Obama

[sevenmalards]

Originally Posted by choctaw

Mark, Adrian said he had been drinking last night. So I guess he was feeling his oats.
And as far as Blizzardwarrior goes, I'm sure he has mastered the game scene as well.

The only thing that kid is a master at is
MASTER BATER!

[Barchetta]

Originally Posted by sevenmalards

Who? come unglued? Me?

Not a chance there buddy!
I don't have much time at all to play video games. Usually it's when the wife has bunco night, then the boys come over and we have marathon games.

I was just joshin' with everyone last night.

Hey, the end of the month is comming up, I wonder how my stocks will do?????

All in good fun bud! I know that.

Let us know how the stocks do!

[AWD Bare]

Originally Posted by sevenmalards

Who? come unglued? Me?

Not a chance there buddy!
I don't have much time at all to play video games. Usually it's when the wife has bunco night, then the boys come over and we have marathon games.

I was just joshin' with everyone last night.

Hey, the end of the month is comming up, I wonder how my stocks will do?????

End of the month stocks??? HA! People are not looking foward to that, REAL people are looking for their welfare check to come in

Whats wrong with you, you hard working, self- employeed, tax paying, welfare supporting republican?!?! LOL

I'm just B/S ing with ya'll !

[Malamute Haulin]

Originally Posted by AWD Bare

Yea, but that would take 10 - 15 years to go into affect. We dont plan on being around for that long! LOL Why start today if we dont get it today?

I dont give a dang where we have oil, if it is there, LET GET SOME AND STOP SPENDING SO MUCH ON ARAB OIL. ( I am agreeing with you just to be clear)

To get the oil out of the Gulf your looking at a 1-1 1/2 years, out of Alaska if I remember it was 5 to 6 years now the oil in the rockies a little longer the crap out there about 2030 is liberial/ socialist hog wash and this warrior guy you remind me of a guy I worked with that has did everything and done everything, said he was in the 91 gulf war but was only 16 at the time and in school, like I told him if he came to me and said he lied, I told he I would call him a lier, now thats bad when you admit youe a lier and your not believed!!

[kingchip]

An example of why we need to open up Anwar and ALL offshore is happening right now. The Prez signed off on the offshore drilling last week, and the price is already dropping. If we show OPEC that we WILL get our own oil, they will drop the price and/or increase production to make it less feasable for us to drill.

Simple Economics.

[gcop]

Originally Posted by kingchip

An example of why we need to open up Anwar and ALL offshore is happening right now. The Prez signed off on the offshore drilling last week, and the price is already dropping. If we show OPEC that we WILL get our own oil, they will drop the price and/or increase production to make it less feasable for us to drill.

Simple Economics.

agreed. Even IF I thought 10 years was a realistic time frame, then we need to get started, YESTERDAY. I love the "glass half empty" outlook of the dems when it comes to ANWR etc. It won't help because it will take 10 years...SO lets not do it, and just sit on our hands while fuel goes through the roof, GREAT idea. Ridiculous is what it is, and really IMHO, a slap in the face of the American spirit, if America wants it (more drilling), and the polls show they do, it will get done in less time that these guys are estimating. As soon as ANWR opens up, the big oil companies will be all over it, oil will flow, no doubt.

More oil supply, a stronger world dollar, alternative fuel research in conjunction with continued oil exploration and better MPG standards for new cars will get us on down the road.

Obama seems resistant to all new exploration, doesn't want the gas tax Holiday ( seriously, if you woke up tomorrow and fuel was 18.4 cents per gallon cheaper, who is going to be mad? ) Personally, I think Obama is pandering to the left, he knows that the lefties are all gung ho about about being green, and oil is NOT green, that's why he keeps banging the solar, wind etc. drum. If he ever agreed to ANWR or even leaned that way, it would be near political suicide for him. All his west coast tree hugging supporters especially Hollywood, and his tight homeboy Al Gore, would surly shun his very candidacy.

Although Mac is not perfect he has some good ideas.

1. lower corporate tax rates ( we all know, WE end up paying taxes, not the corporation, they WILL keep their collective profit margin intact.

