Jack's Blog
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Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 30, 2010
Agree? Disagree? Vote here. The Federal Reserve Transparency Act eliminates restrictions on GAO audits of the Federal Reserve and opens Fed operations to enhanced scrutiny. This would open up the Fed's funding facilities, such as the Primary Dealer Credit Facility, Term Asset-Backed Securities Lending Facility, and AIG bailout facilities to Congressional oversight. Since its inception, the Federal Reserve has always operated in the shadows, without sufficient scrutiny or oversight of its operations. By opening all Fed operations to a GAO audit and calling for such an audit to be completed by the end of 2010, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act would achieve much-needed transparency of the Federal Reserve System. Although House and Senate negotiators failed to include the full language of my legislation in the conference report for the financial reform bill, the full Congress still has an opportunity to demand accountability from the Federal Reserve. Over 300 members of Congress from both parties cosponsored my original bill, which will be incorporated into the Republican’s motion to recommit on the financial reform bill. Every member of Congress who cares about Federal Reserve transparency should vote for the motion to recommit.
Posted by
Jack's Interns
on
June 30, 2010
According to the latest oil spill trajectories, winds are forecast to have an onshore (SE/S/SW) component through Friday at speeds of 12-22 kts. These strong onshore winds will continue to move the northern edge of the slick northwest threatening the barrier islands of Mississippi/Alabama and the Florida Panhandle west of Freeport, FL. The Chandeleur Islands, Breton Sound and the Mississippi Delta also continue to be threatened by shoreline contacts during the current 72-hour forecast period. To the west of the Delta, these winds may bring oil ashore between Barataria Bay and Caillou Bay – any remaining floating oil may be moved quickly to the west as a strong westward coastal current develops over the next few days. Available here is the Deepwater Horizon 72 Hour Trajectory Map. Also available online is an updated Deepwater Horizon 24 Hour Trajectory Map and an updated Deepwater Horizon 48 Hour Trajectory Map. Yesterday, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service did not modify the fishery closure area. The June 28 closure area is still in effect. For more information, please visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill.htm. NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations is supporting the response work in the Gulf with NOAA-owned ships and aircraft.
NOAA, FDA, and Gulf Coast State Officials Affirm Commitment to Ensuring Safety of Gulf Coast Seafood
Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 30, 2010
Federal and State Agencies Will Use Joint Protocol for Reopening Closed Waters Gulf state health and fisheries officials joined with senior leaders from several federal agencies to affirm a shared commitment to ensuring the safety of seafood coming out of the Gulf of Mexico, through closures of affected waters, surveillance, and with an eye toward reopening closed waters as soon as possible, consistent with public health goals. Representatives from NOAA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency met last week in New Orleans with state health officers and state fisheries directors from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to coordinate implementation of a joint protocol for sampling and reopening that will apply to both state and federal waters. Together, they will implement a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency program to ensure that seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is safe to eat. This is important not only for consumers who need to know their food is safe to eat, but also for fishermen who need to be able to sell their products with confidence. “No single agency could adequately ensure the safety of seafood coming from the Gulf following this tragedy, but in working together, we can be sure that tainted waters are closed as appropriate, contaminated seafood is not allowed to make it to market, and that closed waters can be reopened to fishing as soon as is safe,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. State and federal authorities reached a critical step toward reopening with their agreement on a shared protocol that will be applied as oil contamination abates in federal and state waters. State authorities in Louisiana are applying the protocol to consider the possible reopening of two areas and NOAA is applying the protocol to consider the reopening of two closed areas off the coasts of Louisiana and Florida. “We understand the devastating effects this spill has had on the Gulf states and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with state and federal partners to ensure that these important protocols are implemented efficiently, effectively, and in a way that makes sense for all involved, while maintaining the number one priority we all share – protecting the health of those in the Gulf Coast and across the country,” said Michael Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods. The first and most important preventive step in protecting the public from potentially contaminated seafood is to close fishing and shellfish harvesting areas in the Gulf that have been or are likely to be exposed to oil from the spill. In addition, NOAA and FDA are monitoring fish caught just outside of closed areas, and testing them for petroleum compounds, to ensure that the closed areas are sufficiently large so as to prevent the harvest of contaminated fish. So far, fish flesh tested from outside the closure areas have tested well below any level of concern for oil-based contamination.
