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Daily Dispatch 2002

• December 31, 2002: Rangel to Offer Legislation Resuming Draft; New Maryland Law Requires Handgun Trigger Locks; and OMB Reduces Iraq War Cost Estimate.



• December 30, 2002: Tensions Grow on Korean Peninsula; New York Times Decries 'Faith-Based Initiatives' Order; and What Would Jesus Wear?



• December 26, 2002: Bush Considers Cutting Corporate Dividend Tax; Some Governors Advocating Tax Increases; and Seoul Says It Won't Tolerate North Korea Nuclear Weapons Development.



• December 23, 2002: Bush Administration to Propose Centralized Internet Monitoring System; Muslims say detentions could hurt INS effort; Iraq "Ready to Deal" with Arms Program Questions



• December 20, 2002: Bush Administration Urges U.N. to Authorize War; SEC to Announce Settlement with U.S. Securities Firms; and Anti-American Sentiment Played Role in South Korean Election



• December 19, 2002: Bush Denounces Iraqi Weapons Declaration; California Judge Slashes Tobacco Settlement; and NYPD Seeking Broader Surveillance Authority.



• December 18, 2002: Bush Announces Missile Defense Plan; Bush Likely to Find Iraq in Violation; and 2002: Second Warmest Year on Record.



• December 17, 2002: Majority of Americans Support Immigration Reduction; Librarians Ponder Role in War on Terror; and U.S. Has 'Problems' with Iraq's Weapons Declaration



• December 16, 2002: Commission Warns Against Transforming FBI Into 'Secret Police'; Republicans Plan to Move Aggressively on Nominations; and North Korea Says Nonaggression Treaty Only Way to Prevent War.



• December 13, 2002: North Korea Announces Reopening of Shuttered Nuclear Plant; Bush Signs Order Permitting Tax Dollars to Fund Religious Groups; Bush Administration Proposes Increase in Fuel Efficiency Standards.



• December 12, 2002: President Bush Approves Smallpox Vaccination Plans; Chile and U.S. Reach Historic Free Trade Agreement; and European Union Enlargement Summit Begins in Denmark.



• December 11, 2002: U.S. Warns a Biological Attack Could Result in a Nuclear Retaliation; Bush Names Commission to Review Postal Service; and Tax Cuts Spur Growth.



• December 10, 2002: United Airlines Files Largest Bankruptcy in Aviation History, Education Department Offers Guidelines on School Choice, Sierra Club Supports "Smart Growth" Development Project.



• December 9, 2002: Bush Appoints New Treasury Secretary; U.S. Receives Copy of Iraq's Weapons Dossier; and California Headed for Budget Cuts and Tax Increases.



• December 6, 2002: O'Neill, Lindsey Announce Resignations; Document Claims Iraq Has No Weapons of Mass Destruction; and Court Upholds California Assault Weapons Law.



• December 5, 2002: Senator: Tax Cuts and Big Budgets Lead to Deficits; Antidumping Law is a 'Double Whammy'; and Padilla Allowed to Consult Attorneys.



• December 4, 2002: Saudis Unveil Initiatives to Combat Terrorism; Bush Officials Say Uncertainties Remain About Global Warming; and North Korea Rejects Inspection of Nuclear Weapons Program .



• December 3, 2002: Bush Plans Separate Legal System for "Enemy Combatants"; Legality of McCain-Feingold Law Challenged; and Election Results May Accelerate Social Security Reform.



• December 2, 2002: Social Security Is More Than Election Issue; Court May Reconsider University Use of Racial Preferences; and Appeals Court Considers Detainees



• November 27, 2002: Fox Urges Powell to Resume Negotiations on Immigration; New Law Puts Pressure on Failing Schools; and Judge Strikes Blow Against Campaign Finance Law.



• November 26, 2002: Bush Signs Terrorism Insurance Legislation; Governors Think Higher Taxes Will Solve States' Fiscal Problems; and Bush to Saudis: You Do It or We Will.



• November 25, 2002: Bush Signs Legislation to Arm Pilots; Saudi Official Refutes Claims of Gifts to Hijackers; and Bush Signs Legislation Forming Homeland Security Department.



• November 22, 2002: For U.S. Troops in Gulf, A Perilous Waiting Game; More High-Income Americans Go Without Health Insurance; North Korea says 1994 Peace Framework Is Dead.



• November 21, 2002: Pentagon Snooping Proposal Likely to Violate the Fourth Amendment; Free College Education to Everyone Who Works 10 Hours a Week; and Canadian Official: Less Privatization, More Tax Dollars Will Fix Health Care System.



• November 20, 2002: White House Considers Improved SUV Fuel Efficiency; EU Ready to Take U.S. to WTO Over Trade Concerns; and Group Says Health Care System in Crisis.



• November 19, 2002: Senate to Vote on Homeland Security; Bush in Russia for NATO Summit; and Court Finds Justice Department Can Conduct PATRIOT Wiretaps.



