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Congress Passes Obama, Murkowski, Allen Bill to Ban Dangerous Mercury Exports
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Representative Tom Allen (D-ME), and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today announced that Congress passed the Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008 (S.906), a bill introduced in March 2007 to ban the export of mercury from the United States. The legislation will now be sent to the White House to be signed into law. The United States is consistently ranked as one of the world's top exporters of mercury, a substance that, when ingested, can lead to learning disabilities and physical ailments. This bill will remove a significant amount of mercury from the global market and lessen the threat this substance poses to the world's most vulnerable citizens. Obama and Murkowski introduced this bill in the Senate and Representative Allen introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the VA's Decision to Allow Veterans Access to Voter Registration Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reversed its earlier decision to deny voter registration services to veterans in the Department's facilities throughout the country. In July, Senator Obama joined with Senators Feinstein and Kerry to introduce legislation to require the VA to provide veterans access to voter registration: - Read more
Statement of Senators Obama, Reed, and Hagel on Trip to Iraq
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - U.S. Senators Barack Obama, Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel traveled today to Iraq, first to Basra, then to Baghdad. In Basra, they met with U.S., British and Iraqi troops; Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, Commander Multinational Corps - Iraq; Major General Barney White-Spunner (UK), Commander, Multinational Division Southeast; and Major General Abdul Aziz, Commander, 14th Iraqi Army Division. In Baghdad, the Senators met with U.S. troops; Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki; President Jalal Talabani; Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi; and Vice President Adil Abdulmahdi. They received a detailed briefing from and consulted extensively with U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus, Commander, MNF Iraq. They visited with doctors, nurses and patients at the 86th Combat Support Hospital and took part in a helicopter over flight of Baghdad conducted by General Petraeus. - Read more
Federal Assistance for Illinois Flood Victims
My thoughts and prayers are with the people in Illinois who are recovering from June's devastating downstate floods. I traveled to Quincy recently to help with flood preparations and get a first-hand look at the efforts. I was humbled by Illinoisans' steadfast resolve and commitment to save their homes and those of their neighbors. It is the long-term recovery that will be the most challenging and will require the most support. I am working with Senator Durbin and our congressional colleagues to ensure that our state has the resources it needs to assist Illinoisans during this difficult time.
If you need federal assistance due to the flooding, please see the information below. My offices in Illinois and Washington are also ready to assist you, so please don't hesitate to contact me.
Barack Obama
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