Feinstein introduces package of first-day bills

With the 111th Congress being sworn in on Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein wasted no time in introducing series of measures including the closure of Guatanamo and a measure to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
"Today marks the official start to the historic 111th Congress. I am introducing a series of first-day bills that I believe will help bring about meaningful, positive change for our country,: Feinstein said.
The measure to close Guatanamo was co-authored with Sen. John Rockefeller, D-Ky, and Ron Wyden, D-Or.
Other measures include:
· Authorizing at least $25 billion from the government's financial rescue program, the Troubled Assets Recovery Program (or TARP), to provide streamlined loan modifications to keep struggling families from losing their homes (Senate companion to a bill introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles.
· Providing $10 billion in federal rescue funds (TARP) to ensure the solvency of local cities and counties that have lost investments from failed financial institutions like Lehman Brothers and Washington Mutual;
· Demanding accountability from financial institutions receiving federal rescue funds (TARP) funds. (Cosponsored with several other senators).
· Banning the sale of Inaugural tickets;
· Cracking down on criminal street gangs through a balanced approach of enforcement, prevention and intervention (Co0sponsored with several other senators).
· Implementing a settlement agreement to restore the San Joaquin River, with Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-CA.
· Preventing identity theft and protecting the privacy of sensitive personal information; and
· Establishing a dedicated funding source to clean up hazardous abandoned gold and silver mines on public lands.