Healthcare Reform Bill Passes U.S. House of Representatives

VOAVideo: Healthcare Reform Bill Passes U.S. House of Representatives

It's a major victory for President Barack Obama, and his Democratic Party supporters in the House of Representatives. But what took a matter of hours in the House could take weeks in the Senate. VOA's Laurel Bowman takes a look at the hurdles this healthcare legislation faces ahead.

Festival of Freedom: The 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

VOAVideo: Twenty Years Ago the Berlin Wall Crumbled



VOAVideo: Berlin Marks the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Read and watch more at

VOA News:
Fall of the Berlin Wall--20 Years Later

83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

▪ Communism

Prep for Veterans Day

78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*

79. Who was President during World War I?


ESL Holiday Lessons.com: Armistice Day (Veterans Day)

Armistice Day is on November the 11th every year. It commemorates the end of World War I on the 11th of November 1918.

DOWNLOADS: Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*
▪ World War
▪ World War II
▪ Korean War
▪ Vietnam War
▪ (Persian) Gulf War

79. Who was President during World War I?
▪ (Woodrow) Wilson

Sean Banville has a new website: Listen A Minute

• One minute a day is all you need to improve your listening skills
• Focus on new words, grammar and pronunciation in these short texts.
• Doing the online activities, discussion, survey and writing will help.
• Listen many times - enough for you to you understand everything.

U.S. Homeland Security Department Proposes Detention Reform

USCIS N-400 Part 10 E 26.
Have you ever been removed, excluded or deported from the United States?

VOANews: U.S. Homeland Security Department Proposes Detention Reform

The United States is looking to reform the way it detains illegal immigrants. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano plans to immediately implement some reforms, and is expected to ask Congress to approve alternatives to detention facilities. VOA's Carolyn Presutti interviewed an illegal immigrant currently in jail and explains how reforms might change her situation.

USCIS N-400 Part 10 E. Removal, Exclusion and Deportation Proceedings.

25. Are removal, exclusion, rescission or deportation proceedings pending against you?

26. Have you ever been removed, excluded or deported from the United States?

27. Have you ever been ordered to be removed, excluded or deported from the United States?

28. Have you ever applied for any kind of relief from removal, exclusion or deportation?

House passes health care bill on close vote

Update: Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) voted in favor of the comprehensive health reform bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

House passes health care bill on close vote (exerpt from AP Report By DAVID ESPO)

WASHINGTON – In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.

The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.

A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later — and Obama issued a statement saying, "I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year."

The bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who holds an overwhelmingly Democratic seat in New Orleans. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.

Stage Set for Historic US Health Care Debate

USCIS 100: 45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

USCIS 100: 47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

VOANews: Stage Set for Historic US Health Care Debate

Debate expected in a special Saturday session in US House of Representatives comes amid growing concerns that US Senate will be unable to bring a measure to a vote before end of year

• Robinson report Download (MP3)
• Robinson report Listen (MP3)
• Print Version
  

45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?*
▪ Democratic and Republican

47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
▪ (Nancy) Pelosi

New U.S. Warship Made from Trade Center Steel Arrives in New York

USCIS 100:86 What major event happened on September 11,
2001, in the United States?

VOAVideo: New U.S. Warship Made from Trade Center Steel Arrives in New York

A U.S. warship built with steel from the ruins of the World Trade Center has arrived in New York. The USS New York stopped alongside Ground Zero to fire a 21-gun salute honoring those who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York. Relatives of the victims, first responders, and hundreds of onlookers gathered as the ship arrived in the city. It is to be officially commissioned on Saturday. Nathan King reports .

USCIS 100:86 What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United
States?

• Terrorists attacked the United States.

President Obama to Meet with Native American Tribal Leaders

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

VOAVideo: President Obama to Meet with Native American Tribal Leaders

President Barack Obama has invited leaders of the more than 500 Native American tribes in the United States to a White House Tribal Nations Conference on November 5. Mr. Obama says he wants to hear directly from the leaders about how his administration can help them meet their needs. VOA's Deborah Block spoke recently with the leaders of the two largest Native American tribes.

VOANews: Obama Holds His 1st American Indian Summit (update 11/05/2009)

87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

▪ Cherokee
▪ Navajo
▪ Sioux
▪ Chippewa
▪ Choctaw
▪ Pueblo
▪ Apache
▪ Iroquois
▪ Creek
▪ Blackfeet
▪ Seminole
▪ Cheyenne
▪ Arawak
▪ Shawnee
▪ Mohegan
▪ Huron
▪ Oneida
▪ Lakota
▪ Crow
▪ Teton
▪ Hopi
▪ Inuit

US Political Focus on Tuesday's Governor's Races

General Washington (a native of Virgina) led his troops

across the Delaware River to attack the British & Hessian Armies

in New York and New Jersey.

VOAVews: US Political Focus on Tuesday's Governor's Races

Results could serve as a preview of next year's mid-term congressional elections.

VOANews: Polls Open in US State Elections

Analysts say Republican victories in New Jersey, Virginia may set up major battle for control of Congress in 2010 midterm elections

19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*

22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

23. Name your U.S. Representative.

24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

43. Who is the Governor of your state now? .

64. There were 13 original states.
**Which three were named in the first article?

Dia de los Muertos

Close-up of a Veteran remembered on Day of the Dead Altar

Many cultures remember their family and friends who have died.

On Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), the Americans honors the men and women who died in service of the United States.

During the month of November, Roman Catholics remember their family and friends who have died. On All Hallow's Eve (Halloween, Oct 31), All Saints (Nov 1), Dia de los Muertos (All Souls, Nov. 2), many churches build huge public altars to honor their beloved dead. When I paused to pray at these altars, I noticed many veterans among the photos.

Day of the Dead Altar, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, San Jose, CA

E Pluribus Unum

E Pluribus Unum

And the Pursuit of Happiness Blog by Maira Kalman- NYTimes.com

A walk through the bicameral and bipartisan halls of Congress.

Happy Halloween!

Xu Gejin was born in Chongqing, then moved to Sheyang, China. He adapted his ice sculpting skills to pumpkin carving, and shared his jack o' lantern with his Citizenship classmates at Milpitas Adult School.

Gays and Disabled Are Now Protected Under Hate Crimes Law in US

VOANews: Gays and Disabled Are Now Protected Under Hate Crimes Law in US

On IN THE NEWS: Conservatives objected to adding sexual orientation. Separately, the U.S. criticized international efforts by Islamic countries to ban anti-religious speech.

• Listen to Show (Tip: Left-click, or right-click and choose "Save...") Download (MP3)
• Listen to Show Stream (MP3)
• Print Version

ESL Discussions

• Gay Rights: What do you understand by the term ‘gay rights’?
• Disability: What things do you think disability rights groups campaign for?
• Hate: What do you know about hate crimes? Do they happen in your country?

First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden Observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WhiteHouse.gov: First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden Observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First Lady Michelle Obama recognizes new advances in the treatment and heightened awareness of breast cancer and says women need health insurance reform to prevent and combat the disease. October 23, 2009.

US Religious Freedom Report Hits Speech Curbs

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

VOAVideo: Religious Freedom Report Criticizes Speech Limits

The U.S. State Department's annual report on religious freedom, released Monday, is critical of what it says are international efforts to limit free speech in the name of combating defamation of religion. The Organization of the Islamic Conference, the OIC, has been pushing such anti-defamation measures in U.N. bodies. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department. (Read the Full Story)

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

• You can practice any religion, or not practice a
  religion.

United Nations Day

"On this UN Day, we must be more united than ever" (UN Sec. General Ban Ki-moon)

The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization.

ESL Holidays: United Nations Day

The 24th of October is United Nations Day. It was on this day in 1945 that the U.N. was created. The day became a holiday in 1971.

• DOWNLOADS: Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

Breaking News English: United Nations says rape is a war crime

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced new measures to try to end what he called the "silent war against women and girls" in the world’s war zones.

• Downloads: Word Doc PDF Doc Listening

Famous People Lessons: Ban Ki-moon current U.N. Secretary General

• DOWNLOADS: Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

ESL Discussions: United Nations

• The 33rd US President Harry Truman said: "The United Nations is designed to make possible lasting freedom and independence for all its members." Do you think these will come one day?

Special thanks to Sean Banville for all his great web sites!

Human Rights Groups: US Should Lead Fight for Women

VOAVideo: Human Rights Groups: US Should Lead Fight for Women

According to the World Health Organization, one in three women in the world will experience violence in her lifetime. Human Rights groups are urging members of Congress to pass the International Violence Against Women Act. The Act would require a commitment by the U.S. government to address and end violence against women and girls globally. It would fund a five-year program to reduce violence in countries where the problem is most serious. Read more...

VOANews Special English: Targeting Violence Aimed at Women in Conflicts
On IN THE NEWS: ''Violence against women is not prosecuted because it is not a top government and urgent social priority,'' actress and U.N. goodwill ambassador Nicole Kidman told U.S. lawmakers.

Vietnamese-American Flag

The American and Vietnamese Heritage Flags proudly fly as one over the future Vietnamese Heitage Garden, Kelley Park, San Jose, CA.

New Citizen: Cam Pham!

Cam likes this picture...

and I like this one.

50th Anniversary of VOA Special English

Happy Birthday, VOA Special English!

VOAVideo: 50th Anniversary of VOA Special English

VOANews: VOA Special English Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

What is VOA Special English?

On October 19, 1959, the Voice of America broadcast the first Special English program. It was an experiment. The goal was to communicate by radio in clear and simple English with people whose native language was not English. Special English programs quickly became some of the most popular on VOA. They still are. Special English continues to communicate with people who are not fluent in English. Over the years, its role has expanded. It helps people learn American English while they learn about American life and stay informed about world news and developments in science. It provides listeners with information they cannot find elsewhere.

Three Elements Make Special English Unique

• It has a core vocabulary of 1500 words. Most are simple words that describe objects, actions or emotions. Some words are more difficult. They are used for reporting world events and describing discoveries in medicine and science.
  
• Special English writers use short, simple sentences that contain only one idea. They use active voice. They do not use idioms.
  
• Special English broadcasters read at a slower pace, about two-thirds the speed of standard English. This helps people learning English hear each word clearly. It also helps people who are fluent English speakers understand complex subjects.