Chinese State Council Yang Jiechi is on a two-day visit to South Korea.
He visited the South Korean president earlier this Friday afternoon... as the Chinese president's
special envoy.
We go live to our Moon Connyoung at the presidential Blue House.
Connyoung, bring us up to speed on that meeting.
Well, Daniel... we do not yet have the details of what exactly was discussed at that meeting...
but we do expect China's State Councilor to have briefed South Korean President Moon Jae-in
on the North Korea, China bilateral summit that took place earlier this week... as well
as on other Seoul, Beijing bilateral relations.
The meeting between the president and Yang Jiechi came to an end about twenty minutes
ago... lasting over two hours.
We know that State Council Yang Jiechi's dinner meeting with South Korea's presidential national
security adviser Chung Eui-yong lasted well over three hours last night.. where China's
top diplomat briefed Chung the outcome from the Kim Jong-un, Xi Jinping summit and discussed
South Korea, China ties and follow-up measures to the Seoul,
Beijing leaders' summit that took place in December last year.
As for the surprise North Korea, China summit...
China's top diplomat is expected to have conveyed North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un's proposal
to Chinese President Xi Jinping... of "phased, synchronized" moves toward denuclearization.
Now, experts say this could conflict with Washington's expectation of a denuclearized
North... as that's the same approach the North insisted on in past negotiations with Washington.
The past agreements, however, all fell through... as Washington and Pyongyang accused each other
of reneging on those phased measures.
Kim Jong-un's call for step-by-step denuclearization appears to preclude the kind of rapid dismantlement
that the administrations in South Korea and the U.S. have called for.
Is there any activity on the summit preparation front?
South Korea's interagency preparation committee for the 2018 South, North Korea Summit met
for their third meeting at the presidential Blue House.
The meeting, although, closed from the media, reportedly focused on the results from the
high-level inter-Korean talks the day before and discussed preparation work for the April
4th working-level talks on protocol, security, staffing and press coverage of the 2018 summit.
Now, questions were raised here by the Blue House press pool that the joint statement
released by the two Koreas after Thursday's high-level talks failed to specify the agenda
for the April 27th summit between the leaders of the two Koreas.
To that, a senior Blue House official said... the fact that the North Korean side did not
raise any issue with the South's proposal for the three agenda topics for denuclearization...
namely, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, establishment of permanent peace on the Korean
Peninsula, and bold progress in inter-Korean relations... is in and of itself significant
progress.
For more infomation >> China's State Councilor briefs S. Korean president on N. Korea-China Summit - Duration: 3:00.-------------------------------------------
Chinese State Councilor meets and dines with Seoul's top security advisor - Duration: 2:33.
China's special envoy has been updating South Korean officials on what was discussed between
the leaders of China and North Korea when they met in Beijing this week.
Yang Jiechi, who arrived in Seoul on Thursday, will brief President Moon Jae-in later today.
Our Cheongwadae correspondent Hwang Hojun reports.
The visit by the Chinese State Councilor shows Beijing does not intend to be left out of
the loop in the ever-changing inter-Korean relationship.
Yang Jiechi, a key Chinese diplomat and a member of the Politburo, met Thursday afternoon
with South Korea's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong.
According to initial pool reports, South Korea's top security advisor expressed satisfaction
at the surprise bilateral summit between the leaders of China and North Korea.
"The Beijing-Pyongyang summit was significant.
It reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as
well to as the upcoming inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea summits."
Chung also recalled his own visit to Beijing earlier this month as President Moon's special
envoy,... when President Xi said China and South Korea are on the same page when it comes
to critical issues concerning the Peninsula and expressed support for Seoul's policy of
establish lasting peace in the region.
Yang, in return, said the recent exchanges between Beijing and Pyongyang would only benefit
the upcoming summit.
We think Kim Jong-un's recent surprise visit to Bejing and his meeting with President Xi
Jinping will help the April summit between the two Koreas accomplish even more."
Amid the quickly changing situation, Yang stressed that both China and South Korea must
continue to closely communicate with each other and seek to develop their bilateral
relationship in accordance with the agreement reached by Presidents Moon and Xi.
Last December the two leaders agreed that war on the Peninsula would be unacceptable.
They also made a firm commitment to the Peninsula's denuclearization,... to work toward a peaceful
resolution of the North Korean issue through dialogue and negotiation,... and they agreed
on the benefits of improving inter-Korean relations to resolve such issues.
The meeting between Yang Jiechi and Chung Eui-yong turned into a dinner hosted by Chung
shortly after they wrapped up their talks.
