[luspikals]

11/04/09 – By: Michael Benezra

One year after his historic election victory, President Obama now faces a barrage of attacks from both sides of the aisle. As news analysts look back at his first year in office, many begin to ask, “Has the President done enough?” Though in contrast, I can remember the same critics, asking “Is he trying to do too much?”

Eager to step into the Oval Office on January 21st, 2009, the President laid out an ambitious agenda that included Health Care reform, Climate Change, Troop reductions in Iraq and the closing of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. One day after taking office, the President Signed an Executive Order with a three tiered plan for the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. Though the time-line for this order has not been reached, the President believes implementation will be delayed.

Listed below are various bills signed into law by President Obama (Does not include all bills passed by the President):



American Recovery and Reinvestment ACT (2009) -



Public Lands Management Act-

-Huge Bill including, protection of certain historic parks and land areas and a Earmark for the Christopher Reeves Paralysis Act (boosting funding towards R&D for Paralysis)



Edward M. Kennedy Service to America Act-

-Established My Ambassadorship Program for which I am only 1 of 25 in the country! The bill provided federal grant money to universities and other organizations to provide ways for students and younger adults to Serve and promote Government service.



Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act-

-Provides oversight and punishment to firms who use Predatory Lending Methods and provides federal assistance to (people who qualify) those who are trying to refinance or modify their mortgages. Landmark Legislation, without it, the housing market might be even worse. Later the Helping Families Save Their Home Act, which is an Ext. of this bill which provides FHA protection and tax credits to first time home-buyers.



Credit Card Accountability and Reform Act-

-Very Important Legislation! Forces all Credit Card companies to post regulations, fines and scenarios of minimum payments for consumers online. Can’t believe this wasn’t passed earlier. Now consumers can actually contact the Government if faulty fines are issued!



Tobacco Control Act-

Gives the FDA Executive oversight power over smoking provisions, advertising and regulations. Basically, this killed the American Tobacco companies forever. Remember, Europe still smokes.



Cash for Clunkers and Ext. –

provides consumer tax credit for vehicle trade INS, towards the payment of new more fuel efficient car. Single handedly saved our automotive industry.



Natl. Defense Authorization Act 2010

- (I saw this passed, Norm ***** (my old boss) was leading Democrat on this $680 Billion Spending Bill who includes the ongoing troop funding in Iraq.

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EXTN. Of TARP-

Yes. President Bush signed TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) Bill in 2008. President Obama merely put an ext. in-tact to keep the program afloat in order to prevent wasting the previous $700 Billion that was already spent by Treasury Sec. Henry Paulson.

So, in short. The President has in fact taken on an enormous agenda. Yet, I am proud to have a President who wants to tackle big issues. There is no doubt that the status quo is no longer acceptable, especially when it comes to Healthcare reform. The battle is not yet over. However, I believe passing reform legislation will solve other problems that are crippling our economic vitality such as Union benefit negotiations and Sky rocketing medical bills. Though the free market is a hallmark of our nations values, the people must realize that big business took advantage of all American’s, the Government is simply trying to clean up the mess.

saw this article, thought is was interesting,

[artenotreah]

good to have a record of whats being done in washington

[ButKnillinoi]

What about year two?

[Mediconlinee]

theres alot more articles, I'll post them