Posted by
Spokesblogger
on
June 29, 2010
In case you missed it, Jack spoke on the House floor today highlighting AmericaSpeakingOut.com - an initiative brought to you by House Republicans that engages the American people in an effort to form a truly grassroots agenda.
To read Jack's blog post about AmericaSpeakingOut.com, click here. To begin the discussion, visit AmericaSpeakingOut.com
Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 29, 2010
Update on NOAA's Efforts for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Gulf of Mexico June 29, 2010 - 9:00am According to the latest oil spill trajectories, winds are forecast to be predominantly SE through Thursday at speeds of 14-22 kts. These strong onshore winds will continue to move the northern edge of the slick northwest threatening the barrier islands of Mississippi/Alabama and the Florida Panhandle west of Freeport, FL. The Chandeleur Islands, Breton Sound and the Mississippi Delta also continue to be threatened by shoreline contacts. To the west of the Delta, these winds may bring oil ashore between Barataria Bay and Caillou Bay – any remaining floating oil may be moved quickly to the west as a strong westward coastal current develops over the next few days. Updated Trajectory Maps: NOAA's current 24 hour trajectory map is available here. NOAA's current 48 hour trajectory map is available here. NOAA's current 72 hour trajectory map is available here. A fact sheet was just released outlining what to expect in South Florida from the Deepwater Horizon/ BP oil spill. The fact sheet is available here. Yesterday, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service modified the eastern boundary of the fishery closure to encompass oil that moved outside the existing boundary. The new closure measures 80,228 sq mi (207,790 sq km) and covers about 33% of the Gulf of Mexico EEZ. More information can be found here. NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is supporting the response work in the Gulf with NOAA-owned ships and aircraft. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson is in port to resupply and will then be underway conducting water sampling and acoustic imaging. NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter has been conducting marine mammal surveys since June 15 and plans to resume surveys this week after resupplying. NOAA Ship Delaware II departed from Key West, Florida, on June 25 to collect tunas, swordfish and sharks, to gather data about the conditions these highly migratory species are experiencing in waters around the Gulf of Mexico spill site. NOAA Ship Oregon II and the NOAA Ship Pisces are in the midst of surveys of reef fish, bottom-dwelling fish, and shrimp in the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico to sample for seafood and water quality and species abundance as part of the oil spill response. NOAA Ship Nancy Foster departs Miami this week for a mission to better understand the loop current and how it may change over time, as well as to sample planktonic animals potentially affected by the spill. OMAO’s P-3 aircraft, based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, continues to fly missions over the Loop Current, next scheduled flight is July 9.
Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 28, 2010
NOAA just completed the attached handout on "What to expect in South Florida from the Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill." Click here to read the document.
Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 28, 2010
The eastern boundary of the fisheries closure has been adjusted slightly to the east to encompass oil that moved outside the existing boundary. The new closure measures 80,228 sq mi (207,790 sq km) and covers about 33% of the Gulf of Mexico EEZ, compared to the June 23 closure comprising 78,597 sq mi (203,564 sq km); also about 33% of the Gulf of Mexico EEZ. The new closure will become effective at 6 PM Eastern Time tonight. Click here to view map.
Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 28, 2010
According to the latest oil spill trajectories, winds are forecast to continue to have an easterly component (ESE/SE) through Wednesday at speeds of 12-23 kts. This will result in the northern edge of the slick continuing to move northwest threatening the barrier islands of Mississippi/Alabama and the Florida Panhandle west of Freeport, FL. The Chandeleur Islands, Breton Sound and the Mississippi Delta are also threatened by shoreline contacts in this 72-hour forecast period. An overflight today observed significant amounts of oil south of the Delta extending towards Barataria Bay. Some of this oil may begin moving westward, threatening shorelines as far west as Caillou Bay. Updated Trajectory Maps: NOAA's current 24 hour trajectory map is available here. NOAA's current 48 hour trajectory map is available here. NOAA's current 72 hour trajectory map is available here. The boundaries of the fishery closure area were not modified over the weekend. The closure from June 23 is still in effect and measures 78,597 sq mi (203,564 sq km) and covers about 33% of the Gulf of Mexico EEZ. More information can be found here. NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is supporting the response work in the Gulf with NOAA-owned ships and aircraft. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson is in port to resupply and will then be underway conducting water sampling and acoustic imaging. NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter has been conducting marine mammal surveys since June 15 and plans to resume surveys this week after resupplying. NOAA Ship Delaware II departed from Key West, Florida, on June 25 to collect tunas, swordfish and sharks, to gather data about the conditions these highly migratory species are experiencing in waters around the Gulf of Mexico spill site. NOAA Ship Oregon II and the NOAA Ship Pisces are in the midst of surveys of reef fish, bottom-dwelling fish, and shrimp in the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico to sample for seafood and water quality and species abundance as part of the oil spill response. NOAA Ship Nancy Foster departs Miami this week for a mission to better understand the loop current and how it may change over time, as well as to sample planktonic animals potentially affected by the spill. OMAO’s P-3 aircraft, based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, continues to fly missions over the Loop Current, next scheduled flight is July 9.
