Blog post

Daily News Summary 12/22
Posted by Michael Houston on December 22 2008

Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA. Headlines

• More Companies Are Cutting Labor Costs Without Layoffs
• Trying to Redefine Role of U.S. Military in Iraq

Iraq

• Paterson Visits Troops in Iraq, and Cites Surge Progress
• Gen. Odierno Preps for Iraq Troop Decision
• UPDATE 1-British troop vote delayed in Iraq parliament
• Iraq shoe-thrower set for trial

Afghanistan

• Education Under Attack
• U.S. may deploy 30,000 more
• 2.5 tons of marijuana found in Afghan school

World

• Iran Takes Russian Air Defense System
• A Japanese Town That Kicked the Oil Habit
• Some Arab Women Find Freedom in the Skies

Military News

• NG General Accused of Discrimination
• Army funding for re-enlistment bonuses to decline sharply in 2009
• Report: $40 billion needed to expand Army

DC THE SENATE The Senate convenes for a pro forma session: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008 11:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 200810:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 FUTURE NOMINATIONS and  APPOINTMENTS of  INTEREST January 14, 2009 SVAC has scheduled a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Eric Shinseki to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  10:00 A.M.; Russell 418 (TBD) THE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES The House is in recess, subject to the call of the chair.  Currently, the House is scheduled to reconvene at 11:00 a.m. Jan. 3, 2009. Membership - IAVA in the News