved. Building on the post-
storm working relationship demonstrated by President Obama and Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) this week,
the Obama Administration also announced it will provide approximately $26 million to the State of New Jersey
to hire temporary workers to aid with clean up and repair roads damaged in the storm, as well as $13 million
in emergency relief funds to help New York and Rhode Island begin repairing storm-damaged infrastructure.
Although Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate said his agency
currently has enough money to cover disaster response efforts, he stated Thursday that FEMA may seek
more funding once it completes a total damage assessment. While senior House Appropriator Chaka Fattah
(D-Pennsylvania) introduced legislation Friday that would provide FEMA an additional $12 billion in
emergency disaster relief funds – with no budget offsets – Senate leaders in both parties suggested this week
that they will wait for damage estimates before making decisions about whether to press for supplemental
funding for disaster relief efforts.
2012 Elections. With less than one week before Tuesday’s elections, both presidential campaigns fully
suspended events during the height of the storm Monday and Tuesday. President Obama traveled
Wednesday to New Jersey to view the storm damage, while Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney
held events in the battleground state of Florida to raise money and goods to aid those affected by Hurricane
Sandy. The President resumed campaigning Thursday, with stops throughout the week in Wisconsin,
Nevada, Colorado, and Ohio. Governor Romney meanwhile campaigned the rest of the week in Virginia,
Ohio and Wisconsin. On Thursday, Independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed
President Barack Obama, basing his choice in large part on the President’s stance on climate change policy,
stating “I want our president to place scientific evidence and risk management above electoral politics.” Poll
results throughout the week continued to show a tight race between the two candidates, with the Obama-
Biden ticket appearing to have a slight edge in the race for an Electoral College majority. Polls continue to
suggest a Democratic lead for maintaining control of the Senate and a Republican lead for holding a majority
in the House.
Budget, Sequestration, & the Economy. On Thursday, the Conference Board released a report showing
that consumer confidence increased to a score of 72.2 in October -- up nearly 4 points from the previous
month and the highest reading since February 2008. Additionally, on Friday, the Department of Labor
released the monthly employment statistics for October. The economy added a better-than-expected 171,000
jobs for the month, but unemployment rose to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent.
After the Treasury Department rejected a request from the House Oversight and Government Reform
Committee to provide documents related to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule that Congressional
Republicans say conflicts with the language of the health care reform law, Committee Chair Darrell Issa (R-
California) expressed support this week for a disapproval resolution to nullify the rule during the lame duck
session. Voters in five states (Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Montana, and Wyoming) will consider referendums
next Tuesday aimed at restricting the 2010 law. While the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Committee announced it will hold a hearing on November 15th regarding implications of the 2012 meningitis
outbreak, Congressman Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) introduced a bill Friday to increase the Food and
Drug Administration’s regulatory oversight over compounding pharmacies like the one linked to the outbreak.
  FOREIGN POLICY MATTERS
Iran. The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Fereydoun Abbasi, confirmed for the first time Thursday
the installation of the final centrifuges for enriching uranium at its underground nuclear facility in Fordo. On
Friday, Iran marked the 33rd anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran – the event that led to
the United States severing diplomatic relations – with its annual anti-American rhetoric demonstration outside
the former mission building. A Wall Street Journal article published late Thursday revealed Iran is employing
reflagging tactics for oil tanker vessels, primarily owned by the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping
Lines, to circumvent international sanctions imposed against it and Syria in order to provide refined petroleum
products to Syria. Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported oil
output rose slightly in October as extra supplies from Iraq, Angola and Libya offset disruptions in Nigeria and a
further decline in Iran.
Syria. The ceasefire over Eid al-Adha was widely ignored over the four day holiday. By Monday, the final day