Friday afternoon, Yang will pay a visit to President Moon Jae-in.
Meanwhile, regarding the fixed date of the much anticipated Seoul-Pyongyang summit in
April, the Blue House spokesperson said this afternoon that the South Korean government
will put its utmost efforts into preparing for it, especially now that they have a fixed
date.
He also said that he hopes the April summit will become a turning point in establishing
peace on the Peninsula and called for the public's unified support for a successful
summit.
Hwang Hojun, Arirang News.
-------------------------------------------
BOOM! Trump Admin Announces HUGE Cutbacks to United Nations - Duration: 3:27.
For more infomation >> BOOM! Trump Admin Announces HUGE Cutbacks to United Nations - Duration: 3:27. -------------------------------------------
On the Road Again: LTG Semonite at U.S. Strategic Command - Duration: 4:28.
[Music]
LTG Semonite: Hello, I'm Lieutenant General Todd Semonite, 54th chief of engineers, and we're on the road
again today here at Offutt Air Force Base in the STRATCOM command and control
facility with me is Matt Bird, Matt's a senior program manager here for this
particular facility, Matt this is one of the probably most complicated buildings
that we've ever done tell our Corps team a little bit about what are we building
here in the STRATCOM facility what's the scope, what's the size and how
did we get to where we're at? Bird: Sure, Sir, thank you, right now we are standing
inside the atrium of the U.S. STRATCOM C2F facility that's the command and control facility
we are supporting one of the nine major commands for the
U.S. military, U.S. STRATCOM, their mission is for space and cyber
and also nuclear deterrence they have a workforce of 3,700 people that are
currently working across the street in a 1950s era building, we are replacing it
now with a brand new state-of-the-art facility that is nine hundred and
sixteen thousand square feet this facility will be fully redundant in
mechanical and electrical systems, it is survivable in the event of certain
events and then we meet and exceed all force protection criteria, this facility
can also withstand an EF-5 tornado, right now
this facility is programmed at six hundred and seventeen million dollars, sir
LTG Semonite: And what percent are we now? Bird: We are at ninety eight percent and right now we
have our users actually in the facility putting in furniture and computers
and they occupy about ninety ninety-five percent of this facility
LTG Semonite: So we're almost done, they've got some more work they've got to do to make it a
hundred percent fully mission capable, with me also is Steve Morrissey, Steve you're
the resident engineer, I just spent about three hours walking through the building
it's an amazing facility out here, a lot of very very unique features, great
atrium in here a lot of office space but can you tell
the Corps team a little bit about maybe some of the other unique things about this building?
Morrissey: Sure, Sir, yes we've built a very complex
facility here, one of the unique features of the facility is that the whole
building is surrounded by a PERS wall, a permanent earth retention structure
essentially we have built this building inside of a bathtub so that no ground
water can penetrate into the facility another interesting feature of this
facility is that we have a rather large HEMP shield, HEMP is high-altitude
electronic magnetic pulse to prevent certain systems in STRATCOM from going
down in the event that there's a pulse in the atmosphere, essentially we've
built a three-story building inside of a steel box inside of a foundation
LTG Semonite: And then, Steve, what about some of the things for the people here, I saw a great
cafeteria out there I think there's an auditorium as well, what are some of
those other things that you want to go out of your way to take care of the people from STRATCOM?
Morrissey: Absolutely, Sir, we've built a state-of-the-art cafeteria
where they'll bring in, essentially, set up like a food court area, we're also
supplying an auditorium which they currently don't have in their current
facility so they can gather large groups of people and have the meetings that they need to have
LTG Semonite: And then again, without getting into the details, an awful lot of
classified areas built into the building where they're able to do their mission
out here and so you've got all of those right systems in place to be able
to take care of those classifications, so this is a very very complicated building
I mean just my personal time in the Corps probably one of the most complex
buildings we've ever built and as I walk through and I look at not only
the great systems and the great contractors that are working together
here but it's the team that you guys have, you can't do this by yourself, Steve
we've got great contractors, all the rest of the great people in Omaha, other parts
of the Corps team and we're excited to work with the STRATCOM family to get
this building done, these hard buildings take a while to do but the bottom line
is I think we're all committed to being able to push this across the
finish line so thanks an awful lot, Matt, for the great job you're doing and, Steve,
phenomenal job by you and your team, you know in the Army our army our motto is
Army Strong, here in the Corps our motto is Building Strong, I think what I've
seen today and what you guys represent to me is that Omaha District is
finishing strong and that's what it's all about here
Offutt Air Force Base STRATCOM headquarters finishing strong with Omaha District
-------------------------------------------
North Korea THREAT: US senator's stern WARNING US era of appeasement is OVER as WW3 LOOMS - Duration: 2:41.
