Elizabeth Warren Announces Her Bid for Senate

This is hilarious..!

Elizabeth Warren talks about why she's running for the United States Senate.

Starring: Molly Erdman
Directed by: Brian Shortall
Written/Produced by: Eddie Geller
Edited by: Richard Klopfenstein

Gillibrand Blasts Ruling on Wal-mart Discrimination Case - Canandaigua, NY by Julie Sherwood- MPNnow

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U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today to overturn the lower court’s ruling that would have allowed more than one million women to proceed with a class-action discrimination lawsuit against Wal-mart.

“I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the lower court’s decision and deny the largest civil rights class action suit in our history from moving forward. Pay discrimination in the workplace is unacceptable and all too real. Women in this country will continue to face an uphill battle until Congress fulfills its obligation to level the playing field and close existing loopholes by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act. The time to end discrimination is now and I will continue to work with my colleagues to end this economic injustice"

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Speaks Out for Marriage Equality on capitaltonight.com (5/12/2011)

On May 12th Senator Kirsten Gillibrand spoke to Liz Benjamin about the Marriage Equality bill in the New York State legislature.


Senator Gillibrand said "...this is important to me. This is important to who we are as New Yorkers. We believe in equality. And, we believe that every loving couple should have the opportunity to marry"


When asked if she plans to contact Democrats and Republicans she added "Anyone who's undecided, I plan to call in the next few days"

Sen Gillibrand Says Education Agenda Must Stress More Math and Science by Roger Muehlig - The Daily News Online: News

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Saying that more than 25 percent of students across the state tested poorly in math and science last year, U.S. Senator, Kristen Gillibrand announced an education agenda intended to strengthen instruction in those areas to better prepare students for jobs in an increasingly technological era.

"America is home to the world's strongest economy, the greatest colleges and universities, and the world's brightest minds, Gillibrand said in releasing her agenda during a conference call with upstate news media last week.

"But if we're going to keep our place atop the global economy, we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future."

That starts, she said, with sparking more interest in math, science and technology, drawing more STEM (science, technology and math) teachers to educate students in "high-need" areas and streamlining proficiency standards.

"We are relying on our children today to be the innovators of tomorrow," she said in a news release tied to the conference call. "It's our job to make sure they are prepared."

Gillibrand said high-tech is going to be the best growing industry and that her agenda includes:

-- The Engineering Education for Innovation Act, a targeted effort that would, among other things, integrate engineering education into K-12 classrooms, increase engineering and technology teacher preparation programs, and promote partnerships among K-12 school administrators and teachers and engineering professionals.

The legislation, she said, would create a three-year program to award grants for planning and implementation of engineering education into K-12 instruction and curriculum.

-- Co-sponsoring legislation to establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education to create more hands-on STEM learning experiences, such as robotics.

-- Introducing legislation to provide STEM teachers who work in low-income, high-need schools a tax credit to cover 10 percent of their undergraduate tuition, up to $1,000 each year.

-- Legislation encouraging states and the National Assessment Governing Board to adopt common core standards in mathematics and encourage state participation by establishing an incentive fund for awarding four-year grants to states that agree to adopt voluntary math and science standards as the core of their own standards and align their teacher certification and professional development to those standards.

Focusing on primary education is a first step, Gillibrand said. "We have a long way to go."

--

Students lack proficiency

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the fastest-growing occupations in the last 10 years required expertise in the fields of science and math, according to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

But, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, less than a third of American students are proficient in those two academic fields, she said.

For Western New York, figures from four math and four science regents from 2010 indicate 23 percent of high school students scored unsatisfactory in math and 16 percent scored unsatisfactory in science.

