EXECUTIVE WATCH

• On Wednesday, May 20^th, Congress denied President Obama’s request for $80 billion to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility. Congress also voted to ban detainees from being transferred within the United States.
• On Thursday, May 21^st, President Obama and former Vice-President Cheney gave ‘dueling’ national security speeches in D.C. emphasizing their views on the direction and safety of the country. While Cheney focused on maintaining safety and the absence of attacks since 9/11, President Obama discussed the need to not compromise fundamental values and freedoms.
• On Thursday, May 21^st, it was revealed that the Obama Administration may be considering a new agency aimed at consumer protection to aid in implementing regulations and reforms after the current financial crisis.
• On Friday, May 22^nd, President Obama delivered the commencement address at the United States Naval Academy, pledging to send them into harm’s way “only when it is absolutely necessary.”
• On Saturday, May 23^rd, President Obama announced his nomination of Charles F. Bolden Jr. to head up the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A retired Marine general and former astronaut, Bolden would be the first permanent black NASA director.
• On Monday, May 25^th, North Korea announced it had conducted its second nuclear test underground. The Obama Administration has responded by urging action from the U.N. Security Council and condemning North Korea’s test.
• On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25^th, President Obama visited the Arlington National Cemetary to lay wreaths at the African-American Civil War, Confederate and Unknown Soldier memorials. There was controversy over continuing the tradition of placing a wreath at the Confederate war memorial, after a group of professors petitioned Obama to cease the practice. However, Obama did continue the tradition, adding the a new tradition of honoring the African-American Civil War Memorial.
• On Monday, May 25^th, a secret Israeli report obtained by the Associated Press revealed that Israel believes Venezuela and Bolivia are supplying Iran with uranium for its nuclear program.
• On Tuesday, May 26^th, an audio tape of now Senator Roland Burris and former Governor Blagojevich was released to the Senate Ethics Committee. Burris has continued to maintain that he did nothing inappropriate in receiving the Senate position, but did speak with Blagojevich.
• On Tuesday, May 26^th, it was revealed that U.S. Treasury Department will ultimately own 70% of the embattled General Motors Corporation and provide $50 billion in financing. G.M. is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this weekend, and the United States will emerge as the primary owner once the company restructures.
• On Tuesday, May 26^th, the Supreme Court, in Montejo v.Louisiana,  overturned a 1986 opinion to loosen Miranda restrictions on interrogations by police and prosecutors. Scalia, writing for the majority, held the previous standard ‘unworkable.’ The Obama Administration advocated for the majority position.
• On Tuesday, May 26^th, President Obama nominated Judge Sotomayor, from the Second Circuit, to take retiring Justice Souter’s seat on the Supreme Court. She would be the first hispanic on the Court, and the third woman.  She is generally considered to be a left-leaning judge, however, controversy has arisen over several statements she has made regarding race.
• On Wednesday, May 27^th, North Korea threatened military strikes against South Korea if the latter makes any attempts to search its ships.

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