DEA to Hire 200 Special Agents

[guest]

Drug Enforcement Administration to Hire 200 Special Agents

Michele M. Leonhart, DEA Acting Administrator, announced last week
that the funding provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008
(H.R. 2764), will allow DEA to lift an agency-wide hiring freeze that
was instituted in August 2006.

"This is an important and most welcome development," Leonhart said.
"With this much-needed funding, DEA will be able to fill 200 Special
Agent positions, as well as many vacant Intelligence Analyst and
critical support positions. This legislation sends a strong and
encouraging message to all of us at DEA as we continue our worldwide
drug law enforcement mission."

H.R. 2764, which was signed by the President on December 26, 2007 ,
provides funding for fiscal 2008, which began October 1, 2007.

 

[Pops]

Damn, now they will be robbing more med clubs in Cali to buy pizza and beer for all those new guys!

 

[Echoes]

What a great way to waste tax money. Thanks!

 

[The_Leader]

Damn, now they will be robbing more med clubs in Cali to buy pizza and beer for all those new guys!

lol....

Really surprised it didnt read 215 new agents....

guess the fed prisons need workers?

 

[Dr Dog]

why are the agents "special"

 

[Guest]

Special agents hired on by the United States special little man bush. The terror of the terminally ill,. I am hiding a bag in my zipper .....

 

[Guest]

why are the agents "special"

Because they ride the short bus to work. Because they are the ones that write their reports with crayons. Because they are the ones who can do the DEA math- 1 seedling worth $500,000. 100 seedlings equal a trillion dollars and explain it to reporters. (like kind talking to like kind, ie idiot talking to idiot)

 

[George Hayduke]

wow so on average they added a total of two new agents per state....

just make sure these new agents get my memo.... SUCK MY DICK.

 

[Guest]

lets pay our taxes in seedlings

 

[LiLWaynE]

sorry this is alot of information.... but it is more information on the bill...

The following summary is provided by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan government entity that serves Congress and is run by the Library of Congress. The summary is taken from the official website THOMAS.