of the truce, the Syrian regime bombarded rebel stongholds via air strikes, killing an estimated 80 civilians.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday from Croatia: “We’ve made it clear that the SNC [Syrian
National Council] can no longer be viewed as the visible leader of the opposition.” The Secretary clarified the
“opposition must include people from inside Syria and others who have a legitimate voice that needs to be
heard,” urging the creation of a new Syrian opposition council. Qatar and Turkey continue to support the SNC
as the principal opposition group. Russia criticized Secretary Clinton's initiative Friday and accused
Washington of attempting to impose its own terms. U.S. Ambassador to Damascus Robert Ford will be
attending the Syrian opposition meeting in Qatar next week. Meanwhile, on Thursday, a new video emerged
allegedly showing Syrian rebels killing a group of captured soldiers near the northern town Saraqeb,
specifically at military checkpoint posts. International human rights nongovernmental organizations warned
Friday a war crime may have been committed. While the video footage has not been verified, a spokesman for
the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said they are examining the video. On Friday, the media
reported the Syrian military abandoned its base near Saraqeb.
House Armed Services Committee Chair Buck McKeon (R-California) sent a letter Monday to President
Obama, inquiring about the President’s statement in a recent interview where President Obama stated he
issued a “clear directive” to “make sure that we are securing our personnel”, once it was clear U.S. facilities
were under attack in Benghazi, Libya. Chairman McKeon requested clarification, saying he found “it
implausible that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, and the
commander of U.S. European Command would have ignored a direct order from the commander in chief.”
The day before, however, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta indicated to the media that he and top military
officials were not confident of the intelligence received as the attack unfolded and decided against sending
U.S. aircraft or deploying special forces.
In Algeria Monday, Secretary Clinton met with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, discussing the ongoing
situation in northern Mali and countering terrorist and drug threats in the region. Tuesday, the Secretary met
with Bosnian Presidency Chairman Bakir Izetbegovic and E.U. High Representative Lady Catherine Ashton in
Sarajevo. Later that same day in Belgrade, after a meeting between Secretary Clinton, Serbian Prime
Minister Ivaca Dačić, and E.U. High Representative Ashton, a joint statement was issued, expressing a
commitment to Serbia’s E.U. aspirations and furthering a continued, constructive dialogue between Serbia and
Kosovo on normalizing relations. Early Wednesday, the Secretary and Lady Ashton met with Kosovo Prime
Minister Hashim Thaçi, discussing relations with Serbia and Kosovo’s E.U. aspirations. On Wednesday in
Zagreb, the Secretary met with President Ivo Josipovic, discussing NATO and Croatia’s ascension into the
European Union next year. Thursday, Secretary Clinton congratulated Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha
for Albania’s “first 100 years” of independence, pledging a close working relationship for the next 100 years.
The State Department said Monday the United States is concerned that the conduct of Sunday’s parliamentary
elections in Ukraine, in which the Party of Regions allied with President Viktor Yanukovych was declared the
victor, constituted a step backwards from progress made during previous parliamentary elections and the 2010
presidential election. Tuesday, South Africa hosted the first meeting of the U.S.-South Africa Senior Officials’
Working Group on African and Global Affairs, which met to discuss topics such as the African Union,
regional economic integration, the Great Lakes, Zimbabwe, Sudan and South Sudan, Iran, and the Middle
East. On Wednesday, Secretary Clinton welcomed the entry-into-force of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade
Agreement. Also Wednesday, the State Department expressed concern over the Bahraini Government’s
decision to ban all public gatherings and urged the Government to work with protest leaders to find a way for
demonstrations to occur. State also noted the decision appears to be contrary to Bahrain’s professed
commitment to reform and will not help advance national reconciliation. On Thursday, President Obama
renewed economic sanctions against Sudan, citing the following concerns impede normalizing relations:
the ongoing conflict in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur and the final status of Abyei. On Friday, the
State Department congratulated the Libyan people on the formation of a government, hailing this as a
“critical milestone” in Libya’s democratic transition and committing to work with the new government.



