Senator Gillibrand Urges Congress to Protect Rights of Women in Middle East, North Africa by Heather McDaniel -Capitol Confidential

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In the wake of populist uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, a bipartisan group of female senators, including Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has banded together to ensure that women’s rights are not forgotten amid the tumult.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. (AP Photo/Drew Angerer)

Gillibrand, along with 15 other senators, will introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of women’s rights and their political participation as new governments begin to take shape in the region.

“We have witnessed courageous women leaders throughout the Middle East and North Africa risking their lives to advance the cause of freedom, democracy and basic human rights,” Gillibrand said. “As Secretary (of State Hillary) Clinton has rightly said, ‘The rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21^stCentury.’As we honor these inspiring women, I also urge all world leaders to continue the push for women’s progress.”

While women have stood beside men and participated in several uprisings in the region, the senators say they are currently being excluded from the political process in many places. In Egypt, no women have been included in the council in charge of reforming the constitution and Tunisia only two have been appointed to the transitional government.

“In societies where women are equal, where they have the right to vote and to hold office, and where they are empowered to be leaders in their communities, those nations are so much more likely to thrive,” Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said in a press release. “Those are the societies that bring up the next generation with the right values, the solid education, and the economic vitality to succeed.”

The resolution, led by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, is a joint effort between all 16 female Senators and is slated to be introduced sometime next week.

“This resolution recognizes that women are important change agents in their societies and reaffirms that countries are more stable and secure when women are empowered and involved,” Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, said.

Senator Gillibrand Calls for Plan to Begin Combat Troop Redeployment from Afghanistan

Mounting al Qaeda Threats in Arab Peninsula Outweigh Threats in Afghanistan, Responsible Redeployment Supports Afghanistan Sovereignty, Widespread Corruption and Lack of Cooperation from Pakistan Undermining Afghan Stability

America’s Cost of War in Afghanistan: Over $345 Billion and Growing

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY Data: Over 1,600 New York Troops Deployed in Afghanistan Right Now

After nearly a decade at war in Afghanistan and more than 1,600 New York troops deployed there currently, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today called for a clear plan for withdrawal of America’s combat forces from Afghanistan by 2014. Over the last decade, America spent a total of $336 billion to fund the war and $11 billion for assistance in Afghanistan, with about $124 billion more set to be approved by Congress for FY2011.

Senator Gillibrand is calling for passage of the Safe and Responsible Redeployment of United States Combat Forces from Afghanistan Act, legislation to begin withdrawing American combat forces from Afghanistan on July 1 of this year. Senator Gillibrand is also making a formal request for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to negotiate a Strategic Redeployment Agreement, based on the model used to withdraw American forces from Iraq, to establish a 2014 withdrawal end date for U.S. combat troops.

“America cannot afford an endless war in Afghanistan,” Senator Gillibrand said. “After nearly a decade at war, with still no equal commitment from the Karzai government, and after all the lives we’ve sacrificed and the billions we’ve spent on this war, it’s time to start bringing our troops home. It’s time to put the future and security of Afghanistan in the hands of its own leaders, and focus America’s national security on the emerging and more imminent threats from al Qaeda in other regions.”

Nearly 100,000 American troops are deployed in Afghanistan today, including more than 1,600 from New York State.

• New York City is home to 259 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• Western New York is home to 95 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Rochester/Finger Lakes Region is home to 88 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• Central New York is home to 98 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Southern Tier is home to 45 total military personnel are currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Capital Region is home to 55 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The North Country is home to 528 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Hudson Valley is home to 105 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• Long Island is home to 96 total personnel military currently deployed in Afghanistan.

Factors Behind Redeployment Strategy

• Transparency International ranks Afghanistan the second most corrupt nation in the world. Its largest bank, Kabul Bank, which processes international aid, funds government salaries and security forces, is on the verge of collapse as a result of widespread corruption.
• Neighboring Pakistan harbors al Qaeda and Taliban insurgency while Pakistan’s intelligence agency maintains ties to the Taliban.
• Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called for Afghanistan’s forces to take lead for their country’s security.
• Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula has now surpassed Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda organization in Afghanistan as the most likely to successfully execute an attack inside the United States, according to Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Michael Leiter.

The Gillibrand Afghanistan Withdrawal Plan

Begin Combat Forces Withdrawal in July 2011
Senator Gillibrand believes it is time to signal a clear end to America’s combat mission in Afghanistan. Senator Gillibrand is an original co-sponsor of the Safe and Responsible Redeployment of United States Combat Forces from Afghanistan Act, legislation authored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and co-sponsored by 4 senators. The legislation would:

• State that it is U.S. policy to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Afghanistan by July 1, 2011;
• Require the president to submit a plan to Congress by July 31, 2011 for the phased redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Afghanistan, including a completion date for such redeployment.

