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Remember the teacher-writer in most Amitabh Bachchan movies? Usually killed by goons. Now YOU CAN change the narrative! That honest, insightful, dedicated one, contests the elections and wins!Social activist Sarah Joseph, popularly known as Sarah Teacher, is an award winning novelist and short story writer. She was the harbinger of feminist movement in Kerala and the founder of ‘Manushi – organisation of thinking women’, the first of its kind. She is the AAP candidate from Thrissur, Kerala.She believes that AAP is the party of the future and has opened a new path, the potential of which should be fully used.Pioneer of the prestigious National Law School in Bangalore is AAP candidate from Bangalore North... A track record of delivery, institution building and fighting for justice, & labour reforms....Name- Prof. Babu MathewConstituency- Bangalore NorthEducation- BSc, LLB,LLM, M.Phil from National Law School of India, Bangalore, gold medallistAge- 64Occupation- Former Law ProfessorFormer Professor of LawChair, Juvenile Justice, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India,Former Registrar of National Law School of India University, BangaloreBabu Mathew was one of the pioneers of NLSIU, the premier Law School of India. This professor of law quit his job at National Law University in New Delhi recently to work for AamAadmi Party fulltime. He is a Nehru Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library and a noted philanthropist – he is the former Country Director of ActionAid India. He has been the Vice President of the Trade Union International affiliated to the World Federation of Trade Unions. Babu has contributed immensely to Labour Law reforms, Child Rights, Human Rights, Legal Reforms and in protecting the rights of working people and provided his expertise as a subject expert to several international universities. He has also been a negotiator to settle several disputes under the Industrial Disputes Act 1947...Babu Mathew is committed to provide his expertise to citizens of Bangalore to reclaim their city, make it safe and address (and solve India’s third largest city’s) civic, social, developmental and human rights related issues.For the first time in many years, someone has had the courage to confront and put up a strong challenge against Gandhis in their strong hold. That is Dr. Kumar Vishwas, AAP Amethi candidate who is taking the fight against dynasty politics head-on. While other parties raise up the issue of Congress's dynasty politics which has eroded our democracy, but no leader of other major parties challenges Congress dynasts directly.Shefali Misra, human rights activist and development specialist, a former UN employee, who has studied at Delhi University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and London School of Economics, is the AAP candidate from Sitapur, UP.Shefali believes that planning with people is the first step towards empowerment.Born as a bonded labour slave, married at 14, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, Tiliya Devi is the candidate for Lok Sabha by Aam Aadmi Party from Jhajharpur, Bihar in 2014.The extra-ordinary story of a courageous Dalit worker, who the Nobel Peace committee could spot, but not India's mainstream parties. It took an AAP. These people have EXPERIENCE, TRACK RECORD, plus HEART, CARE HONESTY & COURAGE.Read her extra-ordinary story here - PeaceWomen Across the GlobeAlok Agrawal, AAP Candidate from Khandwa, MP is an IITK Alumnus, Chief activist working since 25 years for Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) in Khandwa.From 1990 to 2000, Alok along with the people of Nimar plains has mobilized numerous peaceful protests against the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam. Due to stiff resistance from Narmada Bachao Andolan led by MedhaPatkar and Alok Agarwal against the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam, World Bank undertook an independent review of the project plan. The review concluded the project to be falling short of World Bank policies and guidelines of Government of India. Subsequently, in 1994 World Bank's participation was cancelled by the Government of India.In 2002, Alok along with Narmada Bachao Andolan team was instrumental in procuring a compensation of ₹ 10 crore for the families displaced by the Maandam project. In 2005, Alok and his team won a High Court ruling against the state government which prevented the latter from using the police force and bulldozers in the Indira Sagar Dam area for the displacement of people. The Court ruling also granted a compensation amounting to ₹ 11 crore for the displaced people.Alok initiated Jal Satyagraha, a novel form of peaceful resistance where protesters stand in water, to demand proper compensation and rehabilitation of the families displaced by the Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar dam. These protests bore fruit when the Supreme Court of India, in the year 2011-12, ruled in favor of the displaced people and ordered the government to give "land for land".and the list goes on........................... :))Here are the lists in detailFIRST LISTAshutosh – AAP Candidate, Chandni ChowkOne of the best known faces of the Hindi News Television Ashutosh was deeply influenced by agitation for Janlokpal under Anna Hazare’s leadership. While extensively covering the agitation Ashutosh wrote a book “Anna: 13 days that awakened India”. He’s the only non English TV journalist to get prestigious UN scholarship. Ashutosh will take on Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who represents Chandni Chowk in Lok Sabha.Mukul Tripathi – AAP Candidate, FarrukhabadMukul Tripathi is a specially-abled activist and journalist from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He’s been fighting for the cause of physically impaired people. He’s been awarded with “Shreshth Viklang Karmi Award” in 2009. Mukul will take on Union Minister Salman Khurshid.Baba Hardev Singh – AAP Candidate, MainpuriBaba Hardev Singh retired from Indian Administrative Service IAS. He was one of the most popular and upright civil servants of Uttar Pradesh. He was also President of UP PCS Officers Association. Baba Hardev Singh will take on Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh.Subhash Ware - AAP Candidate PuneSubhash Ware, a member of the AAP National Executive is one of the most respected names amongst activists and intellectuals in the State. Former Maharshtra president of the Chatrrs Bharati movement, he has been an active participant in numerous agitations both as a student leader and as a member of the Rashtriya Seva Dal. A staunch supporter of the India Against Corruption movement, Subhash believes that public representatives must focus attention on transforming the manner in which public policies are frames and delivered in this nation. Subhash Ware will take on CWG scam accused Suresh Kalmadi in Pune.Dr. Kumar Vishwas, AAP Candidate, AmethiHe is a well-known poet. He has recited his poetry both in India and abroad. Through his poetry he is known as one of the most popular poets of the country. Kumar Vishwas is very popular amongst the youth. He makes some bold and scathing remarks on the social issue through the medium of his poetry. He is associated with the Janlokpal movement right from the very beginning. Dr. Vishwas will take on Gandhi family scion Rahul Gandhi.Anjali Damania - AAP Candidate, NagpurConvenor of AAP Maharashtra, Anjali blew the lid off the 70000 crore perpetrated by the NCP led Irrigation Ministry. She then exposed the complicity Nitin Gadkari, RSS strongman and BJP party president with other parties and their business interests. 45 year old Patholgist, Anjali born and brought up in Mumbai, married and has two children. She is confident that the poster boys of corruption will see their downfall in Maharashtra. This Maharshtrian 'mulgi ' has toured the state extensively in the past year, drawing huge crowds at rallies in every district and it is her efforts that AAP has become a household name in the state. Anjali will take on former BJP President Nitin GadkariSoumendra Dhaka – AAP Candidate, BaghpatA masters in law, will contest from Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh.. His livelihood comes from Law practice and agriculture. He is working for AAP from December 2012. He is involved in resolving the social issues and believes he can be the voice of the people from his constituency. He is inspired by the idea of Swaraj and wishes to make it a reality. Soumendra will take on RLD supremo Ajit Singh.Jarnail Singh- AAP Candidate, West DelhiJarnail Singh is a tireless crusader for the rights of the 1984 anti-sikh riot victims. He was a journalist before joining the movement to get justice for the riot victims. Jarnail will take on Congress MP Mahabal Mishra.Dr. Jiyalal – AAP Candidate, LalganjSr Prinicipal Scientist, 1984 Bhopal men remaining gas men controlling, was rewarded, Maharashtra Sarkar. Mharashtra Sarkar diya tha. 1989 men South Pole par gaye the. Antartic award was there for six month. World Confence for Global warming 71. Unicellular plantsYogendra Yadav – AAP Candidate, Gurgaon.He is a well-known social scientist and Political analyst of the country. He is the Senior Fellow of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. Yogendra Yadav is also associated with many National and International forums. For rolling out law for Right to Education, Yogendra Yadav was made a member of National Advisory Council in the year 2010. Yogendra Yadav will take on Congress MP Rao Inderjeet Singh, who’s contesting on a BJP ticket this time.Mayank Gandhi – Aap Candidate Mumbai North WestMayank has been the founder of the India Against Corruption movement and the leader of AAP in Maharashtra. An activist for over 10 years he has regularly confronted local administration on civic issues, an expert on infrastructure issues, he was a member the team that drafted the Nagar Raj Bill and has also contributed in large measure to the formation of the RTI Act. A member of the National Executive of the Aam Aadmi Party, Mayank is spearheading the Lok Sabha campaign in the State and is proving to be a veritable crowd puller, with his gentle demeanour and