North Korea THREAT: US senator's stern WARNING US era of appeasement is OVER as WW3 LOOMS
NORTH KOREA is facing increasingly tough rhetoric from the United States, with one US senator
warning that under Donald Trump the era of appeasement of Kim Jong-un's regime is over.
North Korea has given Donald Trump their attention, as the President abandons the US appeasement
mentality of the last 30 years, said US Senator.
Lindsey Graham, the senator for South Carolina, said he was "excited about what could happen",
in an interview on Fox News.
He said: "For the last 30 years we've had kind of an appeasement mentality to North
Korea.
"The President has told the North Korean regime that I don't want a war but I will
stop you from building an ICBM with a nuclear weapon on top that could hit the American
homeland.
"If I have to go to war to stop you I will.
In 2017, North Korea held a number of missile tests to check its nuclear capability, and
by the end of year the rogue state said it had weapons capable of reaching the US.
However since January 2018, the North Korean leader has changed his tune and said he's
willing to denuclearise under certain decisions and agreed to meet with the US President.
Graham said: "I think Trump has got their attention, he's convinced China that he's
serious and he's got them to the table - no one else has been able to do it.
North Korea's despotic leader visited Beijing on Sunday, in Kim Jong-un's first foreign
trip since becoming leader in 2011.
He arrived in China in a bullet-proof train known as the 'Kim Jong-un Express', which
was heavily-fortified and packed with bodyguards.
Graham is certain that Donald Trump is the reason for Mr Kim's visit to the Chinese
capital.
Graham said: "Jimmy Carter is upset with Bolton but we've tried it the Jimmy Carter
way for about 30 years.
"Let's try it the Donald Trump/John Bolton way - I'm very excited about what could
happen."
Mr Kim is set to meet President Trump in May.
-------------------------------------------
Poland Signs $4.75B Deal to Buy US Patriot Missiles - Duration: 0:59.
For more infomation >> Poland Signs $4.75B Deal to Buy US Patriot Missiles - Duration: 0:59. -------------------------------------------
Top California County Declares Open Rebellion To The State's Sanctuary Laws - Duration: 2:55.
For more infomation >> Top California County Declares Open Rebellion To The State's Sanctuary Laws - Duration: 2:55. -------------------------------------------
Residents of US Territory American Samoa Sue for Citizenship - Duration: 1:02.
For more infomation >> Residents of US Territory American Samoa Sue for Citizenship - Duration: 1:02. -------------------------------------------
Sara Carter Drops New Evidence Tying the Deep State Plot Against Trump DIRECTLY to Obama's WH - Duration: 8:11.
For more infomation >> Sara Carter Drops New Evidence Tying the Deep State Plot Against Trump DIRECTLY to Obama's WH - Duration: 8:11. -------------------------------------------
Moscow expels U.S. diplomats, shuts consulate in tit-for-tat move - Duration: 2:11.
Now for a look at stories making headlines around the world and we start in Russia.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is booting out dozens of American diplomats
in the wake of Washington's decision to expel a bunch of Russian diplomats over the poisoning
of a former Russian spy in England.
For more on this and other international news we turn to our Ro Aram…
Aram.... fill us in on what Lavrov had to say....
Well Semin….
Lavrov says Russia is expelling 60 U.S. diplomats and officials in retaliation for identical
U.S. measures announced earlier this week.
They have one week to leave and the U.S. consulate in St Petersburg will also be shut in retaliation
for the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle.
"U.S. ambassador Mr. (Jon) Huntsman has been invited to our ministry, where my deputy Mr.
(Sergei) Ryabkov briefs him on our response to the US.
These measures include the expulsion of the same number of diplomats.
And this includes our decision to withdraw the licence for the U.S. consulate in St.
Petersburg"
Lavrov has blamed Washington for leading the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats in the
West, and said Moscow will enforce similar measures on countries that joined it.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the Russian move was unjustified.
"I want to remind you that there is no justification for the Russian response.
Our actions were motivated purely by the attack on the United Kingdom…..
So we are reading this.
We are reviewing it and we'll respond accordingly."
More than two dozen nations have joined the UK in pointing the finger at Moscow for the
nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury earlier this month.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement and Lavrov again described the actions against
his country as provocative.