  For more information, visit www.pattonboggs.com

More Related Content

What's hot

This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMAR
COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMARCOUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMAR
COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMAR
MYO AUNG Myanmar
 
44.docx
44.docx44.docx
44.docx
DreamHigh9
 
PUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASE
PUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASEPUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASE
PUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASE
Prayer Warriors Institute
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Ukraines conflict and_resolution
Ukraines conflict and_resolutionUkraines conflict and_resolution
Ukraines conflict and_resolution
Taliya Hemanth
 
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
chloesanthin
 
Politics this week
Politics this weekPolitics this week
Politics this week
imageconsulting07
 
Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...
Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...
Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...
Patton Boggs LLP
 
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential Election
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential ElectionThe State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential Election
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential Election
Patton Boggs LLP
 
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
inigohamish
 
Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...
Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...
Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...
Patton Boggs LLP
 
George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.
George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.
George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.
The Free School
 
Press clips 1113
Press clips 1113Press clips 1113
Press clips 1113
businessforward
 
Islamic Studies
Islamic StudiesIslamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Jagdish N Singh
 
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
greedycabin1256
 

What's hot (19)

This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 21, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 14, 2012
 
COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMAR
COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMARCOUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMAR
COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN (CPC) AND MYANMAR
 
44.docx
44.docx44.docx
44.docx
 
PUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASE
PUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASEPUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASE
PUBLIC OFFICIAL JUNE 16TH 2008 CRITICAL THINKING PRESS RELEASE
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 16, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 19, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 18, 2013
 
Ukraines conflict and_resolution
Ukraines conflict and_resolutionUkraines conflict and_resolution
Ukraines conflict and_resolution
 
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
 
Politics this week
Politics this weekPolitics this week
Politics this week
 
Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...
Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...
Crimea: U.S. Executive Actions and Legal Implications of Overlapping Global S...
 
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential Election
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential ElectionThe State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential Election
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential Election
 
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
The Crown Capital Management International Relations A troubled relationship ...
 
Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...
Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...
Crimea: U.S. Response Intensifies As Congress, President Obama Issue More San...
 
George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.
George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.
George Floyd Murder Trials: Official Evidence Handbook. Free Book.
 
Press clips 1113
Press clips 1113Press clips 1113
Press clips 1113
 
Islamic Studies
Islamic StudiesIslamic Studies
Islamic Studies
 
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
 

Viewers also liked

Déficit global – proforma pge
Déficit global – proforma pgeDéficit global – proforma pge
Déficit global – proforma pgeRamiro Aguilar
 
Cv liber espinoza mallqui
Cv liber espinoza mallquiCv liber espinoza mallqui
Cv liber espinoza mallqui
jaanrv
 
D Owca
D OwcaD Owca
D Owca
Deborah Owca
 
Klangwelt 18.9.2014 meine album website 2
Klangwelt 18.9.2014   meine album website 2Klangwelt 18.9.2014   meine album website 2
Klangwelt 18.9.2014 meine album website 2amgi
 
Socialización unidad vi
Socialización unidad viSocialización unidad vi
Socialización unidad vi
bazanbazan
 
Causativas y permisi va s
Causativas y permisi va sCausativas y permisi va s
Causativas y permisi va s
Jose Raul Castillo Rosales
 
Bf3 slide
Bf3 slideBf3 slide
Bf3 slide
regisrg
 
La enseñanza para la comprensión
La enseñanza para la comprensión La enseñanza para la comprensión
La enseñanza para la comprensión
Iris Loya
 
Present.me
Present.mePresent.me
Present.me
DanielaAdolean
 
Loja
LojaLoja
Mapa de riesgo
Mapa de riesgoMapa de riesgo
Mapa de riesgo
PerazaJorge
 
Practica 1
Practica 1Practica 1
093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015
093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015
093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015
Dayana1z
 

Viewers also liked (14)

Déficit global – proforma pge
Déficit global – proforma pgeDéficit global – proforma pge
Déficit global – proforma pge
 
Cv liber espinoza mallqui
Cv liber espinoza mallquiCv liber espinoza mallqui
Cv liber espinoza mallqui
 
D Owca
D OwcaD Owca
D Owca
 
Klangwelt 18.9.2014 meine album website 2
Klangwelt 18.9.2014   meine album website 2Klangwelt 18.9.2014   meine album website 2
Klangwelt 18.9.2014 meine album website 2
 
Socialización unidad vi
Socialización unidad viSocialización unidad vi
Socialización unidad vi
 
Causativas y permisi va s
Causativas y permisi va sCausativas y permisi va s
Causativas y permisi va s
 
Bf3 slide
Bf3 slideBf3 slide
Bf3 slide
 
Teaching Experience
Teaching ExperienceTeaching Experience
Teaching Experience
 
La enseñanza para la comprensión
La enseñanza para la comprensión La enseñanza para la comprensión
La enseñanza para la comprensión
 
Present.me
Present.mePresent.me
Present.me
 
Loja
LojaLoja
Loja
 
Mapa de riesgo
Mapa de riesgoMapa de riesgo
Mapa de riesgo
 
Practica 1
Practica 1Practica 1
Practica 1
 
093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015
093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015
093 2014-resolucion-ejecutiva-regional 2015
 

