Bush likely to sign bill with billions for Fort Bliss
By Chris Roberts / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 01/24/2008 12:00:00 AM MST
A bill with congressional guidelines for spending $696 billion on the nation's defense -- including projects at Fort Bliss -- hit President Bush's desk Wednesday, and he is expected to sign it.
"I was proud to back legislation that will make our armed forces stronger and our nation more secure," said Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas.
The president vetoed an earlier version of the bill that allowed U.S. citizens and some government employees to file lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from abuses committed during Saddam Hussein's presidency. Iraqi government representatives protested that plaintiffs, including former U.S. prisoners of war, might sue for part of a reported $25 billion held in U.S. banks for Iraq's reconstruction.
A new version of the bill, passed by the Senate on Tuesday and the House last week, gives the president "waiver authority." To invoke the waiver, the president must show it is in the interest of national security, notify Congress and encourage the Iraqi government to "compensate meritorious claims."
The authorized spending includes more than $14 million for projects at Fort Bliss; $3.4 billion for the Army's Future Combat Systems, which are being tested and evaluated at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range; $2.2 billion for a 3.5 percent pay raise, retroactive to Jan. 1; money to upgrade Patriot missile technology and billions more for health care and other needs of the military.
"Our servicemen and women risk their lives for our nation, and they deserve the best equipment on the ground and the best medical care when they come home," Reyes said in a written statement.
The bill authorizes the purchase of more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, or MRAPs, up-armored Humvees and body armor. It calls for more money to be spent on efforts to counter the improvised explosive devices -- most commonly encountered as roadside bombs -- responsible for most U.S. troop deaths. Also in the bill is authorization to buy sorely needed equipment for Army National Guard and Army Reserve units.
Chris Roberts may be reached at chrisr@elpasotimes.com; 546-6136.
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Friday, January 25, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
8 Reasons for Optimism
This is from the Realtor Magazine newest issue:
Don't let the headlines about foreclosure rates, sub prime lending woes, and inventory gluts cloud your thinking about real estate. Instead consider these silver linings from sales associate Michael J. Maher, ABR, of Realty Executives in Kansas City, Kan. He points out that the changing market offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Here are a few:
1. Falling prices enable more first-time buyers to find affordable homes.
2. Fewer sales people mean less competition.
3. Builders and developers realize they need us again.
4. Sellers are willing to pay more, so there's less downward pressure on commissions.
5. Great opportunities exist for investors and for investing for yourself.
6. New niche opportunities present themselves in the areas of foreclosure and short sales.
7. FSBOs and expired listings present even more opportunities.
8. Consumers realize they need professionals who are committed and knowledgeable. They are less likely to list with someone just because he or she is a friend or relative.
Don't let the headlines about foreclosure rates, sub prime lending woes, and inventory gluts cloud your thinking about real estate. Instead consider these silver linings from sales associate Michael J. Maher, ABR, of Realty Executives in Kansas City, Kan. He points out that the changing market offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Here are a few:
1. Falling prices enable more first-time buyers to find affordable homes.
2. Fewer sales people mean less competition.
3. Builders and developers realize they need us again.
4. Sellers are willing to pay more, so there's less downward pressure on commissions.
5. Great opportunities exist for investors and for investing for yourself.
6. New niche opportunities present themselves in the areas of foreclosure and short sales.
7. FSBOs and expired listings present even more opportunities.
8. Consumers realize they need professionals who are committed and knowledgeable. They are less likely to list with someone just because he or she is a friend or relative.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Happy New Year
Well, we are ready to start 2008 as a banner year and hopefully to see home prices go up in the El Paso real estate market and marketing time to go down. At our last multiple listing board meeting the stats were that home prices were up in most areas about 7-9% but time on the market was up from 60 days to a little over 100 days.
List price to sales price ratio was still at 97% (if they are listed correctly in the first place).
Dan was installed as President of the Greater Association of Realtors in November and is up and running with that new position.
Dan also has a Speaker's Training Camp designed to help you to learn to speak without fear and to captivate your audiences. His next class will be Jan 29 and 30th here in El Paso. Click on this link to his website about where you can find out all about his class and even pay with Pay Pal.
I took this class last month and I feel that I have improved my speaking abilities 100% and learned many new techniguqes that will help me in my real esate career too.
List price to sales price ratio was still at 97% (if they are listed correctly in the first place).
Dan was installed as President of the Greater Association of Realtors in November and is up and running with that new position.
Dan also has a Speaker's Training Camp designed to help you to learn to speak without fear and to captivate your audiences. His next class will be Jan 29 and 30th here in El Paso. Click on this link to his website about where you can find out all about his class and even pay with Pay Pal.
I took this class last month and I feel that I have improved my speaking abilities 100% and learned many new techniguqes that will help me in my real esate career too.
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