2. 300 million dollar prise for a GOOD electric car battery

3. Veto ALL bills that contain earmarks ( this is a big one )

Here is Obams list of earmarks:

OBAMA EARMARK REQUESTS: FY 2006 AND FY 2007

FISCAL YEAR 2007

AGRICULTURE

Obama Requested $1.6 Million To The University Of Illinois College Of ACES For The Livestock Genome Sequencing Initiative. In 2006, Obama requested $1.6 million for the University Of Illinois College Of ACES and its effort to conduct research on the Livestock Genome Sequencing Initiative (LGSI). The LGSI is part of an international effort to identify every gene of the cattle and swine species by both its unique DNA sequence and location on specific chromosomes. In addition, LGSI research is building a database to identify the function of these genes. Mapping and sequencing the cattle and swine genome will provide the basis for future biological research by improving livestock productivity and public health. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2 Million For The Soybean Disease Biotechnology Center At The University Of Illinois College Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for the University of Illinois College of ACES and its continuing research efforts at the Soybean Disease Biotechnology Center (SDBC). The SDBC is using scientific advances in structural, comparative and functional genomics and genetic engineering, in order to protect soybean crops from diseases and improve their productivity. The Center researchers are working to identify and create new and improved mechanisms of disease tolerance and resistance to protect the soybean crop and increase profitability throughout the industry. Genetic stocks of the National Soybean Germplasm Collection, located at the University of Illinois, provide a unique, accessible resource. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $3 Million The Future Foods Initiative At The University Of Illinois College Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the University of Illinois College of ACES Future Foods Initiative. Researchers investigate relationships between functional compounds in foods and reduced incidence of chronic diseases in humans; the stability and functionality of these compounds before and after processing and storage; and the optimal processing procedures and packaging methods to ensure minimal risk from intentional or unintentional pathogenic contamination. Other research examines consumer acceptance and marketing patterns of Future Foods and social trends and environmental issues that affect the feasibility, production, marketing, and consumption of these foods. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2.5 Million For The Illinois Program For Integrated Sustainable Agriculture At The University Of Illinois College Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $2.5 million the University of Illinois College of ACES Illinois Program for Integrated Sustainable Agriculture. The Illinois Program for Integrated Sustainable Agriculture will research and develop an integrated livestock and corn-soybean production system which will recycle valuable nutrients from the animal waste stream in an effort to improve agricultural productivity and reduce the emission of livestock wastes into the environment. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2.5 Million For The Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance At The University Of Illinois College Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $2.5 million for the Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance at the University of Illinois College of ACES. The Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance (IMBA) is specifically charged with delivering the benefits of biotechnology to the corn and soybean industries of the Midwest, focusing on producer benefits, such as yield enhancement, resistance to pests and diseases, and acceptance of the products of biotechnology, as well as other segments of the industry through the development of valuable traits and markets. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $3 Million To Support The National Center For Food Safety & Technology At The Illinois Institute Of Technology. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the National Center for Food Safety and Technology operated by the Illinois Institute of Technology. The NCFST operates under a cooperative agreement established in 2000, which makes it the only center where industry can work collaboratively on projects with FDA scientists on food safety and technology research. Beginning after 9/11, the NCFST expanded its food-borne terrorism related activities and is now supporting FDA’s food security research initiative. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $310,000 For The Slocum Watershed Management Project In Lake County. In 2006, Obama requested $310,000 for the Lake County Slocum Watershed Management Project. The project will create a "blueprint" of how to cost effectively rehabilitate and modify the existing drainage infrastructure system throughout this sub-watershed. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2,499,400 For The Food Stamp Participation Project Of The Illinois Department Of Human Services. In 2006, Obama requested $2,499,400 for the Food Stamp Participation project of the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Food Stamp Participation Project is development of new technology projects, which are designed to increase the access to the food stamp program. One is designed for use by the general public and the other is a web based application designed for use in food pantries. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $1.75 Million For The Secure User Network For Food And Agriculture Response And Mobilization (SUN-FARM) For The Illinois Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity. In 2006, Obama requested $1.75 million for the Secure User Network for Food and Agricultural Response and Mobilization (SUN-FARM) of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Secure User Network for Food and Agricultural Response and Mobilization (SUN-FARM) will better prepare the Midwest food and agricultural industry for a major disaster, make the food supply safer and more secure, and identify and disseminate industry best practices and standards. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

[gcop]

