Daily Briefing: Freezing and Slashing
• BushpicksMichael Chertoffto lead DHS; will be the only Jewish member of second-term Cabinet. With confirmation expected, Democrats will focus hearings onBush's record. [ WP , NYT , LAT , WSJ , USAT , WT ]
• Chertoffcriticized for post-9/11 actions, including detention of 762 foreign nationals. Former official: "Mike was the one pushing to say 'Hey, we ought to look at using this more aggressively against terrorists.'" [ WP , NYT , LAT , USAT ]
• Bush's budget freezes, slashes, and cuts spending from veterans to Medicaid; commitment to reducing deficit. [ WP ]
• Bushis confident of agenda in interview, says immigration is "big issue."Bush: "No women in combat." [ WT , WT , WT ]
• Bushlaunches public push for Social Security plan: "This is part of fulfilling a campaign pledge." Private group plans $9m ad buy on CNN, FNC. [ WP , NYT , USAT , WSJ ]
• Deanofficially enters race to head DNC;Trippidoesn't approve. [ WP , NYT , LAT ]
• Ridgedetails inauguration security; over 6,000 security agents will be on call. [ NYT , USAT ]
• Bushwants incentives for nuclear power: "It certainly answers the environmental issue." [ WSJ ]
• Pelosi, seven other Congressional Democrats ask for investigation of "covert propaganda" followingArmstrong Williamsrevelations. [ USAT ]
•Second term administration appointee choices are comfortable, not charismatic. Keyword: confirmable. [ WP ]