profound insights on life and on the lack of conviction in public representation. Mayank Gandhi will take on Congress MP Gurudas Kamat.Medha Patkar – AAP Candidate, Mumbai North EastMedha Patkar is a name that needs no introduction, a social activist who has led the struggle for the people affected by the controversial Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River in Gujarat, India. She founded the Narmada Bachoao Andolan and National Alliance of People's Movements and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Goldman Environmental Prize, Amnesty International's Human Rights Defender's Award and the BBC's Green Ribbon Page on award.an advocate of human rights, Patkar founded her campaigns on two basic tenets in the Indian constitution: the rights to life and to livelihoodMeera Sanyal – AAP Candidate Mumbai SouthWith a distinguished career that ranges from investment banking and micro finance, Meera recently quit her assignment as CEO and Chairperson with the Royal Bank of Scotland to join politics and work towards the best practices and policies that India should adopt to alleviate many of it's problems and challenges. She has formerly worked with ABN Amro, Lazards and Grindlays and in each of her stints, she found herself engaging actively with community programmes. Her work with children and disadvantaged communities she says, has given her valuable insights into lapses in policy and she is hopeful her experience in banking and finance will find expression as a solution provider for the nation. Meera will take on Union Minister Milind Deora.Habung Payeng – AAP candidate, West ArunachalHe is an information commissioner in Arunachal Pradesh and a member of the National Executive of AAP will contest from Arunachal West constituency. He is counted as one of the most strict and adept information officers in the country. Before becoming the Information Commissioner Habung Pyang was actively contributing to social work.Vijay Pandhare – AAP Candidate, NashikAn engineer, former bureaucrat and member of the state level technical advisory committee on irrigation, who has raised several pertinent questions about irregularities in the use of public funds in this sector, Vijay Pandhare has repeatedly locked horns with the establishment over the lack of transparency in modalities, in a career spanning 32 years defined by the highest standards of integrity in public service.In 2013, Vijay blew the lid off an irrigation scam in Maharashtra that is estimated to be about 70,000 crore rupees if not more, leading to the resignation of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar who had held the irrigation portfolio for a decade. His revelations focussed attention on the norms flouted in the grant and administrative approvals of thousands of crores for irrigation projects, the poor quality of delivery by contractors, inflated budgets and irregularities in purchase of materials. Spiritual, his early influences include Sant Tukaram and Dyaneshwar and he hopes to rekindle commitment and integrity in public systems.Alok Agarwal – AAP Candidate, KhandwaA veteran activist of the “Narmada Bachao Andolan” (1990-2014) will contest from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. He completed B.Tech from IIT Kanpur. His dream is to provide empower the common man so that no political party may be able to exploit them anymore. He is inspired by the idea of Swaraj. His active involvement in the Narmada Bachao Andolan has helped him realize the struggles of the aam aadmi and encouraged him to dedicate himself to serve the nation through active involvement in politics. He believes that the Andolan must go beyond their present definitions and we must work together with other similar forces to bring about a change in the system.Lingraj – AAP Candidate, BargarhFormer National President of the Samajwadi Jan Parishad will contest from Bargarh, Odisha. He has been a socio-political activist since 1996 and worked for alternate politics. He was part of various farmer related activities and people’s movements in the state. In his words, “I am seeing the anti-corruption aggressiveness and the idea of decentralization as a situation full of possibilities for agitation based parties like ours”.H S Phulka – AAP Candidate, LudhianaAn eminent lawyer who has been handling cases pertaining to the 1984 riots and has been fighting for justice for the victims for the last 30 years will contest from Ludhiana, Punjab. He is strongly committed to free, fair and transparent elections and governance. Union Minister and Congress leader Manish Tewari is the sitting MP from the constituency. Mr. Phulka will take on Manish Tewari in Ludhiana.Khalid Parvez – AAP Candidate, MoradabadKhalid Parvez is a social entrepreneur. He’s been active in the field of education. He will take on Congress MP Mohammed Azharuddin.Yogesh Dahiya- AAP Candidate, SaharanpurYogesh Dahiya is a member of the National Executive of the party. He’s been actively involved in farmers’ movement.SECOND LIST1. Rajmohan Gandhi - AAP candidate from East Delhi, DelhiRajmohan Gandhi is an eminent scholar and journalist. Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajgopalachari, Shri Gandhi is a biographer and a research professor at the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA. He is also a Scholar in residence at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar. He was also the convener of the all-party joint committee of both houses addressing the condition of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Parliament.2. Shekhada Atulbhai Govindbhai - AAP candidate from Junagrah, GujaratShekhada Atulbhai Govindbhai is an engineer by training. He is an active Janlokpal campaigner and leader of Farmers' Land Acquisition Andolan in Junagarh. He is a strong proponent of good governance.3. Naveen Jaihind - AAP candidate from Rohtak, HaryanaAn eminent social worker, Naveen led the movement for Right to Information Act in Haryana and campaigned for Swaraj in the state. He has been organising blood donation camps and body organ donation pledge camps. Under the name “Jaihind” he formed an organisation of students on 15th. August 2006. Naveen has been associated with Janlokpal movement right from the beginning.4.Balwinder Kaur - AAP candidate form Kurukshetra, HaryanaShe is a member of Bhartiya Kisan Union. She was lodged in jail for eight days for her struggle for farmers rights. She is also president of Pharunijattan Mahila Mandal.5. Poonam Chand Ratti - AAP candidate form Sirsa, HaryanaShri Ratti retired from fire brigade department in 2013. He's a well known social worker. He worked tirelessly for the cause of pensioners and safai karmcharis.6. Yudhbir singh Khyalia - AAP candidate from Hisar, HaryanaA retired IAS officer, Sh Khyalia, has done his PhD on "Management of safe blood transfusion" and MA in public administration His name was listed in Limca Book of Records, 1998 edition for organizing “Rakt Daan Jaagran Mela". He was also awarded with "Mother Teresa Memorial Award" and was lected President of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion & Immunohaematology (ISBTI), India in the year 2009.He has been actively involved in total sanitation and literacy campaign.7. Jaisingh Thekedar – AAP candidate from Sonipat, HaryanaHe is an advocate by profession and president of BAR association for last two years. He is an active social worker for last 8 years. He was secretary of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. He was sarpanch of kasanda village and president of gaushala. He has been involved in the movement against land acquisition.8. Dr. Rajan Sushant - AAP candidate from Kangra, Himachal PrasadHe is ex MP from kangra. He played an active role in Jaypee Pond Dam rehablitation, farmer and worker movements and has been jailed many times during public movements. He was youngest legislature in 1982. He was elected as MP for four times from Himachal Pradesh.9. Bhawna Bhavesh VasnikBhawna Wasnik is a professor of home economics in Amravati and soon this young mother of two will be an inspiration to women in this country, as she takes on the challenge of contesting against established names in the Shiv Sena bastion. Bhavna has worked towards creating awareness about AIDS and conducted programmes for special children. The cause of the nomadic and much maligned Pardhi tribes is close to her heart and she has been working with social workers in the area to design programmes, that will help them generate income and sustained livelihood.10. Sameena Abdulmajid KhanRaising pertinent questions about the abysmal performance of public representatives is a young lady in black robes, Sameena Khan. A lawyer who represents labour unions and others in the labour and industrial courts of Sangli, Sameena is exposed to many of the crucial issues in the area and articulates them vociferously. Born and brought up in Miraj, Sameera believes the youth of this nation must don the mantle of representation and work towards inclusive growth and development , to oppose the indifference and arrogance of established political scions.11. Maruti Sahebraw BhapkarA lone crusader who has long protested against the inability of the government to provide housing for slum dwellers, Maruti Bhapkar is one of the strongest voices against corruption in Maharashtra. A former independent municipal councillor, Maruti has been a vociferous RTI activist who has raised several pertinent questions on the SEZs in the Ratnagiri and Maval regions and led agitations by people displaced and affected by Lavasa. Maruti Bhapkar is the voice of hope that this nation needs, in an era when the nexus between the politicians and the land mafia threatens the life and livelihood of the rural populace.12. Wamanrao SudaishiraoAll are equal but some are more equal observes Wamanrao. A lawyer and relentless crusader against the inequalities of the system and lack of focus on alleviation of inequities, Wamanrao is in the forefront of grass roots movements in Maharashtra. A former member of the Maharashtra assembly, he has strived for better governance and raised the bar in public representation.13. Lalit BabarA strong and resilient figure espousing the socialist cause in Maharashtra is Lalit Babar. Born to agricultural