The legislation builds on President Obama’s strategy to begin the responsible reduction of U.S. forces in July 2011; complete the transfer of responsibility of security to Afghan forces by 2014; and implement a sustained, long-term commitment beyond the withdrawal date.

Establish Strategic Redeployment Agreement
To lay the foundation for an end date to America’s combat forces in Afghanistan and support Afghanistan security forces’ lead for their country’s security, Senator Gillibrand has written to Secretaries Clinton and Gates requesting the negotiation of a Strategic Redeployment Agreement, based on the model used to withdraw American forces from Iraq.

The agreement could also set conditions beyond 2014 for a continued, modest, non-combat mission in Afghanistan, such as an ongoing counter-terrorism mission, along with training of Afghan forces and civilian security projects. The agreement would retain current freedom of mission and protections for U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.

A 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq established the broader relationship between the two countries and a 2008 Withdrawal of U.S. Forces Agreement set December 31, 2011 as the complete withdrawal date for U.S. troops.

Senator Gillibrand’s full letter to Secretaries Gates and Clinton:

Dear Secretaries Clinton and Gates,

It is my strong view that it is time to negotiate a Strategic Redeployment Agreement with Afghanistan that would mandate a date certain for the withdrawal of all United States combat forces no later than 2014. I am writing out of consideration for our changing national security challenges, my deep concern about the toll that the war in Afghanistan is taking on our troops and our country, and recognition of that the Afghan and Pakistani governments are not taking steps critical to the war effort. I believe a clear combat redeployment agreement would help our efforts in Afghanistan by reinforcing Afghan sovereignty and protecting both the readiness and the flexibility we need to meet the full array of global security challenges that confront our country.

I have great confidence in the ability of our troops and the strategic focus of our commanders. The surge in Afghanistan has accomplished some substantial military gains. However, as the President has said, in laying out the strategy for Afghanistan, there are “three core elements of our strategy: a military effort to create the conditions for a transition; a civilian surge that reinforces positive action; and an effective partnership with Pakistan.” Despite our civilian assistance, corruption in Afghanistan remains rife. As the near-collapse of Kabul Bank has demonstrated, corruption undermines Afghanistan’s stability and the support of its people for their government. Without a strong, stable, and effective Afghan government, we risk serious domestic instability that opens the door to a return to control by the Taliban and related organizations of major parts of the country despite a U.S. military commitment. As for Pakistan, while I applaud the sacrifices Pakistan’s military has made in fighting some insurgent groups, al Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, and others continue to enjoy safe havens inside Pakistan, near the Pakistani-Afghan border, allowing them to resupply and direct the war in Afghanistan. Insufficient dedication from Kabul and Islamabad undermines our military investment in Afghanistan.

I am also concerned that the drain on our resources in Afghanistan may deteriorate our flexibility to address other global threats. In the past few months, upheavals in the Middle East have posed new challenges for our government as a whole, including the military. Yet, our flexibility of response appears to be compromised in part by our ongoing military involvement in two other Muslim majority countries. Top U.S. intelligence officials have said that Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula is a greater national security challenge than bin Laden. And al Qaeda’s reach appears to be increasingly global – spreading ideology and seeking recruits via the Internet and other methods - not limited to specific contests like the one in Afghanistan. U.S. strategy for countering terrorism needs to be far more nimble, innovative, and global than the troop-heavy counter-insurgency.

What I am suggesting is not to spell out every stage of U.S. troop redeployment from Afghanistan – specific redeployment decisions should be up to commanders on the ground and avoid giving the enemy a potential propaganda tool. Nor should we change the protection for our troops and flexibility for our mission that has been agreed in the U.S.-Afghanistan diplomatic notes exchange and the ISAF-Afghanistan Military Technical Agreement. I do not believe that a withdrawal agreement must necessarily limit our training or counter-terrorism missions, or protection for our civilian development programs. It is critical, however, that we provide for a date certain for withdrawal of our combat forces, in order to give certainty to the American people; to ensure maximum flexibility in responding to other contingencies; and to publicly endorse the Afghan Government’s assumption of lead responsibility as planned.

