The government is starting to send out the first installments of $787 billion stimulus package Wednesday as White House officials warned against delay or waste. Americans were watching, too, as a new government website tracking the spending was already receiving 3,000 hits per second.
       “We have to actually get this money out the door,” Vice President Joe Biden said at the first meeting of an administration group created to monitor the spending.
       “I don't want to hear that we sent money out to renovate a school in a particular city in a particular state…I don't want to get a phone call saying, you know, it's been sitting there and nothing's happened for three weeks; now it's five weeks and it's seven weeks,” Biden said.
       Biden announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development Wednesday started the process of sending $10 billion to states and local governments to make public housing energy efficient and remove lead-based paint from public housing.
       Also, the Department of Health and Human Services already has started sending $15 billion in Medicaid money to states to help pay for healthcare for children and the elderly, officials said.
       More will be going out quickly, said Peter Orszag, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
       “Over the next couple weeks, you will also see money becoming available in food stamps, unemployment insurance, low-income housing tax credits, law enforcement grants, transportation funding and a variety of other areas,” he said.
       Also, officials noted that a small tax cut will result in higher take home pay for most Americans by April 1.
       The new website set up so Americans can see how and where the stimulus money is being spent is already receiving heavy web traffic, Orszag said, “which I think underscores the interest in the accountability and transparency surrounding this endeavor.”

Chuck Kennedy, a veteran photographer who’s covered presidential campaigns, the White House and Congress for two decades, is leaving the McClatchy-Tribune Photo Service to take a job in the White House.

He will be the Assistant Deputy of the White House Photo Office. He will have administrative duties but also will do a “fair amount of shooting,” said White House Photographer Pete Souza.

Kennedy’s most recent accomplishment was a unique shot of President Barack Obama taking the oath of office. He used a remote operated camera in the inauguration platform floor to shoot the close-up photo of Obama with his wife and two daughters beside him. It landed on hundreds of newspaper front pages across the country and around the world.

Souza also announced other additions to the staff that records the presidency.
Lawrence Jackson was named an official photographer and will be work with Souza covering the president.
Samantha Appleton will be an official photographer primarily assigned to cover First Lady Michelle Obama.
And Arun Chaudhary was named the official White House videographer.

The Senate's number 2 Democrat_and senior Illinois U.S. Senator_said that if he had fellow Illinois Sen. Roland Burris' problems, he would consider resigning.

Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Burris spoke Tuesday. "I told him that under the circumstances, I would consider resigning if I were in his shoes," Durbin said. "He said he would not resign, and that was his conclusion."

-Burris has come under fire because he has changed his story about how he got the Senate appointment earlier this year. He was named by impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was accused of trying to win favors and money in exchange for the seat.

Burris, who has said he did nothing improper, has said he tried to raise money for the governor.

Burris had no comment on the substance of his hour-long meeting with Durbin, but Durbin met with reporters and had this to say:

."I had an opportunity to meet with Roland Burris in my office for the first time in the 10 days, for a face-to-face conversation about the disclosures that have come to light. We talked about the entire process, from his selection by Governor Blagojevich to his appointment and what has happened since.

"(Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid and I made it very clear from the outset that there were two conditions to Roland Burris's appointment: first, that he file the same paperwork required of every senator ever appointed to the United States Senate, which ultimately happened; but secondly, that he appear before the Illinois House Impeachment Committee in Springfield and answer their questions completely, honestly, under oath, relating to his appointment by Governor Blagojevich to this Senate seat.

 "That was the only way that we felt, Senator Reid and I felt, that we could bring out as many facts as possible and protect the integrity of the United States Senate, during the course of this whole appointment.

 "We talked about that today. And I told my colleague Senator Burris that I was disappointed, disappointed that his testimony in Springfield was not complete and it required a second affidavit to be filed, disappointed that he didn't make a clear, accurate disclosure of all the circumstances surrounding his appointment, until several weeks after the fact.

 "The fact that he did not volunteer -- volunteer -- the names of people -- like Rod Blagojevich's brother, who contacted him, and others -- was troubling to me, because I considered that to be one of the conditions for him to go forward and to secure this appointment. That's why the disclosures of the last 10 days have been so troubling, because we have certainly asked for more and hoped for more. And we didn't receive it.

 "I also talked about my disappointment over his efforts, whether they were successful or unsuccessful, to raise money for Governor Blagojevich, because we know this is a critical element here.

"Governor Blagojevich, the former governor, has been charged with trying to sell the Senate seat. And so raising money or trying to raise money for him was in fact, you know, a very important fact that should have been brought forward and was not.