• November 18, 2002: New Drugs Released at Slowest Rate in a Decade; Environmental Policies Could be Impacted by Republican Success; and Democrats Plan to Block Bush Nominee.



• November 15, 2002: Terrorism Insurance Bill Passes in House of Representatives; Florida Jury Finds Gun Distributor 5% Liable for Teacher's Murder; and Bush Administration to Place Federal Jobs up for Competition



• November 14, 2002: Greenspan: Keep Bush Tax Cut; Bin Laden Tape Makes Officials Question War with Iraq; and War on Drugs Joins War on Terror.



• November 13, 2002: Bush Wins Key Support for Homeland Security Department; Cato Files Brief in Campaign Finance Case; and Experts Urge Canadian Government to Delay Kyoto Protocol Ratification.



• November 12, 2002: FEC Preserves Two Party System; States to Vote on Creating Tax Cartel; and Supreme Court Takes on Porn in Public Libraries.



• November 11, 2002: GOP Gains Boost Outlook for School Vouchers; Lott Favors Making Tax Cuts Permanent; and States Take on Global Warming.



• November 8, 2002: United Nations Delivers Unanimous Approval on Iraq Resolution; Bush Renews Call for Passage of Homeland Security Bill; Cato Scholar: Virginia School Test Gains Leave Room for Improvement.



• November 7, 2002: Cato Scholars Respond to Republican Congressional Agenda; Bush Campaign Against Hussein Continues in U.N.; and Gephardt Calls it Quits.



• November 6, 2002: GOP Election Gains Result of Growing Anti-Government Sentiment, Election Results Big Win for Social Security Reform, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads Voters Reject Tax Increases.



• November 5, 2002: Few Races Will Decide Control of Congress; Supreme Court to Hear Three Strikes Case; and IRS's Rossetti Wants Money to Combat Tax Cheats.



• November 4, 2002: Decisive Gains for Either Party Unlikely in Election; Saudis Prohibit U.S. from Using Facilities to Attack Iraq; and Greenpeace: Manhattan Under Water by 2080.



• November 1, 2002: Judge to Issue Microsoft Decision Today; State Grants Increasingly Helping Wealthy Students; and Justice Dept. Files Suit to Block Satellite Merger.



• October 31, 2002: Treasury Dept. Researches Consumption Tax; Bush Plan Would Accelerate Judicial Confirmation Process; and Government Shares Information with Private Companies.



• October 30, 2002: Appeals Court Backs Doctors on Medical Marijuana; South Dakota Initiative Considers Jury Nullification; and Most Incumbents Safe in Midterm Elections



• October 29, 2002: Political Rhetoric Hinders Social Security Progress; Californians Unimpressed with Gov. Davis; and Greenpeace Claims Global Warming Will Submerge Manhattan.



• October 28, 2002: Professor Resigns Over Investigation into Gun Book; Appeals Court to Hear Hamdi Case; and Lula Elected as Brazil's President.



• October 25, 2002: Report: Next Attack Could Top 9/11; Bush administration says 2002 deficit hit $159 billion; Lower Medicare Payouts Concern Bush Officials.



• October 24, 2002: U.S. Gives U.N. New Iraq Proposal; Education Dept. Letter Tells State Educators to Follow Act; and Jiang Optimistic Talks with Bush will Reap 'Positive Results'.



• October 23, 2002: Bush to Sign Defense Spending Bill; Jiang Arrives in U.S. for Meeting with Bush; and Talks on Global Warming Begin Today.



• October 22, 2002: Pentagon Prepares for Urban Combat in Iraq; Martha Stewart May See Civil Suit; and Tight State Budgets Blamed for Rising Tuition.



• October 21, 2002: New York Mayor Moves to Ban Smoking in Bars; Bush Proposes Regulations to Increase Access to Generic Drugs; and North Korea Willing to Negotiate Over Nuclear Weapons Program.



• October 17, 2002: North Korea Not a Threat to the U.S.; Saudis Continue to Support Al-Qaeda; and Indonesia Was Real Target in Bali Bombing.



• October 16, 2002: Bush Signs Iraq Resolution Today; Senate Blockage of Judicial Appointees Becomes Election Issue; and Fast Food Chastised for Unhealthy Menus.



• October 15, 2002: Immigration Reform Falters; Government Bookkeeping in Shambles; and Expanded "Fingerprinting" of Firearms?



• October 14, 2002: Report Recommends More Flexible WTO Intellectual Property Treaty; Hackers Developing Programs to Thwart Internet Censorship; and Bush Administration Debate over Smallpox Delayed Decisions.



• October 11, 2002: Congress Gives Bush Power to Strike Iraq; IMF and Argentina are Close to Accord on Debt Repayment; and House Passes $3.8 Billion Election Overhaul Compromise.



• October 10, 2002: Daschle Now Supports Military Strike; FBI Used Illegal Wiretaps; Bush Joins Auto Makers Against California Clean Air Act.