workers in Sangola village of Sholapur, Lalit has a degree in political science and a diploma in journalism. He was deeply influenced by the JP movement and has worked tirelessly to create water resources in the drought prone areas of Maharashtra. Formerly employed with the State Bank Of India, Lalit has always remained connected with community development initiatives and has presented a paper at the World Social Forum in Brazil. As founding member of a dalit organisation that engages with communities in seven states of India, he has focussed attention on developing livelihood for deprived sections especially women, farmers and youth . His vision seeks an awakening among people, through a developmental process based on the founding principles of equality, liberty and social justice.14. Subahsh LomteThe unorganized sector in India continues to be the most vulnerable, devoid of any social security or benefit . Spearheading the movement for rethink and focus on the issues concerning this sector is Subhas Lomte. An activist based in Aurangabad, Subhash has led organisations that work towards mobilising agricultural workers, hamals ( coolies) ,construction workers and domestic workers against social and economic exploitation. He has agitated relentlessly for minimum wages, insurance and financial support from governments for labour in this sector so that they can access the primary needs of livelihood, education and health and ensure a better environment for future generations. Subhash has been a part of the Marathwada Vikas Andolan, Land to the Tiller movement and Dalit Shishyavrutty Wadh Andolan. He has a post graduate degree in biochemistry and is based in Aurangabad.15. Sanjeev SaneLong associated with veteran socialist leader Bhai Vaidya and the Samajvadi Janparishad , Sanjeev Sane is a popular and respected mass leader of Maharashtra. He has over the years,been a part of and led several agitations against systemic malpractices and indifference of local governance to needs of the disadvantaged. He was an active associate of the Jan Lokpal movement and was among the few who believed that the movement needs to find resonance within the political space if it has to be an agent of change and transform Indian polity.16. Nandu MadhavAn acclaimed theatre and film artiste, Nandu Madhav is known for his well defined views on governance and policy. Nandu recently donned the lead role in 'Harishachandrachi factory', India's official entry to the Osacrs in 2010. In the two decades spent in the Marathi theatre milieu and in his travels across Maharashtra, he has experienced the struggles and helplessness of the populace as they struggled to avail of basic livelihood and opportunities and been fuelled by the desire to contribute to systemic change and improving delivery mechanisms. Nandu is best known for ' Shivaji Underground in Bhimnagar Mohalla ' , a play directed by him and which won commercial and critical acclaim . The play busted many myths and is no less than a revelation of the true spirit and values of Shivaji Maharaj as a leader of every community and segment of society, be it the Dalits, Muslims or Hindus.17. Deelip MhaskeA resident of Kandivali in Mumbai, Dilip lost his home, a 10 x 10 tenement in a slum demolition drive several years ago. Since then, this industrious young man has acquired degrees in law, social work and a doctorate from the USA. Born to parents who farmed in Jalna , Deelip's commitment to developing solutions in healthcare and education for the most disadvantaged strata of society is reflected in his work and engagements with civil society . Nominated for the Mann Award , which recognizes innovations in health and human rights, Deelip has transformed the lives of several communities living in five slum tenements of Mumbai. He has also instrumental in advocating land for 18 lakh landless farmers in Maharashtra under the Swabhiman Yojana in 2005. Deelip hopes to raise a generation of Indians who will be equipped to fight for their rights and usher in systemic change.18. Prashant MishraLong troubled by the state of the nation, Prashant is a software professional who has charted a career in software services and management and is now set to apply his skill sets in public representation. Prashant grew up in Vidharbha, studying in local government schools and later acquired a bachelors degree in electrical engineering in India and a masters in electronics engineering in the USA. He and his spouse manage software businesses, with offices in the USA and Nagpur. Prashant has been closely involved in several endeavours in the social development sector and was a part of the Anna movement.19. Aneeta HindoliyaAnita is a dynamic lady in Ujjain. She has a sound family background. She also runs a pertol pump. She has been fighting for poors and women related issues.20. Kailash AwasyaLocal, well educated aadiwaasi community leader; did an MA, tought in a government school and left his job in a couple of years to get involved in anti displacement movement(Narmada Bachao Aandolan). Very highly regraded in his community. It's a rare find because it has not been easy to find community leaders and candidates from ST seats.21. Capt. Abdul Nasir HanfeeHe is a retd. Vir Chakra Prapt Wing Commander. He is originally from Mhow (Indore). He has good management capabilities22. Paras SaklechaParas is a Ex-MLA (Independent). He has raised maximum questions in MP assembly. He has raised VYAPAM issue and malnutrition issue in MP. Has an extremely clean image.23. Khuman Singh ArmoHe is a retd. DSP belonging to Mandla, Who is willingly working as a farmer. He has been very sympathatic to the plight and concerned of his fellow farmers, tribal children and women. He has traveled extensively in rural Mandla district. He is working towards health and education of the poor and tribals.24. Bhagawat Singh RajputB S Rajput has been associated with Party/IAC since beginning. He has a good network with many veteran politicians of MP. He is politically mature and has been working in Vidisha constituency from very long time.25. Dr. Dharamvira GandhiHe is a famous cardiologist in punjab and much appreciated in rural areas. He has been a student activist and been jailed for opposing emergency. He has been a founder and active member of human and democratic rights bodies, while in government services he developed rural health care model and ensured public participation in running hospitals and health care programmes in rural areas.26. Major Surendra Kumar PuniaThe youngest recipient of the President’s award - Vishist Seva Medal in 2013 and a qualified doctor, he will contest from Sikar constituency in Rajasthan. He was involved in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and had first hand exposure to the happenings in Kashmir. He was inspired by the Jan Lokpal Andolan and retired from the army to dedicate himself to the service of the nation.27. Ashok kumar JainAshok Kumar Jain is AAP Convener in Rajasthan and is a founder member of the party. He is the first person to implement the Right to Recall in India (in a municipal body in Rajasthan)28. Raj KadyanRetired as Lt General (deputy chief of Army staff) from Indian army. Worked for welfare of Ex servicemen. Formed an organization ISEM for ex servicemen. Fought a battle for one rank one pension for ex servicesmen. Stays in Gurgaon.29. Dr. Muzaffar Bhatt:He is an eminent Right to Information activist, who’s been fighting for the rights of the people of J&K.

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DepartmentsInternational Relations Mar 15 2016150 Al-Shabaab fighters killed at Somalia training camp after U.S. air strikeTerrorism Mar 08 2016Senior Al-Shabaab leader Yusuf Ali Ugas killed in Somalia after U.S. air strikeTerrorism Mar 05 2016Senior Al-Shabaab leader Mohamed Mire killed in Somalia after U.S. air strikeTerrorism Mar 05 2016Senior unnamed ISIS operative captured and detained during U.S. led raid in IraqIslamic State (ISIS) Mar 03 2016Moderates winning a majority in Iran's parliament and Assembly of Experts partially attributed to improved diplomacy and landmark nuclear deal with major world powersInternational Relations Feb 29 2016Senior ISIS leader Noureddine Chouchane and over thirty ISIS militants killed in Libya after U.S. airstrikesIslamic State (ISIS) Feb 19 2016American citizens may fly to Cuba for the first time in 50 years after the two countries sign an agreement restoring commercial air travelInternational Relations Feb 16 2016All active duty service members eligible for 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave through new rule by the Department of DefenseMilitary & Defense Jan 28 2016Juveniles in federal prisons can no longer be placed in solitary confinement after executive order by President ObamaPrisons Jan 25 2016Consumers who reduce their electricity use during peak hours receive a discount through new rule by the Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionEnergy Jan 25 2016Four United States citizens imprisoned in Iran released after a prisoner swap between the United States and IranInternational Relations Jan 16 2016Ten Yemeni detainees held at Guantanamo Bay for fourteen years transferred to OmanGuantanamo Bay Jan 14 2016New coal mining leases on public lands halted under new rule by the Department of InteriorFossil Fuels Jan 14 2016Ten Navy sailors detained by Iran after accidentally sailing into their waters freed within 24 hours through diplomatic negotiationsInternational Relations Jan 13 2016ISIS cash depot holding millions of dollars bombed in Mosul, Iraq by U.S. air strikeIslamic State (ISIS) Jan 11 2016Senior ISIS leader Abu Mohammed al-Adnani injured and detained in Iraq after U.S. air strikeIslamic State (ISIS) Jan 07 2016Sentences reduced and adapted for 97 people serving excessive and unfair punishment in federal prison for nonviolent crimesSentencing Dec 18 2015Environmentally hazardous plastic microbeads found in personal care products banned from being manufactured in the U.S.Microbead-Free Waters Act Dec 18 2015Families with three or more children have their taxes reduced $200-$600 through the permanent expansion of the Child Tax CreditBipartisan Budget Act of 2015 Dec 18 2015College students can claim $2,500 towards tuition, fees, and