 "I asked him if he would be a candidate in 2010. He said he had not made up his mind as to whether he would be a candidate. I told him I thought it would be extremely difficult for him to be successful in a primary or a general election under the circumstances.

 "We talked about some of the pressure he and his family are under because of this, involving the pressure of a lot of legal fees. He estimates that the legal fees to date are substantial, hundreds of thousands of dollars. And he has personally put a lot of money into this as well.

"I told him that under the circumstances, I would consider resigning if I were in his shoes.

"He said he would not resign, and that was his conclusion.

 "And so at this point I suggested to him he had to do everything in his power to bring all the facts out as completely as possible. He told me he was limited in some respects in terms of speaking to the press, making other public statements.

"But he still has to deal directly with the Senate Ethics Committee, which is considering this matter, as well as the Sangamon County, Illinois, state's attorney, John Schmidt, who's been given evidence to consider whether a prosecution should be followed there for a variety of different charges.

"That's the situation, as I know it. And it's now up to Senator Burris to deal with the facts and challenges before him.

     

Guest List for the First Lady’s Box
2009 Joint Session of Congress

Mrs. Michelle Obama

Dr. Jill Biden

Leonard Abess Jr., CEO, City National Bank of Florida (Miami, FL)
Abess Jr. is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of City National Bank of Florida, now a subsidiary of Caja Madrid. Abess Jr. started his career in the bank's print shop, which made forms and documents. Working his way up the ladder gave him an appreciation for the role that employees play in the success of an enterprise.  He is currently serving a three-year term as Miami Branch Director of the Federal Reserve.  On February 4, 2009 the President announced new restrictions on executive compensation.  In the midst of our current financial crisis, limitations on executive pay are designed to ensure fiscal responsibility as we work to strengthen our economy by stabilizing our financial system.  Abess Jr. demonstrated this sort of responsibility last November when he decided to quietly share some $60 million of the proceeds he received from the sale of City National shares to Caja Madrid with current and former front-line bank employees.   

Ty'Sheoma Bethea, Student (Dillon, SC)
Bethea is an eighth grader at JV Martin Junior High School in Dillon, SC.  Upon hearing the President mention her school’s crumbling facility built in the 1800's during the first presidential news conference on February 9, 2009, she wanted to do something to help her school.  After school hours, she walked to the public library to gain access to a computer and composed a poignant letter to Congress asking for help.  Her principal, Amanda Burnette, promised to pass along the letter to Congress and the President in hopes that the students of JV Martin Junior High School can realize their dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, and lawmakers. Bethea will be accompanied by her mother, Dina Leach.

Elizabeth Carballo, Student (Washington, DC)
Carballo is a junior at Roosevelt Senior High School in Washington, D.C. She plans to go to college and is currently interested in studying business.  

Richard G. DeCoatsworth, Police Officer (Philadelphia, PA)
Officer DeCoatsworth of the Philadelphia Police Department has demonstrated courage above and beyond the call of duty. On September 27, 2007, DeCoatsworth was following three suspicious-looking men who had parked and exited their vehicle. He began to pursue them, when a fourth male exited and fired a shotgun blast directly into the officer’s face. DeCoatsworth was temporarily blinded after being struck at almost point blank range, but when his vision returned, he was still standing. Bleeding from the face, DeCoatsworth chased the perpetrator on foot for nearly two blocks. The officer returned fire and put out flash information on the subject during the pursuit, before he finally collapsed. Due to DeCoatsworth’s relentless efforts and the information he dispatched, police were able to apprehend the dangerous suspect a short time later. Following his recovery, he returned to the police force on June 26, 2008 and was promoted to the elite highway patrol for his heroic actions. For his courage and determination, DeCoatsworth was honored by the National Association of Police Organizations with its 2008 TOP COPS Award. 

Earl Devaney, Chair, Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board
As head of the Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General, Devaney is currently responsible for overseeing the administration of a nationwide, independent program of audits, evaluations, and investigations involving the Department of the Interior’s programs and operations. Devaney began his law enforcement career in 1968 as a police officer in his native state of Massachusetts. After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College in 1970 with a degree in Government, he became a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service.  At the time of his retirement from the Secret Service in 1991, Devaney was serving as the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Fraud Division and had become an internationally recognized white collar crime expert regularly sought by major media outlets. Upon leaving the Secret Service, Devaney became the Director of the Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In this position, Mr. Devaney oversaw all of EPA's criminal investigators, EPA's Forensics Service Center, and the National Enforcement Training Institute. Mr. Devaney's years of managerial excellence were recognized in 1998 by the prestigious Meritorious Presidential Rank Award for outstanding government service.