9/6/2007--Passed Senate amended.
Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 -
Title I - Department of State and Related Agency
Makes FY2008 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the Capital Investment Fund; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) educational and cultural exchange programs; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; (13) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (14) salaries and expenses; (15) plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; (16) the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada; (17) international fisheries commissions; (18) the Asia Foundation; (19) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (20) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (21) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (22) the National Endowment for Democracy; (23) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (24) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (25) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (26) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (27) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; (28) the United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group; and (29) the United States Institute of Peace.
Makes FY2008 appropriations for the Broadcasting Board of Governors for international broadcasting operations, broadcasting to Cuba and the Middle East, and capital improvements.
Section 102 -
Directs the Department and the Broadcasting Board of Governors to provide the Appropriations Committees (Committees) with a quarterly accounting of the cumulative balances of any unobligated funds received during any previous fiscal year.
Section 103 -
Sets forth restrictions on office space for federal employees with respect to U.S. diplomatic facility construction, with an exception for Marine Corps use.
Section 104 -
Prohibits funds under this title from being used for U.N. peacekeeping missions that will involve U.S. Armed Forces personnel under foreign command unless in the U.S. national interest.
Section 105 -
Continues the prohibition, as provided for in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, on the use of funds to provide visas to certain aliens who were involved in political violence in Haiti.
Section 106 -
Provides that for purposes of birth registration, certification of nationality, or passport issuance of a U.S. citizen born in Jerusalem, the Secretary of State (Secretary) shall, upon request, record the place of birth as Israel.
Section 107 -
Provides for the obligation and expenditure of specified funds for the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the Department notwithstanding certain provisions of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, and the National Security Act of 1947.
Section 108 -
Prohibits the use of funds under this title from being used to pay any U.S. contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations implements or imposes any tax on U.S. persons.
Section 109 -
States that costs incurred by an agency or department funded under this Act resulting from personnel actions taken in response to funding reductions included in this Act shall be absorbed within such agency's or department's budgetary resources.
Section 110 -
Prohibits funds under this title from being used to pay expenses for any U.S. delegation to any specialized U.N. agency, body, or commission that is presided over by a country that has provided support for acts of international terrorism.
Section 111 -
Prohibits funds under this Act from being used to assist the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.
Section 112 -
Prohibits funds under this title from being used to send or otherwise pay for the attendance of more than 50 employees from a federal department or agency at any single conference outside the United States unless in the national interest.
Section 113 -
Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, as amended, to provide for U.S. payments for U.N. peacekeeping operations in FY2008 at 27.1%.
Section 114 -
Prohibits FY2008 funding for Alhurra (Arabic language satellite television network) unless the Secretary of State (Secretary) reports to the Committees that Alhurra does not advocate on behalf of any organization that the Secretary knows, or has reason to believe, engages in terrorist activities.
Section 115 -
Revises United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission provisions respecting: (1) term limits; (2) performance reviews; (3) cash awards; and (4) audits.
Section 116 -
Increases amounts otherwise made available under this title for: (1) diplomatic and consular programs; and (2) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Section 117 -
Directs the Secretary to work with the government of Mexico respecting: (1) improved border security; (2) reduction of human trafficking, drug trafficking, and smuggling; (3) reduction of gang membership, violence against women, and other violence and criminal activity; (4) immigration law education; and (5) circular migration.
Section 118 -
Directs the United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission to report to Congress regarding the use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection of flood control levees under Commission control.
Section 119 -
Directs: (1) the Secretary to establish on the Department homepage an Internet link to the website of the Department's Office of Inspector General; and (2) the Inspector General to establish an Internet mechanism by which individuals can anonymously report cases of waste, fraud, or abuse.
Section 120 -
Directs the Secretary to establish visa processing facilities in Iraq.
Title II - Export and Investment Assistance
Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank, including the Office of Inspector General and direct and guaranteed loan and insurance programs and administrative expenses; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses, and for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans, and authority to undertake programs under title IV of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in Iraq; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency.
Title III - Bilateral Economic Assistance
Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) global health programs, including child survival, nutrition, and disease programs, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, and programs for maternal health and family planning/reproductive; (3) specified development assistance; (4) international disaster and famine assistance; (5) democracy transition and long-term development of countries in crisis; (6) direct loans and guaranteed loans for micro and small enterprise development; (7) operating expenses of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); (8) the Capital Investment Fund; (9) USAID Office of Inspector General; (10) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance, including amounts for Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, USAID programs in the West Bank and Gaza, Lebanon, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic and the countries of Central America, Timor-Leste, the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Columbia, Iraqi scholars, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and for pro-democracy activities in Cuba, North Korea, and Cambodia; (11) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (12) assistance for the new Independent States of the former Soviet Union; (13) the Inter-American Foundation, the African Development Foundation, the Peace Corps, with a prohibition on fund use for abortions, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (14) the Democracy Fund; (15) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (16) counterdrug activities in the Andean region of South America including restrictions on assistance to Bolivia and Colombia, and a prohibition on the combat use of U.S. Armed Forces or contractors for anti-drug activities in Columbia; (17) migration and refugee assistance; (18) United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; (19) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and activities, including U.S. contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Preparatory Commission; and (20) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities, and for debt restructuring of concessional loans, guarantees, and credits made to, and the canceling of amounts owed to, the United States by eligible foreign countries.
Section 301 -
States that narcotics control and law enforcement funds under this title should be made available to support foreign law enforcement efforts to locate U.S. citizens kidnapped in areas affected by violent drug trafficking.
Title IV - Military Assistance
Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) international military education and training (IMET), including provisions respecting Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Libya, Nepal, Haiti, Guatemala, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Nigeria; (2) foreign military financing grants, including provisions respecting Israel, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Columbia, Sudan, Haiti, Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and (3) international peacekeeping operations.
Title V - Multilateral Economic Assistance
Makes FY2008 appropriations for the U.S. contribution to: (1) the Global Environment Facility of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) the International Development Association; (3) the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (4) the Asian Development Fund; (5) the African Development Bank; (6) the African Development Fund; (7) the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (8) the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and (9) other international programs.
Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to the African Development Bank.
Title VI - General Provisions
Section 601 -
Prohibits payments to any international financial institution (as defined by this Act) while the U.S. executive director to the institution is compensated at a rate in excess of that for Level IV of the Executive Schedule, or any alternate U.S. director is compensated at a rate in excess of that for Level V of such Schedule.
Section 603 -
Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including specified maximums for official residence expenses, entertainment expenses, and representation allowances for USAID. Sets forth entertainment and/or representation limits for: (1) the Inter-American Foundation; (2) the Trade and Development Agency; (3) the Peace Corps; (4) IMET; (5) the Foreign Military Financing Program; (6) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; and (7) the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Section 606 -
Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) assistance under a new bilateral agreement unless such assistance is exempt from taxation, or reimbursed, by the foreign government; (2) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Iran, or Syria; (3) assistance to any country whose elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree (assistance may be resumed if a democratic government is elected to office); (4) certain transfers between U.S. agencies except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriations Act, or between appropriations accounts without prior presidential consultation with Congress; (5) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (unless the President determines such assistance is in the national interest); and (6) assistance for production of any export commodity by a foreign country if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets and if the assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar or competing commodity (with exceptions for specified benefits to U.S. producers or to developing countries).
Limits certain Department and Broadcasting Board of Governors transfer authority.
Section 610 -
Authorizes the commercial leasing of certain defense articles (instead of the government-to-government sale) to Israel, Egypt, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons.
Section 611 -
States, with specified exceptions, that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation after the expiration of the current fiscal year unless expressly provided for in this Act.
Section 614 -
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity.
Section 615 -
Sets forth specified congressional notification requirements.
Section 616 -
Declares that funds appropriated for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs that are returned or not made available for international organizations and programs shall remain available for obligation until September 30, 2009.
Removes Libya from provisions requiring the withholding of U.S. funds for international programs for certain countries or entities.
Section 617 -
Prohibits the availability of assistance for the Independent States of the former Soviet Union to a government of such an Independent State: (1) if it directs action in violation of the territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other Independent State (with a national security waiver); or (2) to enhance its military capability (except for demilitarization, demining, or nonproliferation programs).
Subjects such assistance for the Russian Federation, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to the regular notification procedures of the Committees.
Withholds specified funds for the Russian Federation until the President certifies to the Committees that the Russian Federation has taken specified actions respecting Iran and Chechnya.
Section 618 -
Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning, to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or to provide any financial incentive to undergo sterilization.
Section 620 -
Prohibits the use of funds for Serbia, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Iran, Haiti, Mexico, Nepal, or Cambodia except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees.
Section 622 -
Makes funds available to reimburse governmental and private entities for the cost of individuals detailed to USAID for global health programs in developing countries, including child health programs and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
Section 623 -
Obligates certain funds for Afghanistan for humanitarian, reconstruction, and related assistance, including programs for women and girls.
Section 624 -
Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees before providing excess DOD articles to certain North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and major non-NATO countries.
Section 625 -
Conditions 20% of the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria on the progress of Fund financing reforms.
Section 626 -
Prohibits bilateral assistance funds to any country which the President determines grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism or otherwise supports such activities. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition for national security and humanitarian reasons.
Section 627 -
Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are USAID grantees or contractors to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges.
Section 628 -
Directs the Administrator of USAID to require foreign countries that receive foreign assistance which results in the generation of local currencies to deposit such currencies in a separate account to be used to finance foreign assistance activities.
Section 629 -
Requires the President to submit to the Committees a plan for the distribution of the assets of an Enterprise Fund before any distribution resulting from liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Fund.
Section 630 -
Authorizes funds appropriated under this Act to be made available for a U.S. contribution to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) if UNFPA: (1) maintains such amounts in a separate account; and (2) does not fund abortions.
Prohibits such funds from being made available for a program in the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Section 631 -
Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act, the Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development Foundation Act. Requires an agency to report to the Committees whenever it is conducting or proposing activities in a country for which such assistance is prohibited.
Section 632 -
Prohibits the use of funds under titles II through V of this Act to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of U.S. employees; or (2) assistance for any program that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in the recipient country.
Section 633 -
Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees detailing the total amount of FY2006 U.S. government expenditures, by federal agency, for programs and activities in each foreign country, identifying the line item as presented in the President's Budget Appendix and the purpose for which funds were provided.
Section 634 -
Allows funds appropriated under this Act for Afghanistan to be made available notwithstanding restrictions: (1) on assistance to countries in payment default to the United States; and (2) contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 on law enforcement assistance.
Allows funds appropriated under the trade and economic assistance titles of this Act to be made available to: (1) Iraq, Lebanon, Montenegro, and Pakistan; (2) war victims; (3) displaced children; (4) displaced Burmese; and (5) victims of trafficking in persons and to combat such trafficking.
Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support tropical forestry and biodiversity conservation programs and energy programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Authorizes USAID to: (1) employ up to 25 personal services contractors in the United States to provide support for specified new or expanded overseas programs until permanent direct hire personnel are hired and trained; and (2) make an exception to the fair opportunity process under an indefinite-quantity contract for a small or disadvantaged business.
Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend the provision considering certain Vietnamese nationals to be refugees of special humanitarian concern for purposes of eligibility for in-country refugee processing in Vietnam through FY2009.
Expands authorities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for civilian police assistance for a regional, district, municipal, or other sub-national entity emerging from instability.
Makes funds under this Act available to American educational institutions for programs and activities in the PRC relating to the environment, democracy, and the rule of law.
Obligates specified funds managed by the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance of USAID as a general contribution to the World Food Program.
Amends P.L. 107-57 to extend specified presidential waiver authorities through FY2008 with respect to Pakistan.
Authorizes, upon congressional consultation, up to a specified amount of ESF funds to establish a Middle East Foundation to support democracy and the rule of law. Requires: (1) matching funds; and (2) ongoing oversight to prohibit such funds' distribution to groups or individuals involved in terrorism. Terminates the Foundation's or any similar entity's authority to provide assistance on September 30, 2010.
Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend application and reapplication authority through FY2008 for aliens seeking to qualify under specified refugee categories.
Obligates specified funds for: (1) a general contribution to the World Food Program; and (2) capital security cost-sharing fees of the Library of Congress for FY2008.
Makes funds available for programs to demobilize, disarm, and reintegrate into civilian society former combatants of foreign governments or organizations who have renounced involvement or participation in such organizations.
Section 635 -
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Arab League boycott of Israel (reinstated in 1997), and the secondary boycott of American firms that have commercial ties with Israel, is an impediment to regional peace and to U.S. investment and trade in the Middle East and North Africa and should be terminated; and (2) the President should report annually to Congress on specific steps taken by the United States to encourage Arab League states to normalize their relations with Israel to end the boycott.
Section 636 -
Declares that restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act (except those relating to international terrorism or human rights violations) shall not be construed to restrict assistance: (1) in support of certain programs of nongovernmental organizations; or (2) under specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
Section 637 -
Authorizes the reprogramming of earmarked appropriations for other programs within the same account provided certain requirements are met.
Sets forth requirements with respect to ceilings and earmarks of appropriations under this Act.
Section 638 -
Obligates specified funds under this Act for Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Asia and Near East Regional, and Regional Development Mission/Asia.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to use U.S. influence in each appropriate international financial institution in which the United States participates to oppose and vote against the extension of any loan or financial or technical assistance or any other utilization of funds for Burma.
Obligates specified funds under this Act for: (1) democracy activities in Burma; (2) Burmese student groups and other organizations outside Burma; (3) humanitarian assistance to displaced Burmese along Burma's borders; and (4) community-based organizations in Thailand to provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons in eastern Burma.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. executive directors to international financial institutions to support projects in Tibet if such projects do not provide incentives for the migration and settlement of non-Tibetans into Tibet or facilitate the transfer of ownership of Tibetan land and natural resources to non-Tibetans.
Obligates funds for nongovernmental organizations to support activities which preserve cultural traditions and promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in Tibetan communities in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in China, including National Endowment for Democracy programs.
Section 639 -
Prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States that were not authorized before the enactment of this Act.
Section 640 -
Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any U.N. member (including costs for attendance of another country's delegation at international conferences held under the auspices of multilateral or international organizations).
Section 641 -
Prohibits the provision of funds under titles II through V of this Act to a nongovernmental organization or contractor that fails to provide any document, file, or record necessary for USAID auditing requirements.
Section 642 -
Prohibits the provision of funds under this Act to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment (under a contract entered into after October 1, 1997) to a country that the Secretary has determined has a terrorist government, unless the President determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that such assistance is in the U.S. national interest.
Section 643 -
Withholds assistance to a foreign country in an amount equal to 110% of the total unpaid property tax and unpaid parking fines and penalties incurred from April 1, 1997-September 30, 2007, and owed by the country to the District of Columbia or New York City.
Section 644 -
Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations under this Act for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO.
Section 645 -
Permits the President to provide up to a specified amount of commodities and services to the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a just resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia.
States that funds made available for tribunals other than Yugoslavia, Rwanda, or the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) shall be made available subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees.
Section 646 -
Authorizes disposal on a grant basis in foreign countries of demining equipment used in support of the clearance of land mines and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian purposes.
Section 647 -
Prohibits, with an exception for acquisition of additional space for the Consulate General in Jerusalem, the obligation of funds appropriated under this Act to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority (PA) over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles.
Section 648 -
Prohibits the obligation of certain funds to pay for: (1) alcoholic beverages; or (2) entertainment expenses for recreational activities.
Section 649 -
Obligates specified funds under this Act for El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Latin America and Caribbean Regional, Central America Regional, and South America Regional for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund.
Obligates specified funds under this Act for Haiti, including amounts for: (1) court administration and reduction of pretrial detention; and (2) watershed and reforestation activities.
Makes the government of Haiti eligible to purchase U.S. defense articles and services for its Coast Guard.
Prohibits the use of certain funds under this Act for the transfer of U.S. weapons, ammunition or other lethal property to the Haitian National Police until the Secretary certifies to the Committees that: (1) the U.N. Mission in Haiti has vetted senior levels of the Haitian National Police and has ensured that those credibly alleged to have committed serious crimes, including drug trafficking and human rights violations, have been suspended.
Obligates specified funds under this Act for the Dominican Republic, including amounts for basic health care, nutrition, sanitation, education, and shelter for migrant sugar cane workers and other residents of batey (sugar workers) communities.
Section 650 -
Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations under this Act for the PLO unless the President certifies to Congress that it is in the U.S. national interest. States that any such waiver shall: (1) not be for more than six months at a time; and (2) not apply beyond 12 months after enactment of this Act. Requires a report to the Committees when such waiver is exercised.
Section 651 -
Prohibits the use of funds for a country's security forces if the Secretary has credible evidence that they have committed gross violations of human rights, unless the Secretary reports to the Committees that such country is taking steps to bring the responsible persons to justice.
