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 Show #1150Return to index of stories... |
this show ran 27:05 =:20 long |
| Preshow #1 Sununu Return to index of stories... |
Now on New Hampshire Outlook: From the fate of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.to the future of Social Security. We'll check in with N-H Senator John Sununu for a "progress report" on some of the big issues on the national and local level. |
| Hello/Intro Soc Sec Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Social Security - Tops President Bush's 2nd term agenda. It's also a top concern for voters. But, when it comes to fixing the system -- voters aren't convinced "one" party has the solution. According to the latest USATODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll -- More than half say they're worried or somewhat worried that Republicans will "go too far" in changing Social Security. On the other hand, more than half are worried or somewhat worried Democrats "won't go far enough." It's a delicate balance. New Hampshire Senator John Sununu backs President Bush's commitment to revamp Social Security and add private retirement accounts. He's also come up with a fix of his own. In this program we'll talk with the first-term Republican from Bedford -- about social security, the energy bill, the filibuster battle, and more. The state's junior senator is here to talk about the 109th congress, the issues it's grappling with.and the impact on NH. Senator Sununu, welcome. Q Let's begin with Social Security -- Most Americans predict their benefits will have to be CUT or taxes Raised to ensure the long-term future of Social Security. To that you would say??? Q There's still a lot of debate as to whether the Social Security system will go broke. WHY do you think the system is on the road to becoming INSOLVENT??? |
| Sununu Conv Return to index of stories... |
Q Private Retirement accounts -- are the bedrock principle of President Bush's overhaul plan -- It's also drawn widespread criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. ** How does YOUR Social Security Bill DIFFER from the Presidents? Q How would PERSONAL ACCOUNTS provide a better return duing a workers' career than the current system provides. Can you give me an EXAMPLE? ** What about women and minorites who are disproportionately dependent on social security income during retirement -- how would they BENEFIT? Q Some workers ask" Who is going to help the guy with NO education -- invest his money into the stock market???? Overriding concern they'll LOSE money in the end. How do you FIGHT THAT? Q The White house is signaling a willingness to compromise on individual investment accounts. They're entertaining ADD-on accounts -- not financed by diverting payroll taxes. ** Some say the add-on accounts is the only way the President can broker a deal on Social Security with Democrats. FAIR assessment? ***** Will we see social security overhaul in Mr Bush's 2nd term??/ Q This is 2nd time you've filed this bill -- do you expect a different outcome this time around? |
| Hagel/Soc Sec SOT Return to index of stories... |
Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel was in NH this week and talked about HIS plan to "save" Social Security. YOUR THOUGHTS??? Q Hagel also wants to RAISE the age that retirees could receive full benefits from 67 to 68 beginning in 20-23. Would you support that? |
| Energy Bill Return to index of stories... |
Let's talk about another POCKET book Issue. The recently passed House Energy Bill -- it's now before the Senate. It won't bring down gas prices at the pump -- but, it could hurt NH's chances in court on "liability" issues involving the gasoline additive M-T-B-E. Q I understand you voted against the LAST energy bill in 2003 --which had a similiar provision to protect Manufacturers of M-T-B-E from liability lawsuits. Do you plan to VOTE down this year's ENERGY BILL?? ** In late 2003.NH filed suit against makers of M-T-B-E seeking compensation for clean-up costs. KELLY AYOTTE: says the Energy Bill -- could preclude New Hampshire’s suit from going forward -- because it essentially says any claims filed after september 5th of 2003 cannot go forward against these manufacturers. Q Congressman Bass -- is advocating setting up a SPECIAL FUND fund for states effected by M-T-B-E rather than let compensation drag on for years. He's hoping to work out the differences between the House and Senate Energy Bill. Would you SUPPORT that? Q Polls show that 34% of Americans blame the President and Republicans for rising gas prices. Does that trouble you?? Q You have supported drilling in the ARTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESERVE, in the past. When efforts to make the drilling part of the federal budget came up I understand you did NOT vote to remove that drilling provision. WHY?? Q Congress has yet to pass a comprehensive ENERGY policy. BETH: Rising energy costs --evident at the gas pumps-- has "slowed" spending growth -- prompting the Fed to Raise interest rates by a-quarter of one percent. . |
| Iraq Return to index of stories... |
Turning to Iraq -- the country's first democratically-elected government has been sworn in. Iraq's new prime minister is vowing to UNITE rival ethnic and religious factions and to fight terrorism. But, as yet, still no agreement on how to include members of the Sunni minority. Q There's been Renewed VIOLENCE since the formation of that government. This week we saw the DEADLIEST Insurgent attack in months. ** What does all this violence mean for the formation of the new government?? Q How long will it take to TRAIN Iraqi forces to take over the country's security? and get U-S Troops home?? Q SERVICES held recently for a Nashua soldier -- killed in early April in Iraq. The Senate is expected to take up a SPENDING BILL next week that increases DEATH benefits for combat fatalities in Iraq. Hard NOT to support that -- but, Can we afford that?? ================= Q The Abu Ghraib scandal back in the news this week -- with soldiers accused of abusing Iraqi prisoners standing trial. According to a USA/CNN/GALLUP POLL. 37% believe soldiers are still abusing prisoners. Does that SUPRISE you? |