Mayor Bob Dixson (Greensburg, KS)
Mayor Dixson is a native Kansan. He has been a resident of Greensburg since 1985. Dixson took office as Mayor of Greensburg in May 2008, just one year after Greensburg was devastated by an F5 tornado that resulted in the loss of 11 lives and 95% of its buildings.  After the tragedy, the town came together and decided to rebuild itself as a prototype green town, and has reconstructed many of its buildings as LEED-certified green buildings.  The remarkable spirit of the citizens of Greensburg has turned this tragedy into an opportunity for renewal and new direction.  Mayor Dixson will be aided in his effort with funds from the recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Governor Jim Douglas (Montpelier, VT)
Governor Douglas has been serving the people of Vermont for more than thirty years. Over the course of his career, Governor Douglas, a Republican, has received more votes than any other person in Vermont’s history, a testament to his appeal to voters of all political persuasions.  In his current role as the vice chairman of the National Governors Association, Governor Douglas played a pivotal role in garnering early support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 

Mary Henley (Richmond, VA)
Henley is a 78-year-old working woman. She had been married to her husband for 46 years when he died last April. Although her husband worked primarily as a truck driver, he also worked with Henley part-time cleaning office buildings in Richmond. While Henley is currently receiving Social Security benefits, she has continued to work part-time cleaning office buildings in order to help pay her basic living expenses.

SPC Jonathon N. James, US Army (Mountain View, AR)
SPC James is a native of Batesville, AR and enlisted in the Army in May 2006 as a Field Support Specialist.  He deployed to Afghanistan in May 2007 and was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Camp Ederle, Italy as a Forward Observer.  He was injured on September 28, 2007 when his platoon was conducting a dismounted patrol and they received enemy small arms fire. He sustained two penetrating shrapnel wounds on his left hand, but still continued fighting on OBJ Reno in the Watapor Valley, Afghanistan. He assumed the role of Team Leader, directing fires while under intense fire. After being wounded, he stayed in the fight delivering lethal effects, moving other wounded under fire, and inspiring others.  He is currently recovering at Walter Reed and considers Mountain View, AR home. 

Valerie B. Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison

Blake Jones, Co-Founder and President, Namaste Solar (Boulder, CO)
Jones has over ten years of engineering and project management experience in the energy and telecom industries and has worked extensively throughout the USA, Asia and the Middle East.  In early 2005, Jones co-founded Namaste Solar, a Boulder, CO based, and employee owned solar electric company.  Namaste Solar has installed over 500 solar PV systems in Colorado since 2006, more than any other company.  Since its inception the company has grown from four to 55 employees in three years.  On February 17, 2009 the President and Vice President toured the Namaste solar installation atop the Science Museum and the Convention Center in Denver, CO prior to the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Without the stimulus provisions, Namaste expected to lay off as many as half their staff in 2009, however, with the signing of the Act Namaste expects to expand and hire some 20 new employees in 2009.

Shannon Kendall (Georgetown, TX)
Shannon is originally from Albuquerque, NM, and graduated in 1999 from New Mexico State University with a degree in Business Marketing.  Since then, she has served in several different marketing executive positions in Massachusetts, California, Colorado, and Texas based upon the moves associated with her husband's different military assignments.  She is currently serving as the Family Readiness Group leader for her husband's Troop.  MAJ Ryan Kendall is originally from Nashua, NH, and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1999 with a Mechanical Engineering Degree.  For the past ten years, Ryan has served with units in Korea, Colorado, Texas, and Alabama as an Apache Helicopter Pilot.  He has served twice in Iraq, once as a Platoon Leader, and most recently for 15 months as a Troop Commander. Ryan is currently serving in the Army on Active Duty at Fort Hood, TX, with the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment as a Troop Commander.  Shannon and Ryan were married in Albuquerque, NM, in September 2004 and have been together since November 2000 when Ryan was assigned to Korea. Shannon and Ryan welcomed their son Aidan Scott to the family in July 2007. Shannon and Aidan spent the past 15 months in Albuquerque, NM, to be close to family while Ryan was deployed. 

Victoria Kirby, Student (Washington, DC)
Kirby is a senior at Howard University’s John H. Johnson School of Communications who will be graduating this year with a B.A. in communications and culture.  Kirby is an undergraduate student member of the Howard University Board of Trustees, works as a program assistant for the Walter H. Annenberg Honors Program, and is a recipient of one of the Educational Testing Service’s Presidential Scholars awards.

