Daily Democratic Wire 1-11-2010

George Wenschhof

Today, President Barack Obama will meet with Union Leaders at the White House - more discussion expected on the differences between the House and senate on health care reform. The latest sticking point is the Senate proposed tax on high end "Cadillac" policies which the House and Unions oppose. Time.com has more here.

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Energy Secretary Stephen Chu will announce today 187 million in matching grants for energy efficient projects for heavy trucks and passenger vehicles - 100 million will be coming from the 787 billion Stimulus Program and the remainder from Energy Department appropriations. The announcement will be made in Columbus, Indiana. ABC News has more here.

How about money toward improving the U.S. rail system which is light years behind European and Asian systems?

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton begins 10 day Pacific tour today - she will visit Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Hawaii. While in Hawaii, she will meet with her Japanese counterpart. The NY Times has more here.

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Congressional Black caucus Chair; Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calf.) offers support to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) - this comes after his racially sensitive remarks made pertaining to President Obama during the campaign last year were made public recently. TheHill.com has more here.

Reid is up for reelection this year and all indications are he is facing a tough battle.

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Supreme Court close to decision on corporate funding of federal campaigns - in a ruling that will impact federal races. The case began in the 2008 election when a conservative group Citizens United wanted to televise anti-Hillary Clinton ads. The federal elections commission denied the ads and the lower courts agreed. the supreme court decision could come as early as tomorrow. MSNBC.com has more here.

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