COMMERCE/JUSTICE/SCIENCE

Obama Requested $900,000 For The Women's Sports Foundation’s Go Girl Go Chicago Initiative. In 2006, Obama requested $900,000 for the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Go Girl Go initiative, which targets inactive teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18 who are at-risk for social behavioral indiscretions including dropping out of school and becoming involved in drugs, alcohol, and other risky health and social behavior. The program is delivered through partner youth-serving schools and organizations. GoGirlGo also provides cash grants to enable socio-economically underprivileged girls to participate in physical activity. The program aims to work with parents, coaches, after school programs and youth organizations to get inactive girls involved in regular physical activity which prevents involvement in other socially risky behavior. GoGirlGo will provide direct financial support, free curriculum materials and technical assistance to schools, recreation agencies and 300 non-profit girl-serving organizations that are committed to addressing the needs of sedentary girls, and the program will serve as the basis for a national model. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $550,000 For The John G. Shedd Aquarium’s At-Risk Youth Monitoring Initiative. In 2006, Obama requested $550,000 for the John G. Shedd Aquarium’s At-Risk Youth Monitoring Initiative. Shedd Aquarium's Education Department has actively engaged schools, families and communities with its innovative aquatic science programs. Shedd is dedicated to making substantive contributions in science education and community empowerment by providing new and exciting experimental learning opportunities for its diverse audiences. Through its community, mentor and teacher programs, Shedd provides a variety of resources highlighting the incredible world of aquatic biology to the local community. The mentor program at Shedd offers a variety of experiences that transcend their aquatic science focus, empowering students to explore outside of their neighborhoods. Shedd also offers scholarships to economically disadvantaged students in hopes of providing the life skills and motivation for students to continue a path of life-long learning. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $350,000 For Guardian Angel Community Services To Support Its Transitional Housing For Women And Children Suffering Domestic Violence Program. In 2006, Obama requested $350,000 for Guardian Angel Community Services’ Groundwork Domestic Violence Program (GDVP). GDVP is a comprehensive program which provides a 24/7 hotline, a 23-bed emergency shelter for women and their children as well as legal advocacy, support groups, counseling and prevention education at no cost. Increased funding will help implement a traditional housing program for female victims of domestic violence who currently reside in their emergency shelter (typically a 45-day stay). Each family will be able to stay for two years, pay rent according to their income on a sliding fee scale, and benefit from comprehensive on-site services and linkage to services as well as other community service providers. The transitional housing project was designed to accommodate women with children with only one family per unit; offer each woman/family control over their living conditions; offer safety and security in a well maintained building; accommodate on- site assistance and guidance through the presence of a resident caseworker and the assistance of a full time case aid. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $300,000 To Support The A Child Is Missing (ACIM) Program. In 2006, Obama requested $300,000 for the A Child Is Missing Program (ACIM). ACIM is a not-for-profit organization that assists law enforcement agencies, including all law enforcement agencies in Illinois, during the first few hours a child or an elderly adult is reported missing. ACIM assists in all missing cases whether they involve abduction, children who are lost, the elderly (Alzheimer's), and mentally and physically challenged individuals. ACIM works closely with the Amber Alert and all child safety programs. Money allotted will be used for maintaining and upgrading ACIM's telephony technology and their Illinois call lists. It will also help cover the actual cost of making the calls in Idaho, support ACIM's Illinois law enforcement training sessions, and establish community awareness meetings involving child safety issues throughout the state of Illinois. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For The Village of Franklin Park To Support Its Law Enforcement Strategic Technology Program. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for Village of Franklin Park to support its Law Enforcement Strategic Technology Program. The Village of Franklin Police (VOFP) Department provides services to the fourth largest industrial community in Illinois and also acts as the backbone for radio communication infrastructure in the western Chicago suburbs and hosting radio service to several local communities. The requested funding will enable VOFP to expand its law enforcement capabilities in the following areas: a Village Law Enforcement Camera Network, a Mobile Disaster Communications Command Center, a 1st Responder & Pre-plan System Expansion, Law Enforcement Facility Security, Law Enforcement Patrol and Field Modernization, Hand-Held computing devices for Criminal Investigation, and Public Safety Information Technology Modernization. