VOLUME No: 76 Issue No:1

Washington, D.C. - August 5, 2005

Senate Majority Leader Stems Away from President Bush and Religious Conservatives

In what he categorized as a decision of conscience rather than politics, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn) surprised many with his endorsement for government-funded research on human embryonic stem cells. The decision comes at an unfavorable time, as the House prepared to engage on a five-week recess and Republicans were prepared to celebrate victory after the energy, transportation and Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) had been passed.

Frist, a heart-lung transplant surgeon, announced the decision as a matter of science, a decision which had been rendered after several months of careful review. President Bush is committed to veto the bill, which aims at reducing restrictions implemented on stem-cell research implemented in 2001. Frist remains targeted by heavy criticism from religious conservatives that he once courted for support in upcoming elections of 2008

Charismatic and Conservative: Supreme Court Nominee, Judge Roberts Awaits Scrutiny from the House

Born in Buffalo, New York, raised in Indiana, recent Supreme Court Nominee Judge John Roberts awaits an anticipated vote late September, confirming him as the replacement for retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Despite having handled thousands of judicial cases, Roberts remains targeted for a select sixteen cases that focused on issues such as abortion, affirmative action, school prayer and capital punishment.

Roberts was a quiet whisper in comparison to the much anticipated explosion of political debate that would erupt when President Bush announced his nominee. Roberts remains a concern for many Democratic leaders who argue against his conservative legal views and position on privacy issues that served as a platform for court proceedings regarding abortion and gay rights.

Judge Roberts will refrain from speaking publicly until court hearings begin this September.

Bush Boldly Nominates Bolton in Wake of Congressional Recess

As session came to a close and Congress prepared to embark on recess, the Foreign Relations Committee announced Mr. Bolton's nomination as the U.S. representative to the United Nations. President Bush's nomination received a great deal of criticism for its timing, which eliminated the possibility for the full Senate to scrutinize and approve the nomination. Bolton has been a notorious critic of the UN. President Bush defended the nomination by expressing "America has now gone more than six months without a permanent ambassador to the United Nations.
This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about UN reform."

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed Ambassador Bolton expressing confidence in their ability to work together toward a more efficient United Nations.