| Israel Return to index of stories... |
Another hot spot is the Middle East. The Israeli-Palestinian truce is said to be growing "shakier" by the day -- as Palestinians fail to dismantle militant groups and Israel "retaliates" by freezing the transfer of West Bank towns to Palestinians. Q You were on hand for the historic Palestinian Presidential Election back in January. Palestinian Parliamentary elections are slated for July -- What will this latest SNAG MEAN to Palestinian efforts to move toward DEMOCRACY? ** Do you worry the latest impasse -- may lead to more bloodshed? How worrisome is that??? |
| Shipyard Rally Return to index of stories... |
A defense issue of major concern around here is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The Base ReAlignment and Closure List is slated to be released next week. It's feared the shipyard may be on the list. You've been involved in a lot of the lobbying efforts going on to save the naval yard. Q Do you agree with those who say "You're DEAD" if you're on that list. Q IT's dodged the bullet in the past -- and been saved. How is this time DIFFERENT than the past? Can anything be done to SWAY the BRAC decision? Q A bit of a reversal as the overhaul work on the USS Hartford is given to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard instead of a private contractor. Should we READ anything into that?? Q Some have suggested the Portsmouth yard could be PRIVATIZED. Why would that be a bad thing. Q Shouldn't we be talking about contingency plans -- in the event the yard is on the list. WHY is everyone so reluctant to talk about -- what if scenarios? Q If you were a betting man -- what would you say the ODDS are the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will be on the list for closure? |
| Fillibuster Return to index of stories... |
In the next few weeks, the Senate is headed for a showdown over Senate rules on the use of the filibuster. Democrats have used the time-tested practice to "block" some of President Bush's nominees to federal judgeships. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist wants to "lower" the requirement for ending filibusters of judicial nominees from 60 to 51 --the so-called Nuclear Option. Q ** Where do YOU stand on this rules change? Any COMPROMISE in sight??? -- Opponents call it a battle between Democrats who believe in checks and balances and Republicans who want everything their way. ** Sen Minority Leader Harry Reid is threatening to HALT all non-essential Senate business if the changes go thru. HOW SERIOUS IS THIS?? ** What's at STAKE?? POLLS: Q Some have suggested that if Sen Majority Leader Bill Frist wants to capture the GOP nomination for president in 2008 -- he has to see to it that the Bush judicial nominees are confirmed. If he fails. he's dead as a presidential wannabe. TRUE? what's YOUR read?? 200-year old Senate rules to deny senators from the minority party the right to filibuster ** by breaking existing parliamentary rules and procedure - would be unprecedented. If the rules for judicial nominations are changed, what is to stop the Republican leadership from using a slim majority to rubber-stamp other controversial measures or a Supreme Court nominee? |
| Education Return to index of stories... |
No child left behind is President Bush's signature education Policy . It was intended to help address long-term inequalities in education -- but many view it as an un-funded mandate. In April, The National Education Association including the NH chapter -- filed sued against the Bush Administration over the Law --in an effort to free schools from complying with any part not paid for by the federal government. . Q The lawsuit is strictly about FUNDING. accusing govt of shortchanging schools. They argue that: no state or school district can be forced to spend its money on expenses the federal government has not covered. Share YOUR thoughts on the growing opposition to the NO Child Left Behind Policy. |
| Gold Coins Return to index of stories... |
The House has approved a plan for the U-S Mint to produce a new gold-colored DOLLAR coin bearing the faces of Presidents. I understand you're expected to get things going in the senate?? Q The one-dollar SACAGAWEA coin.not so popular. Why do you think a presidential COIN would fare better?? Q Why do you think its important to spur the use of dollar COINS? We're moving away from CURRENCY -- credit and debit cards |
| Intro Hagel/Eggs 1 Return to index of stories... |
The next New Hampshire Primary is still almost 3 years away, but the state has already been visited by a number of potential Presidential candidates. On Wednesday, the political breakfast series known as Politics 'n Eggs began again. Its first guest: Senator Chuck Hagel. The Nebraska Republican spent 3 days in the state, introducing himself to potential supporters and outlining his views on the issues facing the country. Like any potential presidential candidate, Hagel spent some time signing the souvenir wooden eggs that are part of the breakfast ritual, and then stated that he fully supports the New Hampshire Primary's "first in the nation" status. When asked about a potential presidential bid in 2008 -- Hagel repeated that he wouldn't have anything to say about that until after next year's Congressional elections. The next guest in the Politics 'n Eggs series will be New Mexico governor Bill Richardson on June 7-th. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