• October 9, 2002: CIA says Iraq deterred from conducting terrorist attacks; Cato scholar shares Nobel Prize; court upholds closed hearings for detainees.



• October 8, 2002: Bush Attempts to Make Case for War; Cost of Labor Dispute Will Continue to Rise; and EchoStar and Hughes Ask FCC for More Time to Revise Merger.



• October 7, 2002: Supreme Court opens new term; entertainment industry pursuing Napster successor; and pediatrics group favors limited smallpox vaccination plan.



• October 4, 2002: GOP asks Supreme Court to intervene in N.J. Senate race; House tries to impede Internet gambling; and U.S. envoy meets with high-level North Korean official.



• October 3, 2002: Philippine authorities blame Abu Sayyaf for explosion; prosecutors turn up heat on Martha Stewart; and trade panel approves duties on imported steel.



• October 2, 2002: Ashcroft defends efforts to thwart terrorism; Supreme Court to clarify ADA provision; and Bush urges Congress to adopt terrorism insurance legislation.



• October 1, 2002: CBO: Iraq war would cost up to $9 billion a month; EU agrees to exempt United States from International Criminal Court; and Torricelli quits New Jersey Senate race.



• September 30, 2002: Northern Virginia tax referendum debate heats up; IMF, World Bank wrap up talks; and Townsend supporter skirts Maryland campaign finance limits.



• September 27, 2002: Economic policymakers gather in D.C. for IMF and World Bank meetings; insurers struggle over covering property against terrorism; and House committee rejects $1.2 billion Amtrak subsidy.



• September 26, 2002: Davis signs bill repealing gun industry immunity from liability suits; ACLU challenges Padilla detention; studies say poverty shrinking worldwide.



• September 25, 2002: Vermont judge rules federal death penalty law unconstitutional; FEC considers limiting political ads in federal races; and corporate scandals boost reading of Atlas Shrugged.



• September 24, 2002: Bush lowers terror alert; UK issues dossier on Iraq's weapons capabilities; and airlines to ask Congress for more aid.



• September 23, 2002: Federal officials to unveil smallpox vaccine guidelines; O'Neill says accounting scandals are 'behind us'; Iraq blasts U.S. attempts to secure U.N. resolution on disarmament.



• September 20, 2002: Bush shifts military strategy toward pre-emptive action; judge certifies class action tobacco lawsuit; and court blocks medical marijuana initiative in D.C.



• September 19, 2002: Panel: space station will not be a useful laboratory; Amtrak chief develops fiscal year 2003 budget; and Bush to hold off on new round of tax cuts



• September 18, 2002: Businesses mull cutting back contributions to public schools; cybersecurity report to be released today; and Senate Judiciary Committee considers Bush nominee.



• September 17, 2002: Iraq offers to accept weapons inspectors; Americans divided over civil liberties vs. national security; and California officials, federal government spar over medical marijuana raid.



• September 16, 2002: Bush aide estimates Iraq war would cost up to $200 billion; with U.N. backing, U.S. can use Saudi bases; and sixth U.S. citizen arrested in terrorism investigation.



• September 13, 2002: FEC debates easing 'hard money' limits; Florida primary marred by voting problems; and secret court to release ruling to Senate.



• September 12, 2002: Bush takes case against Hussein to U.N.; Bush says legacy of Sept. 11 is a commitment to liberty; and trade deficit rises to record $130 billion.



• September 11, 2002: Americans commemorate Sept. 11 attacks; Bush administration raises terror alert; and Iraq says Arabs in other nations will respond to a U.S. attack.



• September 10, 2002: Secret court considers Justice Department wiretap request; teenagers file class-action lawsuit against McDonald's; and U.S. calls for world-wide end to steelmaker subsidies.



• September 9, 2002: Bush foreign policy team hits Sunday shows; sick Americans flock to Canada to obtain medical marijuana; and experts: U.S. not ready for bioterrorism.



• September 6, 2002: Senate Judiciary Committee rejects Bush nominee; Bush defends tax cut; Earth Summit produced 290,000 tons of carbon dioxide.



• September 5, 2002: Canadian lawmakers call for legalizing marijuana; police detention tactics, database draw criticism; and Bush administration to test arming pilots.



• September 4, 2002: Senators stress need for congressional consent before Iraq attack; Powell jeered at World Summit; and federal officials recommend new smallpox plan.



• September 3, 2002: World Summit participants agree to 70-page plan; Bush told to narrow focus of missile defense program; and Iraq offers to work with the United Nations



• August 30, 2002: EU officials praise WTO ruling against U.S.; Government imposes new limits on legal rights in post-9/11 environment; and U.S. and EU discussions at World Summit turn heated.



• August 29, 2002: Several organizations ask for exemptions from political ad regulations; U.S. showcases public-private partnerships at earth summit; and White House given smallpox vaccination plan.



