ARNOLD PLEADS FOR AID IN TRIP TO WASHINGTON.Byline: Lisa Friedman Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Sprinkling a bit of Hollywood stardust star·dust n. 1. A dreamlike, romantic, or uncritical sense of well-being. 2. A cluster of stars too distant to be seen individually, resembling a dimly luminous cloud of dust. Not in scientific use. 3. around Capitol Hill, Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (German pronunciation (IPA): [ˈaɐ̯nɔlt ˈaloɪ̯s ˈʃvaɐ̯ʦənˌʔɛɡɐ] came to Washington on Wednesday with an urgent plea for federal aid because of the disastrous wildfires in Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, . Schwarzenegger's two-day meet-and-greet swing through Washington, his first trip here since ousting Gov. Gray Davis, took on urgency because of the brush fires that have claimed at least 20 lives and caused at least $2 billion in damage. ``We have to get help as soon as possible,'' Schwarzenegger told a media throng after a series of meetings with Federal Emergency Management Agency The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency responsible for coordinating emergency planning, preparedness, risk reduction, response, and recovery. The agency works closely with state and local governments by funding emergency programs and providing technical officials and GOP leaders. ``I came basically to Washington to establish relationships and make sure we are getting more federal money for California as I promised in my campaign. ``But of course the recent events, the huge disastrous fires, have changed my mission a little bit. I'm now looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. federal money for the people, the victims of the fire.'' Though Schwarzenegger sported the generic Washington uniform of a navy blue suit and red ``power'' tie, his was hardly the typical visit of a hometown pol. A crush of reporters followed his every move, tourists clustered in hallways with disposable cameras for a brief glimpse, and his attendance at the weekly House Republican Conference - a meeting that normally draws about 150 lawmakers - was a standing-room-only event. ``It was definitely a rock-star buzz,'' said Stuart Roy, spokesman for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Whether the former action hero's star power or his GOP affiliation actually helped the state was unclear. FEMA FEMA, n.pr See Federal Emergency Management Agency. Deputy Director Michael Brown Michael or Mike Brown may refer to: In politics:
A member of the Democratic Party, Boxer was first elected to the U.S. , D-Calif., the centers are almost routinely created during state and local disasters. Schwarzenegger also raised the issue of wildfire assistance with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and various GOP appropriations chairmen. In addition, he vowed to squeeze more federal money for education, health care, homeland security Noun 1. Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Department of Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States and other programs to end California's status as a ``donor state'' that gives more in taxes than it receives in federal funds Federal Funds Funds deposited to regional Federal Reserve Banks by commercial banks, including funds in excess of reserve requirements. Notes: These non-interest bearing deposits are lent out at the Fed funds rate to other banks unable to meet overnight reserve . In both cases, Schwarzenegger declined to say specifically how much he requested. ``I got the message out there loud and clear. I think there's good things to come for California,'' he said. Schwarzenegger also met with Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dianne Goldman Berman Feinstein (born June 22, 1933) is the senior U.S. Senator from California, having held office as a senator since 1992. She is a member of the Democratic Party. , D-Calif., and pledged to help her reauthorize the assault weapons ban, which is due to expire soon. In a meeting with Boxer, he discussed his concern about runaway film production. He also took part in a 45-minute meeting with California congressional delegation members of both parties. Democrats presented Schwarzenegger with a list of issues, ranging from preventing oil drilling off the coast of California to teacher training, that they hope the incoming governor will address. Local lawmakers said they believe Schwarzenegger made a point of saying that 25 percent of those who voted for him are Democrats, and vowing to be a nonpartisan governor. ``What he had to say was very welcomed, because he said he wanted to work not as a Republican but as a unifier,'' said Rep. Henry Waxman Henry Arnold Waxman (born September 12, 1939 in Los Angeles, California) is an American politician. He has represented California's At-large congressional district (map) in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1975. , D-Los Angeles. ``Within the limits of a 45-minute meeting we covered a lot of ground,'' said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena. Southland Republicans, meanwhile, said they have no doubt Schwarzenegger will succeed in getting money and good will from Washington where Davis never could. Rep. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, said Schwarzenegger's political affiliation will help the state. ``He's a Republican, so he has a better entree to the White House,'' he said. Schwarzenegger also met with Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. He plans to meet today with Vice President Dick Cheney before flying back to California, as he came, on his private jet. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach, said he doesn't think Washington has ever seen anything like Schwarzenegger's Wednesday visit. ``I don't think the president of the United States The head of the Executive Branch, one of the three branches of the federal government. The U.S. Constitution sets relatively strict requirements about who may serve as president and for how long. gets this kind of turnout,'' he said. Lisa Friedman, (202) 662-8731 lisa.friedman(at)langnews.com CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1 -- color) Arnold Schwarzenegger is flanked by House Speaker Dennis Hastert, left, and Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif. in Washington D.C. on Wednesday. (2) Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger sits beneath a portrait of former President and California Gov. Ronald Reagan during a visit with lawmakers Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press |
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