In the Rochester/Finger Lakes region, the figures were 25 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

As Oil Company Profits Continue to Soar Leaving New York Families Feeling the Pain at the Pump, Senator Gillibrand Calls to Close Big Oil Loophole

This Week, Speaker Boehner Visited NY Calling For Trillions Of Dollars In Cuts, But Won’t Include Billions to Big Oil On The Chopping Block

Gillibrand Calls For An End To Balancing The Deficit On The Backs Of Families, While Oil Companies Receive Billions in Subsidies

New Yorkers Currently Paying More Than $4.16 Per Gallon For Regular Gas

Following House Speaker John Boehner’s visit to New York this week when he called for trillions of dollars in federal budget cuts, with the gaping exception of $21 billion in subsidies to oil companies enjoying record profits, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called for the elimination of the tax loopholes that currently subsidize big oil companies.

Last week, the five largest, most profitable oil companies in the world, BP, Exxon, Shell, Chevron and ConocoPhillips (Big 5) reported a combined $32.3 billion in first-quarter earnings, making at least 50 percent more than last year. Meanwhile, New York State gas prices have skyrocketed over the past few months, leaving middle class families feeling the pain at the pump. New Yorkers are currently paying an average of more than $4.16 a gallon for regular gas.

The Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act would eliminate tax loopholes for the Big 5. In the last ten years, the Big 5 have recorded nearly $1 trillion in profits, as well as billions in taxpayer subsidies. These enormous revenues have gone to buying stock and issuing dividends, essentially lining the pockets of executives and shareholders, while working class and elderly Americans are being asked to sacrifice in order to balance the budget.

“This is a step in the right direction for both America’s energy and economic policies,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Today, New York’s families are paying more than $4 per gallon to fill up their gas tanks, while the Big 5 are using taxpayer dollars to increase their bottom line. Our families are already struggling in this difficult economy, and we must take action against rising gas prices. This legislation will force the world’s wealthiest oil companies to pay their fair share and simultaneously help cut our nation’s deficit.”

The elimination of existing subsidies for the Big 5 would not result in decreased oil production, as the CEO of ConocoPhillips, Jim Mulva, has testified, “With respect to oil and gas exploration and production, we do not need incentives.” However, this legislation would put an end to obviously unnecessary tax loopholes, and use those savings to reduce the federal budget.

The bill will include:

• Modifications of foreign tax credit rules applicable to major integrated oil companies which are dual capacity taxpayers. U.S. taxpayers are taxed on their income worldwide, but are entitled to a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for any income taxes paid to a foreign government. U.S. oil and gas companies have been accused of disguising royalty payments to foreign governments as foreign taxes. This allows them to lower their taxes in the U.S. The bill would close this loophole that amounts to a U.S. subsidy for foreign oil production for the Big 5.
• Limitations on deductions for income attributable to the production of oil, natural gas, or primary products thereof. In 2004 Congress enacted Section 199, the domestic manufacturing tax deduction. In 2008 Congress froze the Section 199 deduction at 6% for all oil and gas activity. The bill eliminates the Section 199 deduction for the Big 5.
• Limitations on deductions for intangible drilling and development costs. This would deny the Big 5 oil companies the option of expensing Intangible Drilling Costs (IDCs) and require such costs be capitalized. IDCs are expenditures such as wages, fuel, repairs, hauling, and supplies necessary for the drilling of oil wells. Currently, integrated oil companies can expense 70% of the cost of IDCs. The bill requires the Big 5 to capitalize all of its IDC costs.
• Limitations on percentage depletion allowances for oil and gas wells. Firms that extract oil and gas are permitted a deduction to recover their capital investment under one of two methods. Cost depletion allows for the recovery of the actual capital investment—the costs of discovering, purchasing, and developing the well—over the period the well produces income. Under this method, the taxpayer’s total deductions cannot exceed its original investment. Percentage depletion allows the cost recovery to be computed using a percentage of the revenue from the sale of the oil or gas. Under this method, total deductions could (and often do) exceed the taxpayer’s capital investment. The bill repeals percentage depletion for the Big 5.
• Limitations on deductions for tertiary injectants. Tertiary injectants are used in enhanced oil recovery to drive more oil from an existing well. Currently, oil companies are allowed to deduct the cost of tertiary injectants rather than capitalizing their costs and recovering them over time. The bill requires the Big 5 to capitalize the cost of tertiary injectants it uses during the year and recover those costs over time.
• The repeal of Outer Continental Shelf deep water and deep gas royalty relief. This repeals Sections 344 and 345 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Section 344 extended existing deep gas incentives and Section 345 provided additional mandatory royalty relief for certain deepwater oil and gas production. These changes will help ensure that Americans receive fair value for Federally-owned fossil fuel resources.
• Deficit Reduction. All savings realized as the result of the bill’s elimination of the tax breaks and other subsidies currently going to the major integrated oil companies are devoted to deficit reduction.