• August 28, 2002: Congressional report says budget deficit will worsen; Bush backs confidentiality for documents related to Clinton pardons; and Iraq says diplomatic solution possible.



• August 27, 2002: Bush praises 'friendship' with Saudi Arabia before meeting ambassador; lawmakers say Bush needs approval from Congress to attack Iraq; and court backs open deportation hearings.



• August 26, 2002: Lawyers say Bush can launch Iraq attack without Congressional approval; Mbeki calls for end to 'global apartheid' at world summit; and nearly 6.6 million in nation's correctional system.



• August 23, 2002: Wiretap ruling appealed by White House; support for invasion of Iraq dwindling; and Bush cuts back on steel tariffs.



• August 22, 2002: World Bank encourages summit attendees to focus on environmental, social issues; Bush to propose spending $4 billion in aid for Africa; and Abu Sayyaf beheads two hostages.



• August 21, 2002: Israel to inoculate security, rescue officials against smallpox; California school officials want credentials for homeschooling parents; and Enron official set to plead guilty.



• August 20, 2002: U.S. oil companies cut Iraqi oil imports; White House dampens speculation on 'war council'; and Justice Department wants to appeal 'enemy combatant' ruling.



• August 19, 2002: Defense Department moving materiel to the Middle East; Brazilian officials to meet in New York with bankers; and Bush official downplays Russia-Iraq deal.



• August 16, 2002: Leading Republicans break ranks with Bush over Iraq; Sept. 11 families sue Saudis, Sudanese government; and NASA loses contact with $159-million spacecraft.



• August 15, 2002: Amtrak suspends Acela service again; Justice Department rebuffs House request to examine antiterrorism powers; and Mexican president cancels Texas visit.



• August 14, 2002: EU urges aspirants to avoid signing U.S. exemption agreement to International Criminal Court; ABA opposes secret detention of foreign nationals; and Brazilian markets tumble over economic fears.



• August 13, 2002: Baghdad brands weapons of mass destruction allegation a 'lie'; some Republican candidates skeptical of Bush Social Security plan; and North Korea denounces United States.



• August 12, 2002: Bush Administration Issues Privacy Rules for Health Records; Justice Department Scales Back TIPS Program; and Rumsfeld Considers Expanded Role for Special Ops.



• August 9, 2002: Only 59 percent of Bush judicial nominees confirmed so far; New York City mayor wants to ban smoking in all restaurants and bars; and WorldCom discloses $3.3 billion in additional accounting errors.



• August 8, 2002: Judge cancels hearing for prisoner classified as 'enemy combatant'; bombs detonated near site of Colombian inauguration; and IMF agrees to $30 billion loan for Brazil.



• August 7, 2002: Saudi Arabia calls ties with U.S. 'excellent'; Japanese ID system met with resistance; and Rumsfeld says intelligence gathering has not improved much.



• August 6, 2002: Microsoft to disclose more technical information about Windows; Bush briefed on Iraq attack options; and Florida court rules school voucher program unconstitutional.



• August 5, 2002: Some "schools of excellence" receive failing grade; Americans back continuing subsidies to Amtrak; and China rebuffs Taiwan suggestion to have referendum.



• August 2, 2002: Senate gives fast track trade authority to Bush; possibility of patients' rights law diminishes; and senators urge delay in easing clean air regulations.



• August 1, 2002: Southeast Asia nations and U.S. sign anti-terror agreement; Experts say invasion of Iraq would carry significant risks; and Detainees in Cuba denied access to U.S. courts.



• July 31, 2002: Bush signs corporate responsibility law; U.S. ends military training exercises in the Philippines; and Senate to vote on prescription drug benefits for the elderly.



• July 30, 2002: Bush to make office responsible for shaping U.S. image permanent; Senate welfare bill blasted by Bush; and the White House sends delegation to Russia to discuss nuclear cooperation with Iran.



• July 29, 2002: Powell says U.S. troops will remain in Asia, North Korea says it's ready for talks, and the outgoing FAA administrator wants the power to ration flights.



• July 26, 2002: Ashcroft stands up for TIPS, the Senate breaks its confirmation logjam, and the House and the Senate clear the way for bankruptcy reform.



• July 25, 2002: Domestic military policing proposals draw criticism, Bush gears up for trade authority push, and three congressmen introduce a medical marijuana bill.



• July 24, 2002: The Senate rejects two competing Medicare drug bills, the House eases sanctions on Cuba, and Cato releases a national poll on Social Security.



• July 23, 2002: States mixed on adopting emergency health powers, the D.C. gun ban is facing challenges, and Gephardt vows an immigration amnesty.



• July 22, 2002: Sen. Kennedy takes aim at tobacco advertising and free speech, federalized air safety isn't working out as planned, and Congress rushes to pass new corporate regulations.



• July 19, 2002: The House's homeland security bill would kill the TIPS spy program and end ID standardization, the California Supreme Court protects medical marijuana users, and a Senate committee supports a bill to prevent wrongful executions.



