BIDEN: Biden Addresses Need For Comprehensive Policy To Preserve Family Farms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair
press@joebiden.com


BIDEN ADDRESSES NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE POLICY TO PRESERVE FAMILY FARMS
“Farm Policy, Foreign Policy, And Economic Policy Are All Connected And Affect The Future Of American Farms”


Webster City, IA (December 20, 2007): Today at the All Cultures Equal, Inc. Center in Webster City, Iowa, Sen. Joe Biden discussed the importance of electing a candidate who can connect the dots between farm policy, economic policy and foreign policy to preserve the future of family and independent farms. He also outlined his own policy proposal for preserving the future of family farms in the 21st century global economy.


“In today’s global market, instability – whether it is in Pakistan or on Wall Street – is going to hit farmers’ bottom line,” said Sen. Biden. “I have represented an agricultural state for 35 years. We need a president who understands how all these things are related, because farm policy, foreign policy, and economic policy are all connected and affect the future of American farms. Farmers need a President who will restore stability.”

Sen. Biden praised the Farm Bill which the Senate recently passed as a step in the right direction, but he argued that more must be done to protect the future of family farms. For example, Sen. Biden supported a payment limitations measure that would have capped payments at $250,000, but the legislation was defeated during consideration of the Farm Bill.


"First, we must level the field on farm subsidies," said Sen. Biden. "Subsidies should do what they were designed to do, provide assistance in times of trouble, not just help the big get bigger at the expense of the little guy."

Sen. Biden urged that more aggressive steps be taken to make sure family farmers and independent producers are not squeezed out of markets by giant agri-business and market consolidation.

"Too often the deck is stacked against family farmers," said Sen. Biden. "We have to make sure competition is fair."

Sen. Biden supports the Packer Ownership Ban and would update protections to stop packers from engaging in price manipulation and make it easier for farmers to seek redress for unfair or deceptive practices. In 2006, it is estimated that captive supplies of livestock cost family farmers and ranchers more than $5.7 billion.

Sen. Biden praised expansion of conservation measures in the Farm Bill and called for more support for new farmers.

"The average farmer in Iowa is over 60. We are losing the next generation of farmers," said Sen. Biden. "We must stop this trend and do more to help young people get into farming."

Sen. Biden would also protect access to credit and capital for new farmers – including funding for alternative farming such as organic production or free range hog production. He supports helping farmers make the transition to organic production, which often allows them to collect a premium on their products, if they want to pursue that alternative. It takes three years of not using fertilizer and pesticides to make that transition and Sen. Biden would provide support to farmers during that period.

"Finally, we must have a smart and tough trade policy that levels the playing field for farmers in the global economy," said Sen. Biden. "That means we have to fight for fair agreements, to keep markets open – and review and enforce the trade agreements we have. In my administration trade officials will ensure enforcement is a priority."

A fact sheet on Sen. Biden’s agriculture policy is attached.

###

BIDEN: Biden Campaign Asks Iowans To Choose A President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:

Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair
press@joebiden.com



BIDEN CAMPAIGN ASKS IOWANS TO CHOOSE A PRESIDENT

Des Moines, IA (December 20, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign announced the launch of its new television ad, “January Night,” which will begin airing across Iowa today. The 30-second spot highlights the uniqueness of the Iowa caucuses and their long tradition of advancing candidates based on integrity, experience, and proven leadership. Emphasizing that the Iowa caucuses represent an opportunity to alter our nation’s trajectory in the face of significant challenges both at home and abroad and that Joe Biden is the only candidate ready to lead from Day One, the ad asks caucus-goers to do more than choose a candidate—“choose a president.”

“In many ways Iowa is the only level playing field left in presidential politics,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro. “Iowans have a proud history of bucking punditry and conjecture, and choosing a candidate based on the authenticity of their experience and strength of their character. Our campaign grows more confident with each passing day that this tradition will lead Iowans to choose Joe Biden on January 3rd.”

You can see the new television ad at http://www.joebiden.com/januarynight.

###

BIDEN: Biden Discusses Plan To Improve Student Performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair:
press@joebiden.com


BIDEN DISCUSSES PLAN TO IMPROVE STUDENT PERFORMANCE
“In The 21st Century, Education Has Become A Critical National Security Issue”


Fort Dodge, IA (December 19, 2007): Today at the Fort Dodge Public Library in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sen. Joe Biden responded to new international test results showing that U.S. students lag behind their peers in other countries.

America's 15 year-olds recently ranked 25th in mathematics and 21st in science among the 30 member countries that make up the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Just 70 percent of American high school students reach graduation day. The United States now ranks 17th in the world in high-school graduation rates and 14th in college graduation rates.

"I want to make something very clear," said Sen. Biden. "It is not our students who failed these tests - it is our policies that are failing our students."

Sen. Biden called for an overhaul of No Child Left Behind and comprehensive education reform including: universal preschool, more time spent on learning, putting a well-paid effective teacher in every classroom, expanding service opportunities for middle and high school students and providing a minimum of two years of higher education for every student.

"Education is more than just math, science, and reading. Our focus on multiple choice tests has narrowed the curriculum and the ability of teachers to innovate," said Sen. Biden. "And that shows - not just in the math and science test scores - but in the basic education our students are missing: American history and training in how our government works."

Sen. Biden noted that in the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress test on civics education, only half of 8th graders were able to link religious freedom to the Bill of Rights and only half of 12th graders were able to identify the President's role in foreign policy. Only 47 percent of high school seniors have mastered a minimum level of U.S. history. Only half of U.S. high school students knew that the sentence "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" is in the Declaration of Independence.

"Too many students are simply not getting a basic education in how democracy works," said Sen. Biden. "That's a crisis at a time when our civil liberties are under assault by an administration that has ignored basic protections such as habeas corpus, disregarded the balance of power and secretly authorized torture."