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $3 million For The DuPage, Kane & Kendall County Sheriff's Offices To Support The Tri-County In Car Video Camera Project. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the DuPage, Kane & Kendall County Sheriff's offices to support the Tri-County In Car Video Camera Project. The DuPage, Kane and Kendall County Sheriffs' Offices have formed a partnership with 48 other law enforcement agencies throughout their three counties to form a regional initiative to secure interoperable in-car digital video camera systems. After thorough research and evaluation of in-car video technologies, these offices and their partner agencies have determined a need for in-car video systems for the existing combined fleets of approximately 765 patrol vehicles to improve monitoring and oversight, as well as to enhance officer safety and increase each participating department's ability to protect themselves from legal claims. Ultimately, the participating agencies believe that in-car video will enhance their individual and combined abilities to efficiently and effectively protect the safety of citizens, visitors and workers by enhancing public safety, homeland defense and emergency response capacity, and in greater cooperation with other county and regional public safety and first responder agencies. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $62 million For The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy Project. In 2006, Obama requested $62 million for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy to support its Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy project. The SOFIA is a 747 extensively modified to carry a 50,000-pound, 2.5-meter infrared telescope provided by Germany. SOFIA will fly at altitudes up to 45,000 feet — above 99% of the Earth’s water vapor — to capture infrared images not possible by even the largest ground-based telescopes. NASA selected USRA in 1996 to develop and operate SOFIA to replace the .91-meter Kuiper Airborne Observatory, a C-141 that flew successfully for over 20 years. Since then, SOFIA has progressed steadily through key milestones: delivery of the German-built telescope in 2002; installation of the telescope into the aircraft in 2003; structural testing of the aircraft and initial ground-bused testing of’ the telescope in 2004; and completion of the first-flight configuration of the NASA telescope cavity door in 2005. SOFIA is in the final phase of the Heavy Maintenance Visit, final ground testing and FAA verifications. Initial flight tests are scheduled for the latter part of 2006, depending on finding. After flight testing and functional testing of the telescope and cavity door, SOFIA will be operated at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1.75 million For The Northern Illinois Technology Triangle. In 2006, Obama requested $1.75 million for the Northern Illinois Technology Triangle. The Northern Illinois Technology Triangle (NITT) organization has been organized for several years. During this time, feasibility studies have been conducted and organizational structures have been evaluated. The fiber optic cable on the East-West Tollway has been leased with local (City) funding through the Illinois Municipal Broadband Communications Association. The Northern Illinois Technology Triangle is the development of a technology triangle by acquiring lease rights to existing fiber optic cable on the Northwest Tollway (IL90) from Rockford to the Tri-State Tollway (IL 294), south to the East-West Tollway and West to the Interstate 39 at Rochelle. In addition, it will be necessary to construct fiber on Interstate 39 from Rochelle to Rockford to complete the triangle. The final components of the project are the electronics to "light" the fiber and the hardened facility to house the electronics. NITT members will provide the private funds necessary to match grants received. Private investors are also interested in participating with private funding. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For McHenry County’s Integrated Criminal Justice Information System. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 For McHenry County’s Integrated Criminal Justice Information System. McHenry County is in the process of bringing new computer technology to the Courts, State's Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff's Office and Jail. This technology upgrade is a critical first step toward integrating the County's criminal justice information system, but it will not complete the project. Additional assistance is needed to complete the interface between law enforcement and courts systems, thereby allowing McHenry County to complete the interface between law enforcement and courts systems, allowing the County to completely utilize the benefits of a fully integrated criminal justice system. Funding for the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System will integrate information networks and develop a seamless, automated system that integrates law enforcement agencies, the State's Attorney's Office, Courts, the Public Defender's Office and Probation. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