• July 18, 2002: Army personnel on a credit card spending spree, the Republican-controlled House approves more taxpayer money for art, and the Senate approves drug reimportation.



• July 17, 2002: The Senate debates prescription drug plans, Rumsfeld is upset over continuing Pentagon leaks to the media, and 11 attorneys general criticize Bush on global warming policy.



• July 16, 2002: The Senate approves new corporate fraud penalties, Argentina dodges loan default bullet, and the White House steps up its campaign for its version of the Homeland Security Department.



• July 15, 2002: The U.S. seeks a regime change in Iraq, but doesn't know how to go about it, Governors face revenue shortfall, and cigarette tax hikes are encouraging smuggling.



• July 12, 2002: House Republicans resist changes to the farm bill, EU welcomes U.S. steel tariff exemptions, and New York's attorney general investigates PayPal gambling profits.



• July 11, 2002: The House votes to arm pilots, Amtrak blackmails Congress, and the "digital divide" boogie-man is revived.



• July 10, 2002: The U.S. at a crossroads in Afghanistan, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wants to look into Iraq plans, and South Africa is contemplating a welfare state.



• July 9, 2002: Bush proposes penalties for corporate fraud, the federal government considers public smallpox vaccinations, and the World Wildlife Funds says the Earth will "expire by 2050" and recommends colonizing other planets.



• July 3, 2002: Bush urges the Senate to pass his faith-based initiative, donors increase World Bank aid funding, and Nevada considers legalizing marijuana.



• July 2, 2002: Congress will put off reviewing the FBI and CIA, and Bush praises school vouchers and pushes for welfare reform.



• July 1, 2002: The International Criminal Court opens its doors, a Sacramento jury is disqualified in a medical marijuana case, and the World Cup and international politics.



• June 28, 2002: Judicial candidates free to speak during their campaigns, GOP prescription drug bill passes House, and Cato Fellow Tim Penny to run for Minn. governor.



• June 27, 2002: The Supreme Court OKs vouchers and drug testing for schools, and the feds fear an Al Qaeda cyber-attack.



• June 26, 2002: The G8 Summit plans to "aid" Africa, a new bill would free copyright-protection technology, and federal judges probe Bush's authority to hold "enemy combatants."



• June 25, 2002: The Supreme Court sends mixed signals on trusting juries, and the FBI checks out your local library.



• June 24, 2002: Amtrak on the ropes, Bush still plans to give a Middle East speech, and where in the world is Osama?



• June 21, 2002: Habeas corpus in danger, government experts recommend limited smallpox vaccinations, and the IRS brings back random audits.



• June 20, 2002: The Bush administration is set to pull the plug on Amtrak's monopoly, the Senate compromises on the Crusader artillery gun, and U.S. deficit reaches record high.



• June 19, 2002: Lawmakers continue closed-door intelligence hearings, an Internet gambling ban passes a House committee, and lawmakers compromise on arming pilots.



• June 18, 2002: The EU tells the WTO it's ready to slap sanctions on the U.S., few watch government TV, and when pork goes bad.



• June 17, 2002: Congressional leaders are OK with Bush's Iraq order, South Korea prepares for more North Korean refugees, and is Amtrak on its last legs?



• June 14, 2002: Bush applauds the end of the ABM treaty, is set to propose a Palestinian state, and calls for more national service.



• June 13, 2002: Senate Democrat letter pooh-poohs Bush Social Security plan, the D.C. gun ban is challenged, and a new bill addresses prison rape.



• June 12, 2002: Bush converts to nation building, the Senate stalls a hate crimes bill and takes up the death tax debate.



• June 11, 2002: 'Dirty bomber' arrest raises questions, the proposed homeland security department may be delayed, and the Supreme Court places limits on the ADA.



• June 10, 2002: Gore criticizes Bush on climate change, the U.S. is strengthening its military ties to India, and Utah's attorney general defends the right to carry a concealed gun.



• June 7, 2002: House passes a permanent death tax repeal, Bush may sign a patients' bill of rights, and Amtrak is close to shutting down operations.



• June 6, 2002: The Justice Department aims to track visitors to the U.S., policymakers ponder which direction to take with the smallpox vaccine, and the farm bill harvests a new crop of subsidies.



• June 5, 2002: The White House threatens to veto emergency spending, Bush prods senators on welfare reform, and the Malaysian prime minister pooh-poohs globalization.



• June 4, 2002: Congressional hearings into 9/11 begin today, the Bush administration does an about-face on climate change, and the FBI's reorganization hampers the drug war.



• June 3, 2002: American forces move closer to Philippine combat, Gen. Tommy Franks says the Crusader wouldn't have helped in Afghanistan, and a new DOJ report shows that rearrest rates are up.



• May 31, 2002: The FBI's surveillance powers are expanded, the U.S. strikes Iraq again, and the EU seeks to impose retaliatory trade sanctions on the U.S.