Section 652 -
Requires a specified annual foreign military training report to be submitted by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary to the Committees by a certain date.
Section 654 -
Obligates specified funds under this Act to enhance the preparedness of Asian and African militaries to respond to an avian influenza pandemic.
Section 655 -
Prohibits the use of funds under this Act from being used to support a Palestinian state unless the Secretary certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) the Palestinian governing entity has demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence with Israel and is taking measures to counter terrorism; and (2) the PA or a new governing entity is working to establish a lasting peace in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition in the U.S. national security interest. States that such funding restriction shall not apply to assistance to help reform the PA and affiliated institutions or a newly elected governing entity meet such assistance requirements.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the newly elected governing entity should enact a constitution assuring the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and respect for human rights, and should enact other laws and regulations assuring transparent and accountable governance.
Section 656 -
Withholds specified amounts of assistance under this Act from the Colombia Armed Forces until the Secretary certifies to the Committees that the government of Colombia and the Colombian Armed Forces have taken specified steps with respect to human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and paramilitary activities, and the investigation and punishment of those responsible for such actions.
Section 657 -
Prohibits issuance of a visa to any alien who has: (1) provided support to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), or the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), or successor armed groups; or (2) participated in the commission of gross violations of human rights, including extra-judicial killings, in Colombia.
Waives such prohibition on a case-by-case basis to support the peace process in Colombia or for humanitarian reasons.
Section 658 -
Requires the Secretary, prior to obligating economic support funds under this Act for the West Bank or Gaza, to take appropriate steps to ensure that such assistance is not provided to or through any individual or entity that advocates or engages in terrorist activity.
Prohibits funds from being used to honor individuals who commit, or have committed, acts of terrorism.
Requires and obligates funds for program audits.
Section 659 -
Prohibits the use of funds under titles II through V of this Act for assistance (except humanitarian assistance and assistance for democratization), and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. executive directors to international financial institutions to vote against the extension of assistance to any country (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia) or entity (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and the Republika Srpska) that has failed to take steps to implement its international legal obligations to apprehend and transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia all persons in their territory who have been indicted by the Tribunal.
Section 660 -
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. executive directors at specified international financial institutions to oppose any loan, grant, strategy, or policy that would require user fees or service charges on poor people for primary education or primary health care, including prevention and treatment efforts for HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and infant, child, and maternal well-being, in connection with the institution's lending programs.
Section 661 -
Makes funds appropriated by this Act available for assistance for Serbia or for Montenegro after May 31, 2008, if the President certifies to the Appropriations Committees that the government of Serbia is: (1) cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, including access for investigators, provision of documents, and the surrender and transfer of indictees or assistance in their apprehension, including Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic; (2) taking steps consistent with the Dayton Accords to end Serbian financial, political, security and other support which has served to maintain separate Republika Srpska institutions; and (3) taking steps to implement policies which reflect a respect for minority rights and the rule of law.
States that such requirements shall not apply to Kosovo, humanitarian assistance, or assistance to promote democracy.
Section 662 -
Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of civilian police authority through human rights training, and through the promotion of civilian police roles that support democratic governance, including programs on conflict prevention, police-community relations, disaster assistance, and gender-based violence.
Section 663 -
Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act; and (3) certain export guarantees for U.S. agricultural commodities. Permits exercise of such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries (IDA-only countries) with heavy debt that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association (but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development).
Prohibits debt reduction for a country to a country whose government: (1) has an excessive level of military expenditures; (2) has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; (3) is failing to cooperate on international narcotics control matters; or (4) engages in a pattern of human rights violations.
Section 664 -
Authorizes the President to engage in certain debt buybacks or sales. Authorizes sale, reduction, or cancellation of certain loans to foreign governments upon payment from an eligible purchaser that plans to use such loans only for: (1) debt-for-equity swaps, debt-for-development swaps, or debt-for-nature swaps; or (2) debt buyback by an eligible country if such country uses specified amounts of local currency to support activities that link conservation with local community development and child development activities. Limits such authority to funds appropriated by this Act under the heading of debt restructuring.
Section 665 -
Obligates specified funds for religious, ethnic, and political reconciliation programs.
Section 666 -
Prohibits funds appropriated under this Act from being used for the government of Sudan (which shall not include the government of Southern Sudan), or for the cost of modifying loans and loan guarantees held by the government of Sudan unless the Secretary certifies to the Committees that the government of Sudan: (1) is ending attacks upon civilians and disarming and demobilizing the Janjaweed and other government-supported militias, and honoring cease-fire agreements; and (2) is allowing unimpeded humanitarian access to Darfur. States that such prohibition shall not apply to: (1) humanitarian assistance; (2) assistance for Darfur and for areas outside the government of Sudan's control; and (3) assistance to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Section 667 -
Directs the Secretary, prior to the initial obligation of funds for a U.S. contribution to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to certify to the Committees that the UNDP is: (1) giving adequate access to information to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations regarding UNDP programs and activities, including in North Korea and Burma; (2) conducting appropriate oversight of UNDP programs and activities; and (3) implementing the whistleblower protection policy established by the U.N. Secretariat in December 2005.
Withholds 20% of World Bank appropriations under this Act until the Secretary of the Treasury reports to the Committees that the World Bank: (1) has made publicly available financial disclosure forms of senior World Bank personnel; (2) has established a plan for conducting independent audits of internal management controls and procedures for meeting operational objectives; (3) is adequately staffing and sufficiently funding the Department of Institutional Integrity; (4) has made publicly available the Department of Institutional Integrity's November 2005 "Report of Investigation into Reproductive and Child Health I Project Credit N0180 India"; and (5) has made publicly available the "Volker Panel" report.
Prohibits funds under this Act from being made available to a country whose government does not make its national budget public each year. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition if in the U.S. national interest.
Section 668 -
Authorizes the transfer of excess defense articles to Albania, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, India, Iraq, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Pakistan, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