Sen. Biden announced that he would invest in grants to develop civics curriculums for use in schools. He called for providing service opportunities through programs such as Americorps for middle and high school students and rewarding national service with help for college.

"My mother has an expression: 'children tend to become that which you expect of them. I want a country where we expect much from America's children," said Sen. Biden. "As President, I assure you: education will always be my top domestic priority because I believe in the next generation. I believe that they will solve climate change, make us energy independent, and bring peace to the Middle East. But we need to give them the foundation to do it."

Several members of the Delaware State Educators Association, which recently endorsed Sen. Biden for president, were in attendance at today’s event.

Mike Hoffman, DSEA Treasurer said, “I support Sen. Biden because he’s always come to the teachers to get their input. I appreciate that he recognizes that No Child Left Behind needs to be scrapped and that unfunded mandates are wrong. Teachers want to be held accountable but we need to have a fair measure of our students. When Joe Biden talks about making real education reform, I know he means what he says.”

Mary Jo Faust, NEA Director for the Delaware State Education Association and a 2nd grade teacher in the Capital School District, added, “I support Joe Biden because he understands my needs as a teacher. He knows that No Child Left Behind is too prescriptive, that kids need to be in school earlier and longer, and that I teach best when I have small class sizes. And he also understands that we need a professional level starting salary to retain and attract teachers in the classroom.”

Sen. Biden's education plan and College ACCESS proposals are attached.

###

BIDEN: Sen. Biden Statement On Bork’s Endorsement Of Gov. Romney

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair
press@joebiden.com


SEN. BIDEN STATEMENT ON BORK’S ENDORSEMENT OF GOV. ROMNEY


Wilmington, DE (December 18, 2007) – Today Sen. Joe Biden issued a statement following Robert Bork’s endorsement of Former Gov. Mitt Romney over the weekend:

“The hallmark of Robert Bork’s judicial philosophy has been his consistent refusal to acknowledge a constitutional right to privacy. That’s why I led the fight in 1987 to keep Judge Bork off the Supreme Court. In my view, his endorsement of Gov. Romney is not something to tout; it’s a damning portent of the judicial philosophy Romney would promote as President. The last thing we need after 8 years of the Bush Administration’s policies of eavesdropping on Americans, extra-legal renditions, and refusal to define waterboarding as torture, is another 8 years of recklessness with our constitutional rights. If Gov. Romney is serious about leading the United States, I urge him to repudiate Judge Bork’s narrow view of the Constitution and acknowledge our privacy rights as individuals.

“The truth is, our next president will have the responsibility of picking at least one, but probably two, Supreme Court justices. We cannot afford to cede an inch to the radical right when it comes to appointing justices who could put the Supreme Court on a more conservative trajectory for the next decade or more. Back in ‘87 when I led the fight to keep Robert Bork off the Supreme Court, I did so because he made it clear that he did not support the constitutional right to privacy recognized in Roe v. Wade and Griswold v. Connecticut, which have long served as the legal underpinnings of a woman’s right to reproductive choice.


“And let’s not forget that Robert Bork paved the way for Richard Nixon to fire Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox after he requested tapes of Oval Office conversations. We find ourselves in a similar situation today, having learned that an administration official in the CIA had destroyed videotapes of the CIA's use of severe interrogation techniques on detainees held in secret, extra-legal prisons. Now, the Department of Justice is actually standing in the way of a congressional investigation into this corruption. The continuing saga of cover-up and delay by this administration must be stopped.

“We don’t need another President who will further erode the balance of power so vital to our nation’s well-being. Judge Bork’s endorsement of Gov. Romney makes me wonder if he shares Bork’s view of excessive Presidential authority.”

###

BIDEN: Delaware Communications Workers Union Endorses Joe Biden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Contact:
Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair
press@joebiden.com


Delaware Communications Workers Union Endorses Joe Biden
“He’s not just pro-union, he’s pro-working families.”

Wilmington, DE (December 17, 2007) – Today, Sen. Biden received the endorsement of the Delaware Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 13101.

CWA Local 13101 Executive President Bud Speakman said, “We were the first union to endorse Sen. Biden 36 years ago and have never regretted that decision. What distinguishes Sen. Biden is that he’s not just pro-union, he’s pro-working families. He’s never wavered in his commitment to the working men and women in Delaware and we would expect the same of him as president.”

Sen. Biden thanked CWA Local 13101 and President Speakman for their continued support.

“Because of the support of CWA and other unions, I was elected as the first pro-union United States Senator in Delaware history. Since then we have fought together for Common Situs Picketing in the mid-1970s, the prevailing wage, Card Check, OSHA standards, pension protections and, most recently, the Employee Free Choice Act.

“History teaches us that when the union movement is strong, our middle class is strong. And when our middle class is strong, our country is strong. As president, I will immediately sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law. I will guarantee that the National Labor Relations Board returns to being a fair forum to contest unfair labor practices. I will appoint people to the Department of Labor who understand the value of unions to our economy and will make sure that pro-union officials play senior roles at the Departments of Commerce, State, Agriculture, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. And I will also create good, union jobs by investing in our national infrastructure. We have $1.6 trillion of work to do to rebuild our roads, tunnels, ports and bridges. That means more construction, manufacturing, and transportation jobs for Americans.

“I am honored that the Communications Workers of America in Delaware have pledged their support to my campaign. As President, I will continue to work as hard for them in the future as I have over the past thirty-five years.”

###

BIDEN: Keokuk Mayor David Gudgel Endorses Joe Biden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Contact:
Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair
press@joebiden.com


KEOKUK MAYOR DAVID GUDGEL ENDORSES JOE BIDEN

“I Believe Joe Is The Best Candidate To Address Our Problems At Home And Throughout The World.”

