Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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M II _i. _:— :— • GERALD HERBERT/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Homeland Security Secretary nominee Michael Chertoff listens to opening statements before testifying at the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Feb. 2 in Washington. Chertoff was sworn in Tuesday as the nation’s second Homeland Security secretary, hours after the Senate placed the tough-on-terrorism former prosecutor in charge of a bureaucracy prone to infighting and turf wars. Senate confirms Lhertoff as homeland security chief By LARA JAKES JORDAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — Michael Chertoff was sworn in Tuesday as the nation’s second Homeland Security secretary, hours after the Senate placed the tough on-terrorism former prosecutor in charge of a bureaucracy prone to infighting and turf wars. Chertoff, 51, has promised to balance protecting the country with preserving civil liberties as head of the sprawling agency that was created as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Harriet Miers, the counsel to the president, swore in Chertoff at the White House two hours after the Senate confirmed him by a 98-0 vote. He starts at the Homeland Security Department on Wednesday, and plans to meet with agency employees. The Senate confirmed him nearly two weeks after he faced pointed questioning from Democrats about his role — as head of the Justice Department’s criminal division — in shaping the probe into the terror attacks. Hundreds of foreigners were swept up on relatively minor charges and held for an average of 80 days. Some detainees were denied their right to see an attorney, were not told of the charges against them, or were physically abused. At the Feb. 2 hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Chertoff defended the investigation strategy but conceded it “had not always been executed perfectly.” Few expected Chertoff to face widespread opposition in the Senate. But his confirmation was delayed by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., to protest being denied Justice Department information about the treatment of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay. Levin unsuccessfully sought an unedited copy of a May 2004 secret FBI ■MnHMMT' •mm memo that discussed interrogation techniques to see if it mentioned or involved Chertoff. The department denied Levin’s request but said the memo did not refer to Chertoff “by name or otherwise.” Known as a fiery, wiry workhorse, Chertoff previously had been confirmed three times — as a 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge, Justice Department assistant attorney general and U.S. attorney in New Jersey. He takes over the 180,000-employee Homeland Security Department in the wake of new regulations replacing salaries based on workers’ seniority with a merit pay system. Four labor unions who represent the agency’s employees are challenging the regulations in federal court. Chertoff replaces Tom Ridge, who stepped down Feb. 1. Senators not voting were Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Arlen Specter, R Pa. First lady speaks to educators By JENNIFER LOVEN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — First lady Laura Bush united a longtime cause and a new one on Tuesday, urging community college leaders to help ensure better futures for at-risk young people. “Encouraging young people to see beyond a world of hopelessness is part of a national effort to help all children reach their full potential,” Mrs. Bush told a national meeting of the Association of Community College Trustees and American Association of Community Colleges. Mrs. Bush, a former teacher and public school librarian, has made education and reading her signature issues as first lady. “When young people get to high school, you can help them see that higher education doesn’t have to be just a dream, but it can be a reality,” she said, promoting President Bush’s plans to boost funding for community colleges. “Many young people who struggle in school believe that dropping out is their only option.” For his* 2006 budget, Bush proposed continuing a $250 million program that gives grants to community colleges that train workers for the jobs needed by industries in their area. He also proposed another $125 million to expand community college programs, including dual enrollment courses that allow high school students to earn college credit In his State of the Union address, Bush also announced that his wife would lead a three-year, $150 million nationwide effort to reduce gang violence by encouraging young people to remain crime free. Mrs. Bush has said she wants to focus more on young boys — particularly those in poor urban neighborhoods like those she taught in the beginning of her teaching career — who don’t get enough attention. Her aim: encouraging programs that keep them out of gangs and a criminal life and give them a brighter future. “Children want us in their lives — ffws.lgwtg'. /?'*«. ’1 J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS First lady Laura Bush addresses the 2005 Community College National Legislative Summit at the J.W. Marriot Hotel in Washington on Tuesday. they need us in their lives,” she said. “Each of us has the power to make a difference in the life of a child.” BECOME AN EGG donor; 843-856-1035 Egg Donation Program WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need young, healthy women between 21 - 31 years of age. Donors will be compensated $2500 for their time. .Y.O.B. Own Band ligiSg ^ ^ ^: .i?, x? ^»*-.^ * -': For more information of special assistance call 777-7130 or visit cp.sc.edu. Event subject to change. Paid for by student activity fees.