Sen. Gillibrand Statement on Senate Republicans' Attack on Women's Health

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and 29 of their Republican colleagues attacking women’s health by going beyond existing federal law that already prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions in the new health care law:

“When we should all be focused on creating jobs and growing our economy, Republicans are mounting an egregious, ideological effort to please their base and launch an all out assault on the rights of women, and the health services for millions of American families. Current law is clear: federal funds cannot be used to provide abortions. That has been the law of the land for 30 years. Their shameless attacks show a blatant disregard for women, who shoulder the worst of the health care costs.”

Emily's List Live Chat with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Part 1

EMILY's List Live with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Part 2

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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sat down with EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock for the inaugural EMILY's List Live event, streamed through Facebook

Sen. Gillibrand Statement on Senate Republicans’ Attack on Women’s Health

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and 29 of their Republican colleagues attacking women’s health by going beyond existing federal law that already prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions in the new health care law:

“When we should all be focused on creating jobs and growing our economy, Republicans are mounting an egregious, ideological effort to please their base and launch an all out assault on the rights of women, and the health services for millions of American families. Current law is clear: federal funds cannot be used to provide abortions. That has been the law of the land for 30 years. Their shameless attacks show a blatant disregard for women, who shoulder the worst of the health care costs.”

New York City Takes Precautions with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand - CBS News Video

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Chris Wragge speaks with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) about the successful U.S. military operation in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden.

Senator Schumer on Death of Osama bin Laden Video - State of Politics

Senator Chuck Schumer on State of Politics blog about death of Obama bin Laden...

Bloomberg Pressing For Fingerprints On Social Security Cards by: Erin Billups - NY1.com

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h/t to Javier Castano at QueensLatino.com for alerting me to this situation by King Mike...

Mayor Michael Bloomberg says putting fingerprints on social security cards would help control the nation's borders, and give employers a way to check whether potential hires are legal citizens.

"The companies could just run it through a computer," Bloomberg said Friday morning on his weekly radio show. “And if you're an undocumented illegal, they just don't give you the job. And you're not going to come here if you cant get a job."

The mayor's remarks come on the heels of his trip to Washington on Tuesday, where he took part in a discussion on immigration policy with President Obama and other politicians.

Photo from QueensLatino.com

Advocates for immigrants rights say they're surprised Bloomberg is making this proposal.

"This is a plan that's ill advised and should not be pursued and is incompatible with some of the values that the mayor claims to be important to him," said Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

Things like preventing the marginalization of the immigrant community.

"When we add a layer of documentation in order for people to do basic activities there are people that are vulnerable ... for whom this just means they are pushed to the outskirts," Lieberman said.

One company of Bloomberg makes a device for checking fingerprints. If your proposal is approved, will increase his fortune, at the expense of undocumented migrants. Go Bloomberg ... Yes, we can!

Critics of Bloomberg's proposal say putting fingerprints on social security cards would not only be a burden for immigrants, but an imposition on all Americans.

"Once you open the door to such government intrusion what you're doing is you're allowing the Government to collect all sorts of information and we have questions about what this will mean for the future," said Jacki Eposito of the New York Immigration Coalition.

The idea of putting fingerprints on social security cards has been floated by other elected officials, including Sen. Charles Schumer.

Gillibrand Jabs Kyl With A 'Factual Statement' by Reid Pillifant - The New York Observer

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On the Senate floor today, Kirsten Gillibrand took a little swipe at her Republican colleague from Arizona, Jon Kyl.

