Happy Holidays

We’ll return to political news next week. Right now, the most important government agency is NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and its critical Santa-tracking mission. 

From the Washington Post:

According to the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site, radar gives NORAD the first indication that Santa has taken off from the North Pole. NORAD uses, in addition to Santa cams and a fighter jet escort, geosynchronous satellites equipped with infrared sensors that can zero in on — “Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa,” the site says.

Have yourself a merry little holiday!

Hahn Happenings

Upon return from the Thanksgiving recess, the House resumed debate over the payroll tax cut. In floor remarks on Nov. 30, Hahn said, “Americans need jobs and businesses need customers. A payroll tax cut helps accomplish both.”

House Republicans released a payroll tax cut proposal Friday and it is expected to be voted on this week.

From the Washington Post: “At a Capitol news conference, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) warned that congressional Democrats would reject the latest GOP offering as an effort to ‘hold hostage’ the payroll benefit for middle-class workers.”

Because the legislative package includes provisions related to a controversial oil pipeline project, Senate Democrats have pledged to vote down the Republican proposal.

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Joined by nine Congressional colleagues, Hahn continued to push for additional customs agents at LAX. In a letter to the administrator of the Customs and Border Protection agency, the lawmakers emphasized, “LAX simply does not have an adequate number of inspectors to accommodate current and future passenger traffic.” Daily Breeze. Hahn press release.

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With support from Hahn, the Grand Vision Foundation in downtown San Pedro received a $10,00 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Daily Breeze. Hahn press release.

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Los Angeles Times sports columnist Chris Erskine speculated tongue-in-cheek about public ownership of the LA Dodgers, mentioning a bill Hahn co-authored to permit such arrangements.

San Pedro District Office Opening

Hahn is opening a district office at 140 W. Sixth St. in downtown San Pedro on Jan. 5. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place during the First Thursday event. View the announcement for details and to RSVP.

Talk to the White House

On Dec. 2, the White House is hosting a public conference call. This is not to say President Obama is coming on the line to chat, but it is a chance to dialog with the administration.

From the White House:

On Friday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. ET, please join us for a conference call with Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, to discuss this week’s We Can’t Wait Executive Actions. These announcements build on our ongoing effort to take action and help middle class families. These steps aren’t a substitute for the bold action we need to create jobs and grow the economy, but they’ll make a difference.

WHAT: We Can’t Wait Update Call
WHEN: Friday, December 2nd
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Dial In:  (877) 941-6029
Passcode Title: White House Update Call

If it goes like a previous call did, the officials will speak semi-formally but casually and then there is time for callers’ questions.

The call is hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Here is the sign-up form for White House newsletters, including notices of other such conference calls.