• May 30, 2002: The FBI reorganizes and focuses on terrorism, D.C.'s gun ban is challenged, and no privatization for Native American schools.



• May 29, 2002: The FBI's Carnivore system may have bungled a Bin Laden investigation, Florida enacts a health emergency law, and a California church is seized to build a shopping mall.



• May 28, 2002: Al-Qaeda is now operating out of Pakistan, Colombia's president-elect to toughen the war on drugs, and Russia signs on to NATO.



• May 24, 2002: The EU plays down trade rift with the U.S., Tempe bans smoking in bars, and FBI-Mafia partnership case raps up today.



• May 23, 2002: Bush seeks European help to confront Iraq, Gov. Jesse Ventura vetoes forced pledge of allegiance, and a ten-year-old homeschooler wins the National Geography Bee.



• May 22, 2002: The House and Senate agree on bioterror legislation, pilots are refused the right to keep guns in their cockpits, and O'Neill and Bono tour Africa.



• May 21, 2002: Sen. Lieberman urges a halt to tax cuts, states criticized for using tobacco settlement funds for budget gaps, and a D.C. public art project implodes.



• May 20, 2002: Trial lawyers take aim at "Big Food," the U.S. bombs Iraq again, and gambling is a boon to Midwestern towns.



• May 17, 2002: Microsoft fights to keep Windows together, House Republicans celebrate the tax cut, and is Bin Laden in Pakistan?



• May 16, 2002: Reform groups set their sights on the FEC, forty members of Congress call for overhaul of Cuba policy, and the Crusader lobby fights to keep the program alive.



• May 15, 2002: The senate deals a trade defeat to Bush, NATO is considering more expansion, and Napster on the brink of collapse.



• May 14, 2002: Bush signs Congress' pork barrel farm bill, the Pentagon is still on track to test missile defense despite funding hurdles, and the Supreme Court upholds forced access and stifles market competition.



• May 13, 2002: Jimmy Carter goes to Cuba, Bush announces arms treaty with Russia, and U.S. officials meet with Iraqi opposition groups.



• May 10, 2002: The Senate and the White House reached a compromise on the trade package, Colombia drug war aid money is missing, and a new survey says the smallpox vaccine is misunderstood.



• May 9, 2002: Rumsfeld pulls the plug on the 'crusader' gun, the House approves tougher immigration, and an FBI agent on trial for cooperating with the mafia.



• May 7, 2002: The administration says Cuba is developing biological weapons, Bush promoted the new federal education law, and McCain and Lieberman join forces on gun show background checks.



• May 6, 2002: The U.S. pulls out of the ICC, Iraq ends its oil embargo, and another standardized ID bill hits Congress.



• May 3, 2002: Thousands of airline pilots demand the right to bear arms, the ozone hole is now blamed for cooling, and is arbitration more costly than government courts?



• May 2, 2002: A coalition of unions and environmental groups sues to block Mexican trucks to operate in the U.S., Congress to declare solidarity with Israel, and the U.S. and Russia prepare for arms talks.



• May 1, 2002: Iraq may delay the U.S.'s wrath, federal airport screeners begin work, and the U.S. will be in talks with North Korea.



• April 30, 2002: Drug interdiction flights to resume, the Bush administration seeks stronger ties with Taiwan, and a surgeon's group supports a plan to pay for transplant organs.



• April 29, 2002: Pakistan denies that U.S. troops are operating inside its borders, Congress may allow pilots to carry stun guns, and Erie, Penn. police get assault rifles.



• April 26, 2002: Democrats and Republicans band to fight campaign speech restrictions, the U.S. is afraid China may be a cyber-threat, and a federal judge may rule the death penalty unconstitutional.



• April 25, 2002: Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah and Bush meet today, the U.S. and Indonesia rebuild military ties, and Argentina is on an indefinite bank holiday.



• April 24, 2002: The Supreme Court deals a blow to property rights, a Cuban delegation may visit the U.S. for trade talks if they are granted visas, and it's Daschle v. Schumer on ethanol.



• April 23, 2002: California court decision could end many gun shows, Gates takes the stand in Microsoft trial, and taxing sci-fi to pay for NASA?



• April 22, 2002: Happy Earth Day, racial profiling reform stalled, and there's no end in sight to Philippine violence.



• April 19, 2002: Bush: more regimes will fall, court overturns ban on fax spamming, and Waco disaster anniversary today.



• April 18, 2002: Powell returns empty-handed, Philadelphia privatizes 42 schools, and Missouri lawmakers temper a health emergency bill.



• April 17, 2002: The government says Osama Bin Laden probably escaped, bill introduced to standardize state IDs, and the Senate faces a showdown over ANWR.



• April 16, 2002: Bush campaigns to keep the tax cut, Amtrak is falling apart but still trying to expand, and the Supreme Court hears a case on the right to trial by jury and sentencing.