Last week, Kyl told the C-SPAN cameras that providing abortions was "well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does," a statement his office later walked back as "not intended to be a factual statement."

Naturally, this made nice fodder for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. And today, when the women of the Senate Democratic caucus took to the floor to push back against Republican's proposed restrictions, Gillibrand got in her own jab.

"For my friends and colleagues, this is a factual statement — current law already prevents federal money from paying for abortions," she said, referring to the Hyde Amendment, the perpetual rider that's been in place since 1976. "This has been the law of the land for over 30 years."

Gillibrand seems to have gotten a little more aggressive over the past few months, emboldened maybe by having been elected to the upper chamber, but more likely just stirred up by the Republican House, which has made a particular point of going after women's issues.

Last week, she got fired up about the Republicans' proposed riders in the budget deal, and this swipe at Kyl—small as it is—demonstrates some slightly sharper elbows than she's shown her colleagues in the past.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: Congratulations, Debbie! - The Huffington Post

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I was thrilled to learn the news that President Obama has chosen my good friend, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, to be the next Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Not only is Debbie a wonderful person and a strong progressive champion, but she has been such an advocate for women and a true mentor to me. It's so important for women who are interested in running for office to have role models and Debbie has served as that for me and so many new female members of Congress.

Debbie will be only the third woman ever to chair the DNC. It's so important that more women rise to positions of power so our points of view and our interests are front and center. As a young mother who ran for Congress and has risen up the ranks of the party, Debbie embodies that and I know the DNC will benefit greatly by having her as chair.

Debbie has spent 20 years of her life serving the people of Florida. Since 2004, she's represented Florida's 20th Congressional district with unparalleled passion, energy and conviction. Debbie truly sees her role as a public servant as a personal and moral commitment to making a difference for the families she represents.

She's done incredible things for her district, her state and this country as a whole and I can't wait to see what she will do for our party.

I hope you'll join me in wishing Debbie congratulations. Please sign the attached card and I'll make sure to get all your well wishes to her.

Thanks for sending your congratulations to Debbie! This is such an important time for Democrats and I can't think of anyone I'd rather have leading the charge.

Follow Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SenGillibrand

Senator Gillibrand, Rep Crowley Introduce Resolution to Honor Geraldine A. Ferraro

Members of New York’s Delegation Join in Support of Paying Tribute to Ferraro

Resolution Passes Senate by Unanimous Consent Late Last Night

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) introduced matching resolutions in the Senate and House to honor the life and accomplishments of former Congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine A. Ferraro. The resolutions, which recognize Ferraro’s service to Queens and New York, as well as pay tribute to her indelible impact as a trailblazer in American politics, passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent late last night.

“Geraldine Ferraro was more than a pioneer who inspired me, and generations of women, she was also a great friend and mentor,”Senator Gillibrand said. “I will greatly miss her many words of wisdom, encouragement and advice. While her passing is a great loss for our country, I know that her legacy will live on forever. I was inspired by her convention speech when she said, ‘The issue is not what Americans can do for women, but what women can do for America,’ and am humbled to be part of the next generation of women leaders carrying on her life’s work. I am proud to join Rep. Crowley in introducing a resolution honoring the extraordinary life of Geraldine Ferraro.”

”Gerry may have made her mark on the nation’s consciousness as a member of Congress and a candidate for vice president, but she was much more. She was a wife, a mother, and above all, an inspiration to both those who knew her and those who simply knew of her,” said Congressman Crowley. “As the Representative of her former district, Gerry was a great mentor and friend, and she had a profound influence on my service to the people of Queens. It is with great honor that I join Senator Gillibrand in introducing a resolution to honor the life and legacy of this incredible woman who will forever remain a fixture not only in American politics, but in our hearts.”

The resolutions, co-sponsored by the entire New York State delegation, recognize Ferraro for helping to “tear down barriers to the full and equal participation of women in national politics.” From working her way through law school, to being one of 16 women in the House of Representatives, to her selection as the first woman to be a candidate for Vice President on a major political party’s ticket, Ferraro paved the way for the next generation of American women.