[gcop]

Obama Requested $450,000 For The South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police To Support Its Center For Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration. In 2006, Obama requested $450,000 for the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police to support its Center for Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration. The Center for Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration is requesting funding to develop and implement high quality, state-of-the-art training and certification for law enforcement professionals. The Center would like to create new training programs and curricula, equip instructional facilities, and deliver high quality instruction to area law enforcement professionals. This project will be based on both practical and theory based approaches to public safety and the new dangers associated with modern day terrorism and advanced computer technology crime. The Center would provide an opportunity for law enforcement professionals to build upon their current expertise and develop timely, valued technological skills. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $675,000 For The Metro Chicago Youth For Christ Juvenile Justice Ministry Gang Prevention Program. In 2006, Obama requested $675,000 for the Metro Chicago Youth for Christ Juvenile Justice Ministry Gang Prevention Program. Developed in 1977, the Chicago Youth for Christ (MCYFC) Juvenile Justice Gang-Prevention Program provides mentoring, guidance and support to incarcerated, at-risk youth. Recognizing the potential at-risk youth have for redirection and hope, the Juvenile Justice Ministry enters the juvenile corrections facilities in an effort to reach-out to some of Chicago's most hardened gang members. Through constant support, guidance and follow-up, the Juvenile Justice Ministry encourages these youth to make better decisions in their day-to-day lives. Their weekly visits help convince many young men and women that there are alternative choices to gang-life and gang-mentality. Funds would provide much needed additional staff and resources to expand program to more juvenile offenders. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For The Chicago Botanical Garden To Support Its Seed Bank And Plant Conservation Center. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for the Chicago Botanical Garden to support its Seed Bank and Plant Conservation Center. In April of 2003, the Chicago Botanic Garden was asked by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to participate in the Millennium Seed Bank Project. This Project seeks to safeguard the most endangered of the world's plants by conserving more than 24,000 species of seed-bearing plants by 2010. In order to fulfill its role in this mission, the Garden is constructing a new Seed Bank and Plant Conservation Science Center that will significantly expand the capability and capacity of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Funding would go towards construction of the Chicago Botanic Garden Seed Bank and Plant Conservation. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For The Lakeview Museum To support Its Planetarium For Central Illinois Regional Museum. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 for the Lakeview Museum to support its Planetarium for Central Illinois Regional Museum. Central Illinois Regional Museum is requesting federal assistance for Lakeview Museum's Planetarium, which meets a unique educational requirement for Illinois 7th grade students. Additional funding for the Planetarium would allow for further career development systems, scholarships for training, and technology enhancements and permit public programs that bring the wonders of the universe and the current astronomical discoveries to the residents of Central Illinois utilizing advanced projection technologies. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $2 million For The University of Illinois At Chicago Prisoner Reentry, Family And Communities National Resource Center. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for the University of Illinois at Chicago Prisoner Reentry, Family and Communities National Resource Center. Funding for the Prisoner Reentry, Family and Communities National Resource Center would be utilized to conduct research, education and community outreach activities that will contribute to the successful reentry of former prisoners. The ultimate goal is to enhance public safety, and reduce recidivism by identifying policies, practices and service delivery models that will help returning prisoners become productive members of their communities. Engagement with community organizations to strengthen the community's resources and improve the effectiveness of services provided to returning prisoners will be a central element of this project. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $750,000 For The Windy City Harvest To Support Its Windy City Harvest Resource Center. In 2006, Obama requested $750,000 for the Windy City Harvest To Support Its Windy City Harvest Resource Center. Windy City Harvest (WCH) is a transitional jobs training program that is grounded in a sustainable urban horticulture business. It will supply high demand food and ornamental plans to the local wholesale, retail and institution market and train ready-to-employ workers. The core business will provide pre-employment training, case management, literacy and basic skills training, transitional work experience and job placement services. Thirty to sixty trainees will be accepted into the program annually and the first group will begin in late 2006. As trainees, they will learn how to grow mixed lettuces, spinach and bedding plants, as well as how to process, package and distribute crops directly to retain wholesale markets. In addition, funding will go towards providing trainees basic skills certifications in areas such as food preparation, food safety and production, customer service, horticulture, landscape maintenance and materials handling. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1.9 Million For The Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago To Support Its National Coordinated Law-Related Education Program. In 2006, Obama requested $1.9 million for the Constitutional Rights Foundation to support its National Coordinated Law-Related Education Program. For the past 25 years, Law Related Education (LRE) has developed a strong record of success helping to reduce the incidence of Juvenile crime in communities where its curriculum is used. The program's primary goal is to help young people avoid delinquent behavior by developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes to become effective citizens. The LRE is made up of a collaboration of the American Bar Association, the Center for Civic Education, the Constitutional Rights Foundation in Chicago and Los Angeles, and the Phi Alpha Delta Public Service Center and Street Law, Inc. Funding is shared between the five organizations and allocated to state centers, based on need and capacity, to help them focus and target efforts to meet community needs, and reach at risk youth through the Law Related Education program. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $3 million For The Museum Of Science and Industry’s Expansion Of Its Center For Human Exploration/Henry Crown Space Center. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the Museum of Science and Industry’s Center for Human Exploration. They is the largest science and technology museum in the Western Hemisphere. The museum houses 1,070 total pieces, of which 678 are interactive units and 48 are complete exhibits. Central to the Museums revitalization plan is the transformation of the Henry Crown Space Center. Through the renovation and improvement of the space center, the museum proposes to further its commitment of providing current science and technology advances to visitors. The Museum is asking for assistance in the cost of planning, developing, initiating and evaluating the $27 million Space Center. The expansion of the center would enhance the innovative educational programs and exhibits the Museum currently offers. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For McHenry County’s Law Enforcement Communication System. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 for McHenry County’s Law Enforcement Communication System. The funding was specified for efforts to integrate information networks and develop a seamless, automated system that integrates law enforcement agencies, the State's Attorney's Office, courts, and the Public Defender's Office and Probation. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

