Obama Calls For Reform Of No Child Left Behind
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama called upon Congress to replace the No Child Left Behind Act, with states being given flexibility for education reform as has been done with his administration’s “Race to the Top” grants.
“Our challenge now is to allow all fifty states to benefit from the success of Race to the Top,” said Obama. “We need to promote reform that gets results while encouraging communities to figure out what’s best for their kids. That why it’s so important that Congress replace No Child Left Behind this year – so schools have that flexibility. Reform just can’t wait.”
Hutchison: ‘Cut The Bureaucratic Red Tape’ On Energy Production
In this weekend’s Republican address, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison called for a national energy policy to encourage domestic production, criticizing the Obama administration for delaying offshore drilling permits.
“Our country needs a long-term policy that provides energy from our own ample natural resources. We can provide a clean environment and affordable energy for our nation’s families and businesses,” said Hutchison “It is not enough for the President to talk about producing energy in America. We call on him to put policies in place that cut the bureaucratic red tape and put Americans to work doing it.”
Obama Urges Congress Backing For Libya Action
AFP reports: “President Barack Obama on Friday asked lawmakers to back “limited” US action in the NATO assault on Libya, as he hit a technical 60-day deadline to get official congressional approval for the use of his war powers. The White House maintains that its support role to allies in Libya does not merit a formal declaration of war as is required by the US Constitution. It also said the action falls short of the kind of campaign governed by the 1973 War Powers Act that requires any military action longer than 60 days to be authorized by Congress. But in a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress, the president said that it would be helpful instead if lawmakers backed a binding resolution to underline US support for a ‘remarkable’ international effort.”
2012 Hopefuls To Attend AIPAC Event
Roll Call reports: “At least four Republicans who have entered the 2012 presidential race or are considering campaigns are planning to attend next week’s American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference, where President Barack Obama and other top Democrats are also scheduled to appear, sources confirmed Friday. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.), former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and wealthy Georgia businessman Herman Cain will make appearances at the conference, which runs Sunday through Tuesday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.”
Palestinians Set On U.N. Statehood Bid In September
Reuters reports: “Palestinians will seek recognition as a U.N. member-state in September given the deadlock in U.S.-brokered peacemaking with Israel, a senior Palestinian official said on Saturday. Nabil Shaath urged President Barack Obama, who on Thursday criticized the planned move at the U.N. general assembly, to join countries that have already endorsed a Palestinian state taking in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Another Palestinian official, Nabil Abu Rdainah, said the drive to win statehood status unilaterally could be forestalled should Israel accept the demand to extend a freeze on its settlement on occupied land so that negotiations can resume.”
With Narrow Majority, Senate Democrats Adopt Minimalist Agenda
The Washington Post reports: “Senate Democrats are in a historically difficult spot. House Republicans have the energy. President Obama has the spotlight. And thus they have become the third wheel of democracy — with a lesser role in Washington’s broader debates, and without the votes to overcome Republican filibusters in their own chamber. In response, Senate Democrats have adopted a minimalist agenda. They have blocked bills from the GOP-led House but proposed few broad ideas of their own — hoping to keep vulnerable incumbents from having to make controversial decisions before the 2012 elections.”
Obama Keeps His Distance From Dem In N.Y. Special Election
The Hill reports: “President Obama has maintained a conspicuous distance from the New York special election as other national Democrats have rushed to help the party’s nominee…Despite the all-hands-on-deck approach by the party, Obama and Vice President Biden have steered clear of publicly backing Hochul, who is vying against Republican Jane Corwin and Independent Jack Davis for seat held by former Rep. Chris Lee (R-N.Y.).”