Geneva Lawson, Safe-Deposit Custodian, City National Bank of Florida (Miami, FL)
Lawson has worked at City National for 51 years.  She is currently the safe-deposit custodian at the Miami Beach branch.  She has previously held the following positions at City National: collection teller, payroll teller, savings teller, print shop clerk, and proof/bookkeeping clerk.  Lawson is a recipient of the personal funds National Bank CEO Leonard Abess Jr. distributed last November – she plans to save and buy a new car with the bonus.

Lilly Ledbetter (Jacksonville, AL)
Ledbetter was the plaintiff in the American employment discrimination case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.  Ledbetter worked at the Goodyear plant in Gadsden, AL for nearly 20 years before she learned her male co-workers were paid more for the same work. She filed suit, and a federal court jury awarded her nearly $4 million. However, in 2007, the US Supreme Court said the 180-day window to file her case had closed years before, after the first unfair paycheck, even though she had no knowledge of the pay disparity between her and her male co-workers.   On January 29, 2009 the President signed his first bill in office; the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, which makes each unfair paycheck an act of discrimination, and thus reopens the 180-day window for filing a court case.  In signing this bill the President upheld one of this nation's founding principles: that we are all created equal, and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness. 

General Alfonso E. Lenhardt, US Army (Washington, DC)
The Honorable Al Lenhardt has been the CEO of the non-profit National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) since May 2004. On September 4, 2001, he was appointed the 36th Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate and became the first African American to serve as an officer of the Congress. He also served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Council on Foundations. Lenhardt retired from the U.S. Army in August 1997 as a Major General with more than 30 years of service in leadership and management positions. His last position with the Army was Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, at Fort Knox, KY, where he managed and directed an organization of more than 13,000 people in over 1,800 locations. He also served as the senior military police officer for all police operations and security matters throughout the Army’s worldwide sphere of influence. Lenhardt was born in New York City and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Science in the Administration of Justice from Wichita State University.

Roxanna Garcia Marcus, Development Manager, Year Up (Washington, DC)
Marcus joined the Year Up team in July 2008 as the Development Manager.  A Florida native, she first came to the DC area when she served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year.  A first-generation American, Roxanna said she was drawn to the opportunity to give back to her community and country in a meaningful and lasting way.  After graduating with a BA in Public Relations from the University of Florida, Roxanna served as the Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida.  There she worked on all aspects of the agency’s fundraising and strengthened the organization’s brand.  At Year Up, she works with other members of the development team to support the site through grant writing, individual solicitations and other fundraising opportunities. 

Abbey Meacham, Firefighter (Forest, VA)
Meacham has been a firefighter and paramedic in the Lynchburg Fire Department since 2004. Her Department boasts over 170 uniformed personnel and provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the citizens of Lynchburg.  Her Station 6 is the busiest in Lynchburg.  Meacham is also a certified instructor, teaching both fire and EMS courses. 

Akrem Muzemil, Student (Washington, DC)
Muzemil is a sophomore at Benjamin Banneker High School in Washington, D.C. He plans to attend college and is currently interested in studying engineering.

Sergeant John E. Rice, USMC (Bethesda, MD)
Sgt Rice was born in Bethesda, MD and graduated from East Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, NC.  He attended the University of Maryland from 2003 to 2005.  Sgt Rice arrived at recruit training on the February 14, 2006 at MCRD Parris Island.  Upon completion of recruit training, he reported to Jacksonville, NC for infantry training. Upon completion of infantry training, Rice reported to Recon Training Platoon, 2nd Recon Bn, Camp Lejeune, NC.  On January 9, 2006 Rice reported to Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) in Virginia Beach, VA.  Following ARS, he attended Army Airborne School in Ft Benning, GA and Navy SERE School in San Diego, CA and reported to 3rd Recon Bn, 3 MARDIV in Okinawa, Japan on July 1, 2007.  Rice’s Company deployed to Iraq in April 2008.  He was injured when a landmine exploded while on a foot patrol on July 10, 2008.  While receiving treatment at NNMC, Bethesda Cpl Rice was promoted to Sgt. His personal decorations consist of Letter of Appreciation, National Defense, Global War on Terror, Sea Service Deployment, Iraq Campaign, Navy Achievement and Purple Heart.

Juan Francisco Rodriguez, Student, Bell Multicultural High School (Washington, DC)
Rodriguez is a sophomore at Bell Multicultural High School in Washington, D.C.  He plans to attend college and is currently interested in studying mechanics and engineering.
 