The resolutions also laud Ferraro’s fight for women’s rights, marking her legislative achievements while serving the 9^th Congressional District of New York, as well as her efforts to fight for women’s rights around the world when she later served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Additionally, the resolutions highlight Ferraro’s distinguished career as a district attorney in New York, her rise in the Democratic Party’s leadership, and her life-long commitment to public service.

The text of the Senate and House resolutions is below:

Honoring Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro, the first woman selected by a major political party as its candidate for Vice President of the United States, and extending the condolences of the Senate on her death.

Whereas Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro served the people of the 9^th Congressional district of New York for 6 years;

Whereas, Congresswoman Ferraro worked her way through law school at Fordham University, at a time when very few women did so;

Whereas, Congresswoman Ferraro then joined the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, where she supervised the prosecution of a variety of violent crimes, including child and domestic abuse;

Whereas, in 1978 New York’s Ninth Congressional district in Queens elected Congresswoman Ferraro to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was one of only sixteen women members of the House;

Whereas, when she was nominated as the running mate of Vice President Walter F. Mondale in the 1984 presidential race, Congresswoman Ferraro became the first woman ever chosen to run on the national ticket of either of America’s two major political parties;

Whereas, Congresswoman Ferraro’s candidacy continues the progress begun by women who achieved political firsts before her and helped to tear down barriers to the full and equal participation of women in national politics;

Whereas in January 1993, President Clinton appointed Ms. Ferraro a United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, a role from which she championed the rights of women around the world;

Whereas, Geraldine Ferraro's 1984 bid for Vice President helped our daughters join our sons in believing they could achieve anything they set their minds to;

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) the Senate recognizes that Geraldine Ferraro’s vice-presidential candidacy forever enriched the American political landscape and forged a new path for women of the United States;

(2) the Senate pays tribute to Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro's work to improve the lives of women and families not only in the Ninth Congressional District of New York, who she represented so well, but also the lives of women and families all across the United States;

(3) the Senate requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro; and

(4) when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: The Right Priorities for Our Working Families - The Huffington Post

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The 2010 election was a mandate for one thing: creating jobs and strengthening our economy for the long term. I heard that message loud and clear from New York families in every corner of our state, and I am working with my colleagues in Congress on solutions that will help create good-paying jobs and get the economy moving again for everyone.

But, instead of focusing on rebuilding the economy, House Republicans have unleashed an extreme ideological attack on America's women and working families with HR 1, the first bill they introduced this Congress.

The House-passed bill slashed critical funding for prenatal care, including $750 million from nutrition programs for pregnant women and infant children.

It denies more than 5 million American women access to breast and cervical cancer screenings that could potentially save their lives.

Their budget cuts affect early childhood education deeply -- cutting more than $1 billion from Head Start, and nearly $40 million from child care, depriving nearly 370,000 children from the early learning needed to put them on a path to a bright future.

And despite the overwhelming demand from the American people for Democrats and Republicans to work together to invest in job creation policies, House Republicans slashed nearly $1.5 billion from the job training programs we need to prepare America's workforce for the jobs of today and the high-tech jobs of tomorrow.

But, more than these dollar figures and the irresponsible budgeting and priorities from Republicans, this debate is about the working families who rely on these resources to make ends meet each day. From the single mother who will no longer be able to provide nutritious meals for her young children to the young woman in who will no longer have access to the early cancer screenings that could save her life to our children who will never walk through the doors of a university years from now because the doors to early education are being closed to them today. We cannot slash and burn our way to a healthy society and a thriving economy.

These are the wrong priorities for New York and the wrong policies for America.

Instead of marginalizing women, Congress must get to work on policies that can foster job creation and fuel economic growth. I have a range of proposals that can help get us there.

I have authored legislation that empowers more women and minority-owned businesses with the resources to help guide these budding entrepreneurs to be leaders of our economy, opening up access to the credit they desperately need to get their businesses off the ground.