• April 15, 2002: Tax Day 2002 comes with the promise of more audits, Illinois' death penalty commission issues report, and Colombia wants more aid for the drug war.



• April 12, 2002: Venezuela's Chavez is ousted, the CDC issues a report on the costs of smoking, and the U.S. won't budge on steel tariffs.



• April 11, 2002: Prison population growth slows, but still high, the UN established an International Criminal Court, and an Ohio appellate court upholds the right to carry a concealed gun.



• April 10, 2002: Massachusetts considers a health emergency bill, Bush joins the push to ban human cloning, and the White House is ambiguous on the gas tax.



• April 9, 2002: The wealthy pay a disproportionate share of taxes, the INS is tightening controls on foreign students and visitors, and Rumsfeld says there's no need for a major restructuring of U.S. intelligence.



• April 8, 2002: Iraq halts its oil exports, Afghan farmers killed while protesting the government's poppy eradication plan, and Amtrak pleads with governors to save its budget.



• April 5, 2002: The Post Office is planning a major overhaul, a Philadelphia company is found guilty of violating the Cuban embargo, and homeschooled kids adjust better to adult life.



• April 4, 2002: Bush sets deadline for trade promotion authority, major science journal retracts a study on genetically engineered corn, and many states plan to keep the death tax alive.



• April 3, 2002: U.S. team visits Somalia, China calls for a ban on the militarization of space, and a new court ruling may lead to FCC deregulation.



• April 2, 2002: Bush to propose child care reform, states use tobacco settlement cash for their budgets, and mixed signals on Antarctic climate.



• April 1, 2002: Bush pushes marriage support initiative, Virginia's out-of-state wine ban overturned, and the FBI's e-tapping program further uncovered.



• March 29, 2002: The U.S. and Russia agree on Iraq sanctions, Mexico arrests drug ring chief, and the U.S. says that a Cuban transition is underway.



• March 28, 2002: Millions of doses of smallpox vaccine discovered, Boston drops its suit against the gun industry, and the EU establishes a retaliatory steel tariff.



• March 27, 2002: Bush signs campaign finance restrictions into law, proposed International Criminal Court creeps toward ratification, and justices skeptical on limits to judgeship campaigns.



• March 26, 2002: Airport insecurity on the rise, China turns down a visit by a U.S. warship, and Pakistan shows its true colors.



• March 25, 2002: U.S. to resume drug interdiction flights in Peru, politial parties develop new fund-raising methods, and Indian farmers fight for biotech.



• March 22, 2002: Postal Service in dire straits, Germany ratifies Kyoto Protocol, and welfare rolls are rising.



• March 21, 2002: U.S. officials to testify at Milosevic trial, Argentina begs for handouts, and miltary tribunal rules established.



• March 20, 2002: No first amendment in Saudi Arabia, FBI busts LA marijuana ring in LA, and campaign finance restrictions coming soon.



• March 15, 2002: Expanding assistance to Colombia, Bush pledges extra $5 billion in foreign aid, and EU demands compensation for steel tariffs.



• March 14, 2002: Canadian lumber dispute revisited, another test for missile defense, and a new arms treaty?



• March 13, 2002: Increased fuel economy faces strong opposition, House passes immigration amnesty bill, and Orthodox Jewish organizations support therapeutic cloning.



• March 12, 2002: Bush to promote volunteerism, Brazil's president chastises the U.S. on tariffs, and the Army may close its peacekeeping office.



• March 11, 2002: New York reflects six months after terrorist attack, Mideast allies warn against attacking Iraq, and the effects of term limiting begin to be felt by GOP.



• March 8, 2002: Bush sends envoy to Middle East, Florida restores "three strikes" law, Microsoft case slowly coming to an end.



• March 7, 2002: A watered-down stimulus bill is ready for a vote, California voters keep term limits, and new FTC-DOJ merger policy slammed.



• March 6, 2002: Bush hikes steel tariffs, Bush continues to outline his welfare plan, and Sen. Hollings proposes Amtrak bailout.



• March 5, 2002: Bush cheerleads for his education plan, commercial pilots are determined to be armed, and ads stir the cloning debate.



• March 4, 2002: Bush mulls steel protection plans, Bush tours for national service, and states consider road cell phone bans.



• March 1, 2002: Bosnia's ten year anniversary, campaign finance restrictions on hold, and the open-ended war on terror.



• February 28, 2002: Enron and social security privatization, the war on terror expands again, and why is Pakistan an ally?



• February 27, 2002: Broadband deregulation bill hits the House floor, 527 fundraising groups resurface, and China restarts arms talks with the U.S.



• February 26, 2002: Bush makes welfare proposal, the Palestinians want U.S. backing of a new peace plan, and judicial nominees still stalled.



• February 25, 2002: Republicans seek to "guarantee" Social Security benefits, bankruptcy reform is still stalled, and the Europeans want to censor Internet speech.