He added Russia is also seeking a meeting with the leaders of the Organisation for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to discuss the case.
Meanwhile, doctors treating Sergei Skripal's daughter Yulia say she is recovering quickly.
She is known to be conscious and speaking, but her father remains in critical condition.
-------------------------------------------
Husband Of State Sen. Stan Rosenberg Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges - Duration: 1:00.
For more infomation >> Husband Of State Sen. Stan Rosenberg Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges - Duration: 1:00. -------------------------------------------
Top California County Declares Open Rebellion To The State's Sanctuary Laws - Duration: 2:54.
For more infomation >> Top California County Declares Open Rebellion To The State's Sanctuary Laws - Duration: 2:54. -------------------------------------------
SEEING IS BELIEVING! State Passes Bill Allowing Women To See Their Baby Before Abortion - Duration: 6:01.
For more infomation >> SEEING IS BELIEVING! State Passes Bill Allowing Women To See Their Baby Before Abortion - Duration: 6:01. -------------------------------------------
SEEING IS BELIEVING! State Passes Bill Allowing Women To See Their Baby Before Abortion - Duration: 5:54.
SEEING IS BELIEVING!
State Passes Bill Allowing Women To See Their Baby Before Abortion
In 1973 Roe v Wade legalized abortion in the United States, and since then there have been
about 60 million abortions performed in our country alone.
While that number appears to be bleak, there have been some massive wins on the side of
the pro-life movement in stemming the tide of abortions being performed.
The pro-life movement has been instrumental in advocating for the unborn and educating
women on their rights which has resulted in a steady decline of abortions performed in
America and around the world.
Though while there is a steady decline in abortions being conducted, there is still
much more work to do in protecting those most vulnerable in the womb.
Recently, state representatives across the country have been busy introducing new legislation
that would deter on-demand abortions, and that is just the beginning of protecting innocent
life in our country.
Now, one state is going one step further in protecting the unborn by passing a bill that
would ensure women see their ultrasound before having an abortion, which has the pro-choice
movement up in arms.
Earlier this week, the pro-life movement scored a significant win in the state of Minnesota
when the state Senate passed a bill that would ensure women seeking an abortion the right
to view their ultrasound before the controversial procedure.
The bill, S.F. 2849 (H.F. 3194), that was authored by Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake)
simply added a paragraph to an already existing Women's Right to Know consent law on the
books.
The paragraph added reads:
"If, at any time prior to the performance of an abortion, a female undergoes an
ultrasound examination, or a physician determines that ultrasound imaging will be used
during the course of a patient's abortion, the physician or the physician's agent shall
orally inform the patient of the opportunity to view or decline to view an active ultrasound
image of the unborn child.Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), the state's oldest
and largest pro-life organization was thrilled with the introduction of this wording introduced
earlier this month, stating that it was a women's right to see to be well-informed
before the procedure.
"Women have a right to be well-informed before undergoing any medical procedure, including
abortion," said MCCL Legislative Director Andrea Rau.
"Ultrasound provides factual, medical information that should not be withheld from women."Pro-life
legislation ensuring women's right to view their ultrasound was approved by the Minnesota
Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy committee Tuesday.
The informed consent measure has the strong support of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for
Life (MCCL).
S.F. 2849 (H.F. 3194), authored by Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake, would simply allow women
to view their ultrasound prior to an abortion, if an ultrasound is performed.
The legislation would require the physician or person performing the procedure to offer
the woman the opportunity to view her ultrasound as it is being done.
The mainstream measure has earned bipartisan support in both chambers.
Even though most abortion facilities perform ultrasound prior to an abortion to determine
the development and location of the unborn child and the appropriate abortion method,
they typically do not offer women the chance to see the ultrasound.
S.F. 2849 would provide women access to factual medical information prior to an abortion.
"While not all women regret their decision to have an abortion, some do," MCCL Legislative
Director Andrea Rau told committee members.
"This legislation is meant to ensure that women have more comprehensive information
in order to ensure they make the best decision for them."
The bill would add a paragraph to the state's existing Woman's Right to Know informed
consent law.
Two post-abortive women submitted written testimony stating they were denied the right
to see their ultrasounds performed at abortion facilities, and that they would not have undergone
abortion had they been allowed to view their ultrasounds."
Of course, Planned Parenthood is none too pleased with this legislation stating that
it sets a dangerous precedent by legislating the conversation between a doctor and their
patient.
According to Planned Parenthood, patients already have a right to see their ultrasound
and that this bill would impose "specific requirements for medical procedures because
these requirements interfere with the doctor-patient relationship."
