Senior Brass are Against Striking Iran
He didn't completely rule it out, but Admiral William Fallon doesn't advocate a US attack against Iran in the near future -- and he doesn't find provacative or "bellicose" comments helpful. (Financial Times and BN-Politics)
GAO Slams TSA for Airport Security
Six years and 20+ billion dollars after 9/11, GAO undercover investigators found major holes in security at our nation's airports. (BN-Politics & GAO)
Senate Republicans Block War Funding and Troop Withdrawal
By a 53-45 vote, the Senate blocked a Democratic proposal that would have given $50 billion for the Iraq war but also required that troop withdrawal begin. The Republican proposal was for $70 billion with no strings attached: it didn't pass either. (Associated Press)
State Dept.'s IG Gave Questionable Testimony to Congress
State Department Inspector General Howard Krongard (who may have impeded an investigation into illegal arms smmuggling by Blackwater) initially told the House Oversight Committee that his brother is not involved with Blackwater -- despite evidence to the contrary. Krongard's initial testimony doesn't gel with his brother's recollection of events. The Committee wants to question Krongard again in December. (BN-Politics and Oversight Committee)
FEMA Attacked for Waste (Perhaps Corruption) re: Katrina
Given the alleged fraud, waste and bid-rigging, FEMA's spending has once again come under fire; the GAO may refer seemingly criminal activity to the Justice Department. (Washington Post and BN-Politics)
House Passed RESTORE Act, Senate Likely Won't
The House passed a domestic-surveillance-related bill that would not give amnesty to telecom companies that illegally helped the Bush Administration's surveillance efforts. Given Democrats' lack of control in the Senate, the bill likely will not pass in that chamber. (BN-Politics)
Court Says Govt. Can Go After Ken Lay's Assets in Estate
Over former Enron CEO Ken Lay's widow's objections, a court said that the government can come after assets in Lay's estate. Mr. Lay was convicted of Enron-related crimes in May 2006 and died shortly thereafter. (Houston Chronicle)
Lady Bridge Champs Threatened for Anti-Bush Message
The United States Bridge Federation threatened to impose sanctions against a team of lady bridge players, one of whom held a small sign at the championship in Shanghai that said "We did not vote for Bush." (NY Times, Jon Swift and BN-Politics)
Republican Legislator Found Guilty in Bathroom-Sex Case
Florida state Rep. Bob Allen (R-Merritt Island) was found guilty of offering money for sex in a public park's bathroom. As in the Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) case, the undercover officers did not bother to record the conversations during the sting operation. (BN-Politics)
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