Posted on 12/20/2005 2:25:55 PM PST by GretchenM
President Bush signed H.R. 2520, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, to expand federal support of [I assume this means: existing lines of] embryonic stem cell research.
Vice President and Mrs. Cheney, on a multi-purpose visit in Pakistan, cut short their trip so the VP could cast a tie-breaking Senate vote on deficit reduction if necessary.
Welcome to Sanity Island!
QUOTE: "Almost two years ago, we launched the Millennium Challenge Account as an entirely new way to provide aid. The MCA is based on clear principle: countries that seek our aid must demonstrate a record of performance. ... John Danilovich is the right person to take on this part of our efforts to fight poverty."
1st?
It really is Tuesday. I'm filling in for ohioWfan.
Dose going up. Please wait to post or repost photos till the All Clear.
Thanks!
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 19, 2005
Presidential Message: Christmas 2005
'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us.
Matthew 1:23
More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and the God of heaven came to Earth. Mankind had received its Savior, and to those who had dwelled in darkness, the light of hope had come. Each Christmas, we celebrate that first coming anew, and we rejoice in the knowledge that the God who came to Earth that night in Bethlehem is with us still and will remain with us forever.
Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks for the blessing of Christ's birth and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year. We have much to be thankful for in this country, and we have a responsibility to help those in need. Jesus calls us to help others, and acts of kindness toward the less fortunate fulfill the spirit of the Christmas season.
On Christmas, we pray for freedom, justice, and peace on Earth. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedom, and we ask for God's blessing on their loved ones. We ask God to watch over all of our men and women in uniform. Many are serving in distant lands, helping to advance the cause of freedom and peace. Our entire Nation is grateful to them and prays for their safe return.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
Cheney is returning for deficit reduction? I was sure it was the Patriot Act.
1
AHHHH!
From Gretchen: I had to search for W in the Yahoo thumbnail -- it seemed funny to have to look for him.
Bush stands by as John Danilovich signs appointment affidavits after being sworn in as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation during ceremonies at the U.S. Department of State. Looking on are Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and members of Mr. Danilovich's family. 
Thanks for the ping!
Thanks Gretchen. And thank you for your hard work on a beautiful Southern CA afternoon!
Cheney and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf talk during a meeting in Islamabad. Cheney expressed sorrow and solidarity with Pakistan during a day-long visit to the earthquake-hit country.
President Musharraf thanked the Vice President for the US relief assistance and said, "I don't think we could have managed the relief operation without your support." 
Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and Cheney upon his arrival at the military Chacklala Airbase in Rawalpindi.
Cheney with U.S soldiers at military base poses for photographers before leaving Pakistan from a military base in Rawalpindi today. Cheney saw first hand the destruction caused by Pakistan's October earthquake and hailed U.S. military efforts to help survivors. 
Hey.
Arriving in Rawalpindi
The Cheneys participate in the opening session of the Afghan Parliament in Kabul. Cheney has cut short his swing through the Middle East to return to Washington in case he needs to cast the tie-breaking vote on the U.S. Senate vote on a deficit-reduction, the White House said.
(Link didn't open to the large version of this photo.)
Receiving a tour from Rear Admiral Michael A. LeFever of the 212th MASH unit today in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. 
Checking in way early.
With Condi
Defense Secretary Rumsfeld has signed an order to reduce US troop levels in Afghanistan from 19,000 to 16,000 by next spring, The New York Times said, quoting a senior military officer.
Yahoo links this thumbnail to a different enlargement, so here is the thumbnail.
The Cheneys, before leaving Pakistan at military base in Rawalpindi today.
All Clear.
The deficit reduction measure is what Yahoo said. Last thing I heard was the Patriot Act went down in flames in the Senate and I haven't heard of it being rescheduled, *at present,* for consideration.
Anyone have updated info on the Senate vs. the Patriot Act?
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