Des Moines, IA (December 16, 2007) – Sen. Joe Biden today received the endorsement of Keokuk Mayor David Gudgel. First elected in 2001, Mayor Gudgel is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as Mayor of Keokuk. Prior to his public service, Mayor Gudgel was Senior Account Manager for W.R. Grace, an industrial chemical company, for 20 years.

“One of the main reasons I decided to support Sen. Biden was his grasp of foreign policy and the problems we face internationally,” said Mayor Gudgel. “And as someone who shares my commitment to restoring the middle class, I believe Joe is the best candidate to address our problems at home and throughout the world.”

Sen. Biden said, “Over his four consecutive terms serving the people of Keokuk, Mayor Gudgel has worked tirelessly to protect hard-working Iowans and restore the middle class. He shares my concern about our diminished standing in the world and my vision for restoring America to greatness. I am tremendously proud that he has pledged his support to my campaign.”

Mayor Gudgel announced his support following a campaign event at the home of Keokuk City Councilwoman Susan Dunek this weekend. The Biden for President Campaign recently announced that Councilwoman Dunek would serve on its statewide steering committee with over 50 other local leaders from across the Hawkeye State.

Mayor Gudgel and Councilwoman Dunek have joined an impressive group of local elected officials and state legislators who have endorsed Senator Biden in Iowa. To date, 14 state legislators—and a majority of the House Democratic leadership—have endorsed Senator Biden, including State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Polly Butka (Clinton), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo), Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids), Rep. Roger Thomas (Elkader), Rep. McKinley Bailey (Webster City), State Senator Herman C. Quirmbach (Ames), Rep. Mary Gaskill (Ottumwa), and Rep. Bruce Hunter (Des Moines).

###

Biden Campaign Welcomes Edwards’s Support For Special Counsel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach
press@joebiden.com

BIDEN CAMPAIGN WELCOMES EDWARDS’S SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL

Des Moines, IA (December 14, 2007) – On December 9th, speaking on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” Sen. Joe Biden began the call for an special counsel to investigate the destruction of CIA tapes. [ABC, This Week, 12/9/07] Yesterday, Sen. John Edwards became the second Democratic presidential candidate to join the call for an independent prosecutor. During a campaign stop yesterday in Iowa, Edwards said, “I’m completely supportive of an independent prosecutor. I think that having somebody who is not from the [Bush] Administration is the best way to get to the bottom of this.” [Radio Iowa, 12/13/07]

Following Edwards’s comments, Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro issued the following statement:

“Sen. Biden applauds Sen. Edwards for joining his call for a special counsel to investigate the Bush White House’s involvement in the CIA tapes scandal. Presidential candidates who are calling only for a congressional investigation are not doing enough. Other presidential candidates should also put pressure on the administration and recognize the need for an independent review of the facts in this case. It would be nice if this administration had enough integrity to police itself but unfortunately it does not.”

Today, the Sioux City Journal published an op-ed by Sen. Biden. “The evidence destroyed depicted the president's policy of snatching terrorist suspects from the streets of foreign countries, hiding them away in secret prisons, and torturing them. The president has created a culture of criminal misconduct and cover up, has injected politics into the administration of justice, and has made public policy a slave to his ideology,” wrote Sen. Biden. “Moreover, the investigation necessitates that criminal investigators pose direct questions to, and demand answers of, high-ranking administration officials.”

December 11th: Richardson Called on Congress to Investigate CIA Torture-Tapes Scandal. “It is imperative that Congress get to the bottom of the CIA torture-tapes scandal,” Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said. “The American people deserve to know whether laws were violated and whether the president was directly involved in illegal activities. Torture is a black-and-white moral issue.” [Richardson Press Release, 12/11/07; Chicago Tribune, 12/12/07]

December 7th: Obama Said CIA Incident Deserves Further Congressional Inquiry. In a press release, Sen. Obama said, “Mr. President, this incident deserves further congressional oversight and inquiry - neither the CIA nor this interrogation program is immune to our laws. This is yet another chapter in a dark period in our constitutional history.” [Obama Press Release, 12/7/07]

December 7th: Clinton: We’re Going to Be Looking Into This Vigorously. Sen. Clinton said, “It raises some very serious concerns. So we’re going to be looking into this vigorously to determine exactly what happened, what were the reasons for the destruction of the tapes -- what was the C.I.A. trying to protect.” [MSNBC, First Read, 12/7/07]

December 7th: Dodd Said CIA Tapes should be “Thoroughly Investigated.” During an appearance on CNN’s “Situation Room,” Sen. Dodd said, “If we're opposed and agree that torture is wrong and unconstitutional, you can't have agencies of this government engaging in those kinds of activities. And I think, frankly, many people suspect that those tapes would have revealed exactly that. And that's why there's so much concern, why it ought to be investigated thoroughly. … There's something going on here. We're not getting the full story, hence the reason why there should be an investigation of this, because it again goes to the heart of our national security, our protection, our safety, our isolation in the world. That's why this is so important. [CNN, Situation Room, 12/7/07, emphasis added]



###

BIDEN-BROWNBACK Measure Calling for U.S. to Support a Federal Iraq Heads to President for his Signature

FYI – This was just sent out by Senator Biden’s Senate office.


###



FOR RELEASE: December 14, 2007

CONTACT: Elizabeth Alexander

BIDEN-BROWNBACK Measure Calling for U.S. to Support a Federal Iraq Heads to President for his Signature



BIDEN Plan for Iraq Emerges as Consensus, Bipartisan Path toward Ending War



Biden Efforts to Bar Permanent Bases in Iraq and Protect Troops with Mine Resistant Vehicles Also Included in Report



Washington, DC – Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) and Senator Sam Brownback's (R-KS) legislation calling for the U.S. to support a decentralized Iraq passed today as part of the final Department of Defense Authorization report. The measure – which has garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress – calls on the President to make a major strategic shift in the Administration's pursuit of a political settlement in Iraq.