Connection Between BP and Release of Terrorist Convicted of Bombing Pan Am Flight 103? by John Aravosis - AMERICAblog News

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Just when you honestly thought things couldn't get any worse for BP. This is disgusting, if true. From Mother Jones:

Is there a connection between BP and the terrorist convicted of bombing Pan Am Flight 103? Four senators want to know what sway the oil giant may have had in securing the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi in exchange for a $900 million offshore oil drilling deal with Libya.

Megrahi, the only person convicted of bombing that killed 270 people in 1988, was released from prison in Scotland last August. A Scottish court granted the release after doctors claimed that Megrahi was terminally ill from prostate cancer and had only three months to live.

The release, of course, prompted plenty of outrage. The bomber is still alive, and just this week one of the doctors that gave that dire prognosis last year came forward to assert that the Libyan government paid him to make that claim. Now four senators–Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)—are calling on the State Department to investigate whether the oil giant was involved in the deal-making, and whether "BP might use blood money" to pay for damages in the Gulf of Mexico.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Announces the New York Census Complete Count Grant Program

Assemblywoman Pheffer (D-Queens) is pleased to announce that preparations are underway for the 2010 Census. In addition, the NYS Department of State has announced that they are seeking applicants for the New York Census Complete Count Grant Program.

“The census offers a critical snapshot of Queens and our communities,” said Pheffer. “The federal government uses census figures to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding, impacting everything from schools and hospitals to our roads.”

The Census Bureau estimates that millions of Americans were not counted in the 2000 Census. The New York undercount rate is estimated to be 1.09 percent – or over 209,000 New Yorkers – which results in millions of dollars lost in federal funding. The 2000 Census results suggest that many Hispanic, African American, and Asian American communities were undercounted, which is very troubling for a state as diverse as New York. Studies also suggest that people with low income, people with limited education, the unemployed, immigrants, migrant workers, female-headed households, young children, people with limited English skills, homeless people, renters, and individuals living in mobile homes, multi-unit residences, gated communities, and hidden housing units are likely to be “hard to count.”

The 2009-10 New York State Budget included an appropriation of $2 million to allow the Department of State to fund activities to help assure that all New Yorkers are counted in the 2010 Census.

The purpose of this grant program is to fund activities by local and tribal governments, as well as statewide, regional, local and community organizations, intended to promote participation in the 2010 Census among demographic groups and in geographic areas that are at high risk of being undercounted. Awards will fall into two categories: (1) Outreach and Mobilization Activities, and (2) Media Campaign.

Successful applicants will identify specific strategies targeted at hard-to-count and low response rate populations for promoting awareness of the Census, improving Census questionnaire mail back rates, and encouraging cooperation with Census takers, and will execute those strategies prior to June 1, 2010. Eligible applicants include local and tribal governments, as well as statewide, regional, local and community not-for-profit organizations. Businesses and other for‐profit‐entities are not eligible.

The Department encourages joint applications by collaborating organizations. In these cases, a lead applicant should submit one application representing the proposed activities of all eligible co-applicants.

“It is vital that we ensure that all New Yorkers are counted,” said Pheffer. “I applaud the Department of State for initiating this program so that we can work to ensure that New York not only receives the funding it is entitled, but also so that we can ensure accurate political representation.”

For further information regarding the New York Census Complete Count Grant Program, please visit the website at www.dos.state.ny.us/census/. The deadline for applications is October 16, 2009.

After Tragic Jet Ski Accident, Gillibrand, Addabbo Help Reunite Queens Family with Relatives Abroad for Funeral Tomorrow

Lawmakers Fast Tracked Visa Process Allowing Guyanese Sisters to Attend Funeral for Brother and His 5 Year-Old Son

After a recent jet ski accident that led to the tragic death of a Queens father and son, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Ozone Park) helped expedite the visa process allowing close relatives abroad to arrive in New York in time for the funeral. The sisters of the deceased father will reunite with their Queens family early tomorrow morning – hours before the somber ceremony.

Senator Gillibrand said, “During these difficult moments, it's important for families to gather with their loved ones. I am relieved that Lilouttie and Bhagmattie are able to join their family and friends here at home as they grieve from the loss of their brother and nephew. Our deepest condolences go out to the Gopaul family. They are in our prayers.”

State Senator Addabbo said, “In addressing this unfortunate family issue, I was grateful to successfully work with Sen. Gillibrand’s office to assist our constituent through their difficult time.”

Lilouttie Gopaul, one of the two sisters traveling from Guyana to New York, said, “The entire Gopaul family thanks Senator Gillibrand and State Senator Addabbo. It’s been more than a decade since I’ve visited my family and it means so much that I will be present for the funeral of my brother and nephew. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for making the impossible possible.”