course material on their taxes after the extension of the American Opportunity Tax CreditBipartisan Budget Act of 2015 Dec 18 2015Medical marijuana patients may purchase prescriptions without fear of arrest after DEA prohibited from raiding legal dispensariesBipartisan Budget Act of 2015 Dec 18 2015Solar and wind energy production to double in size through a five year extension of Federal tax creditsBipartisan Budget Act of 2015 Dec 18 2015World community pledges to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees celsiusEnvironment Dec 12 2015Teacher performance evaluations no longer based off student test results after passage of the Every Student Succeeds ActEvery Student Succeeds Act Dec 10 2015Senior Al-Qaida leader Abdirahman Sandhere killed in Lybia by U.S. air strikeAl-Qaeda Dec 07 2015Female soldiers roles expanded to serve in any combat positionWomen's Rights Dec 03 2015Military personnel who handled service dogs in combat zones given first rights of adoption after the dog retires from dutyMilitary & Defense Nov 25 2015Senior ISIS leader Wisam al Zubaidi killed in Libya by U.S. air strikeIslamic State (ISIS) Nov 14 2015Senior ISIS leader Abu Nabil killed in Libya by U.S. air strikeIslamic State (ISIS) Nov 14 2015Senior ISIS leader Mohammed Emwazi (Jihadi John) killed in Syria by U.S. drone strikeIslamic State (ISIS) Nov 13 2015Senior ISIS leader Abu Nabil killed in Libya by U.S. air strikeIslamic State (ISIS) Nov 13 2015Veterans and their families offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in all fifty statesVeterans Benefits Nov 11 2015Final phase of Keystone pipeline rejected because it would not serve the national interest of the United StatesOil & Gas Industry Nov 06 2015Federal job applicants can't be denied employment solely for having a prior convictionLaws & Crime Nov 02 2015Seventy hostages held by ISIS in Iraq rescued after joint operation with Iraqi soldiers and US special forcesIslamic State (ISIS) Oct 22 2015Senior Al-Qaida leader Sanafi al-Nasr killed in Syria by U.S. air strikeAl-Qaeda Oct 18 2015Sentences reduced and adapted for 6,000 people serving excessive and unfair punishment in federal prison for nonviolent crimesSentencing Oct 06 2015First openly gay American nominated to become Secretary of the ArmyMilitary & Defense Sep 18 2015Employees of Federal government contractors must be offered seven days of paid sick leave per yearLabor Sep 07 2015Transgender Americans may not be discriminated against by health insurance companies or medical providersDiscrimination Sep 03 2015Tallest mountain in North America renamed Mount DenaliGovernment Aug 31 2015First openly transgender person hired by White House to work as civilian employeeCivil & Human Rights Aug 18 2015Each state must reduce carbon emissions by set amounts by 2030Global Warming Aug 04 2015Senior Al-Qaida leader Muhsin al-Fadhli killed in Syria by U.S. air strikeTerrorism Jul 21 2015Sexual orientation discrimination against Federal employees ruled illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights ActProfiling Jul 16 2015Six major world powers reach agreement with Iran to curb their nuclear programNuclear Energy Jul 14 2015Sentences commuted for 46 people serving excessive & unfair punishment for nonviolent crimesPardons Jul 13 2015National monuments consist of 260 Million Acres throughout AmericaEnvironment Jul 12 2015United States and Cuba re-open embassies after 54 year diplomatic freezeTreaties & Agreements Jul 2015Government mandated threshold for all hourly workers to qualify for overtime pay increased from $23,660 to $50,440.Jobs Jun 30 2015Senior Al-Qaida leader Nasir al-Wuhayshi killed in Yemen by U.S. drone strikeAl-Qaeda Jun 12 2015Senior Al-Qaida leader Nasr al-Ansi killed in Yemen by a CIA-led U.S. drone strikeAl-Qaeda Apr 21 2015Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Actsigned into lawMedicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act Apr 16 2015New Medicare formula changes the way doctors are reimbursed; rewards doctors when their patients have better health outcomesHealth Care Industry Apr 16 201553 political prisoners in Cuba released as a show of good will in the ongoing restoratiation of diplomatic relationship between the two countriesInternational Relations Dec 17 2014United States restores diplomatic relationship with Cuba after 50 year freezeInternational Relations Dec 17 2014Abortion coverage extended to Peace Corps volunteers who became pregnant because of rape, incest, and life endangermentContinuing Appropriations Act of 2015 Dec 16 2014President Obama issues executive order allowing the parents of children who are U.S. citizens or legal residents to continue residing in the United StatesImmigration Nov 20 2014President Obama pledges $3 Billion to global fund assisting poor countries coping with climate changeGlobal Warming Nov 14 2014China and the United States agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to twenty-five percent by 2030Global Warming Nov 12 2014Senior Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Godane killed in Somalia by U.S. airstrikeTerrorism Sep 05 2014Broad Coalition of Middle-Eastern countries conduct military campaign against ISIS inside of SyriaTerrorism Sep 2014President Obama signs executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminting against LGBT individualsCivil & Human Rights Jul 21 2014United States assumes control of weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium from Japan after the two countries signed an agreement to secure their stockpile to prevent it from theftNuclear Proliferation Mar 24 2014International Trade Data System created to streamline small business Export/Import processBusiness & Economy Feb 19 2014Minimum wage for Federal Contractors raised to $10.10 per hour.Minimum Wage Feb 12 2014Agriculture Act of 2014signed into lawAgriculture Act of 2014 Feb 07 2014Federal Government reopens after 16 day shutdown defeating Republican partisan attempt to cancel health care benefits for millions under ObamacareGovernment Shutdown Oct 17 2013President Obama and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani have first formal communication between the two nations in 35 yearsInternational Relations Sep 27 2013Syria agrees to dismantle chemical weapons stockpile after deal reached between the Obama Administration and RussiaTreaties & Agreements Sep 14 2013Defense of Marriage Act ruled unconstitutional by Supreme CourtCivil & Human Rights Jun 26 2013American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012signed into lawAmerican Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 Jan 02 2013Blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng relocates to the United State after diplomatic agreement between China and the Obama administrationInternational Relations May 19 2012President Obama becomes first sitting president to publicly support marriage equalityCivil & Human Rights May 09 2012Senior Al-Qaida commander Fahd al-Quso killed in Yemen by a CIA-led U.S. drone strikeAl-Qaeda May 06 2012Members of Congress and certain government employees prohibited from using non-public information for personal profitSTOCK Act Apr 04 2012Federal unemployment benefits programs extended an additional 13 to 20 weeksMiddle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act Feb 22 2012Cuts in Medicare physician payment rates averted with extension of existing rates through 2012Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act Feb 22 2012Employee social security payroll tax reduction from 6.2% to 4.2 % extended through 2012Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act Feb 22 2012Self-employed social security payroll tax reduction from 12.4% to 10.4 % extended through 2012Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act Feb 22 2012U.S. drone attack in Yemen killed 12-15 militants, including at least four Al-Qaeda leadersAl-Qaeda Jan 30 2012Senior Al-Qaeda figure Aslam Awan killed in U.S. drone strikeAl-Qaeda Jan 2012War in Iraq ended with last American troops crossing border into Kuwait2003 Iraq War Dec 17 2011US government international campaign initiated to build respect for the human rights of LGBT persons worldwideDiscrimination Dec 06 2011$700 million annual funding for child protection, child abuse prevention, family support and adoption promotion through 2016Child and Family Services Improvement Act Sep 30 2011Senior Al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki killed in Yemen by a CIA-led U.S. drone strikeAl-Qaeda Sep 30 2011Entrepreneurs and businesses benefited by reduced average wait time for patent approvals from 3 years to 1 year.America Invents Act Sep 16 2011Patent litigation costs reduced through tightened patent standards, quality and processes to expedite challenges.America Invents Act Sep 16 2011Al-Qaeda's operations chief for Pakistan Abu Hafs al Shahri reported killed in U.S. Predator strikeAl-Qaeda Sep 11 2011U.S./Pakistani joint arrest of suspected Chief Al-Qaeda Younis al-Mauritani in QuettaAl-Qaeda Sep 06 2011Al-Qaeda No. 2 Atiyah Abd al-Rahman Killed in Pakistan by CIA predator drone strikeAl-Qaeda Aug 22 2011East Africa's Al-Qaeda senior leader Harun Fazul killed at security checkpoint in SomaliaAl-Qaeda Jun 07 2011Al-Qaeda Commander Ilyas Kashmiri Killed in U.S. Predator StrikeAl-Qaeda Jun 03 20116 senior Al-Qaeda figures killed in U.S. Air StrikeAl-Qaeda Jun 2011US Forces Kill Osama Bin Laden in PakistanAl-Qaeda May 02 2011Defense of Marriage Act declared unconstitutional and no longer defended in federal courts by the Obama AdministrationFeb 23 2011Number of US and Russian nuclear warheads deployed reduced by two-thirds by 2017New START Treaty Feb 05 2011Number of US and Russian strategic nuclear missile launchers reduced in half by 2017New START Treaty Feb 05 2011Small family farms selling locally exempted from federal regulations such as traceability and record keepingFood Safety Modernization Act Jan 04 2011Safety of imported food improved with new FSVP & VQIP programs that helps ensure it is safe, unadulterated and not misbrandedFood Safety Modernization Act Jan 04 2011Safety of U.S. grown food improved with requirements for large factory farms to register all food handlers and maintain records relating to food safetyFood Safety Modernization Act Jan 04 2011US sponsored measure to include “sexual orientation” in the definition of human rights adopted by the UN General Assembly, 122- 0.Discrimination Dec 22 2010Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the militaryDon't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Dec 22 2010$193 million saved over five years by eliminating recruiting and retraining costs of replacing soldiers discharged due to DADTDon't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Dec 22 2010$186 billion in tax relief for all tax payers by extending the Bush income tax cuts for 2010 & 20112010 Tax & Jobs Compromise Dec 17 2010$136 billion in tax relief for 21 million middle class households through patch to the Alternative Minimum Tax for 2010 & 20112010 Tax & Jobs Compromise Dec 17 2010$111 billion in tax relief for workers by a reducing social security payroll tax from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011.2010 Tax & Jobs Compromise Dec 17 2010Unemployment benefits extended for 13 months at a cost of $56 billion2010 Tax & Jobs Compromise Dec 17 2010$40 billion in tax credits for college students and lower income families with children2010 Tax & Jobs Compromise Dec 17 2010Number of eligible children enrolled in school meal programs increased by approximately 115,000 studentsHealthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act Dec 13 2010Schools and communities provided resources to utilize local farms and gardens to provide fresh produce for school food programs.Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act Dec 13 2010$1.5 billion awarded to some 75,000 black farmers who were victims of discrimination in applying for farm loans from 1983 to 1997Claims Resolution Act Dec 08 2010$3.4 billion settlement for Native Americans against the US government arising from incorrect accounting for royalties on mineral leasesClaims Resolution Act Dec 08 2010Veteran work-study programs expanded to include congressional offices, state agencies and institutions of higher learningVeterans' Benefit Act Oct 14 2010On-the-job training opportunities expanded for veterans by reimbursing energy sector employers for training costs.Veterans' Benefit Act Oct 14 2010Insurance policy amounts and terms enhanced for severely disabled veteransVeterans' Benefit Act Oct 14 2010Service members receiving relocation orders protected from early termination fees for certain contracts and residential leasesVeterans' Benefit Act Oct 14 2010$10 million in job training, counseling, placement services, and child care services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with childrenVeterans' Benefit Act Oct 14 2010Disabled veterans provided improved independent assisted living services, automobile adaptive equipment and allowances for automobile purchaseVeterans' Benefit Act Oct 14 2010$30 billion lending program created for community banks with incentives to increase small business lendingSmall Business Jobs Act Sep 27 2010$12 billion in assistance for small businesses through eight separate tax cutsSmall Business Jobs Act Sep 27 2010Large disparity in jail sentences reduced for crack cocaine related offenses that disproportionately affected African AmericansFair Sentencing Act Aug 03 2010Long-term economic stability improved through new FDIC powers to liquidate failing financial firms such as insurance companies and non-bank financial companiesWall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010Borrowers protected from bad loans with rules and penalties requiring that lenders verify that they are able to repay the loans that they issueWall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010Financial Stability Oversight Council established to identify and monitor excessive risks to the U.S. financial systemWall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010Future economic downturns minimized with new rules and transparency regarding bank trading in credit default swaps and derivatives including the "Volker Rule"Wall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010Risk in the financial system reduced with new SEC Office of Credit Ratings (OCR) to monitor credit rating agencies for conflict of interests & inaccuraciesWall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010FDIC bank deposit insurance increased from $100,000 to $250,000Wall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010Transparency of Federal Reserve improved with additional government oversight and new audits to be performed by the GAOWall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010Consumer Financial Protection Bureau established to promote fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and other consumer financial productsWall Street Reform Act Jul 22 2010U.S. drone attack killed 7 known terrorists, most notable Al-Qaeda operative from Egypt Hawza al JawfiAl-Qaeda Jun 29 2010Federal benefits extended to same sex partners of workers through memorandum by Obama administrationCivil & Human Rights Jun 02 2010Transgender Americans able to list their gender identity on their passports under rule issued by the State DepartmentCivil & Human Rights Jun 01 2010Al-Qaeda’s number three commander Sheik Saeed al-Masri killed in U.S. drone attackAl-Qaeda May 21 2010Family caregivers of veterans granted eligibility to VA counseling and mental health servicesCaregivers & Veterans Health Services Act May 05 2010Health care services improved and expanded for women veterans at Veterans care facilitiesCaregivers & Veterans Health Services Act May 05 2010Counseling and care enhanced for military women victims of sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Caregivers & Veterans Health Services Act May 05 2010Care options expanded for veterans living in rural areas that lack the necessary VA medical facilitiesCaregivers & Veterans Health Services Act May 05 2010Housing and care options expanded for homeless veterans living in care sheltersCaregivers & Veterans Health Services Act May 05 2010Joint American and Iraqi operation killed Al-Qaeda leaders Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Omar al-BaghdadiAl-Qaeda Apr 18 2010$68 billion to expand Pell grants & make it easier for students to repay outstanding loans after graduation through savings in the federal student loan programStudent Aid Act Mar 30 2010$2 billion investment to laid off workers for education and career training programs in community colleges over four years starting in 2010Student Aid Act Mar 30 2010People denied coverage for a pre-existing condition given access to a temporary high risk health insurance planObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Children under 19 can no longer be denied coverage or benefits for a pre-existing conditionObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Young adults can stay on parent's insurance plan up until age 26Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010$250 rebate for those in the Medicare Prescription drug "donut hole" during 2010Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 201050% discount on prescription drug costs for seniors in the Medicare "donut hole" starting in 2011Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Health care insurance plans prohibited from putting a lifetime limit on the benefits you receiveObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Annual dollar limits on health benefits restricted and phased out by 2014Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Insurers selling to groups of 50 or more employees must spend 85% of premiums on medical care and quality improvementObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Consumers guaranteed the right to choose the primary care doctor or pediatrician from their health plan’s provider networkObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010HIV Testing Will Now Be Covered Under ObamacareObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Consumers are guaranteed the right to appeal decisions made by their health insurance providerObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Women are no longer charged higher premiums because of their genderObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Preventative services will be covered at no additional costObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Insurance companies must provide consumers a short, easy to understand summary of their benefits and coverageObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Health insurance companies can not charge higher premiums for out of network emergency room careObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010People with a pre-existing condition cannot be denied health coverge by an insurance company starting in 2014Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010$143 billion in deficit reduction estimated between 2010-2019 from health care reform law provisionsObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Mental health and drug addiction coverage is an "essential benefit" that can not be deniedObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Insurance companies must spend 80% of the money raised from consumers premiums on health care and quality improvementObamacare (Affordable Care Act) Mar 23 2010Social Security payroll tax credits in 2010 for employers that hired people who have been unemployed for 60+ daysHire Act Mar 18 2010Tax credits to employers who keep new hires for 52 weeks to encourage retention of new hiresHire Act Mar 18 2010$17.5 billion in tax cuts, business credits and subsidies for state and local construction bonds to stimulate business investment and hiringHire Act Mar 18 2010$20 billion to the highway trust fund for spending on highway and transit programs.Hire Act Mar 18 2010Encourages job creation by expanding investments in schools and clean energy projectsHire Act Mar 18 2010Offsets costs through a 30 percent withholding tax on income from certain U.S. financial assets held by foreign banks who have not agreed to disclosures.Hire Act Mar 18 2010Al-Qaeda operative Hussein al-Yemeni killed by U.S. drone attack in PakistanAl-Qaeda Mar 2010Al-Qaeda and Taliban-linked Fedayeen-i-Islam leader Qari Zafar killed in US airstrikeAl-Qaeda Feb 24 2010Militant commander Muhammad Haqqani