"It's time for this President to listen," said Senator Joe Biden. "We now have both sides of the aisle, both sides of the U.S. Capitol, saying to the President: abandon this flawed strategy of yours and change course. Everyone agrees that there is no pure military solution in Iraq. There has to be a political solution and that begs the question: what is it? Today, the Congress answered that question with one voice."



In May of 2006, Sen. Biden, along with President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations Leslie H. Gelb, announced a detailed plan for promoting a political settlement in Iraq that would allow our troops to leave, without leaving chaos behind. The plan called for a decentralized, federal system in Iraq, which would give its people local control over the fabric of their daily lives, including police, jobs, education and government services. A limited central government would be responsible for protecting Iraq's borders and distributing its oil revenues.



The Biden-Brownback amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill was based on Sen. Biden's federalism plan for Iraq and is a product of his year-long effort working across the aisle to build support. During the Senate vote in September, Sen. Biden's plan secured the support of key leaders in the U.S. Senate from both parties, including Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI), former Chairman John Warner (R-VA) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN). The final vote in favor of the Biden-Brownback amendment was 75-23, including 26 Republicans.



"Simply put, absent an occupation we cannot sustain or a dictator we cannot support, Iraq cannot be governed from the center at this point in its history. In my opinion, supporting a decentralized Iraq with strong regional governments and a limited central government is the only way we can end this war without leaving chaos behind," added Sen. Biden.



The Biden-Brownback amendment also had 15 Co-sponsors: Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Arlen Specter (R-PA), John Kerry (D-MA), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) Harry Reid (D-NV), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Tom Carper (D-DE).



The Biden amendment states that the U.S. should actively support a political settlement among Iraqis based on the provisions of Iraq's constitution that call for creating a federal system of government, with strong regions and a limited central government. It also urged the administrationto bring in the international community – including the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Iraq's neighbors – to support a settlement based on federalism and to convene a conference with Iraqis to help them reach that settlement.



A few key facts about the Biden amendment:

The legislation does not tell Iraqis what to do. It speaks only to what U.S. policy should be.
Federalism is not a U.S. or foreign imposition on Iraq. Iraq's own constitution calls a "decentralized, federal system" and sets out the powers of the regions (extensive) and those of the central government (limited). The Constitution also says that in case of conflict between regional and national law, regional law prevails.
Federalism is not partition. In fact, it's probably the only way to prevent partition or, even worse, the total fragmentation of Iraq.
Federalism will not accelerate sectarian cleansing; it's the only way to reverse it. Iraqis have already voted with their feet, with 4.5 million fleeing within Iraq or abroad. Unless Iraqis come to some kind of agreement on sharing power peacefully, the results of extensive cleansing will solidify and set the stage for future instability.




Senator Biden has also been a long-time advocate of barring the construction of any permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. Last year, he successfully passed two amendments as part of the Defense Authorization bill and Defense Appropriations bill, which prohibited using any funds to build permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq or to exercise American control over Iraqi oil. Both bills were signed into law, marking the first clear sign from Congress that the American military presence in Iraq would not be open-ended. This year (2007), the Senate Armed Services Committee included Sen. Biden's effort into the original legislation. "When I introduced the measure last year to bar permanent bases in Iraq, I was concerned that Iraqi suspicions about American aims in Iraq were endangering American lives. These misperceptions will not be easily changed, but this legislation again should help allay those suspicions and shows that the American people have no imperial designs upon Iraq," said Sen. Biden.



Senator Biden's effort to protect our troops by ensuring that the Pentagon builds and deploys more mine resistant vehicles – which are proven to decrease deaths and injuries from roadside bombs by 67 to 80 percent – also was successful. The bill fully authorizes the $11.98 billion Sen. Biden secured in the Defense Appropriations bill, which passed earlier this year.



"This allows the military to continue to produce and field MRAPS through the fall of 2008. Keeping the production lines open gives commanders on the ground the flexibility needed to adapt to the constantly changing security environment. As long as one soldier or marine is in harm's way, I will fight to get that soldier or marine the very best protection this nation has," added Sen. Biden.



###

Nevada Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Endorses Joe Biden

NEVADA PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS UNION ENDORSES JOE BIDEN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Contact:


Biden For President

Mark Paustenbach/Olivia Alair

press@joebiden.com

Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Refrigeration Workers UA Local 525

Greg Esposito



NEVADA PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS UNION ENDORSES JOE BIDEN


“Joe Biden Has Always Been There For Organized Labor And That Record Is Important To Us.”

Las Vegas, NV (December 14, 2007) – Today, Sen. Biden received the endorsement of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Refrigeration Workers UA Local 525. From fighting for Common Situs Picketing in the mid-1970s to prevailing wage, Card Check, OSHA standards, pension protections and, most recently, the Employee Free Choice Act, Sen. Biden has been a leading ally of the union movement for over thirty-five years.

"The Biden team in Nevada is excited to have The Plumbers and Pipefitters on board. They bring another level of grass roots support to our campaign," said Biden for President Nevada State Director Ronni Council.

UA Local 525 Business Manager Brett McCoy said, “Joe Biden has always been there for organized labor and that record is important to us. He’s also the only candidate who has a plan to get us out of the war and who is aware of the domestic problems we face, like the economy, and knows how to fix them.”

“The history of the last century has taught a simple lesson,” said Sen. Biden. “When the union movement is strong, our middle class is strong. When our middle class is strong, our country is strong.