I have also authored legislation to support the increase of young girls and minorities in the fields of math and science to generate the leaders we need in emerging high-tech industries that will be the future of our economy.

I'm fighting to make childcare more affordable for working parents so they can continue working and advancing their careers, closing wage gaps that for too long have held women back from the fair economic opportunities they need.

And, as our troops return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and our women veterans become one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless veteran population, I'm partnering with businesses and working to provide them with tax credits in exchange for hiring recent veterans so our heroes have better access to good-paying jobs after serving our country.

These are the priorities that I am urging my Republican colleagues to join me on. And we can all do our part -- because this debate isn't just happening in the halls of Congress. It's happening in each and every one of our communities, at kitchen tables and living rooms, in our schools and in our churches. It's up to all of us to get off the sidelines and join the effort to protect our families and the resources that keep our communities safe, healthy and thriving.

We will not stand for this attack on America's women and working families.

It's time to focus on real solutions that will create jobs and build our economy for real strength and stability -- not just for the fortunate few, but for every American.

Senator Gillibrand Urges Congress to Protect Rights of Women in Middle East, North Africa by Heather McDaniel -Capitol Confidential

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In the wake of populist uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, a bipartisan group of female senators, including Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has banded together to ensure that women’s rights are not forgotten amid the tumult.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. (AP Photo/Drew Angerer)

Gillibrand, along with 15 other senators, will introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of women’s rights and their political participation as new governments begin to take shape in the region.

“We have witnessed courageous women leaders throughout the Middle East and North Africa risking their lives to advance the cause of freedom, democracy and basic human rights,” Gillibrand said. “As Secretary (of State Hillary) Clinton has rightly said, ‘The rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21^stCentury.’As we honor these inspiring women, I also urge all world leaders to continue the push for women’s progress.”

While women have stood beside men and participated in several uprisings in the region, the senators say they are currently being excluded from the political process in many places. In Egypt, no women have been included in the council in charge of reforming the constitution and Tunisia only two have been appointed to the transitional government.

“In societies where women are equal, where they have the right to vote and to hold office, and where they are empowered to be leaders in their communities, those nations are so much more likely to thrive,” Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said in a press release. “Those are the societies that bring up the next generation with the right values, the solid education, and the economic vitality to succeed.”

The resolution, led by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, is a joint effort between all 16 female Senators and is slated to be introduced sometime next week.

“This resolution recognizes that women are important change agents in their societies and reaffirms that countries are more stable and secure when women are empowered and involved,” Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, said.

Schumer, Gillibrand Scure $13K for Kennedy Taxiways by Phillip Newman - YourNabe.com

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The federal government has awarded nearly $13 million for construction and rehabilitation of taxiways at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) jointly announced the federal grant, which they said would cut flight delays and improve travel for millions of people passing through JFK, one of the nation’s busiest airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration has made available to JFK two grants totaling $12,912,749 toward taxiway repair and improvement. A $10.9 million grant will help build a new taxiway and another worth $2,012,749 will rehabilitate an existing taxiway.

“By expanding and improving our existing infrastructure at JFK, we can reduce flight delays and improve travel for the millions of passengers who travel through JFK each year,” Schumer said. “As one of America’s busiest airports, JFK needs infrastructure projects like this one in order to ease gridlock and air traffic.”

More commodious taxiways will reduce waiting among arriving jetliners heading for passenger gate areas as well as departing flights.

JFK handled more than 45 million passengers and 1.1 million tons of freight in 2009 alone.

By building an extra taxiway and refurbishing an existing runway, the U.S. Department of Transportation funds will enable JFK to increase its capacity and prepare for an even larger number of passengers in the future. JFK has long been, along with LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports among the bottom of the nation’s airports in flight delays.

JFK contributes about $30 billion in economic activity to the New York City area, generates around $9.8 billion in wages and salaries and employees about 35,000 people.