Posted by
Jack's Interns
on
June 28, 2010
Yesterday I had the pleasure to meet the President of Georgia Southern University, Dr. Brooks Keel. He was in Washington D.C. to meet with Georgia House Representatives and Senators at the Capitol. It was an amazing opportunity to meet Dr. Keel, because I attend Georgia University. So a friendly face from home was welcome. I was able to sit in on his meeting with Rep. Kingston and listen to their discussion about the university and its progress. I am so proud to be able to represent my school here in D.C., and am so thankful for the opportunity they gave me to enjoy this experience interning. Thank you President Keel and Georgia Southern, and Go Eagles!
Posted by
Spokesbloggette
on
June 25, 2010
NOAA Ship Delaware II to Collect Tunas, Swordfish, Water Samples on Deepwater Horizon Spill Study NOAA vessels also focus on reef fish, shrimp, marine mammals and the loop current NOAA ship Delaware II departs Key West, Fla., today to collect tunas, swordfish and sharks, to gather data about the conditions these highly migratory species are experiencing in waters around the Gulf of Mexico spill site. During the two-week mission, the research vessel will use longline fishing gear to capture the fish, and assess their environment using sophisticated water chemistry monitoring instruments. Researchers will only retain the fish needed to get enough samples for the study. Every effort is made to release any animals caught but not needed for sampling. Some may also be fitted with satellite tags to help determine how much time these highly migratory animals spend in oiled and unoiled waters. These fish, and other prized Gulf seafood species, are the focus of NOAA’s response mission to help assess the safety of seafood for consumers, and to lay the groundwork for measuring the long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill on commercially important fish and shellfish. Two other NOAA ships, Pisces, one of NOAA’s newest research vessels, and the ship Oregon II, are in the midst of surveys of reef fish, bottom-dwelling fish, and shrimp in the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico to sample for seafood and water quality and species abundance as part of the oil spill response. “These vessels are providing a variety of seafood and water samples from locations throughout the Gulf—nearshore and offshore, shallow water and deep, oiled and unoiled,” said Dr. Steven Murawski, who is leading NOAA’s science response to the spill. “This is baseline information we need to measure any effects on seafood attributable to the spilled oil and to make sure our fishery closures are effective and in place for as long as they need to be, but no longer.” The seafood samples will be analyzed by scientists in NOAA labs in Pascagoula, Miss., and Seattle for levels of oil and dispersants and to document the movements of fish from oiled to unoiled waters, to compare against guidelines for re-opening fishery closure areas, and to provide baseline information so that changes in the ecosystem owing to spilled oil can be measured. A fourth NOAA ship, the Gordon Gunter, is also in the Gulf, surveying marine mammals through August 5. Researchers are taking biopsy and water samples for analysis, and placing satellite tags on some animals to learn more about how they move between oiled and unoiled waters. The ship is also placing underwater listening devices on the ocean floor in the survey area. These will be left for up to four months, recording the vocalizations of marine mammals so researchers can better understand which species are present. These missions build upon research conducted in the vicinity of the spill by NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson, and a previous mission by NOAA ship Gordon Gunter from May 27 through June 4. Teams from NOAA, universities, marine science institutions, and other federal agencies collected water samples and employed advanced methods for detecting submerged oil while gathering oceanographic data in the area. A sixth NOAA survey vessel, Nancy Foster, departs Miami next week for a mission to better understand the loop current and how it may change over time, as well as to sample planktonic animals potentially affected by the spill. Also, specialized NOAA aircraft operating out of Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana continue to support the Deepwater Horizon response. NOAA’s fleet of ships and aircraft is operated by the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. Other ships are also supporting NOAA in the Gulf:
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St. Simons Island
Valdosta State University
Broxton Rocks
Jekyll Island
