Senator Obama discusses the Homes for Heroes Act, a bill that would expand housing and rental assistance for homeless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that approximately 200,000 adult veterans live on the streets or in shelters on any given day, and nearly twice as many are homeless at some point during the year.

Senator Obama discusses the serious problems uncovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the need to ensure the men and women recovering at military hospitals across the world get the best care we can offer.

Question: On Passage of the Bill.

Bill: H R 1424

Vote description: H. R. 1424 As Amended; Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007

Result: Passed, 74-25, with 1 not voting.

Barack Obama voted Yes.

Question: On the Amendment.

Bill: H R 1424

Vote description: Dodd Amdt. No. 5685; In the nature of a substitute.

Result: Agreed to, 74-25, with 1 not voting.

Barack Obama voted Yes.

Below is a message from Campaign Manager David Plouffe to the millions of supporters who helped fund this campaign over the last two years:

I have a special request for you.

The Obama-Biden Transition Project is a nonpartisan entity whose purpose is to facilitate the transition to a new government and prepare for the next administration.

In the past, efforts like these have often been very secretive and funded by the D.C. lobbying and corporate community.

But, like in the campaign, we've decided to do things differently.

For the first time, transition efforts won't be financed with donations from Washington lobbyists and PACs -- which means we'll need to keep asking for your help. Your generosity during the campaign helped get us here, but building a more transparent and open government means continuing to rely on a broader group of people to do this the right way.

We only have a few weeks to assess the state of the federal agencies, prepare our agenda, and staff key positions in the new administration. Your support right now will be crucial to helping us accomplish these goals.

Will you help support the urgent mission of our transition team with a donation?

You know that we got here by building this campaign from the ground up. We're committed to building the White House team the same way.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Vice-President-elect Joe Biden turned 66 years old today. Yesterday President-elect Obama surprised Biden with an early birthday gift:

photos from Change.gov

CNN reported:

The day before Vice President-elect Joe Biden turns 66, President-elect Barack Obama presented his running mate with 12 candlelit cupcakes after their weekly lunch on Wednesday. He also gave Biden Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears hats as well as a bucket of Garrett's popcorn as presents.

Vice President-elect Biden spent his birthday today in his home state of Delware. You can share your birthday wishes and messages to Joe in the comments below . . . 

• Vote early

There are several states a that allow you to vote early. This is the best way to avoid any scams or complications that may come up in your state. You can vote early in: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Click on the provided links to get a detailed description on how to vote early. Most allow you to visit the designated voting locations, mail in your ballots, or have you fill out an absentee ballot. - Demconwatchblog.com

• Be prepared, know your rights

If you vote on November 4th, make sure you are prepared when you do.

1. Bring as many forms of identification as possible. Some people may try and tell you that you aren't who you say you are. Fight them. It's your right to vote, and if you're registered, you can. Do not rest until you have voted.
2. Bring a video camera. Film yourself signing in and voting. Especially if it's a computerized system. Film others when there seems to be a problem, or if there's anything suspicious. This is your right. Do not be talked out of it.
3. Inform yourself. Know who you are voting for in the Senate, House and the propositions. If you want Democrats to control the House and Senate, simply vote Democrat.

• Don't believe the scams and lies

Already, there's been incidences of scams trying to be pulled in various parts of the country. There have been reports of voting machines selecting McCain, when the person has tried to vote for Obama. This is one reason why you much bring your video camera.

Some places have sent out notifications, informing voters that they can't vote because they aren't legal citizens. Things like this can be verified by a government, which leads a person to go through unnecessary paperwork to prove that they are a legal citizen. Even if it comes to that, do not falter. Fight them and vote.

Another scam is happening in urban areas. People have been putting up fliers, telling voters that if they have an outstanding warrant or unpaid traffic ticket, that they will be arrested when they show up to vote. These scams are completely false. They are used solely to prevent Democratic votes. Urban and college areas are targeted a lot.

Most of these happen in every election, and have been happening for years. However, the biggest scam is someone telling you to vote on a different day. Whether it's someone personally telling you, or someone saying that Republicans vote on November 4th, and Democrats on the 5th, it's not true; and they're all scams. Election day is November 4th. No matter what.