killed by U.S. drone attacksTerrorism Feb 2010Discrimination based on gender identity banned in federal workplacesDiscrimination Jan 01 2010Liquidation of General Motors and Chrysler avoided through government mandated restructuring plans and conditional investment and loan programsManufacturing Industry 2009115,000 jobs created at General Motors and Chrysler since government financing and restructuring implementedJobs 20091.45 million American jobs saved overall by government financing and restructuring of GM and Chrysler to avoid liquidationJobs 2009$96 billion in personal income losses avoided by government financing and restructuring of GM and Chrysler to avoid liquidationLabor 2009$28.6 billion net public benefit in income taxes and social security taxes paid because liquidation of GM and Chrysler avoidedTaxes 2009Al-Qaeda Operational Commander Abdallah Sa’id killed in U.S. drone attackAl-Qaeda Dec 17 2009Al-Qaeda Operational Commander Saleh al-Somali killed in U.S. drone attackAl-Qaeda Dec 08 2009People with HIV/AIDS no longer prohibited from entering the United StatesDiscrimination Oct 30 2009Federal hate crime law expanded to include crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability.Matthew Shepard Act Oct 28 2009Existing hate crime laws strengthened with funding to investigate and prosecute those crimesMatthew Shepard Act Oct 28 2009Operation Celestial Balance: Navy Seals Kill Somalian Al-Qaeda leader Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan in raidAl-Qaeda Sep 14 2009Somalian Al-Qaeda leader Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan killed by U.S. raidAl-Qaeda Sep 14 2009White House voluntary disclosure of visitor logsSep 04 2009Co-founder of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Tohir Yo‘ldosh killed by U.S. drone attacksTerrorism Aug 29 2009U.S. drone attack killed Tehrik e-Taliban Pakistan leader Baitullah Mahsud in PakistanPakistani Taliban Aug 05 2009First-ever reception at the White House honoring Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered, Bisexual Pride Month hosted by the President and First ladyDiscrimination Jun 29 2009Sonya Sotomayor nominated and approved as Supreme Court justiceMay 25 2009Dept of Defense systems analysis, engineering and developmental testing processes overhauled to reduce high rates of failure on defense acquisitionsWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Defense Dept ordered to evaluate the technological maturity and product knowledge of critical weapons' technologies before letting defense contractsWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Independent cost assesessment director initiated to ensure that cost estimates for major Defense contracts are fair, reliable, and unbiasedWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Defense oversight council required to seek input from combat commanders in evaluating proposed weapons system capabilities and needsWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Defense contractors prohibited from participating in both the systems engineering and the development /construction phases of the weapon systemsWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Oversight and audit required of those major defense programs experiencing cost overruns to determine if the programs are essential and cost-effectiveWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Funding provided to hire and retain highly skilled specialists to assess the cost, schedule and applicability of proposed Defense Dept weapons systemsWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Annual awards program established to recognize individuals and teams making significant contributions to improving efficiency of defense aquisition programsWeapons Systems Acquisition Reform May 22 2009Credit cardholders protected against arbitrary interest rate increases, hidden and excessive fees, and due date gimmicksCredit Card Act May 22 2009Homeowners' foreclosures avoided by improved terms for loan modification and restructuring of their debtHelping Families Save Their Homes May 20 2009Lenders incentivized to reduce foreclosures by loss mitigation guarantees, compensation and lender protection from lawsuits by investors holding the loansHelping Families Save Their Homes May 20 2009$2.2 billion appropriated to help communities address the homeless crisis.Helping Families Save Their Homes May 20 2009Financial Crisis Inquiry commission created to examine and report on the domestic and global causes of the 2008 - 2009 financial and economic crisisFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009Mortgage lending businesses added to list of financial institutions subject to Federal criminal law in fraudulent lending practicesFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009Crime of major fraud against the United States amended to include Federal grants made to stimulate economic recovery for fiscal years 2009 and 2010Fraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009Securities fraud definition amended to include fraud related to commodities futures and derivatives fraudFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$140 million in special funding for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate fraud in financial institutionsFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$100 million in special funding for the offices of the United States Attorneys to investigate and prosecute fraud in financial institutionsFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$80 million in special funding to the criminal, civil and tax divisions of the Dept of Justice to investigate and prosecute fraud in financial institutionsFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$60 million in special funding for the Postal Inspection Service to investigate financial institutions for fraudFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$60 million in special funding for Inspector General's Office at the U S Dept of Housing and Urban Development to investigate financial institutions for fraudFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$40 million in special funding for the Secret Service to investigate financial institutions for fraudFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009$42 million in special funding for the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate securites fraud in financial institutionsFraud Enforcement Act May 20 2009250,000 volunteers by 2017 for community service programs in low income neighborhoodsServe America Act Apr 21 2009Community volunteer program expanded to address the education, health care, energy and veterans needs of low income communitiesServe America Act Apr 21 2009Disadvantaged youth job opportunites enhanced by community service to gain skills/experience and earn education grants and stipendsServe America Act Apr 21 2009Restrictions eased on Cuba travel, money transfers, and cellular telephone/satellite service.International Relations Apr 13 2009Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips rescued during operation in which U.S. Navy Seal snipers kill three Somali Pirates holding him for ransom aboard lifeboatSomali Civil War Apr 11 2009Deeper recession or depression averted in 2009 and beyond with the help of stimulus bill provisions2009 Stimulus Bill Apr 01 2009Approximately 2.7 million jobs added to US payrolls and unemployment rate kept 1½ percentage points lower due to Stimulus spending2009 Stimulus Bill Apr 01 20092010 real GDP increased by about 3.4% due to stimulus spending2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 2009Tax credit of $400 per worker ($800 per couple) for middle income workers for 2009 & 2010 totaling $116 billion2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 2009$82.2 billion in aid for low income workers, unemployed and retirees (including job training)2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 2009$70 billion in tax relief for middle class workers by patching the Alternative Minimum Tax for one year2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 2009$155 billion in health care assistance for the poor & unemployed primarily for Medicaid, health information technology and insurance premium subsidies2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 2009$100 billion in education aid to prevent lay-offs, modernize schools, award Pell grants and help low income children & special education programs2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 2009$48.1 billion in investments for highway, bridge, high-speed rail & other transportation projects2009 Stimulus Bill Feb 17 20094 million more children insured under SCHIP in addition to the 6.6 million already coveredChildren's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Feb 04 2009Statute of limitations on filing equal-pay lawsuits eased by setting period to start from the date of the most recent paycheck.Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Jan 29 2009Pay discrimination based on gender, race, color, national origin, age and disability prohibited.Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Jan 29 2009Employers prompted to review, develop and update their criteria on employee compensation to ensure they are applied consistently and uniformly.Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Jan 29 2009Use of torture by CIA and military to interrogate prisoners prohibited.Torture Jan 21 2009