A programming note before we close -- the New Hampshire Outlook crew will be on assignment this Friday and through next week so that N-H-P-T-V can bring you the annual Spring Television auction. Look for New Hampshire Outlook to return, Monday, May 16-th. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That concludes our program. Thanks for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| iraq & social security Return to index of stories... |
LINCOLN, Neb. - New Hampshire residents might hear a lot about Social Security reform in the next few days. Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel will be visiting the state, as he touts his plan to save the Social Security system. Among other things, he wants to raise the age that retirees could receive full benefits from 67 to 68, beginning in 2023. AP-Iraq Iraq attacks continue BAGHDAD, Iraq - Militants are keeping the heat up in Iraq, where scattered attacks are blamed for ten deaths today. The worst was a car bomb that killed six Iraqi civilians. A police official says the explosion pulverized three nearby cars and set fire to an apartment building in a shopping district of Baghdad. Seven people were hurt. Police say a car bomb in eastern Baghdad killed three Iraqis, including two officers. Police say it hit near a passport office, wounding another six people. A hospital official says a car bombing near a U-S military convoy in northern Iraq killed a woman and wounded four other civilians. The U-S military says a joint raid with Iraqi forces netted 52 suspected militants south of Baghdad. Officials say more than 120 people have died in attacks since Iraq formed a new government last week. A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday finds both parties viewed skeptically on the issue, though. Sixty-two percent worry that Republicans will "go too far" in changing Social Security; 61% worry that Democrats "will not go far enough." social Security sacrifices expected By Susan Page, USA TODAY WASHINGTON — A solid majority of Americans predict that their benefits will have to be cut or their taxes raised to ensure the long-term future of Social Security, a sign that most people are prepared to endure some pain to preserve the nation's retirement system. A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday finds both parties viewed skeptically on the issue, though. Sixty-two percent worry that Republicans will "go too far" in changing Social Security; 61% worry that Democrats "will not go far enough." President Bush, who has put Social Security Social Security sacrifices expected By Susan Page, USA TODAY WASHINGTON — A solid majority of Americans predict that their benefits will have to be cut or their taxes raised to ensure the long-term future of Social Security, a sign that most people are prepared to endure some pain to preserve the nation's retirement system. A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday finds both parties viewed skeptically on the issue, though. Sixty-two percent worry that Republicans will "go too far" in changing Social Security; 61% worry that Democrats "will not go far enough." President Bush, who has put Social Security has put , who has put Social Security at the top of his second-term agenda, A solid majority of Americans predict that their benefits will have to be cut or their taxes raised to ensure the long-term future of Social Security, a sign that most people are prepared to endure some pain to preserve the nation's retirement system. This year Congress has debated such issues as Social Security, tax reform, and the energy bill. The Iraq war and the Federal budget and north korea missile testing. Health care?? CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Senator John Sununu says he backs President Bush for his steadfast commitment to revamp Social Security and add private retirement accounts. Sununu has cosponsored legislation for such accounts. He says Bush should be congratulated and he chastised Democrats for what he called lack of willingness to debate the issue. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
Just a reminder if you missed any of this program or would like to watch it again-- New Hampshire Outlook is available online on-demand at nhptv.org/outlook You can also find streaming video of ALL of our broadcasts. |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 05/05/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Now on New Hampshire Outlook: From the fate of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the future of Social Security. We'll check in with NH Senator John Sununu for a "progress report" on some of the big issues on the national and local level. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Social Security Tops President Bush's 2nd term agenda. It's also a top concern for voters. But, when it comes to fixing the system voters aren't convinced "one" party has the solution. More than half say they're worried or somewhat worried that Republicans will "go too far" in changing Social Security. On the other hand, more than half are worried or somewhat worried Democrats "won't go far enough." It's a delicate balance. New Hampshire Senator John Sununu backs President Bush's commitment to revamp Social Security and add private retirement accounts. He's also come up with a fix of his own. In this program we'll talk with the first-term Republican from Bedford about social security, the energy bill, the filibuster battle, and more. The state's junior senator is here to talk about the 109th congress, the issues it's grappling with and the impact on NH. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: state politics/ Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 05/05/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes The next New Hampshire Primary is still almost 3 years away, but the state has already been visited by a number of potential Presidential candidates. On Wednesday, the political breakfast series known as Politics 'n Eggs began again. Its first guest: Senator Chuck Hagel. The Nebraska Republican spent 3 days in the state, introducing himself to potential supporters and outlining his views on the issues facing the country. Like any potential presidential candidate, Hagel spent some time signing the souvenir wooden eggs that are part of the breakfast ritual, and then stated that he fully supports the New Hampshire Primary's "first in the nation" status. When asked about a potential presidential bid in 2008 Hagel repeated that he wouldn't have anything to say about that until after next year's Congressional elections. The next guest in the Politics 'n Eggs series will be New Mexico governor Bill Richardson on June 7th. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Sen. Chuck Hagel\ Nebraska |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Thursday, April 5, 2005: This show was pretaped yesterday. We worked on updating a show so it could rerun in June. We started around 3:45pm. We finished just after 4:00pm. Director's Log: We had a quick fix. Beth noticed that nats from the tape were bleeding through on the speakers out in the studio and she had never heard it before. Carl told her that it was okay. That it is always on the speakers. I do not know who was correct but they both were adamant about who was right. As for the rest of the fix, it went fine. Sandy helped out even though she didn't have to. We love Sandy. |
| fed Return to index of stories... |
Rising prices putting pressure on inflation. The Federal Reserve has raised short-term interest rates by a-quarter of one percent, while suggesting it can stick with a "measured pace" in future moves. Issuing a statement on the outlook, the central bank led by Alan Greenspan notes that spending growth has slowed a bit in the face of rising energy costs. The Fed also says the job market continues to gradually improve. Today's move is the eighth increase in the interest that banks charge each other on overnight loans since the central bank began tightening last June. The Fed also acknowledges rising prices, saying "pressures on inflation have picked up in recent months and pricing power is more evident." On Wall Street, stock prices remained little changed after the announcement. |
| ENERGY Return to index of stories... |
===== AG Says House Energy Bill Hurts NH Action on MTBE Rebecca Kaufman, 2005-04-29 New Hampshire’s Attorney General says the recently passed US House Energy bill will hurt the state's chances in court. Of specific concern is a provision in the bill that protects the manufacturers of the gasoline additive MTBE from liability lawsuits. In late September of 2003, the state of New Hampshire filed a lawsuit against the companies that manufacture the gasoline additive MTBE. The chemical helps cut down on air pollution from cars and trucks, but it has a downside. MTBE has leaked into the ground, widely contaminating drinking water in certain parts of the state…and across the nation The State's lawsuit alleges that these companies made and sold MTBE knowing it could be harmful to the state’s water supply. And the suit seeks compensation from the companies for the cost of cleaning up the damage MTBE has caused. 1:42 right now the way the federal legislation is drafted, it bars all claims for that type of claims That’s New Hampshire’s Attorney General Kelly Ayotte. She says current language in the House energy bill essentially halts their lawsuit from moving forward. 1:52 it could preclude New Hampshire’s suit from going forward because it essentially says any claims filed after september 5th of 2003 cannot go forward against these manufacturers And she says without being able to claim that MTBE is a defective product, the state’s suit is weak. 2:55 we do have other theories we have brought that are not defective product claims however this is a significant claim and a significant portion of our lawsuit and could have a very detrimental effect on new Hampshire’s ability to recover from these manufacturers for the harm that has been caused to our groundwater and surface water from MTBE Currently 195 public water supplies in the state have shown detectable levels of MTBE….that’s 16 percent of the state’s total public water supplies. And MTBE contamination is most pervasive in Strafford County, where it has been found in 30 percent of wells. Attorney General Kelly Ayotte addressed her concerns in a letter to Representative Charlie Bass, who voted for the energy bill last week. :44 I’m not pleased with that provision in the bill anymore than the attorney general is The 2nd District Republican say rather than compensate states through a lawsuit that could drag on for years, he’s advocating for setting up a special fund devoted to states effected by MTBE. To do that, Congressman Bass first has to be appointed to the conference committee that will work out the differences between the House and Senate Energy Bill. 4:05 I’m supporting my committees position on the bill because I want to be part of the solution and I think the solution will be better than the status quo and obviously significantly better than what’s it the bill today, if its not I won’t support it when it comes back to the floor 2:37 I don’t know exactly what Charlie thinks he can achieve That’s first district Representative Jeb Bradley. He voted against the energy bill, in part because he has concerns over the current MTBE provision. Bradley says he’d be willing to consider Bass’s plan. But he also doesn’t want to let MTBE manufacturers off the hook. 2:40 hopefully he’s on the committee of conference and a reasonable settlement is reached, and a reasonable settlement means that manufacturers have to pay for a significant portion of the cost of remediating public water supplies, private wells, the gamut in new hampshire Nationwide, the cost of cleaning up MTBE and installing safeguards is estimated to be 29 billion dollars. The energy bill now goes to the senate. Senators John Sununu and Judd Gregg both voted against the last energy bill in 2003 in part because of a similar provision that would have protected MTBE manufacturer’s from liability lawsuits. |