Similar to This Week in Washington ~ November 2, 2012

This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012
This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012
This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012
This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012
This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012
The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012
The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012
Patton Boggs LLP
 
This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Trade talk (29 june 2 july 2015)
Trade talk (29 june  2 july 2015)Trade talk (29 june  2 july 2015)
Trade talk (29 june 2 july 2015)
Stacy Swanson
 
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
2legal
 
It's the last day to sign up for health care - sort of
It's the last day to sign up for health care - sort ofIt's the last day to sign up for health care - sort of
It's the last day to sign up for health care - sort of
accidentaltorpo90
 

Similar to This Week in Washington ~ November 2, 2012 (20)

This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 14, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 12, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 21, 2012
 
This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012
This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012
This Week in Washington - August 3, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ September 28, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 11, 2012
 
This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 6, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ December 7, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 30, 2012
 
This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012
This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012
This Week In Washington - August 17, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ November 23, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012
This Week in Washington ~ October 26, 2012
 
The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012
The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012
The Week in Washington - July 13, 2012
 
This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 20, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 4, 2013
 
This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012
This Week in Washington - July 27, 2012
 
This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013
This Week in Washington ~ January 25, 2013
 
Trade talk (29 june 2 july 2015)
Trade talk (29 june  2 july 2015)Trade talk (29 june  2 july 2015)
Trade talk (29 june 2 july 2015)
 
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Note's Must-Reads for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
 
It's the last day to sign up for health care - sort of
It's the last day to sign up for health care - sort ofIt's the last day to sign up for health care - sort of
It's the last day to sign up for health care - sort of
 

More from Patton Boggs LLP

Update: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care Act
Update: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care ActUpdate: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care Act
Update: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care Act
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...
Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...
Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...
Patton Boggs LLP
 
American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...
American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...
American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014
Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014
Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Social Impact Bonds
Social Impact BondsSocial Impact Bonds
Social Impact Bonds
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent Cases
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent CasesSupreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent Cases
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent Cases
Patton Boggs LLP
 
FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"
FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"
FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"
Patton Boggs LLP
 
ALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of Authority
ALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of AuthorityALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of Authority
ALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of Authority
Patton Boggs LLP
 
New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16
New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16
New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013
Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013
Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible Dust
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible DustThe U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible Dust
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible Dust
Patton Boggs LLP
 
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
CFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
CFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked QuestionsCFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
CFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Australia Elects a New Federal Government
Australia Elects a New Federal GovernmentAustralia Elects a New Federal Government
Australia Elects a New Federal Government
Patton Boggs LLP
 
"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013
"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013
"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013
Patton Boggs LLP
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay Disclosure
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay DisclosureU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay Disclosure
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay Disclosure
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Legal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian Gulf
Legal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian GulfLegal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian Gulf
Legal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian Gulf
Patton Boggs LLP
 
Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...
Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...
Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...
Patton Boggs LLP
 

More from Patton Boggs LLP (20)

Update: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care Act
Update: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care ActUpdate: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care Act
Update: Employer Responsibilities Under the Affordable Care Act
 
Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...
Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...
Protecting Patient Information - Feds Find Security Lapses in State and Local...
 
American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...
American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...
American University International Law Review Annual Symposium: Managing the G...
 
Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014
Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014
Reinsurance Newsletter - March 2014
 
Social Impact Bonds
Social Impact BondsSocial Impact Bonds
Social Impact Bonds
 
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent Cases
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent CasesSupreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent Cases
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Cases on Attorneys' Fees in Patent Cases
 
FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"
FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"
FTC Announces Study of "Patent Assertion Entities"
 
ALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of Authority
ALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of AuthorityALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of Authority
ALJ Ruling on Heart Attack Reporting Requirements Creates Split of Authority
 
New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16
New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16
New TCPA Requirements for "Prior Express Written Consent" Effective October 16
 
Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013
Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013
Reinsurance Newsletter ~ September 2013
 
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible Dust
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible DustThe U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible Dust
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board to OSHA: Get to Work on Combustible Dust
 
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: The Intersection of the I...
 
Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 29, 2013
 
Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013
Capital Thinking ~ July 22, 2013
 
CFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
CFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked QuestionsCFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
CFTC Cross-Border Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
 
Australia Elects a New Federal Government
Australia Elects a New Federal GovernmentAustralia Elects a New Federal Government
Australia Elects a New Federal Government
 
"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013
"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013
"Advance Australia Fair" - The Australian Federal Election 2013
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay Disclosure
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay DisclosureU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay Disclosure
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes New Rule on Pay Disclosure
 
Legal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian Gulf
Legal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian GulfLegal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian Gulf
Legal Q&A: Hotel Operations in the Arabian Gulf
 
Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...
Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...
Non-Practicing Entity Sued Under RICO for Bringing Allegedly Frivolous Patent...
 

This Week in Washington ~ November 2, 2012

  • 1. November 2, 2012 DOMESTIC POLICY MATTERS Hurricane Sandy. Late Monday evening, category one Hurricane Sandy made landfall in southern New Jersey as a post-tropical cyclone, converging with two cold fronts and wreaking damage as it moved inland impacting the mid-Atlantic and Eastern seaboard. In advance of the storm’s arrival, Washington closed the federal government and New York and New Jersey suspended their mass transit systems, and several evacuations took place in lower-lying portions of New York City. Thousands remain without power throughout New York and New Jersey, and the death toll in New York City climbed to 41 Friday as clean up efforts continue. More than 36,000 storm victims from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut have applied for federal disaster assistance, and more than $3.4 million in direct aid has been approved. Building on the post- storm working relationship demonstrated by President Obama and Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) this week, the Obama Administration also announced it will provide approximately $26 million to the State of New Jersey to hire temporary workers to aid with clean up and repair roads damaged in the storm, as well as $13 million in emergency relief funds to help New York and Rhode Island begin repairing storm-damaged infrastructure. Although Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate said his agency currently has enough money to cover disaster response efforts, he stated Thursday that FEMA may seek more funding once it completes a total damage assessment. While senior House Appropriator Chaka Fattah (D-Pennsylvania) introduced legislation Friday that would provide FEMA an additional $12 billion in emergency disaster relief funds – with no budget offsets – Senate leaders in both parties suggested this week that they will wait for damage estimates before making decisions about whether to press for supplemental funding for disaster relief efforts. 2012 Elections. With less than one week before Tuesday’s elections, both presidential campaigns fully suspended events during the height of the storm Monday and Tuesday. President Obama traveled Wednesday to New Jersey to view the storm damage, while Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney held events in the battleground state of Florida to raise money and goods to aid those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The President resumed campaigning Thursday, with stops throughout the week in Wisconsin, Nevada, Colorado, and Ohio. Governor Romney meanwhile campaigned the rest of the week in Virginia, Ohio and Wisconsin. On Thursday, Independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed President Barack Obama, basing his choice in large part on the President’s stance on climate change policy, stating “I want our president to place scientific evidence and risk management above electoral politics.” Poll results throughout the week continued to show a tight race between the two candidates, with the Obama- Biden ticket appearing to have a slight edge in the race for an Electoral College majority. Polls continue to suggest a Democratic lead for maintaining control of the Senate and a Republican lead for holding a majority in the House. Budget, Sequestration, & the Economy. On Thursday, the Conference Board released a report showing that consumer confidence increased to a score of 72.2 in October -- up nearly 4 points from the previous month and the highest reading since February 2008. Additionally, on Friday, the Department of Labor released the monthly employment statistics for October. The economy added a better-than-expected 171,000 jobs for the month, but unemployment rose to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent. After the Treasury Department rejected a request from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to provide documents related to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule that Congressional Republicans say conflicts with the language of the health care reform law, Committee Chair Darrell Issa (R- California) expressed support this week for a disapproval resolution to nullify the rule during the lame duck session. Voters in five states (Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Montana, and Wyoming) will consider referendums next Tuesday aimed at restricting the 2010 law. While the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee announced it will hold a hearing on November 15th regarding implications of the 2012 meningitis outbreak, Congressman Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) introduced a bill Friday to increase the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory oversight over compounding pharmacies like the one linked to the outbreak. FOREIGN POLICY MATTERS Iran. The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Fereydoun Abbasi, confirmed for the first time Thursday the installation of the final centrifuges for enriching uranium at its underground nuclear facility in Fordo. On Friday, Iran marked the 33rd anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran – the event that led to the United States severing diplomatic relations – with its annual anti-American rhetoric demonstration outside
