Tuesday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: House and Senate Democrats have reached agreement on a 2010 ...

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

House and Senate Democrats have reached agreement on a 2010 budget resolution. The $3.5 trillion dollar blueprint adds funding for domestic programs and clean energy. It also calls for an overhaul of the health care system, and lets the president’s signature $400 dollar tax cut for most workers expire next year. The House could vote on the plan today. Democrats hope it’ll clear the Senate tomorrow.

Women in federal government on average make 11 cents less on the dollar than their male counterparts. That’s according to new figures from the government accountability office. But the report also finds that the pay gap is shrinking. 10 years ago, women made 19 cents less for every dollar earned by men.

Tougher goals for greening federal agencies. Federal Times reports the White House is working on an executive order designed to beef up energy efficiency and promote water conservation. The order will also include new targets for using renewable energy and buying fuel-efficient cars. No word on when the order will be issued.

FEMA is one step closer to getting a new leader. A Senate panel has sent Craig Fugate‘s nomination to the full Senate for a vote. If approved, Fugate would become the agency’s administrator. He’s served as director of Florida’s emergency management division. He’s expected to win swift approval on the Senate floor.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is also closer to getting a new leader. John Morton’s nomination has been sent to the Senate floor. Morton is a career federal prosecutor. He’s also expected to win quick approval.

Swine flu isn’t a pandemic yet, but the United States is preparing as if it were. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says that travel warnings to Mexico will remain in place as long as necessary. She discourages non-essential travel to that country. And the Congress has announced hearings to probe the swine flue outbreak. So far, at least 50 cases have been confirmed in the US.

Other Stories We’re Watching:

FDA Approves Special Use of Drugs, Tests for Swine Flu (WallStreetJournal)

Plan to Cut Weapons Programs Disputed (WashingtonPost)

Source: White House was updating AF One file photo

Where’s the Swine Flu?

Google map as mentioned on air.

Developments on swine flu worldwide

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