The Bay runway at JFK was widened and rehabilitated last year in a $376 million project carried out while the strip was shut down. The runway, designated 13R/31L, is known as Bay runway because it runs along Jamaica Bay. At 14,575 feet, it is among the world’s longest runways.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand & Senator Chuck Schumer for HRC's New Yorkers for Marriage Equality

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have joined HRC’s New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign. Today HRC launched two new videos where both senators proudly support full marriage equality in the Empire State. The new videos and our entire campaign can be viewed online at www.hrc.org/NY4marriage. The two politicians join other prominent New Yorkers, from leaders and advocates, to actors and musicians who are letting America know that New York supports marriage equality.

Senator Gillibrand Calls for Plan to Begin Combat Troop Redeployment from Afghanistan

Mounting al Qaeda Threats in Arab Peninsula Outweigh Threats in Afghanistan, Responsible Redeployment Supports Afghanistan Sovereignty, Widespread Corruption and Lack of Cooperation from Pakistan Undermining Afghan Stability

America’s Cost of War in Afghanistan: Over $345 Billion and Growing

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY Data: Over 1,600 New York Troops Deployed in Afghanistan Right Now

After nearly a decade at war in Afghanistan and more than 1,600 New York troops deployed there currently, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today called for a clear plan for withdrawal of America’s combat forces from Afghanistan by 2014. Over the last decade, America spent a total of $336 billion to fund the war and $11 billion for assistance in Afghanistan, with about $124 billion more set to be approved by Congress for FY2011.

Senator Gillibrand is calling for passage of the Safe and Responsible Redeployment of United States Combat Forces from Afghanistan Act, legislation to begin withdrawing American combat forces from Afghanistan on July 1 of this year. Senator Gillibrand is also making a formal request for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to negotiate a Strategic Redeployment Agreement, based on the model used to withdraw American forces from Iraq, to establish a 2014 withdrawal end date for U.S. combat troops.

“America cannot afford an endless war in Afghanistan,” Senator Gillibrand said. “After nearly a decade at war, with still no equal commitment from the Karzai government, and after all the lives we’ve sacrificed and the billions we’ve spent on this war, it’s time to start bringing our troops home. It’s time to put the future and security of Afghanistan in the hands of its own leaders, and focus America’s national security on the emerging and more imminent threats from al Qaeda in other regions.”

Nearly 100,000 American troops are deployed in Afghanistan today, including more than 1,600 from New York State.

• New York City is home to 259 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• Western New York is home to 95 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Rochester/Finger Lakes Region is home to 88 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• Central New York is home to 98 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Southern Tier is home to 45 total military personnel are currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Capital Region is home to 55 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The North Country is home to 528 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• The Hudson Valley is home to 105 total military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan.
• Long Island is home to 96 total personnel military currently deployed in Afghanistan.

Factors Behind Redeployment Strategy

• Transparency International ranks Afghanistan the second most corrupt nation in the world. Its largest bank, Kabul Bank, which processes international aid, funds government salaries and security forces, is on the verge of collapse as a result of widespread corruption.
• Neighboring Pakistan harbors al Qaeda and Taliban insurgency while Pakistan’s intelligence agency maintains ties to the Taliban.
• Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called for Afghanistan’s forces to take lead for their country’s security.
• Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula has now surpassed Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda organization in Afghanistan as the most likely to successfully execute an attack inside the United States, according to Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Michael Leiter.

The Gillibrand Afghanistan Withdrawal Plan

Begin Combat Forces Withdrawal in July 2011
Senator Gillibrand believes it is time to signal a clear end to America’s combat mission in Afghanistan. Senator Gillibrand is an original co-sponsor of the Safe and Responsible Redeployment of United States Combat Forces from Afghanistan Act, legislation authored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and co-sponsored by 4 senators. The legislation would:

• State that it is U.S. policy to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Afghanistan by July 1, 2011;
• Require the president to submit a plan to Congress by July 31, 2011 for the phased redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Afghanistan, including a completion date for such redeployment.