  • 2. the former mission building. A Wall Street Journal article published late Thursday revealed Iran is employing reflagging tactics for oil tanker vessels, primarily owned by the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, to circumvent international sanctions imposed against it and Syria in order to provide refined petroleum products to Syria. Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported oil output rose slightly in October as extra supplies from Iraq, Angola and Libya offset disruptions in Nigeria and a further decline in Iran. Syria. The ceasefire over Eid al-Adha was widely ignored over the four day holiday. By Monday, the final day of the truce, the Syrian regime bombarded rebel stongholds via air strikes, killing an estimated 80 civilians. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday from Croatia: “We’ve made it clear that the SNC [Syrian National Council] can no longer be viewed as the visible leader of the opposition.” The Secretary clarified the “opposition must include people from inside Syria and others who have a legitimate voice that needs to be heard,” urging the creation of a new Syrian opposition council. Qatar and Turkey continue to support the SNC as the principal opposition group. Russia criticized Secretary Clinton's initiative Friday and accused Washington of attempting to impose its own terms. U.S. Ambassador to Damascus Robert Ford will be attending the Syrian opposition meeting in Qatar next week. Meanwhile, on Thursday, a new video emerged allegedly showing Syrian rebels killing a group of captured soldiers near the northern town Saraqeb, specifically at military checkpoint posts. International human rights nongovernmental organizations warned Friday a war crime may have been committed. While the video footage has not been verified, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said they are examining the video. On Friday, the media reported the Syrian military abandoned its base near Saraqeb. House Armed Services Committee Chair Buck McKeon (R-California) sent a letter Monday to President Obama, inquiring about the President’s statement in a recent interview where President Obama stated he issued a “clear directive” to “make sure that we are securing our personnel”, once it was clear U.S. facilities were under attack in Benghazi, Libya. Chairman McKeon requested clarification, saying he found “it implausible that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, and the commander of U.S. European Command would have ignored a direct order from the commander in chief.” The day before, however, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta indicated to the media that he and top military officials were not confident of the intelligence received as the attack unfolded and decided against sending U.S. aircraft or deploying special forces. In Algeria Monday, Secretary Clinton met with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, discussing the ongoing situation in northern Mali and countering terrorist and drug threats in the region. Tuesday, the Secretary met with Bosnian Presidency Chairman Bakir Izetbegovic and E.U. High Representative Lady Catherine Ashton in Sarajevo. Later that same day in Belgrade, after a meeting between Secretary Clinton, Serbian Prime Minister Ivaca Dačić, and E.U. High Representative Ashton, a joint statement was issued, expressing a commitment to Serbia’s E.U. aspirations and furthering a continued, constructive dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo on normalizing relations. Early Wednesday, the Secretary and Lady Ashton met with Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, discussing relations with Serbia and Kosovo’s E.U. aspirations. On Wednesday in Zagreb, the Secretary met with President Ivo Josipovic, discussing NATO and Croatia’s ascension into the European Union next year. Thursday, Secretary Clinton congratulated Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha for Albania’s “first 100 years” of independence, pledging a close working relationship for the next 100 years. The State Department said Monday the United States is concerned that the conduct of Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Ukraine, in which the Party of Regions allied with President Viktor Yanukovych was declared the victor, constituted a step backwards from progress made during previous parliamentary elections and the 2010 presidential election. Tuesday, South Africa hosted the first meeting of the U.S.-South Africa Senior Officials’ Working Group on African and Global Affairs, which met to discuss topics such as the African Union, regional economic integration, the Great Lakes, Zimbabwe, Sudan and South Sudan, Iran, and the Middle East. On Wednesday, Secretary Clinton welcomed the entry-into-force of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement. Also Wednesday, the State Department expressed concern over the Bahraini Government’s decision to ban all public gatherings and urged the Government to work with protest leaders to find a way for demonstrations to occur. State also noted the decision appears to be contrary to Bahrain’s professed commitment to reform and will not help advance national reconciliation. On Thursday, President Obama renewed economic sanctions against Sudan, citing the following concerns impede normalizing relations: the ongoing conflict in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur and the final status of Abyei. On Friday, the State Department congratulated the Libyan people on the formation of a government, hailing this as a “critical milestone” in Libya’s democratic transition and committing to work with the new government. For more information, visit www.pattonboggs.com