If patients already have the right to view their ultrasound, what is the issue then?
The problem Planned Parenthood seems to be having is that they most likely were not adhering
or asking women if they wanted to view these images before performing an abortion.
Patients consenting to any procedure including the termination of their offspring should
be 100% informed of what they are doing so there is no confusion on the matter.
However, Planned Parenthood preys on those that are not well-informed so that they can
continue destroying lives in the name of choice while padding their pockets.
Hopefully, that will continue to change with more states in the union adopting similar
bills to protect the unborn in their mother's womb.
-------------------------------------------
Chinese State Councilor meets and dines with Seoul's top security advisor, exchanges views ... - Duration: 2:43.
Now as we speak, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Yang Jiechi and President Moon's
top security adviser Chung Eui-yong are meeting here in Seoul.
Yang is on a two-day trip to South Korea to brief local officials on the outcome of the
recent Beijing-Pyongyang talks.
For more we now connect live to our Blue House correspondent Hwang Hojun who's on the phone
for us.
Hojun, what can you tell us.
Daniel as you said the meeting is still going on as we speak.
The meeting between Yang Jiechi, a key Chinese diplomat and member of the Politburo,... and
South Korea's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong began a couple of hours ago,... and
it will turn into a dinner hosted by Chung as soon as they wrap up their talks.
According to initial pool reports, Chung said that the summit between Chinese President
Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was a great opportunity to reaffirm the Pyongyang's
commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as well as the upcoming inter-Korean
and U.S.-North Korea summits.
Chung recalled the time when he visited Beijing as President Moon's special envoy earlier
this month, when President Xi said China and South Korea are on the same page when it comes
to critical issues concerning the Peninsula, and reaffirmed his support of Seoul's policy
to establish lasting peace in the region.
Yang, in return, said that Kim Jong-un's recent surprise visit to Bejing and the bilateral
talks with the Chinese President would be beneficial to the upcoming April summit between
the two Koreas.
Amid the dynamic changes happening in the region, Yang stressed that both China and
South Korea must continue to closely communicate with each other and seek to develop their
bilateral relationship in accordance with the agreement made between Presidents Moon
and Xi.
Last December the two leaders agreed upon the unacceptability of war on the Peninsula,...
a firm commitment to the Peninsula's denuclearization,... a peaceful resolution of the North Korean
issue through dialogue and negotiation,... and the benefits of improving inter-Korean
relations to resolve such issues.
It sounds as though China is definitely trying to make its mark and stay in the loop in the
ever-changing situation.
Hojun, you also mentioned about how a date has been confirmed for when the inter-Korean
talks will happen.
What does the Blue House have to say about that?
Well, as the news is still hot out of the oven, there wasn't any official press briefing
from the Presidential Office about the decision.
But, the Blue House spokesperson told the reporters this afternoon that the Korean government
will certainly put its utmost effort into preparing for the summit between Seoul and
Pyongyang, especially now that they have a fixed date.
He also said that he wishes the April summit will become a groundbreaking turning point
in establishing peace on the Peninsula and called for the public's unified support for
a successful summit.
Daniel.
-------------------------------------------
Task force aims to tackle state's crime problem - Duration: 2:26.
For more infomation >> Task force aims to tackle state's crime problem - Duration: 2:26. -------------------------------------------
US shouldn't be providing services for illegal immigrants: Rep. Davidson - Duration: 3:07.
For more infomation >> US shouldn't be providing services for illegal immigrants: Rep. Davidson - Duration: 3:07. -------------------------------------------
Introducing the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, Peter Vrooman - Duration: 2:06.
[PETER VROOMAN] Ndabaramukije!
Ndaje mu Rwanda.
Nitwa Petero Vrooman.
Ndi Ambasaderi mushya w'Amerika mu Rwanda.
[Text: U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda Peter Vrooman]
Nubakanye na Johnette tukaba dufite abana babiri, umukobwa n'umuhungu.
Bazaza muri iyi mpeshyi.
[JOHNETTE] Nitwa Johnette.
Narakoze muri Peace Corps muri Kameruni.
Ubu ndi umufotografe: nkunda gufotora kandi nkunda kumenya imicho myinshi!
[PETER] Abanyarwanda baribaza "ngo ninde Petero?
Amez'ate?
Akund'iki?"
Reka mbibwire:
Nkomoka i New York, nkaba narabaye umudipolomate muri l'ONI, ndetse no mu bihugu byinshi,
birimo: Etiyopiya, Somaliya, Djibouti, Ubuhindi, Iraki, Isirayeli na Libani.