The legislation builds on President Obama’s strategy to begin the responsible reduction of U.S. forces in July 2011; complete the transfer of responsibility of security to Afghan forces by 2014; and implement a sustained, long-term commitment beyond the withdrawal date.

Establish Strategic Redeployment Agreement
To lay the foundation for an end date to America’s combat forces in Afghanistan and support Afghanistan security forces’ lead for their country’s security, Senator Gillibrand has written to Secretaries Clinton and Gates requesting the negotiation of a Strategic Redeployment Agreement, based on the model used to withdraw American forces from Iraq.

The agreement could also set conditions beyond 2014 for a continued, modest, non-combat mission in Afghanistan, such as an ongoing counter-terrorism mission, along with training of Afghan forces and civilian security projects. The agreement would retain current freedom of mission and protections for U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.

A 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq established the broader relationship between the two countries and a 2008 Withdrawal of U.S. Forces Agreement set December 31, 2011 as the complete withdrawal date for U.S. troops.

Senator Gillibrand’s full letter to Secretaries Gates and Clinton:

Dear Secretaries Clinton and Gates,

It is my strong view that it is time to negotiate a Strategic Redeployment Agreement with Afghanistan that would mandate a date certain for the withdrawal of all United States combat forces no later than 2014. I am writing out of consideration for our changing national security challenges, my deep concern about the toll that the war in Afghanistan is taking on our troops and our country, and recognition of that the Afghan and Pakistani governments are not taking steps critical to the war effort. I believe a clear combat redeployment agreement would help our efforts in Afghanistan by reinforcing Afghan sovereignty and protecting both the readiness and the flexibility we need to meet the full array of global security challenges that confront our country.

I have great confidence in the ability of our troops and the strategic focus of our commanders. The surge in Afghanistan has accomplished some substantial military gains. However, as the President has said, in laying out the strategy for Afghanistan, there are “three core elements of our strategy: a military effort to create the conditions for a transition; a civilian surge that reinforces positive action; and an effective partnership with Pakistan.” Despite our civilian assistance, corruption in Afghanistan remains rife. As the near-collapse of Kabul Bank has demonstrated, corruption undermines Afghanistan’s stability and the support of its people for their government. Without a strong, stable, and effective Afghan government, we risk serious domestic instability that opens the door to a return to control by the Taliban and related organizations of major parts of the country despite a U.S. military commitment. As for Pakistan, while I applaud the sacrifices Pakistan’s military has made in fighting some insurgent groups, al Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, and others continue to enjoy safe havens inside Pakistan, near the Pakistani-Afghan border, allowing them to resupply and direct the war in Afghanistan. Insufficient dedication from Kabul and Islamabad undermines our military investment in Afghanistan.

I am also concerned that the drain on our resources in Afghanistan may deteriorate our flexibility to address other global threats. In the past few months, upheavals in the Middle East have posed new challenges for our government as a whole, including the military. Yet, our flexibility of response appears to be compromised in part by our ongoing military involvement in two other Muslim majority countries. Top U.S. intelligence officials have said that Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula is a greater national security challenge than bin Laden. And al Qaeda’s reach appears to be increasingly global – spreading ideology and seeking recruits via the Internet and other methods - not limited to specific contests like the one in Afghanistan. U.S. strategy for countering terrorism needs to be far more nimble, innovative, and global than the troop-heavy counter-insurgency.

What I am suggesting is not to spell out every stage of U.S. troop redeployment from Afghanistan – specific redeployment decisions should be up to commanders on the ground and avoid giving the enemy a potential propaganda tool. Nor should we change the protection for our troops and flexibility for our mission that has been agreed in the U.S.-Afghanistan diplomatic notes exchange and the ISAF-Afghanistan Military Technical Agreement. I do not believe that a withdrawal agreement must necessarily limit our training or counter-terrorism missions, or protection for our civilian development programs. It is critical, however, that we provide for a date certain for withdrawal of our combat forces, in order to give certainty to the American people; to ensure maximum flexibility in responding to other contingencies; and to publicly endorse the Afghan Government’s assumption of lead responsibility as planned.