“As president, I will immediately sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law. I will guarantee that the National Labor Relations Board returns to being a fair forum to contest unfair labor practices. I will appoint people to the Department of Labor who understand the value of unions to our economy and will make sure that pro-union officials play senior roles at the Departments of Commerce, State, Agriculture, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. And I will also create good, union jobs by investing in our national infrastructure. We have $1.6 trillion of work to do to rebuild our roads, tunnels, ports and bridges. That means more construction, manufacturing, and transportation jobs for Americans.

“I am honored that the Plumbers and Pipefitters have pledged their support to my campaign and will continue to work as hard for them in the future as I have in the past.”


###

BIDEN Lauds Passage of Farm Bill

FYI – This was sent out by Sen. Biden’s Senate office today.

###



For Immediate Release:
December 14, 2007

Contact: Elizabeth Alexander

BIDEN Lauds Passage of Farm Bill


Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today, applauding the passage of the Farm Bill:

"I first want to congratulate my colleague, Chairman Harkin for his efforts in getting this comprehensive Farm Bill passed with such bipartisan support. This bill contains funding and programs that are critical to the future of the family farmer, stewardship of our environment and nutrition of this country. And I'm pleased that this bill will continue to push our country towards the use of more farm-grown, alternative fuels and focuses our efforts towards production of cellulosic ethanol. But I am disappointed that we were not able to level the playing field on farm subsidy payments, which help the big get bigger at the expense of the family farmer."


###

ROR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach
press@joebiden.com


BIDEN: THE NEXT PRESIDENT WILL NEED MORE THAN 51 VOTES

Des Moines, IA (December 13, 2007) – Sen. Joe Biden today issued the following statement after the United States Senate failed in its attempt to limit farm subsidies:

"Family farmers are an integral part of the American tradition. They are also an important part of our nation's economy. As such, I am disappointed by the outcome of today's vote to limit subsidies. The subsidy payment system is broken – only 10 percent of farmers get 70 percent of payments. Subsidies should do what they were designed to do, help in times of trouble – provide assistance when prices are low or when there is a disaster – not help the big get bigger at the expense of the family farmer.

“Today’s failure to limit farm subsidies is just the latest example why our next Democratic nominee must be able to grow our majority in Congress in order to effectively govern. The American people are looking for results and we need more than 51 votes to get things done in Congress. I have the track record and the experience necessary to create the consensus required to grow our majority and tackle our nation’s biggest problems.”

###

BIDEN CAMPAIGN BLASTS EDWARDS’S LATEST IRAQ COMMENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach
press@joebiden.com


BIDEN CAMPAIGN BLASTS EDWARDS’S LATEST IRAQ COMMENTS

Des Moines, IA (December 12, 2007) – Today the Associated Press reported on former Sen. John Edwards’s comments, “that he believes Iowa voters don't find much disagreement among Democrats on how to bring the war to an end.” [AP, 12/12/07]

Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro issued the following statement:

“Today, John Edwards says there is no difference between any of the candidates on Iraq and yet over the course of this campaign he has supported Sen. Biden’s plan for Iraq, has claimed that immediate withdrawal of all our troops somehow constitutes a plan and also attacked other candidates for a lack of a specific way to end the war.

“Iowans and all Americans have learned the hard way from George W. Bush that the next commander in chief needs to have the experience to know the difference between tactical responses and an actual plan that can end this war, bring our troops home and ensure that we do not leave chaos behind. Sen. Biden’s plan for Iraq is the only proposal that offers a political solution to end the civil war that American troops are bravely attempting to contain.”


September 5: John Edwards Voiced Support For Senator Biden’s Position on Iraq. According to the New York Times, “Today he [Edwards] also suggested that it might make sense to carve Iraq into autonomous Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish regions, but that Iraqis would have to make that decision for themselves. (Democratic presidential candidate Senator Joe Biden has long been a vocal advocate of such a plan. Mr. Biden is expected to visit Iraq this week.)” [New York Times Caucus Blog, 9/5/07]

October 30: Edwards: “There's A Very Clear Choice Here Between The Candidates” On Iraq. Edwards said, “I think that we need to end combat missions; we need to get combat troops out of Iraq. As president of the United States, I will do that. I think it's a requirement of leadership as president, and I will do it in my first year in office. Combat missions ended, combat troops out of Iraq, period. So there's a very clear choice here between the candidates.” [MSNBC, Democratic Debate, 10/30/07]

November 18: Edwards Defines “Specific Plan” as Description of Troop Withdrawal. During an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” John Edwards said, “I think people are entitled to more specific information than that. I mean, do you have a specific plan, how many troops will you get out over what period of time, and is there some point at which all combat troops will be out of Iraq? Will combat missions cease in Iraq? Will you keep permanent military bases in Iraq? The answer to those question for me, Bob, is I would get all combat troops out within nine to 10 months, cease combat missions, and no permanent military bases.” [CBS, Face the Nation, 11/18/07]

Novmeber 19: Edwards Questioned Democratic Candidates Plan to “End the War.” Sen. John Edwards said, “All the Democratic candidates talk about ending the war. That's great. Do they have a specific way to do it?” [thenation.com, 11/19/07]



###

BIDEN TOUTS EXPERIENCE IN NEW CAMPAIGN AD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
press@joebiden.com

BIDEN TOUTS EXPERIENCE IN NEW CAMPAIGN AD
No Guesswork Involved, Says Biden, “Just Look At What I’ve Done”

Des Moines, IA (December 11, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign announced the launch of its new television ad, “Action,” which will begin airing across Iowa tomorrow. In the 30-second spot, Sen. Biden asks Iowans to cast their support for a candidate with proven leadership, experience, and most importantly, action on the biggest challenges facing our country.

The ad points out that while promises are easily made, Joe Biden is the candidate with the longest record of promises kept. The Biden Plan for Iraq has received the bipartisan support of over 75 U.S. Senators, not to mention scores of Iraqi leaders, foreign affairs experts, and other public officials. And when Pakistan erupted in a state of crisis several weeks ago, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called Joe Biden first—not President Bush. Sen. Biden concludes: “You don’t have to guess what I’d do as president. Just look at what I’ve done.”