[gcop]

DEFENSE

Obama Requested $4.3 Million And Helped Secure $1.8 Million For The Air Force ALERT System. In 2006, Obama requested $4.3 million and $1.8 million was funded for the Air Force ALERT System. The purpose of this project was to improve Air Force supply chain management and help document savings from lower inventory holding costs, reorders of redundant equipment, and related factors. Through CDO Technology, this effort would involve the acquisition of hardware, software, training and technical services to complete the incorporation of state-of-the-art radio frequency identification technology into ALERTS. The Air Force uses the “Automated Life Support Equipment Records Tracking System” (ALERTS) to manage many supply chain management functions for critical aircrew life support equipment, such as night vision goggles, body armor, chemical/biological defense and detection units, survival items, and escape equipment. The ALERTS system utilizes bar codes, hand-held readers, databases and associated hardware and software. Since its implementation, ALERTS has significantly improved inventory control, reducing costs and improving reliability. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $10 Million And Helped Secure $5.85 Million For The Rock Island Arsenal’s Arsenal Support Program Initiative (ASPI). In 2006, Obama requested $10 million and helped secure $5.85 million for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Arsenal Support Program Initiative (ASPI). The goals of ASPI are to encourage commercial firms to utilize and invest in Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) facilities in order to reduce product and ownership costs. Additionally, ASPI increases the utilization of existing critical skills and maintains readiness of the military industrial base. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $3 Million And Helped Secure $1.95 Million For The Compact Tactical Laser Program. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million and helped secure $1.95 million for the Compact Tactical Laser Program. Through Optical Engines, Inc., this program further develops the Direct Diode Electro-Optical Source program funded in the FY05 DOD bill at $900,000. Optical Engines is proposing to create a new program called the Compact Tactical Laser (CTL) program whereby the universal platform technology created in the DDEOS program is expanded to higher power modules, and further expanded into systems for different applications. The objective of the Optical Engines product development is to introduce to the marketplace a design that will enable the scaling and aggregation of a large number of diode lasers so as to increase the optical power and brightness that is delivered by means of fiber optic coupling. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $7.5 Million And Helped Secure $4.9 Million For The National Center for Advanced Secure Systems Research. In 2006, Obama requested $7.5 million and helped secure $4.9 million for the National Center for Advanced Secure Systems Research at the the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This project addresses critical security needs and research requirements to develop a dynamic, adaptive cybersecurity infrastructure. All research projects are designed to address future Navy cybersecurity requirements, and each is carefully reviewed and approved in advance by Office of Naval Research program management. Research activities are targeted to address high priority cybersecurity problems focused in areas of data mining, intrusion detection and analysis, development of a variety of security tools, training, and SCADA field testing. This research has broad applications and potential importance in non-defense cybersecurity, homeland security, and information assurance arenas. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $2 Million And Helped Secure $1 Million For HUMVEE Hybrid Electronic Conversion Technology. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million and helped secure $1 million for HUMVEE Hybrid Electronic Conversion Technology work at the Illinois Institute of Technology. This project seeks to apply the existing expertise of the Illinois Institute of Technology in the field of hybrid vehicle systems to develop a cost effective conversion kit to retrofit U.S. Army HMMWV (“Humvee”) vehicles with electric hybrid systems. Prototype work suggests such retrofits will produce gains in vehicle acceleration and fuel efficiency of over 50%. Moreover, the conversions can be accomplished in a highly cost effective manner. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $5 Million And Helped Secure $1 Million For The Fuel Cells for Mobile Robotics Systems Project At Chicago State University. In 2006, Obama requested $5 million and helped secure $1 million for the Fuel Cells for Mobile Robotics Systems Project At Chicago State University. This project proposes to improve the effectiveness of the military’s unmanned aerial systems by replacing conventional power supply systems with fuel cell technology packages specifically made for mobile robotics systems. The project will build and test a prototype of the fuel cell technology package; develop additional system configurations and designs for expanded capabilities (design and configuration for system safety and security in high-risk environments); build and test prototype of the expanded capabilities; perform laboratory-based tests of the fuel cell technology package; and perform tests of the fuel cell technology package in various mobile robotics system tests beds including unmanned aerial systems and others. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $8 Million And Helped Secure $1.3 Million For The High Explosive Air Burst Technology Program. In 2006, Obama requested $8 million and helped secure $1.3 million for High Explosive Air Burst Technology funding. Through General Dynamics, this project supported the 25mm Bushmaster cannon, the primary weapon on the Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) and the US Marines’ Light Armor Vehicle (LAV). Under contract for System Design and Demonstration (SDD), GD-OTS is developing a Family of Ammunition for the Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) to include a High Explosive Air Burst (HEAB) round. This program will upgrade the capability of the current forces BFV and LAV. Additional funding for the 25mm HEAB for the SFV and LAV will ensure this program will run effectively during its planned service until 2051. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $7 million And Helped Secure $6.3 Million For Rock Island Arsenal Industrial Preparedness Items. In 2006, Obama requested $7 million and helped secure $6.3 million for Rock Island Arsenal Industrial Preparedness items. The requested shop equipment will support production of lightweight add-on vehicle and body armor, the recently added M119 howitzer production program (the M119 is key to the Army’s brigade transformation), M198 howitzer spare parts production, M45 recoil mechanism production, M93 gun mount production and the AC-130 gunship parts production. Additionally, the requested equipment will also have significant safety and efficiency benefits for the Arsenal. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006 ]