Mvugaicyongereza, igifaransa, icyarabu, n'ikinyarwanda gikeya!
[JOHNETTE] Nanjye!
[PETER] The United States is a strong partner of Rwanda.
I see opportunities to deepen our cooperation and create jobs for youth in both of our countries.
I am especially keen on expanding access and inclusion for disabled persons and promoting
the advancement of women and girls.
My family and I look forward to getting to know you and your beautiful country.
Kubera Urwanda ari "Igihugu cy'imisozi igihumbi," sitwe tuzabona twurira imisozi
myinshi ishoboka, kumaguru cyangwa kw'igare.
Ndumva nzagerageza "Tour du Rwanda," sibyo se?
What else must my family and I try?
Send your suggestions to our Facebook page,
and we will do our best to explore all that Rwanda has to offer.
Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter so we can stay in touch.
[PETER AND JOHNETTE] N'ahubutaha.
[Text: Connect with us: RW.USEMBASSY.GOV FACEBOOK.COM/KIGALI.USEMBASSY @USAMBRWANDA]
[TEXT: Select Media © AP Images Produced by the U.S. Department of State]
-------------------------------------------
US-South Korea trade deal is historic: Peter Navarro - Duration: 7:20.
For more infomation >> US-South Korea trade deal is historic: Peter Navarro - Duration: 7:20. -------------------------------------------
US voting machines are failing. Here's why. - Duration: 4:35.
This voting machine is called a WINvote.
It was used in American elections
between 2004 and 2014.
In 2017, it took hackers just a few hours to play
Rick Astley on one of these at a cybersecurity conference.
Although the WINvote was out of use by then, the stunt pointed to a real problem:
In most of the US, voting machines are over a decade old.
In 2016 voters in these
counties were using machines bought in 2008 or even earlier.
At that time this was
America's most popular cell phone.
Fast-forward to 2018 and the greatest
threat to these machines probably isn't hacking.
They're not even connected to
the internet, so remote large-scale meddling would be almost impossible.
The biggest problem is that they're so old, some of them may not be working right.
For over a decade there have been reports of apparent vote-flipping,
machine errors, and hardware breaking down across the country, but even though
this happens every election very few machines have been replaced.
And to understand why so many machines are failing now,
you have to look back at the
2000 election between George Bush and Al Gore.
And the lead story at this hour is the State of Florida is too close to call.
A nation waits.
Election officials decided to count all of the ballots by hand.
Punch hole is called a
"chad", pierced but still attached.
Hanging chad and whether it's an allowable vote.
What ballots count and what ballots don't count?
A hanging chad is the
partially torn piece of paper left on a ballot that isn't fully punched out.
When the 2000 election went to a recount Florida officials had to figure out
whether hanging chads represented a vote or not.
Clearly punched their ballot
correctly and there's a hanging Chad in the back it may read one time as no vote
and then the second time as a vote.
After the recount, frustrated officials started
replacing their old machines with new electronic ones.
Typically, state and
local officials would pay for this on their own, but after the 2000 election
fiasco the federal government passed the help America Vote Act,
which provided several billion dollars to pay for new equipment.
Congress has
made a vital contribution to the democratic process.
Now it's my honor to
sign into law the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
The electronic machines got rid
of hanging chads, but they also introduced new problems.
Officials without security training sometimes chose weak passwords.
The software
requires regular security updates and some machines don't have paper backups
that can be used to audit voting.
A recent report on election security says
that conducting elections with paper-based voting systems is one of the
most important steps states can take to improve election security.
The Help America Vote Act was the first time the federal government provided funding for
voting equipment.
Now that money is running out and many machines are failing.
Without federal funding some states like New Mexico and Rhode Island
have provided money for new machines, but in other states like New Jersey,
officials continue to work with aging equipment.
And there's a problem with
relying on local funding.
It can give an unfair advantage to larger counties.
In Texas for example, two neighboring counties have different budgets for
their voting systems.
Travis County is home to about a million people.
In 2017
their election administration budget was close to two million dollars.
Next door,
rural Blanco County budgeted only 46 thousand.
The problem with this is that state and local officials are expected to pay for
new equipment on their own, but that's rarely a priority in the budgets they're given.
On the other hand, the federal government has a much larger budget.
For now, Congress has approved $380 million dollars to improve
the country's election infrastructure.
Whether that money will be used to
replace all of America's aging voting machines remains to be seen.
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