News Conference for Final Simulation

Bill 274 passed in the House and was signed into law by President Millworth. This means a grand restructuring of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and several other similar agencies within the government. While across the nation some were outraged with the vote, others were proud to have witnessed what they called a new era of civil rights. Representative Simon voiced his opinions in an interview with me last week stating, “I was happy Bill 274 passed; I voted for it. Two people from my state were killed in one of the hate crimes. It didn’t speak well that the House vote was so close, but I’m glad it passed.”

The House also passed a bill to investigate alternative fuels. The discussion leading up to the vote was candidly polarized. On one side, Representative Zarkasian felt the money could be used elsewhere, suggesting the U.S. buy corn from Brazil instead of growing it here. To this, Representative Culpepper countered with, “Why should we not buy oil from Iraq but buy corn from Brazil?” As the discussion continued, it became more heated. It will be interesting to see how this bill is received in the Senate.

In the Shell Oil crisis, the UN resolution passed and gas prices have increased 10% and then leveled off. The White House credits this leveling off to investors trusting that the oil fields are protected and production will resume in the near future. But in Nigeria, the use of U.S. military troops to secure the Shell Oil fields has taken an odd turn. Human Rights groups are upset over the military’s presence for keep oil safe while refusing to aid those suffering from starvation and political unrest within the warring Nigerian population. Some have gone as far as comparing Nigeria to Rwanda 25 years ago.

The White House is responding to the damage to Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Fay. White House Advisor Frock stated, “The Millworth Administration is asking the American people to donate to the International Red Cross. Efforts will include several other countries and we will be donating and working with them in the relief efforts.”

The Robotic Land Personnel Bill (149) is a Department of Defense research project that would cost taxpayers $100 billion dollars a year for 5 years. To date, this has been a hotly debated subject. House Representative Zarkasian wants a complete dismantlement of the Department of Defense and a restructuring process to begin before discussion of any new funding projects. To some other Congressional members, this attitude is too harsh. They are working with Zarkazian on an amicable solution. In a statement from the House External Matters Committee, they suggested remote-controlled vehicles rather than robotic ones. They also wanted small pilot programs before approving such a large military project. The House also reduced the funding from $100 billion to $10 billion.