“If Iowans believe campaign funds and celebrity will fix the debacle in Iraq, put the economy on track, and provide health care and education for America’s children, they should support another candidate,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro. “But I’m confident that Iowans know what I know: our problems will require experience and leadership from Day One. Empty slogans will be no match for proven action on caucus night.”

You can see the new television ad at http://www.joebiden.com/action.

###

BIDEN Calls on White House Counsel Fielding to Ensure President

FYI – This was sent out by Sen. Biden’s Senate office.

###

For Immediate Release:
December 11, 2007

Contact: Danielle Borrin


BIDEN Calls on White House Counsel Fielding to Ensure President, Vice President Preserve Documents Relating to Destroyed CIA Interrogation Tapes



Washington, DC – Former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) sent a letter to Fred Fielding, Counsel to the President, asking him to confirm that the White House and the Office of the Vice President are preserving all documents related to the Central Intelligence Agency's policies and programs regarding the detention and interrogation of individuals involved in international terrorism. In the past, the Office of the Vice President has argued that it is not subject to Executive Orders regarding the preservation of documents. Sen. Biden's letter comes just days after reports that White House officials were aware of the existence of CIA interrogation tapes and were involved in discussions regarding whether they should be preserved.



The full text of the letter follows.

December 11, 2007

Mr. Fred Fielding
Counsel to the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500


Dear Fred:


On December 10, 2007, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino stated that you issued a written directive to White House employees to preserve documents related to the destruction of the CIA interrogation tapes. Ms. Perino did not provide a copy of the directive, however, and she was unable to answer questions as to its breadth and scope.


Please confirm that the directive to preserve documents applied to the Executive Office of the President, including the National Security Council, in addition to immediate White House staff. In light of the Office of the Vice President's record of fatuous arguments that it is not subject to the authority of the President, please also confirm that the directive included the Office of the Vice President and that the Office of the Vice President intends to comply.


I appreciate your prompt response.


Sincerely,


Joseph R. Biden, Jr.





###

BIDEN STEPS UP PRESSURE FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach
press@joebiden.com



BIDEN STEPS UP PRESSURE FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL



Waterloo, IA (December 10, 2007) – In Iowa today, former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Joe Biden stepped up pressure on the Justice Department to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate the scandal surrounding the destruction of tapes showing interrogations by the CIA:



“Today I am reiterating my call for the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate the Bush Administration’s latest potentially illegal action. I do not take this call for a Special Counsel lightly. I wish that this White House had enough integrity to police themselves but they have shown that they do not. This is an unfortunate trend and one that I will end immediately as President.


“For one, Attorney General Mukasey demonstrated during his confirmation hearing that he is unable to impartially enforce U.S. laws with regard to torture.



“Second, this investigation may implicate White House officials. Some press reports indicate that Deputy White House Chief of Staff Harriet Miers and CIA Director Porter Goss were involved in the process of determining whether or not the tapes should be preserved. In addition, there is a possibility that the President may also have been involved, as the White House Press Secretary noted only that the President had ‘no recollection’ of the decision-making process surrounding the destruction of the tapes. The tapes also reportedly show evidence of potentially illegal interrogation programs that the Administration has advocated.



“Finally, the White House has made previous attempts to politicize the work of the Justice Department, including the hiring and firing of US Attorneys, and the appointment of a Special Counsel would ensure prosecutorial independence.”

BIDEN Calls on Mukasey to Appoint Special Counsel to Investigate CIA’s Destruction of Interrogation Tapes

FYI – This was sent out today by Sen. Biden’s Senate office.

*****
Mark Paustenbach
Biden for President



For Immediate Release:
December 9, 2007

Contact: Elizabeth Alexander


BIDEN Calls on Mukasey to Appoint Special Counsel to Investigate CIA’s Destruction of Interrogation Tapes

Washington, DC – Former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and current Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) called on Attorney General Michael Mukasey today to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate the CIA’s destruction of interrogation tapes:

“Under federal law, the Attorney General may appoint a Special Counsel to prosecute matters when he or she determines that an investigation by the Department itself would present a conflict of interest, or there are other extraordinary circumstances and it would be in the public interest to do so. I believe these conditions are met.

“This is a White House that has sanctioned and pushed for the kind of interrogation techniques captured on those video tapes. This is a White House that was informed of the CIA’s desire to destroy those tapes. Thus, it is possible this investigation could lead to the White House. For these reasons, I believe the CIA’s destruction of these interrogation tapes meets the extraordinary circumstances criterion and it would be in the public’s interest for Attorney General Michael Mukasey to appoint a Special Counsel to do an independent investigation.”

###

BIDEN CAMPAIGN CALLS ON RICHARDSON AND OBAMA TO GUARANTEE THEIR OUT OF STATE SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS WON'T CAUCUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Contact:
Olivia Alair
Mark Paustenbach
press@joebiden.com

BIDEN CAMPAIGN CALLS ON RICHARDSON AND OBAMA TO GUARANTEE THEIR OUT OF STATE SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS WON'T CAUCUS
Des Moines, IA (December 7, 2007) – Following reports that Gov. Richardson is "asking governmental appointees and other state employees to volunteer to help his campaign by traveling to Iowa before the Jan. 3 leadoff presidential contest," and that Sen. Obama is encouraging out of state college students to "come back and caucus," the Biden for President campaign today called on Richardson and Obama to join the rest of the Democratic field in pledging to refrain from shipping in supporters to affect the outcome of the caucuses. [Associated Press, 12/6/07], [Associated Press, 12/5/07]

"Historically, the Iowa caucuses have been critical in leveling the playing field by producing viable candidates based on the strength of their ideas and character - because that's precisely what's needed to ensure a Democratic victory in the general election," said Biden for President Communications Director Larry Rasky. "The absurd amount of money we've seen in this race already endangers this tradition and mocks our values as Democrats. Gov. Richardson and Sen. Obama have a responsibility to place the people of Iowa before their personal ambitions and pledge not to tamper with the caucuses that will largely determine who is best equipped to tackle both the Republican nominee as well as the challenges before our country."