| filibuster Return to index of stories... |
WASHINGTON -- Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said Saturday that the fight over President Bush's judicial nominees is really a battle between Democrats who believe in checks and balances and Republicans who want everything their way By JESSE J. HOLLAND The Associated Press Thursday, April 28, 2005; 10:35 PM WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist refused to budge Thursday on his demand that Democrats forgo filibusters against all of President Bush's past or present appeals court nominations. "Throughout this debate, we have held firm to a simple principle, judicial nominees deserve up-or-down votes," Frist said. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., second from left, accompanied by fellow members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, getsures during a news conference at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, Thursday, April 28, 2005 to discuss the Republican campaign to change Senate rules on filibustering judicial nominees. From left are, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., Reid, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. He offered to allow senators to retain the right to filibuster District Court nominees as part of an arrangement in which confirmation votes would be guaranteed on the nation's highest judgeships after 100 hours of debate. The Senate's top Republican also said that under his plan, senators would no longer be able to block nominees in the Judiciary Committee. "Judicial nominees are being denied. Justice is being denied. The solution is simple, allow senators to do their jobs and vote," Frist said in a speech on the Senate floor. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said he would look at Frist's offer, but wasn't all that charitable in his description. "It's a big wet kiss to the far right," he said. Reid said that Frist's offer would mean that Democrats would lose their ability to block Bush nominees, a condition he is not willing to accept. "After 100 hours the rights of the minority are extinguished," he responded in a corresponding Senate speech. "This has never been about the lengths of the debate. This is about checks and balances." Frist suggested in a Thursday letter to Reid that he would be willing to set time limits on committee consideration of nominees, a proposal that Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., made last year before taking over the Judiciary Committee chairmanship. Specter suggested that the committee be forced to hold a confirmation hearing within a month of a nomination. The panel Committee would then be forced to hold a confirmation vote within two months of the hearing. The Senate would be forced to start debating the nomination within two months of committee vote, and a final confirmation vote would happen within 30 days. "I believe is a worthy model to discuss as it applies to Circuit Court and Supreme Court nominees," Frist said in the letter. One of Democrats' biggest complaints has been that more than 60 of President Clinton's nominees were bottled up in committee, leaving positions available for Bush to fill. "Whether on the floor or in committee, judicial obstruction is judicial obstruction," Frist said. "It's time for judicial obstruction to end no matter which party controls the White House or the Senate." Liberal groups almost universally panned Frist's offer, while conservatives said it was a good deal. |
| iraq /israel Return to index of stories... |
The program stalled shortly after its June 2003 inception because the Palestinians failed to dismantle militant groups and Israel failed to halt settlement construction. Palestinian parliamentary elections due on July 17 --Palestinians cannot move toward democracy if they allow a group with a "private army" to participate in elections, he added. Earlier polls said Hamas is likely to win the July election. - A snag in Israel's handover of West Bank towns to Palestinian control. Israel's defense minister says he's freezing that process -- because the Palestinians haven't honored their promise to disarm militants. member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, N.H. Republican Sen. John E. Sununu was selected by the Bush administration to represent our nation as an observer to the historic Jan. 9 Palestinian presidential election. It is an honor to have our senator chosen to represent our country in this important process. Death Benefits The House is scheduled to approve the spending bill this week; the Senate, which is on recess, is expected to take it up next week. Nearly $76 billion goes to combat-related expenditures, about $921 million more than the White House requested. The bill also would increase death benefits and the one-time death gratuity for combat fatalities, and would add a $100,000 insurance benefit for soldiers who have suffered traumatic injuries such as the loss of a limb or sight. |