Coming off the heals of the widely popular Cash for Clunkers program, Energy Secretary Steven Chu has just announced a new rebate program to help boost sales of energy-efficient home appliances.

As one of the leading voices in the Republican party these days, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal found himself in a difficult spot. The Republican members of Congress were leaning hard on all their members to bring down the whole economic stimulus package. (Of course they were just taking their marching orders from their actual leader, Rush Limbaugh.) Joining his Republican brethrens in Congress, the Governor had no problem talking smack about the stimulus package:

I do worry about the debt being created. I worry about the fact that our children and our grandchildren will have to pay back this debt. And I worry that many of the programs that are being called temporary aren't really temporary at all," he said.

The problem is his state, you know, the one hit by Hurricane Katrina, sorely needs the infrastructure support. (Got levees, anyone?) Anyway, what's a poor old Republican Governor to do?

Promised benefits finally realized in part after over 60 years Washington, DC – Today, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applauded the passage of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes one of CAPAC’s top legislative priorities: Compensation for Filipino World War II Veterans. H.R. 1 includes authorization of one-time compensation to Filipino World War II veterans who fought alongside American soldiers. Funds for the authorization were already appropriated in the 110th Congress. CAPAC members issued the following statements in response to today's vote: Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC chair: “Today, we’ve reached a significant milestone in honoring the service of the Filipino World War II veterans. Finally, through this funding, our government gives some recognition and thanks to the Filipino soldiers who fought under the Stars and Stripes and helped rid the world of tyranny and fascism. This token of gratitude for their service is long overdue. I thank Democratic Leadership for their critical efforts in supporting the Filipino veterans.”