"While the rest of the Democratic field has pledged not to engage in tactics that would unfairly affect the outcome of the Iowa caucuses, Gov. Richardson still refuses to sign on and Sen. Obama has paid no more than lip service to the timely call by the Dodd campaign for all the candidates to pledge to keep their out-of-state supporters on the sidelines. Given Illinois’s proximity to Iowa and their claims of changing the nature of politics, the Obama campaign should have been leading this effort," said Rasky. "But the evidence is pointing in the opposite direction."


2004 Caucus Candidates Signed Pledge to “Uphold the Integrity of the Iowa Caucuses. The Associated Press reported, “State election officials and Iowa Democratic Party officials say the thousands of campaign volunteers that have descended on the state won't hurt the integrity of the Iowa Caucuses. … [Iowa Secretary of State Chet] Culver said each campaign also has signed a pledge to uphold the integrity of the caucuses. ‘We trust that each campaign will honor this pledge,’ he said.” [Associated Press, 1/15/04]
Biden Campaign Signed Pledge that Out of State Staff and Volunteers will not Participate in Iowa Caucus. On November 8, 2007, the Dodd campaign released a letter to the each Iowa State Director asking them to “ensure a fair caucus process and maintain the integrity of Iowa’s first in the nation caucus, pledge that no campaign staff or out-of-state volunteers will be allowed to caucus or be counted as a caucus-goer on January 3rd.” On November 13, 2007, the Dodd Iowa State Director Julie Andreeff said, “I appreciate that the campaign of Senator Biden [has] … joined us in making the commitment to protect the integrity of the Iowa Caucuses and ensure that they truly belong to Iowans.” [Dodd Letter to Iowa State Directors, 11/8/07; Dodd Press Release, 11/13/07]

Richardson Only Candidate to Refuse to Sign Pledge to Discourage Out-of-State Voters from Caucusing in Iowa. According to The Des Moines Register, “All of the Democrats or their staffs except for New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson have agreed to abide by the pledge. [to discourage out of state staffers or volunteers from participating in the caucuses].” [Des Moines Register, 12/1/07]

Richardson Spokesman Claimed Campaign Will “Abide to the Letter and the Spirit of the Law,” But Refuses to Sign Pledge. The Des Moines Register reported “Tom Reynolds, a spokesman for Richardson's campaign, said Friday the campaign feared that such a pledge would prohibit or discourage longtime Iowa residents hired by the campaign from participating. The campaign will not tolerate or endorse out-of-state residents who volunteer or work for the campaign to attempt to caucus, he said. In addition, Reynolds said Richardson's Iowa staff has not and will not encourage out-of-state students to return to Iowa early to caucus, saying the campaign is ‘going to abide to the letter and the spirit of the law. I think the spirit of the law is what's most important,’ Reynolds said. [Des Moines Register, 12/1/07]

Obama Told Students “Come Back and Caucus.” According to the Associated Press, “Obama also made a late evening appearance at the University of Iowa, where he told more than 2,000 students that ‘if you're going to be out of state, I want you to come back and caucus.’” [Associated Press, 12/5/07]

Obama Campaign Encouraging Out-of-State Students to “Come Back for the Iowa Caucus.” The Des Moines Register reported, “A Barack Obama campaign brochure is directing out-of-state college students who may be on holiday break to ‘come back for the Iowa caucus and caucus in your college neighborhood.’” [Des Moines Register, 12/1/07]


“Richardson Asking State Workers to Pack Bags, Volunteer For His Presidential Campaign.” The Associated Press reported that the “two-term governor is asking governmental appointees and other state employees to volunteer to help his campaign by traveling to Iowa before the Jan. 3 leadoff presidential contest. Several of the governor's top administrators already have hit the campaign trail in Iowa and New Hampshire. Others plan to be in Iowa for the critical final days before the caucus.” [Associated Press, 12/6/07]

###

BIDEN CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF DESTROYED CIA TAPES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach/302-428-5427

BIDEN CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF DESTROYED CIA TAPES

Wilmington, DE (December 7, 2007) – News reports today indicate that the Central Intelligence Agency in 2005 “destroyed at least two videotapes documenting the interrogation of two Qaeda operatives in the agency’s custody.” The tapes were destroyed “in the midst of Congressional and legal scrutiny about its secret detention program, according to current and former government officials.” [New York Times, 12/7/07]


Sen. Joe Biden issued the following statement:



“This is another troubling example of the Bush administration’s lawless behavior that only serves to undermine our credibility at home and abroad. The administration’s actions also appear to violate federal law. If press reports are true, withholding the videos from the 9/11 Commission and from the court in the Moussaoui case violates federal law. Obstructing justice and making false statements to an official investigation cannot be condoned by our government. The most important thing to do now is gather all the facts. To that end, I am calling for the CIA’s inspector general to look into the matter and get to the bottom of this.



“Second, I urge my colleagues in the Congress to consider and approve the National Security with Justice Act, legislation I proposed that would prohibit the sorts of extreme interrogation techniques that have been reported to be on those videos. The Act also protects the brave men and women of our intelligence services who are on the front lines in the war on terror by providing unambiguous guidance regarding what is permissible under US and international law.