Section 669 -
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each international financial institution to vote against loan extensions to the government of Zimbabwe, except to meet basic human needs or to promote democracy, unless the Secretary of State certifies to the Committees that the rule of law has been restored in Zimbabwe.
Section 670 -
Establishes within USAID the development grants program to provide small grants to U.S. and indigenous nongovernmental organizations for specified purposes under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Section 671 -
Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees respecting whether specified military assistance for Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka are used by the security forces against civilians, members of political opposition parties, and human rights groups.
Section 672 -
Makes specified funds for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to monitor earthquake and hurricane relief in Central America, Columbia, and the Caribbean available to monitor other disaster assistance relief.
Section 673 -
Authorizes specified funds under this Act for USAID to hire up to 175 persons per fiscal year on a limited appointment basis in the United States and abroad. Conditions such hirings upon an equivalent elimination of USAID nondirect-hire employees. Terminates such authority on September 30, 2009.
Authorizes USAID to use specified amounts from such funds for overseas support costs of Foreign Service members of rank four or below to reduce USAID reliance on nondirect-hire employees.
Authorizes specified funds under this Act for the costs of persons detailed or employed by USAID to carry out natural disaster response programs.
Section 674 -
Authorizes the transfer of certain funds under this Act for OPIC.
Section 675 -
Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees by April 1, 2008, and for each fiscal quarter thereafter, on fund use under the following headings: (1) foreign military financing; (2) international military education and training; and (3) peacekeeping operations.
Section 676 -
Obligates specified development assistance funds for biodiversity activities in developing countries, including amounts for: (1) activities in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Southern Sudan; (2) the Amazon Basin Conservation Initiative; (3) the Congo Basin Forest Partnership; and (4) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for programs in Central Africa.
Obligates funds for clean energy and climate change programs in developing countries.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to inform international financial institutions and the public that it is U.S. policy that any assistance by such institutions for the extraction and export of oil, gas, coal, timber, or other natural resource should not be provided unless the government of the country has or is taking steps to establish functioning systems for: (1) revenue and expenditure accounting; (2) independent auditing; and (3) verifying government receipts against company payments.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Committees describing for each international financial institution the amount and type of assistance provided, by country, for the extraction and export of oil, gas, coal, timber, or other national resource since September 30, 2007.
Section 677 -
Makes funds under this Act for the government of Uzbekistan available only if the Secretary reports to the Committees that: (1) Uzbekistan is making substantial progress in meeting its commitments under the Declaration on the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Framework Between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America, including respect for human rights, establishing a genuine multiparty system, ensuring free elections; and providing freedom of expression and media independence; and (2) an international investigation of the May 2005 Andijan shootings is underway.
Sets forth economic and visa sanctions to be applied against officials of the government of Uzbekistan and their immediate family members identified by the Secretary as having been involved in the Andijan shootings.
Section 678 -
Makes funds under this Act available for the government of Kazakhstan only if the Secretary reports to Committees that Kazakhstan has made significant human rights improvements. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition if in the U.S. national interest.
Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees respecting defense articles, defense services, and financial assistance (and their use) provided by the United States to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Section 679 -
Obligates specified funds under this Act for USAID activities for persons with disabilities in developing countries.
Section 680 -
Obligates specified funds under this Act for USAID programs for neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal parasites, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma and leprosy.
Section 681 -
Obligates specified funds under title III of this Act for programs for orphans and displaced and abandoned children.
Section 682 -
Establishes within the Department of State a Coordinator of Activities Relating to Indigenous Peoples who shall serve as a principal advisor to the Director of United States Foreign Assistance and the Administrator of USAID on matters relating to indigenous peoples, and who should represent the U.S. government on such matters in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions. Obligates funds for such activities.
Section 683 -
Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004, as amended by the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, the Iraq Reconstruction Accountability Act of 2006, and the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend the calculation period through FY2008 for purposes of establishing the termination date of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction.
Section 684 -
Makes specified FY2008 funds available for demobilization and disarmament of former members of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) in Colombia if the Secretary certifies to the Committees that: (1) assistance will be provided only for individuals who have terminated FTO affiliation and are meeting Colombia Demobilization Program requirements; (2) the government of Colombia is cooperating in extraditing wanted FTO leaders and members to the United States; (3) the government of Colombia is implementing a framework for dismantling FTO organizational structures; and (4) funds shall not be made available as cash payments to individuals, and are available only for verification, reintegration, vetting, recovery of victims' assets, and investigations and prosecutions.
Section 685 -
States that foreign military financing program funds under this Act above a specified amount may be made available for Indonesia only if the Secretary certifies to the Committees that the government of Indonesia has plans to: (1) provide accountability for past violations of human rights by members of the Indonesian military; (2) allow public access to West Papua; and (3) pursue the criminal investigation of the murder of Munir Said Thalib.
Section 686 -
Conditions specified military assistance to the Guatemalan Air Force and Navy under this Act upon the Secretary certifying that the Air Force and Navy are respecting human rights and are cooperating with civilian judicial investigations of military personnel who have committed human rights violations.
Section 687 -
Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, military assistance funds and equipment under this Act from being made available to the government of a country identified by the Department as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups that recruit or use child soldiers.
Authorizes the Secretary to provide such otherwise prohibited assistance upon certifying to the Committees that a government has implemented measures to demobilize children from its forces or from government-supported armed groups and prevent their future recruitment.
Section 688 -
States that foreign military financing program funds under this Act above a specified amount may be made available for assistance for the Philippines only if the Secretary certifies to the Committees that: (1) the Philippine government is implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; (2) the Philippine government is promoting military personnel who demonstrate professionalism and respect for human rights, and is prosecuting military personnel and others who have committed extrajudicial executions or other human rights violations; and (3) the Philippine military is not engaging in acts of intimidation or violence against members of legal organizations who advocate for human rights.
Section 689 -