• February 22, 2002: Bush holds up the U.S. as an example for China, Bush thanks Saudi Arabia for its cooperation, and no evidence of harm caused by biotech crops prompts tougher monitoring.



• February 21, 2002: Bush goes to China, campaign finance legal battle looms, and new rules halt gun sales.



• February 20, 2002: The Supreme Court takes on vouchers today, Bush says the U.S. has no intentions to invade North Korea, and airline pilots want to be armed now.



• February 19, 2002: Bush reassures Taiwan on Security commitments, not all New Mexico drug reforms pass, and low power radio stations struggle to broadcast.



• February 15, 2002: Florida to expand its voucher program, the FCC proposes new broadband rules, and a DMV association lobbies for a national ID system.



• February 14, 2002: The House passes campaign finance restrictions, the U.S. opens a second front in the War on Terrorism, and Bush proposes his own emissions plan.



• February 13, 2002: Bush unveils a new drug war strategy, opposition to a national ID card grows, and the EPA hands out $2 billion to nonprofits.



• February 12, 2002: Bush outlines healthcare proposal, Dorgan vows to act on the Cuba travel ban, and the E.U. rebuffs the U.S. on its objection to a digital VAT.



• February 11, 2002: Shays-Meehan picks up steam, Putin warns the U.S. not to attack Iraq, and more U.S. military aid for Colombia?



• February 8, 2002: Russia and India agree on arms deal, Bush wants to eliminate federal "digital divide" programs, and Bush meets Sharon and discusses Arafat.



• February 7, 2002: Amtrak plan is too little, too late, Hastert gets tough on campaign finance, and tough sentencing policies rolled back.



• February 6, 2002: Daschle shelves stimulus bill, the Senate reaches a compromise on faith-based initiatives, and Rep. Burton presses the White House on mob papers.



• February 5, 2002: Bush campaigns for his proposed military budget increase, Argentina's new president forces his economic plan, and a candlelight vigil held for Amadou Diallo.



• February 4, 2002: Bush unveils his budget today, the White House plans to step up the drug war in Colombia, and legislation threatens the Internet.



• February 1, 2002: Idaho governor vetoes term limit repeal, Bush daughter bust raises questions about drug laws in Florida, and NASA accepts commercial space tourists.



• January 31, 2002: "Axis of Evil" remarks under attack, Argentines choose dollars, and trusted-traveler program moves ahead.



• January 30, 2002: Bush makes 39 proposals in his 48-minute State of the Union address, he urges Americans to volunteer, and offends many in the Philippines.



• January 29, 2002: Saudi prince OK with the U.S., Daschle says we still need a stimulus, and Bush makes his second State of the Union address tonight.



• January 28, 2002: Afghan leaders seeks continued aid, the Bush budget increases spending, and New York prepares for the World Economic Forum.



• January 25, 2002: Rumsfeld defends the defense budget, more guns means less crime even in the classroom, and a market-based approach to conservation?



• January 24, 2002: Enron opens up the campaign finance debate, little action on Iraq despite White House rhetoric, and Sen. Feinstein claims terrorists shop at gun shows.



• January 23, 2002: Sen. Kerry's "Old Thinking" on energy, Netscape sues Microsoft, and the CBO slashes its surplus forecasts.



• January 22, 2002: Kerry to propose Democratic energy plan, the Enron debacle boosts calls for campaign finance restrictions, and new poll shows Americans still wary of national IDs.



• January 18, 2002: Saudis hint at a U.S. departure from its territory, American's still don't completely trust government, and the French justice minister says its time to consider Marijuana decriminalization.



• January 17, 2002: Kennedy wants to roll back tax cuts, the IRS to restart "audits from hell," and a New Jersey town wants to confiscate a farmer's land to preserve it.



• January 16, 2002: Levin pooh-poohs Bush missile plan, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia try to salvage their friendship, and the Justice Department goes ahead with clean air suits.



• January 15, 2002: Bush says trade is a "jobs issue," police avoid jail in profiling case, and army relaxes wetlands rules.



• January 14, 2002: U.S. forces are operating with the Philippine military, Biden calls for Afghan aid, and states seek federal help for linked IDs.



• January 11, 2002: The U.S. and Mexico resume immigration talks, an Ohio judge strikes down a ban on concealed carry, and the Amtrak Reform Council reports today.



• January 10, 2002: Warhead reductions use "fuzzy math," the German interior minister asks DOJ for help on Nazi Web sites, and the FAA considers arming pilots.



• January 9, 2002: The Supreme Court limits the ADA, a Texas airport will roll out face-scanning systems, and the U.S. is growing closer to India.



• January 8, 2002: Bush signs education bill, the White House seeks evidence of insurance industry woes, and top regulators recommend relaxation of clean air rules.



• January 7, 2002: Partisan budget and tax battle looms in Washington, the Pentagon wants a big budget increase, and the Postal Service hikes stamp rates early.