“When we equivocate about torture, we are not only morally wrong, but we undermine our own credibility. We also weaken the international coalitions necessary to effectively combat terrorism, fuel terrorist recruitment, and place American soldiers, intelligence officers, and civilians in jeopardy."


###

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT MASSACHUSETTS ENDORSEMENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach
Evan Carlson
press@joebiden.com

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT MASSACHUSETTS ENDORSEMENTS
Wilmington, DE (December 6, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign announced today the endorsements of two Massachusetts State Legislators. Rep. Charles Murphy (D-Burlington) and Rep. Robert Rice (D-Gardner) have pledged their support and backing to Sen. Joe Biden.

“Joe is the only candidate in this race with the experience and know-how to get this country back on track.” Murphy says. “I support Joe, because he is right on the major issues our country is facing today and has the ability to get things done.”

State Representative Charles Murphy is an attorney who represents the twenty-first district of Massachusetts. Murphy is the vice-chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. He also serves on the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure as well as on the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. Murphy has been the Burlington Conservation Commission of the Massachusetts House for the past decade.

“Sen. Biden is a man of his word. He has never steered the American people wrong and has kept his promises to them.” Rice said. “These are qualities we badly need in the next president.”

State Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. represents the second Worchester district. Rice serves on the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, the Joint Committee on Education, and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

These distinguished elected officials join a large group of key state legislators and city officials who will be critical to the Biden Campaign’s efforts in New England, including New Hampshire.

This group of key Massachusetts leaders includes:

State Sen. Jim Timilty, Bristol & Norfolk
House Majority Leader John Rogers, Norfolk
State Representative Garrett Bradley, Plymouth
State Representative James Vallee, Norfolk
State Representative Brian Wallace, Suffolk
State Representative Paul Kujawski, Worcester
State Representative Joe Driscoll, Norfolk
Boston City Councilor John Tobin
Boston City Councilor Bill Linehan
Brookline Board of Selectmen, Robert Allen
Former State Representative Tim Bassett
Former State Representative Jim Collins
Former State Representative Tom Vallely

###

BIDEN RESPONDS TO LATEST SET OF FACTS ON BUSH AND IRAN INTELLIGENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

CONTACT:
Mark Paustenbach
press@joebiden.com


BIDEN RESPONDS TO LATEST SET OF FACTS ON BUSH AND IRAN INTELLIGENCE


Wilmington, DE (December 6, 2007) – The White House has once again changed its story about what President Bush knew about Iran’s nuclear weapons program while he was escalating his rhetoric about relations with that country. Last night, the White House said that President Bush was told in August by Director of National Intelligence John McConnell that Iran's nuclear weapons program "may be suspended.” As CNN noted, thenew account from White House Press Secretary Dana Perino “seems to contradict the president’s version of his August conversation with McConnell and raised new questions about why Bush continued to warn the American public about a threat from Iran two months after being told a new assessment was in the works.” [CNN.com, 12/5/07]


Despite these revelations, Perino appeared last night on Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor” to dismiss Sen. Biden’s criticisms of this ongoing scandal and even said that “what I'd say to Senator Biden is ‘welcome to the real world.’”


Perino also tried to explain away the President’s comments about Iran and World War III: “‘The president didn't say we're going to cause World War III,’ Perino said. ‘He was saying he wanted to avoid World War III.’” [CNN.com, 12/5/07]


Sen. Biden issued the following statement:


“With each new day comes a new explanation of what should be simple facts. If the President was told that the Iranian nuclear program ‘may be suspended,’ he had no business going in front of the American people invoking a ‘nuclear holocaust’ and ‘World War III’ while reiterating his belief that Iran wants to build a nuclear weapon.


“The President needs to tell us what he knew and when he knew it, and then explain how that was consistent with ratcheting up the rhetoric on Iran. The American people deserve real leadership, not self-defeating statements that undermine our credibility, escalate tensions and make America less, not more, secure.”




October 21: Cheney Described Iranian Nuclear Program in the Present Tense. Cheney said, “And now, of course, we have the inescapable reality of Iran's nuclear program; a program they claim is strictly for energy purposes, but which they have worked hard to conceal; a program carried out in complete defiance of the international community and resolutions of the U.N. Security Council. Iran is pursuing technology that could be used to develop nuclear weapons. The world knows this. The Security Council has twice imposed sanctions on Iran and called on the regime to cease enriching uranium.” [Cheney Remarks to Washington Institute for Near Easy Policy, 10/21/07]


October 17: Bush Said He Believed Iran Wanted to Build A Nuclear Weapon, Invoked World War III. During a press conference, Bush was asked, do you "definitively believe Iran wants to build a nuclear weapon?" Bush said, "I think so long--until they suspend and/or make it clear that they--that their statements aren't real, yes, I believe they want to have the capacity, the knowledge, in order to make a nuclear weapon. And I know it's in the world's interest to prevent them from doing so. ... So I've told people that if you're interested in avoiding world war III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them from have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon." [Bush Press Conference, 10/17/07, emphasis added]


October 4: Bush Said Iran Has “So Far Refused” to Suspend Nuclear Weapons Program. In remarks during a meeting with Elie Nakouzi of Al Arabiya, President Bush said, “[T]hat's why you see us at the United Nations working with the EU countries and China and Russia to send that clear message; and that we're going to continue to impose sanctions and make it harder for the Iranian Government to operate in the world until they change their mind, until they come to a new way forward. I have said that if they suspend their nuclear program, we will be at the table. But they have so far refused to do that.” [Bush Meeting with Elie Nakouzi of Al Arabiya, 10/4/07]



August 28: President Bush Warns of “Nuclear Holocaust.” “Iran's active pursuit of technology that could lead to nuclear weapons threatens to put a region already known forinstability and violence under the shadow of a nuclear holocaust.” [Bush Remarks to the American Legion Convention, 8/28/07]

###