You have got the whole story Ulta PultaIt was not an arranged marriage like most of our Indian marriages. It was a love marriage. Rajiv Gandhi was a free bird, not concerned with politics. His mother and brother we're into politics. Rajiv was simple man and an Indian Airlines Pilot.In those days the national carrier had two branches. The one for domestic service was called the Indian Airlines and the one for foreign travel was called Air India.Though our man was an Indian Airlines Pilot, he had met her in a restaurant in Cambridge where she was a part time waitress. The Modi crittics should note this point. They fell in love.So the marriage was conducted in Hindu style for public Consumption. Here I give a brief biography of her. Please note that her father was a facist. A simple fact Pappu has forgotten and is calling BJP party as a party of facists as facists.Sonia Gandhi.Sonia Gandhi ( pronunciation ; born 9 December 1946) is an Indian politician of Italian descent. A member of the Nehru–Gandhi family, she is a former president of the Indian National Congress. Having taken over as the party leader in 1998, seven years after her husband's assassination, she remained in office for a record nineteen years, a period that was characterised by the party's renewed adherence to the centre-left position on the Indian political spectrum.[a]Sonia GandhiMPPresident of the Indian National CongressIn office14 March 1998 – 16 December 2017Preceded bySitaram KesriSucceeded byRahul GandhiChairperson of the National Advisory CouncilIn office29 March 2010 – 25 May 2014In office4 June 2004 – 23 March 2006Chairperson of the United Progressive AllianceIncumbentAssumed office16 May 2004Leader of the OppositionIn office19 March 1998 – 22 May 2004Preceded bySharad PawarSucceeded byL. K. AdvaniMember of the Indian Parliamentfor Rae BareliIncumbentAssumed office17 May 2004Preceded bySatish SharmaMember of the Indian Parliamentfor AmethiIn office10 October 1999 – 17 May 2004Preceded bySanjay SinghSucceeded byRahul GandhiPersonal detailsBornSonia Maino9 December 1946 (age 71)Lusiana, Veneto, ItalyCitizenshipItaly (1946–1983)India (1983–present)Political partyIndian National CongressSpouse(s)Rajiv Gandhi (m. 1968; d. 1991)RelationsSee Nehru–Gandhi familyChildrenRahul• PriyankaResidence10 Janpath, New DelhiAlma materBorn in a small village near Vicenza, Italy, Gandhi was raised in a Roman CatholicChristian family. After completing her primary education at local schools, she moved to Cambridge for higher education and married Rajiv Gandhi in 1968. She later took up Indian citizenship and began living with her mother-in-law, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, at the latter's New Delhi residence. Sonia Gandhi, however, continued to stay away from the public sphere, even during the years of her husband's premiership.Following her husband's assassination, Gandhi was invited by Congress leaders to take over the government, but she refused and stayed away from politics. She finally agreed to join politics in 1997 after constant prodding from the party; the following year, she was nominated for party president, and elected over Jitendra Prasada.[b] Under her leadership, the Congress went on form the government post the 2004 elections in coalition with other centre-left political parties. Gandhi has since been credited for being instrumental in formulating the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which was re-elected to power in 2009. Gandhi declined the premiership following the 2004 victory; she instead led the ruling alliance and the National Advisory Council.[c]Gandhi's active participation in politics began to reduce in latter half of the second term of the UPA government. Although she is the fifth foreign-born person to be leader of the Congress Party, she is the first since independence in 1947.[12] Over the course of her career, Gandhi presided over the advisory councils credited for the formation and subsequent implementation of such rights-based development and welfare schemes as the Right to information, Food security bill, and MNREGA, as she drew criticism related to the Bofors scandal and the National Herald Case. Her foreign birth has also been a subject of much debate and controversy.[d]Although she never held any public office in the government of India, Gandhi has been widely described as one of the most powerful politicians in the country, and is often listed among the most powerful women in the world.[e]Early lifeSonia Gandhi's birthplace, 31, Contrada Maini (Maini street), Lusiana, Italy (the house on the right)Sonia Maino[20] was born on December 9, 1946 to Stefano and Paola Maino in Lusiana, a historically Cimbrian-speaking village 30 km from Vicenza in Veneto, Italy.[21][22][23] Sonia spent her adolescence in Orbassano, a town near Turin, and was raised in a traditional Roman Catholic Christian family. She attained primary education attending the local Catholic schools; Sister Maria, one of her early teachers described her as "a diligent little girl, [who] studied as much as was necessary".[20]Stefano, who was a building mason established a small construction business in Orbassano.[24] He had fought against the Soviet military alongside Hitler's Wehrmachton the eastern front in World War II, was a loyal supporter of Benito Mussolini and Italy's National Fascist Party. The family house had leather bound books on writings and speeches of Mussolini.[24] Stefano had named Sonia and her elder sister Nadia in the memory of the Italian participation in the Eastern Front.[20] He died in 1983.[25] Gandhi has two sisters who still reside in Orbassano along with their mother.[26]Gandhi completed her schooling at the age of 13; her final report card read: "intelligent, diligent, committed [...] would succeed well at the high school for teachers". She aspired to become a flight attendant.[20] In 1964, she went to study English at the Bell Educational Trust's language school in the city of Cambridge. The following year, she met Rajiv Gandhi at the Varsity Restaurant, where she was working as a part-time waitress, while he was enrolled for an engineering degree in the Trinity College at the University of Cambridge.[27] In this context, the Times, London reported, "Mrs Gandhi was an 18-year-old student at a small language college in Cambridge in 1965, [...] when she met a handsome young engineering student".[28] The couple married in 1968, in a Hindu ceremony, following which she moved into the house of her mother-in-law and then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.[29][30]The couple had two children, Rahul Gandhi(born 1970) and Priyanka Vadra (born 1972). Despite belonging to the influential Nehru family, Sonia and Rajiv avoided all involvement in politics. Rajiv worked as an airline pilot while Sonia took care of her family. She spent considerable amount of time with her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi; she recalled her experience in a 1985 interview with the Hindi-language magazine Dharmyug, "She [Indira] showered me with all her affection and love".[31] Soon after the latter's ousting from office in 1977 in the aftermath of the Indian Emergency, the Rajiv family contemplated to move abroad for a short time.[32] When Rajiv entered politics in 1982 after the death of his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi in a plane crash on 23 June 1980, Sonia continued to focus on her family and avoided all contact with the public.[33]Political careerWife of the prime ministerPresident Ronald Reagan, Sonia Gandhi, First Lady Nancy Reagan and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, during a state dinner for Prime Minister Gandhi. June 1985.Sonia Gandhi's involvement with Indian public life began after the assassination of her mother-in-law and her husband's election as prime minister. As the prime minister's wife she acted as his official hostess and also accompanied him on a number of state visits.[34]In 1984, she actively campaigned against her husband's sister-in-law Maneka Gandhi who was running against Rajiv in Amethi. At the end of Rajiv Gandhi's five years in office, the Bofors scandal broke out. Ottavio Quattrocchi, an Italian business man believed to be involved, was said to be a friend of Sonia Gandhi, having access to the Prime Minister's official residence.[35] The BJP has alleged that she appeared on the voters' list in New Delhi prior to obtaining Indian citizenship in April 1983, in contravention of Indian law.[36][37]Former senior Congress leader and former President of India Pranab Mukherjee said that she surrendered her Italian passport to the Italian Embassy on 27 April 1983.[citation needed]Italian nationality law did not permit dual nationality until 1992. So, by acquiring Indian citizenship in 1983, she would automatically have lost Italian citizenship.[38]Congress PresidentSonia Gandhi as Leader of Opposition, meeting with the President of RussiaVladimir Putin during latter's State visit to India in October 2000.After Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991and Sonia Gandhi refused[citation needed] to become Prime Minister, the party settled on the choice of P. V. Narasimha Rao who became leader and subsequently Prime Minister. Over the next few years, however, the Congress fortunes continued to dwindle and it lost the 1996 elections. Several senior leaders such as Madhavrao Sindhia, Rajesh Pilot, Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Arjun Singh, Mamata Banerjee, G. K. Moopanar, P. Chidambaramand Jayanthi Natarajan were in open revolt against incumbent President Sitaram Kesriand many of whom quit the party, splitting the Congress into many factions.[39]In an effort to revive the party's sagging fortunes, she joined the Congress Party as a primary member in the Calcutta Plenary Session in 1997 and became party leader in 1998.[7][40]In May 1999, three senior leaders of the party (Sharad Pawar, P. A. Sangma, and Tariq Anwar) challenged her right to try to become India's Prime Minister because of her foreign origins. In response, she offered to resign[citation needed] as party leader, resulting in an outpouring of support and the expulsion from the party of the three rebels who went on to form the Nationalist Congress Party.[41]Within 62 days of joining as a primary member, she was offered the party President post which she accepted.[42]She contested Lok Sabha elections from Bellary, Karnataka and Amethi, Uttar Pradesh in 1999. She won both seats but chose to represent Amethi.[43] In Bellary, she had defeated veteran BJP leader, Sushma Swaraj.[44]Leader of the OppositionShe was elected the Leader of the Oppositionof the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999.[45]When the BJP-led NDA formed a government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she took the office of the Leader of Opposition. As Leader of Opposition, she called a no-confidence motion against the NDA government led by Vajpayee in 2003.