Democratic News 4-28-2009

George Wenschhof Bio


President Barack Obama will begin his day meeting with FBI Director Robert Muellar - he is also expected to address FBI employees. Later, the president will meet with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Also on the agenda is presenting the National Teacher of the Year award and a White House meeting with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Tonight, the President and the First Lady will host a reception for the Cabinet Secretaries. Politico.com has more here.

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Swine Flu Update - the World Health organization upgraded the status alert from level three to level four. Level 6 is a full pandemic. You can read more here. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says there is no need to close our borders to travelers. You can read more here.

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Kathleen Sebelius to be confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary today by the Senate - AP is reporting the lone remaining cabinet position to be filled by the Obama administration. The swine flu crisis has probably aided the approval process as this position will have many responsibilities in this area. Anti-abortion groups had been protesting her appointment but she is expected to receive the needed 60 votes for confirmation today. You can read more here.

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Swine Flu and Bank Stress Tests weigh on Financial Market - a major flu pandemic will certainly add to the woes of the global economy. While the U.S. government bank stress tests are showing Citigroup Inc. and Bank of America Inc. both may need more capital. Bloomberg.com has more here.

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Obama administration to expand Housing Aid Program - this part of the plan is aimed at helping homeowners with costly second mortgages. It is designed to lower the monthly costs of second mortgages in yet another move to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. MSNBC.com has more here.

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House set to approve Obama FY 2010 3.4 trillion Budget Today - as I reported on Sunday, Congress will approve the budget by Wednesday, the 100th day of the Obama administration. The Senate is expected to approve tomorrow. The budget includes a 1.4 trillion deficit. Also, Democratic Leaders are expected to use a parliamentary procedure known as budget reconciliation to fast track approval of health care reform, negating the possibility of a republican filibuster in the Senate. Reuters.com has more here.

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