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Obama Requested $5 Million And Received $3.3 Million For The Technology , Research, Education, And Commercialization Center At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign. In 2006, Obama requested $5 million and received $3.3 million for the Technology, Research, Education and Commercialization Center (TRECC) at the University of Illinois. The TRECC program provides access to high performance computing/web technologies to industry and education organizations in an effort to promote research and development by transferring advanced technologies of importance to the Department of Defense. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006 ]

Obama Requested $5.8 Million For the Copper Antimicrobial Research Program. In 2006, Obama requested $5.6 million for the Copper Antimicrobial Research Program. Through the Copper Development Association, this project will demonstrate the effectiveness of copper to inactivate dangerous pathogens in healthcare and other high-risk facilities and to reduce nosocomial (or hospital acquired) infections. These funds will be used to complete the pilot conversion of touch surfaces in a healthcare facility to copper alloy surfaces and to perform extensive clinical trials and comparisons, leading to peer-reviewed publication of the most effective copper-based applications to stem infections. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $8 Million For Human Genome Expression Through The University Of Illinois At Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $8 million for Human Genome Expression at the University of Chicago. Through the University of Illinois at Chicago, this program will initiate the development of a digital scanning and mapping biometric program, able to map specific gene expressions to specific pathogen exposures for advanced diagnostics of war-fighters during pathogen exposures and the capability to save lives. This biometric technology would also have the potential to reduce or eliminate the need to build, maintain, and staff military classical forensic DNA facilities, at substantial cost savings. This project will use advanced diagnostic gene expression techniques to map specific gene expressions to pathogen exposure and compare these results to current technologies. The result will be a unique biometric data map offering an accurate determination of health status following pathogen exposure thereby enhancing the potential to save lives. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama requested $7.5 Million For Advanced Pathogen Titer Diagnostic The University Of Illinois at Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $7.5 million for Advanced Pathogen Titer Diagnostics at the University of Illinois as Chicago. Through the University of Illinois at Chicago, this project will continue research that will baseline pathogens (e.g. small pox, SARS, avian flu, and other threats) to determine what the titer levels are at key time intervals from infection through acute onset of symptoms, identifying when titer levels are completely non-existent from common host portals. Research will identify which specimen type/portal is optimum to maximize pathogen titers for micro-array diagnostic for both RNA and DNA pathogens. The Air Force Medical Service is focusing its efforts on Infectious Disease Outbreak Surveillance Systems that use epidemiological modeling and other analytical tools that will demonstrate the system's ability to identify, notify, and with increasing accuracy, validate outcomes. Advanced Medical Diagnostics are becoming more and more technologically flexible. Once the concentration (titer) levels are known for each pathogen, then micro-array sensitivity and specificity levels can be optimized for this dual use diagnostic. For these advanced systems to work, additional development and science is required to clarify the titer characteristics, which remains the only hurdle. Use of these chips during Air Force Expeditionary and in-garrison applications could sentinel event exposure, increase expeditionary and garrison diagnostic care, prevent disease exposure, and reduce the current costs associated with post exposure care. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $4.8 Million For A Light Emitting Diode Healing Program At The University Of Illinois At Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $4.8 million for a light emitting diode wound healing of oral and cutaneous lesions. Through the University of Illinois at Chicago, this program will establish a Light Emitting Diode wound healing program using hand-held tools and therapies to accelerate the wound healing of active duty and retired military personnel as well as those affected by homeland disasters. The Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) wants to accelerate the development of a tissue and wound healing assessment program involving diverse frequencies within electromagnetic spectrum for use in aviation, SPEC OPS, expeditionary, military, retiree health care, and in response to homeland disasters. The AFMS needs a device to carry into theater to initiate healing and prevent infection. LED DE/RF hand-held tools and therapies will be extremely critical in managing patients both in theater and those affected by homeland disasters and will potentially allow immediate response to wound healing, lessen infection and scaring, and reduce operation and medical costs. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $5.2 Million For A Copper Air Quality Program. In 2006, Obama requested $5.2 million for the Copper Air Quality Program. Through the Copper Development Association, this project will produce and evaluate copper components for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and to demonstrate the effectiveness of copper surfaces in reducing the incidence of harmful microbes in HVAC systems and the indoor air environments they service. The project includes the replacement and monitoring of heat-exchanger tubing, fins, condensate drain pans, filters and ductwork in a building or section of a building and trials to establish data on indoor air quality improvements. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $4.2 Million For Advance Technology Research On Fabrication At Remote Sites. In 2006, Obama requested $4,200,000 for research on advance technology for fabrication at remote sites. Through Alion Science and Technology, this program will support the unfulfilled needs of the military for maintenance and repair of parts in remote areas of operation. The program will identify specific needs for capability augmentation and a suite of equipment supported by a computer-based manufacturing database will be developed for use by the services to manufacture parts at remote sites. This suite of equipment will be integrated into a prototype transportable system for part repair or fabrication, which will be prepared for test under field conditions. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $6 Million For Work On The Roof For Building 299 At Rock Island Arsenal. In 2006, Obama requested $6 million for work on the roof for Building 299 at Rock Island Arsenal. This was the second of a six phase effort to repair the roof on Building 299 ($5.6M in FY06 funding is phase I). Building 299 is needed for additional manufacturing space at Rock Island Arsenal. Building 299 is a 775,000 square foot warehouse constructed in 1942. The building is generally in good condition with the exception of the original roof, which is severely deteriorated. In 1982, the roof was coated with an elastomeric sealant that has since failed. The coating has cracked and is dislodged in most locations. This condition results in asbestos fibers being directly exposed to the environment. The transite panels are also retaining moisture and could become structurally unsound is the situation isn’t remedied soon. This project will completely remove, and properly dispose, all asbestos containing roofing components. The sloped roof will be replaced in phases by new vapor barrier, structural purlins, metal decking and insulated standing seam metal roofing. Flat roofs will be replaced by a vapor barrier and built up roofing. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $3 Million For Improvements In Heating And Cooling At Rock Island Arsenal Facility. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Quarters I project to provide more adequate heating and cooling. Over the last 30 years funding limitations and time have taken a toll on the Quarters. During this period significant maintenance and repair projects have been deferred. As a result significant renovation is now required in order to bring the quarters back to standards consistent with its cultural and historic significance. These renovations will address issues ranging from repairs of asbestos removal, peeling paint and replacement of rotten wood to correcting the in adequacy of current Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]