Obligates specified military funds under this Act for Pakistan unless the Secretary reports to the Committees that the government of Pakistan is not: (1) making effective efforts to prevent the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and associated terrorist groups from operating in Pakistan; and (2) implementing democratic reforms.
Authorizes the use of such blocked military assistance for education, health, and democracy programs in Pakistan.
Section 690 -
Prohibits specified military funds under this Act from being made available, defense export license issued, and military equipment or technology sold or transferred to Sri Lanka unless the Secretary certifies to the Committees that: (1) the Sri Lankan military is suspending and the Sri Lankan government is bringing to justice members of the military who have committed gross violations of human rights, including extrajudicial executions and the recruitment of child soldiers; (2) the Sri Lankan government has provided access to humanitarian organizations and journalists to Tamil areas of the country; and (3) the Sri Lankan government has agreed to the establishment of a field presence of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sri Lanka.
Section 691 -
Establishes in the Treasury a fund for the Peace Corps to provide separation pay for host country resident personal services contractors.
Section 692 -
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each multilateral development bank to use U.S. influence to accomplish at each specified U.S. policy goals at each multilateral development bank, including creation of an anti-corruption pilot program at the World Bank.
Extends funding through FY2010 for: (1) the HIPC (heavily-indebted poor countries) Trust Fund; and (2) debt relief.
Section 693 -
Amends the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 to include among a country's eligibility criteria the protection of biodiversity and natural resources management.
Section 694 -
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise provisions respecting the Secretary's authority to waive terrorist-related grounds of inadmissibility.
States that the Karen National Union/Karen Liberation Army, the Chin National Front/Chin National Army, the Chin National League for Democracy, the Kayan New Land Party, the Arakan Liberation Party, the Mustangs, the Alzados, the Karenni National Progressive Party, and appropriate groups affiliated with the Hmong and the Montagnards shall not be considered to be a terrorist organization on the basis of any act or event occurring before the date of enactment of this section.
Designates the Taliban as a terrorist organization.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting: (1) the number of aliens subject to removal for providing support to terrorist groups who allege that such support was provided under duress; (2) the terrorist groups involved; and (3) factors considered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in duress waver evaluations.
Section 695 -
Restricts military assistance for cluster munitions.
Section 696 -
Obligates funds for cooperation with Cuba on counter-narcotics matters.
States that such funds shall not be available if the President certifies that: (1) Cuba does not have procedures to protect against the loss of innocent life in connection with the interdiction of illegal drugs; and (2) there is evidence of drug trafficking involvement by the government of Cuba.
Section 697 -
Prohibits funds under this Act from being used for construction of a new U.S. embassy in Libya or activities in Libya related to energy development or in support of investment in Libya's hydrocarbon sector unless the Secretary certifies to the Committees that the government of Libya has made the final settlement payments to the Pan Am 103 victims' families, paid to the LaBelle Disco bombing victims their agreed upon settlement amounts, and is engaging in good faith settlement discussions regarding other relevant terrorism cases.
Directs the Secretary to report every 90 days to the Committees respecting: (1) Department actions to facilitate such cases' resolution; and (2) U.S. commercial activities in Libya's energy sector.
Section 698 -
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2006 to provide for the carry forward of unused special immigrant visas.
Section 699 -
Increases funding for: (1) global health programs; and (2) a U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Rescinds specified ESF unobligated balances.
(Sec. 699B) Makes specified funds under this Act available for programs of the Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs to support democracy, the rule of law, and governance in Iran.
(Sec. 699C) States that in determining assistance eligibility under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 foreign nongovernmental organizations shall not be: (1) ineligible for assistance solely on the basis of health or medical services provided with non-U.S. government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided and would not violate federal law if provided in the United States; and (2) subject to requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. Government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving assistance under part I of such Act.
(Sec. 699D) Prohibits funds under this Act from being used in violation of the prohibition against granting visas to nationals of countries that are denying or delaying accepting aliens removed from the United States.
(Sec. 699E) Increases funding under this Act for the Peace Corps and decreases specified military funding under this Act by the same amount.
(Sec. 699F) Prohibits funds under this Act from being made available to any international organization, agency, or entity (including the United Nations) that requires the registration of or taxes a gun owned by a U.S. citizen.
(Sec. 699G) Prohibits funds under this Act from being made available for a contribution to the United Nations or a U.N. subsidiary body until the Secretary certifies that the U.N. has taken certain spending and procurement transparency steps.
(Sec. 699H) Prohibits funds under this Act from being made available for the United Nations Human Rights Council unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) the provision of such funds is in the U.S. national interest; or (2) the United States is a Council member.
(Sec. 699I) Expresses the sense of Congress that the World Bank should increase its focus on performance requirements and measurable results.
States that GAO should conduct a study of World Bank actions to measure International Development Association project success.
(Sec. 699J) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should respond to the deepening humanitarian and refugee crisis in Iraq by using the entire U.S. refugee allocation for the Near East/South Asia region, and any unused portion of the worldwide allocation for, Iraqi refugees, particularly people who have assisted the United States and religious minorities.
(Sec. 699K) Increases specified funding under this Act for OPIC and decreases specified funding under this Act for the International Development Association by the same amount.
(Sec. 699L) Authorizes funds for an endowment to further social, economic, and political reforms in Egypt.
(Sec. 699M) Prohibits funds under this Act from being made available for Iraq.
Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees respecting the government of Iraq's commitment to combating corruption.
Prohibits appropriations for foreign operations and export financing from being made available for Iraq unless the Secretary certifies to the Committees that the Departments of State and Defense are providing the Committees with full access to programs in Iraq for oversight purposes.
(Sec. 699N) Directs the Secretary to send to the appropriate congressional committees a list of officials of the governments of Angola, Burma, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo, and their immediate family members, who have been involved in corruption relating to the extraction of natural resources in their countries. Applies visa prohibitions and economic and property sanctions against persons so identified.
(Sec. 699O) Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees respecting U.S. strategy to resolve the conflict between the Lord's Resistance Army and the government of Uganda. Obligates funds for such purpose.
(Sec. 699P) Directs the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan.
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Administration shall not sign any agreement with the Russian Federation on low enriched uranium that does not include a requirement that a portion of the low enriched uranium be derived from highly enriched uranium.
(Sec. 699Q) States that the Senate: (1) reaffirms its long-standing friendship with the people of Egypt; and (2) urges the government of Egypt to make progress on restoring the rule of law, including improving the independence of the judiciary and improving criminal procedures and due process rights and halting the cross-border flow of arms to Gaza.