Phil Schiliro, Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs

Alvaro Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Mary’s Center (Washington, DC)
Simmons began serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Mary's Center for Maternal and Child Care in early 2006. Alvaro has 18 years experience in the health care field, in addition to nearly 20 years as an educator in New York public schools and colleges. In his professional roles at various medical centers and hospitals, Alvaro has led multiple units working toward the best health care of patients in obstetrics, drug use treatment, mental health, and adolescent health units.  On February 10, 2009 the Center hosted First Lady Michelle Obama for her first official visit to a nonprofit organization in the District. 

Governor Ted Strickland (Columbus, OH)
Governor Strickland believes that Ohio government must live within its means while investing in what matters. Brought together by a sense of common purpose, legislators from both parties have worked closely with the Governor to strengthen Ohio.  During his service in Congress, Governor Strickland built an impressive record on behalf of the people of Ohio. He was instrumental in expanding access to health insurance for children, ensuring that America kept its promises to our veterans, and in bringing home millions in investments for roads, technology, and economic development and health initiatives.  He didn’t come to public service as a lawyer or an investor, but as the son of a steelworker in Lucasville, OH as one of nine children. He received a B.A. in History in 1963 from Asbury College in Kentucky. He then went on to attend the Asbury Theological Seminary and received a Master of Divinity. He continued his studies at the University of Kentucky, receiving a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology in 1980.  Professionally, he has served as a minister, a psychologist, and a college professor. He was elected governor of Ohio on November 7, 2006, and was sworn into office on January 8, 2007.  

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will visit the Capitol Wednesday, March 4, to address a joint session of Congress.

Brown, who last visited the Capitol two years ago, has never addressed a joint session.

He is expected to address ways the two countries can work together to combat terrorism, effect climate change and improve the world economy.

Brown will be the fourth British prime minister to address Congress, following Winston Churchill, Clement Atlee, Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

WASHINGTON --- After meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House on Monday, it was clear that the nation’s Republican governors are divided over the $787 billion stimulus package signed into law last week. On Sunday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger, who’s in Washington for the National Governors Association winter meetings, went on national television to praise the stimulus. He called it “a terrific package” and said it would pump $80 billion into the state’s economy. That includes $35 billion in tax cuts and $45 billion that will go to transportation, education, health care and other areas, Schwarzenegger said. Schwarzenegger is at odds with South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, the chairman of the Republican Governors Association. Sanford called the package a huge mistake and warned that the nation will hit a tipping point by stacking up trillions and trillions in debt. In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” Schwarzenegger took a shot at Sanford. “Well, Governor Sanford says that he does not want to take the money, the federal stimulus package money. And I want to say to him: I'll take it,” Schwarzenegger said. “I'm more than happy to take his money or any other governor in this country that doesn't want to take this money, I take it, because we in California can need it.” At a media stakeout at the White House after Monday’s meeting, Sanford shot back. “It’s a difference of opinion that makes the world go round,” Sanford told reporters. Reacting specifically to Schwarzenegger’s remarks, Sanford said: “I don’t begrudge him. Everybody’s got their different take in the world of politics. I think the easiest of all things is to grab money that’s there on the table. I think the more delicate question is how do we pay for all that money that’s put on the table.” Schwarzenegger, who left the White House for another meeting, skipped the stakeout.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said it's been "amusing this week to read the many press releases and Twitter comments on those that found the stimulus on C-SPAN during the vote something that they didn't necessarily think was a good idea, until it came time to break ground on projects in their home district."

(Like the 9 Florida Republicans who voted against the stim package but Thursday joined Florida Democrats in sending a letter asking the administration to make sure Florida gets all of its education dollars?)

Asked if indeed he was "talking about Republican lawmakers, specifically?" Gibbs replied, "Many of them, yes."

Asked whether President Barack Obama believes "there's some hypocrisy going on," Gibbs replied. "As I've said before, old habits are hard to break. And I think that the American people readily understand when -- when this town gets dominated by games-playing rather than problem-solving."

Is President Barack Obama getting a little impatient with Vice President Joe Biden's sometimes longish opening remarks?

Consider this pool report from their joint appearance Friday before a group of mayors at the White House:

"POTUS (President of the United States) stood behind the right shoulder of VPOTUS (Vice president of the United States) as VPOTUS spoke.

"POTUS seemed distracted as VPOTUS spoke. At first he stood, hands clasped in front of him, rocking up on his toes, back down to his heels. Then he stopped and stood, looking down at the floor. At one point, about 4:30 minutes into Biden’s remarks, POTUS had his index finger up to his mouth, which was in a deep frown, and was staring down at the floor.

"The mayors broke into applause when VPOTUS touted the “largest economic recovery package,” POTUS didn’t immediately look up. When he did, he stood with his arms crossed."