Last Saturday, Queens resident Roopnarine Gopaul, 42, and his 5 year-old son Christopher Gopaul, died after losing control of a jet ski and colliding into a dock in Lawrence, Long Island.

Shortly after the accident, two of Mr. Gopaul’s sisters, Lilouttie and Bhagmattie Gopaul, unsuccessfully tried to secure an interview with the U.S. Embassy in Guyana in time for tomorrow’s funeral to be held in Jamaica, Queens. The interview process is a required step in order to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. Without an expedited interview, the Guyanese sisters would have missed the important ceremony.

Mr. Gopaul’s third sister, Sandra Singh of Richmond Hill, Queens, reached out to State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) for help earlier this week who then worked with Sen. Gillibrand’s office to intervene. The Senator’s office immediately urged the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana to fast track the interview process. The Embassy agreed to an appointment with the sisters this morning and approved their emergency visas.

Mr. Gopaul, who immigrated to the United States two decades ago, worked as a truck-driver and was an active member of his community.

Hillary Clinton Confirmed As Secretary Of State by Anne Flaherty - AP

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The Senate confirmed Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state Wednesday as President Barack Obama moved to make his imprint on U.S. foreign policy, mobilizing a fresh team of veteran advisers and reaching out to world leaders. The Senate voted 94-2, with Republican Sens. David Vitter of Louisiana and Jim DeMint of South Carolina opposing.

Republicans and Democrats alike said her swift confirmation was necessary so that Obama could begin tackling the major foreign policy issues at hand, including two wars, increased violence in the Middle East and the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.

"It is essential that we provide the president with the tools and resources he needs to effect change, and that starts with putting a national security team in place as soon as possible," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Obama's presidential rival, Sen. John McCain, was among those who spoke in Clinton's favor.

"This nation has come together in a way that it has not for some time," said the Arizona Republican, on the Senate floor for the first time since the inauguration.

Voters "want us to work together and get to work," McCain said.

As the Senate debated Clinton's appointment, Obama wasted no time in his first day at the White House. According to a White House spokesman, Obama placed telephone calls to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The administration also planned to name former Senate Democratic leader George J. Mitchell as Clinton's special envoy for the Middle East. Dennis Ross, a longtime U.S. negotiator, was also expected to advise Clinton on Mideast policy, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the move.

She was sworn in as the nation's 67th secretary of state in her office in the Russell Senate Office Building. Attending the private ceremony was her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and her Senate staff. According to her office, she used the Bible that belonged to her late father. To assume the position, she submitted her resignation as senator in twin letters to Vice President Joe Biden, as president of the Senate, and New York Gov. David Paterson.

The former first lady planned to report to the State Department on Thursday, where she was expected to address employees in the main lobby that morning - a tradition of sorts for secretaries of state on their first day on the job.

Clinton received overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress despite lingering concerns by some Republicans that her husband's charitable fundraising overseas could pose conflicts of interest.

Sen. Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, proposed that former President Bill Clinton's foundation reject foreign contributions. But Hillary Clinton rejected Lugar's proposal, contending that the foundation's plan to disclose annually its list of donors and a range of its contributions already exceeds legal requirements.

Lugar said he hoped Clinton would re-examine her position but supported her appointment, citing her "remarkable qualifications" and "pressing global issues."

Vitter and DeMint, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said they were unsatisfied. Last week, Vitter cast the sole opposing vote in the committee's 16-1 endorsement of Clinton. DeMint voted in favor of Clinton on the committee because he said he didn't want to obstruct a full Senate vote on her appointment, but ultimately did not support her nomination.

In addition to concerns surrounding the foundation, DeMint said he opposes Clinton's positions on such matters as providing aid to foreign groups that offer abortions.

"I do not plan to slow up this nomination, but I do find it difficult to support a nominee who I know will pursue policies so contrary to American sovereignty and the dignity of the human person," he said.

Following the vote, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee endorsed Susan Rice to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a post Obama has elevated to the Cabinet level.

Meanwhile, the Senate considered other appointments by Obama.

Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner apologized to the Senate Finance Committee and said he was careless for failing to pay $34,000 in Social Security and Medicare taxes earlier this decade. The committee planned to vote on his appointment on Thursday.

Eric Holder's bid to become the first African-American attorney general was delayed for at least a week when Republicans demanded more time to question him about harsh interrogations, Guantanamo trials and other topics.

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Associated Press writers Barry Schweid, Martin Crutsinger and Larry Margasak contributed to this report.