[46]2004 elections and aftermathIn the 2004 general elections, Gandhi launched a nationwide campaign, criss-crossing the country on the Aam Aadmi(ordinary man) slogan in contrast to the 'India Shining' slogan of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance. She countered the BJP asking "Who is India Shining for?". In the election, she was re-elected by a 200,000-vote margin over nearest rival, in the Rae Bareli.[47] Following the unexpected defeat of the NDA, she was widely expected to be the next Prime Minister of India. On 16 May, she was unanimously chosen to lead a 15-party coalition government with the support of the left, which was subsequently named the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).[citation needed]The defeated NDA protested once again her 'foreign origin' and senior NDA leader Sushma Swaraj threatened to shave her head and "sleep on the ground", among other things, should Sonia become prime minister.[15]The NDA claimed that there were legal reasons that barred her from the Prime Minister's post.[48]They pointed, in particular, to Section 5 of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, which they claimed implied 'reciprocity'. This was contested by others[37] and eventually the suits were dismissed by the Supreme Court of India.[49]A few days after the election, Gandhi recommended Manmohan Singh as her choice as prime minister, that the party leaders accepted. Her supporters compared it to the old Indian tradition of renunciation,[50]while her opponents attacked it as a political stunt.[51]UPA ChairpersonSonia Gandhi with 13th President of IndiaPranab Mukherjee on releasing the first day cover of INS Vikramaditya in 2013.On 23 March 2006, Gandhi announced her resignation from the Lok Sabha and also as chairperson of the National Advisory Councilunder the office-of-profit controversy and the speculation that the government was planning to bring an ordinance to exempt the post of chairperson of National Advisory Council from the purview of office of profit.[52] She was re-elected from her constituency Rae Bareli in May 2006 by a margin of over 400,000 votes.[53][54]As chairperson of the National Advisory Committee and the UPA, she played an important role in making the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Right to Information Act into law.[55][56]She addressed the United Nations on 2 October 2007, Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary which is observed as the international day of non-violence after a UN resolution passed on 15 July 2007.[57]Under her leadership, the Congress-led UPA won a decisive majority in the 2009 general elections with Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister.[58] The Congress itself won 206 Lok Sabha seats, which was then the highest total by any party since 1991.[59] She was re-elected to a third term as a member of parliament representing Rae Bareli.[60]In 2013, Gandhi became the first person to serve as Congress President for 15 years consecutively.[61] In the same year, Gandhi condemned the Supreme Court's judgement supporting Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and backed LGBT rights.[62]In the 2014 general election, she held her seat in Rae Bareli.[63] However, the Indian National Congress and the Congress-led UPA electoral alliance suffered their worst result in a general election ever, winning only 44 and 59 seats respectively.[64][65][66]When Rahul Gandhi was expected to take over as Congress president, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury picked Sonia over Rahul, calling her the "glue that binds the opposition"[67] during a interview November 2017 .Rahul Gandhi took over as the 49th Congress president on 16 December, 2017.[68][69]Personal lifeSonia is the widow of Rajiv Gandhi, elder son of Indira Gandhi. Sonia has two children, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.In August 2011, she underwent successful surgery for cervical cancer[70] in the United States at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York.[71] She returned to India on 9 September after her treatment. Speaking on 18 July 2012, about her son taking a larger role in the party, she said that it is for Rahul to decide.[72]Sonia Gandhi was listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50s by the Guardian in March 2013.[73] She follows the style quote "Simple is Stylish" and looks no further than mother-in-law Indira Gandhi's "innate sense of fashion".[74]According to an affidavit filed during the Indian general election, 2014, Sonia had declared assets worth ₹ 92.8 million – ₹28.1 million in movable and ₹ 64.7 million in immovable properties. This is an almost six-fold increase since her declaration in the last election.[75]Honours and recognitionGandhi was seen as the most powerful politician of India from 2004 - 2014,[76] and variously listed among the most powerful people and women listings by magazines.[18][77]In 2013, Sonia Gandhi was ranked 21st among world's most powerful and 9th most powerful woman by Forbes Magazine.[78]In 2007, she had been named the third most powerful woman in the world by the same magazine[79] and was ranked 6th in exclusive list in 2007.[80]In 2010, Gandhi ranked as the ninth most powerful person on the planet by Forbesmagazine.[81][82][83] She was ranked 12 in 2012 in forbes' powerful people list.[84][85][86]Sonia was also named among the Time 100 most influential people in the world for the years 2007[87] and 2008.[88] New Statesmanlisted Sonia Gandhi at number 29 in their annual survey of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures" in the year 2010.[89]YearNameAwarding organisationRef.2008Honorary Doctorate (Literature)University of Madras[90]2006Order of King LeopoldGovernment of Belgium[91]2006Honorary DoctorateBrussels University[91]Books featuring Sonia GandhiSonia Gandhi – An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny (2011), a biography written by Rani Singh.Sonia Gandhi: Tryst with India by Nurul Islam Sarkar.The Red Sari: A Dramatized Biography of Sonia Gandhi (El Sari Rojo) by Javier MoroSonia: A Biography by Rasheed Kidwai[92]The Accidental Prime Minister by Sanjaya Baru, 2014describing Gandhi's advocacy for a center-left position and the party's reaffirmation to the Ideology.[1][2][3][4]^ Sources describing Gandhi's initial reluctance and eventual election. [5][6][7]^ Sources describing Gandhi's leadership of the UPA and declining the premiership.[8][9][10][11]^ Sources discussing the welfare schemes and controversies.[13][14][15][16]^ Sources discussing the listing. [17][18][19]Citations^ "Sonia Gandhi retires as Congress president, to remain active in politics". The Indian Express. 15 December 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2017.^ Chowdhary, Neerja (16 December 2017). "As Sonia Gandhi makes way". The Indian Express. Retrieved 19 December 2017.^ Naqshbandi, Aurangzeb (16 December 2017). "Sonia Gandhi's 19 years as Congress president: From husband Rajiv's death to son Rahul's elevation". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 20 December 2017.^ Chandra, Rina (14 April 2009). "Sonia Gandhi keeps Congress hopes alive in India polls". Reuters. Retrieved 19 December 2017.^ Weinraub, Bernard (24 May 1991). "Assassination In India; Sonia Gandhi Declines Invitation To Assume Husband's Party Post". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 May 2014.^ "Sonia Gandhi re-elected Congress President". Outlook. 25 March 2005. Retrieved 21 November 2017.^ a b "Sonia Gandhi Biography". Elections in India. Retrieved 24 May 2014.^ "Fourth time in a row, Sonia Gandhi is Congress chief". The Times of India. 4 September 2010. Retrieved 25 May2014.^ Robinson, Simon. "India's Most Influential". Time. Retrieved 25 November 2017.^ "Sonia: and yet so far". The Economist. 20 May 2004. Retrieved 25 November2017.^ "Profile: Sonia Gandhi". BBC. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2017.^ "On being foreign and being nationalist". Chennai, India: Frontline Magazine. 22 May – 4 June 1999. Retrieved 2 February 2010.^ Roy, Aruna (15 December 2017). "Movements and governments". The Indian Express. Retrieved 15 December2017.^ "End of the longest regency". Outlook. 4 December 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2017.^ a b Religioscope: India: politics of renunciation, traditional and modern – AnalysisArchived 16 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine.; retrieved 9 December 2011.^ Ramaseshan, Radhika (30 August 2002). "BJP sees Gujarat ammo in Sonia origins". The Telegraph. Calcutta, India. Retrieved 2 February 2010.^ Manoj, CL (13 October 2017). "The Sonia Gandhi years and what Rahul Gandhi can learn". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 November 2017.^ a b Riedel, Bruce (24 June 2012). "Sonia Gandhi Health Mystery Sets India Leadership Adrift". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 25 November 2017.^ Richard Sandbrook; Ali Burak Güven (1 June 2014). Civilizing Globalization, Revised and Expanded Edition: A Survival Guide. SUNY Press. pp. 77–. ISBN 978-1-4384-5209-8.^ a b c d Schiavazzi, Vera (17 January 2005). "Sonia Gandhi: The Maino girl who kept her tryst with destiny in India". India Today. Retrieved 19 November2017.^ "Pictures from the book-biography "The Red sari" by Javier Moro". Radio Popolare. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 9 December2011.^ "Edvige Antonia Albina Maino". Geneall. Retrieved 19 November 2017.^ "Sonia Gandhi, dalla piccola Lusiana all'India ecco il romanzo di una donna speciale". Il Giornale di Vicenza. 5 Oct 2009. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011.^ a b Laiq, Jawid (23 February 1998). "Meeting Mr Maino". Outlook. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2013.^ In Maino land Archived 8 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine.; retrieved 23 March 2007.^ Italy heralds 'first woman PM' Archived6 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine.; retrieved 18 July 2007.^ Perry, Alex (17 May 2004). "The Sonia Shock". Time. Archived from the originalon 4 June 2011. Retrieved 12 June2009.^ From waitress to world leader, Rediff, 17 May 2004^ "News Features". Catholic Culture. 20 November 2001. Retrieved 11 March2014.^ "Profile: Sonia Gandhi". BBC News. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.^ Hazarika, Sanjoy (23 May 1991). "Assassination In India: Woman in the News; The