 

[Guest]

The whole country is going askew and the dumb a$$es hire a nanny to fix their hernias

The whole country is going askew and the dumb a$$es hire a nanny to fix their hernias

200 agents agents when the US border is open? Thats pretty smart! Tons of other things are not important.
I can't even come up with an analogy for this: Hiring a nanny to repair your hernia???


The whole country is going askew and the dumb a$$es hire a nanny to fix their hernias.

Critical support positions. WTF does that mean a door knob?

Being on the top missionary style is not a critical support position but the bottom position is critical........

Can't they just say: Sorry I forgot the whole country is over run with illegal immigrants, I also forgot your health care costs will wipe out your pension plans, While I was forgetting I forgot to forget my hefty pay raise. I also forgot to declare the gifts on my taxes.

I am glad that election time is here.
I believe that the American people are sick of the corrupt politicians. Lobbyists give bribes for passing laws that benefit a corporation. Thats bribery under any definition.
They always run on platforms to stop lobbyists but after elected they forget.
All this forgetting is what we used to call lying. Where was I when the dictionary rewritten.

Maybe I imagine all the lying, forgetting
bribing, and lobbying.

This is all so convoluted. I never believed the Great USA would be corrupted.
Its time to pick some leaders who can not be bought. There must be an honest person. This all seems like a bad dream.

 

[Kirby]

We're in for one hell of a ride. Even if a miracle happens and Ron Paul is elected, '08-'12 will be worse than the status quo. '08 might be better financially for half of the year, but then comes the recession, and that will hit harder than a bowling ball to the nads. I want my own damn island.

 

[medgrowr02]

Guys, Ron Paul would be a great option at President, especially if you read into the other options. But the truth is, Dennis Kucinich is who we need to elect, NORML rated him a +10 making him totally pro-mary jane. Not only that, but he will begin pulling those poor, misinformed soldiers outta Iraq within 90 days after being elected. He's gonna fix our healthcare system and hopefully improve the economy.

He also agrees to cut the pentagon's flamboyant spending by epic proportions and help more kids out with college. Read into him, for real. He's the ****ing truth. Bush ruined so many great things, but in reality he's been on the same destrcution path for years. If someone gets elected in 08' that I don't feel safe saying will help fix the corruption and the mess, then I'm outta here. Gone to a better place, maybe Canada, A'dam or NZ. At least people are halfway civil around these areas, and they wont ruin your life for lighting up a doober in you backyard. <-- Yes I really got in trouble for smoking a fat J in my own yard, I couldn't believe it.

Here's another information filled article from Sticki News, http://stickinews.com/index.php/01/2008/top-stories/18/

 

[LiLWaynE]

im a retard

im a retard

 

[romdog11]

ron pual o8!!!!!!! i think the media is lying i think he was like 2nd or 3rd for sure. i dont put it passed those in power to rig this election.

 

[Kirby]

The biggest problem I have with Kucinich is his gun policy. Makes voting for him moot, IMO. Ron Paul says he wants to end the War on Drugs. That's a plus.

 

[medgrowr02]

Kirby, what's your beef with banning guns? You have a burning desire to pop a few dude's heads off? It's not like they're going to come to your house and confiscate your weapons. It's a small price to pay for freedom bro, I'm all about my 1911 colt and my AR. But if he wants them, in order to fix this place, then I'll ship them out to him personally.

Wayne, Kucinich didn't drop out. He won the democratic poll in VA and needs our help. Seriously, Ron Paul is a great guy, but bottom line we've got more issues to deal with then just our reefer. The War in Iraq, our healthcare, I think it's safe to say, growing our own herb doesn't come with a healthcare plan and a 401k. He will help us survive, and will bring America back its roots.

Do research before jumping on the Ron Paul bandwagon, he's a great guy and I agree the War on Drugs is a pathetic joke, but he's still a Republican. At least check out www.stickinews.com and read before totally disregarding what I'm saying.

I love my weed, freedom and money. The only way to let us do our thing is to vote for someone who doesn't mind that we smoke herb. But who minds that the pentagon spends way too much money, kids like me can't get into decent schools because we're "legally" broke and our friends are fighting a fabricated war.

I'll start a new thread, sorry for thread jacking guys. Just give it a look before eliminating him.

 

[George Hayduke]

Kirby, what's your beef with banning guns? You have a burning desire to pop a few dude's heads off? It's not like they're going to come to your house and confiscate your weapons. It's a small price to pay for freedom bro, I'm all about my 1911 colt and my AR. But if he wants them, in order to fix this place, then I'll ship them out to him personally.

I got no desire to pop anyones head off however i do have a desire to hunt and eat unless you and mr. Kucinich want to pay for my grocery bill. i like to tote my gun around my land and shoot it for kicks too. its what we do around here.

i honestly don't know what his gun policy is... but you said "what's your beef with banning guns" so i assume thats what he wants to do.

 

[HCSmyth]

The biggest problem I have with Kucinich is his gun policy. Makes voting for him moot, IMO. Ron Paul says he wants to end the War on Drugs. That's a plus.

I agree with that 100%. Plus Paul just looks like, how I think a leader/president should look. Kucinich looks like some fruity little rodent.

 

[George Hayduke]

I think Ron Paul's opinions on gay marriage and abortion suck.

he wont get my vote for that alone.