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I just returned from Guadalajara, Mexico, where President Obama and I met with our Mexican counterparts to continue our collaboration and cooperation on a range of border issues. Today, I'm at the University of Texas at El Paso for their sixth annual Border Security Conference.Later this morning, I will deliver remarks outlining the cohesive strategy that we've brought to our border security and immigration enforcement efforts. As someone who has been working on these issues for many years, it's clear to me that as our shared border challenges evolve, our approach must evolve as well. That is exactly what we are doing.In the six months since President Obama's inauguration, we've instituted polices that reflect the reality that border security, enforcement of immigration laws in the interior of the country, and counter-narcotics enforcement are inextricably linked. In my remarks today I will discuss a new strategy, one that relies on simultaneously addressing all these challenges.It's an approach that uses the laws we have in ways that are smart, tough, and effective. The UTEP speech will be streamed live at 1:15 PM EDT this afternoon and I invite you to tune in here.Janet Napolitano is the Secretary of Homeland Security.
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Even before we got to the White House, the President, the Vice President, and the economic team were crafting policies designed to offset the deepest recession since the Great Depression. Back in mid-December of last year, I remember a meeting in Chicago, with the snow swirling outside, as we began to plan the Recovery Act, the financial stabilization plan, and housing relief, all in the context of a budget that would bring down the trillion-plus dollar deficit we were about to inherit as quickly as possible.I also remember the Vice President talking about the difficulties facing the middle class, struggles that predated the recession. With the campaign fresh in their minds, he and the President recalled that even in supposedly good times, when the economy was expanding and unemployment was low, the families they met on the trail were having far too much trouble making ends meet. Saving for college, paying for health care, keeping up with the mortgage payments … just making their basic budgets balance out at the end of the month seemed awfully hard in an economy that was supposedly solid.Of course, that solid economy was fading fast; the recession was a year old, unemployment was rising, and helping people get back to work had become our top priority. But the longer-term, structural challenges that have been facing the middle class since long before the recession began were never far from the President’s mind, which is why, shortly thereafter, he asked the VP to chair the Middle Class Task Force.Today, in August of 2009, we’re faced with yet another set of realities. After falling at a rate of about 6% from the last quarter of 2008 through the first quarter of this year, a rate of decline we hadn’t seen in half a century, the economy contracted at a 1% rate in the second quarter of 2009. Yes, our economy is still ailing, but six months ago, economists worried the recession would descend into depression; now they’re asking when recession will become recovery.Here in the White House, however, recovery means something very specific, and it’s different than what economists generally mean when they talk about it. According to the panel that decides when recessions officially begin and end, you don’t need job growth or falling unemployment to declare that a recovery is underway. In fact, in the last two recoveries, it took 15 and 19 months, respectively, before the unemployment rate peaked.That definition doesn’t work for us. No jobs, no recovery.But — and this is the real subject of this post — job growth isn’t enough either. Remember, unemployment fell to below 5% at the end of the last expansion, but middle-income families ended up worse off, in real dollar terms, than they were before that expansion began. The productivity of our economy increased by 19% from 2000 to 2007, but the real median income of working-age households fell $2,000. The share of Americans living in poverty was actually higher in 2007 than it was in 2000.How could this happen? In fact, the arithmetic is disarmingly simple. If the economy’s growing, but middle-class and low-income families are falling behind, then the growth must be accruing to the top of the scale. And that’s exactly what happened.Some of the best data on income inequality are collected by two economists: Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty. Their data go back almost to the beginning of the last century, allowing us to make some pretty amazing observations, like the one shown in the figure below. Income concentration, measured as the share of income going to the top 1% of households, was higher in 2007 (23.5%) than in any year on record going back to 1913, with one ominous exception: 1928, the height of the speculative, bubbly "roaring 20s" and the year before the stock market crashed and the Great Depression began.
For middle-class families to be part of the next recovery, this trend must reverse.Yes, we want to see a GDP recovery take hold as soon as possible, and once we start seeing robust, consistent job growth we’ll know we’re solidly on track. But even then, we won’t be done: not until the prosperity we’re generating reaches everyone who’s contributing to it, not until all the bakers get their fair slice of the pie—not just the owners of the bakery or the investors in the bakery, but the men and women who are actually doing the work.Here’s what the President said about this way back in February 2007, when he announced his candidacy:"… let's be the generation that ensures our nation's workers are sharing in our prosperity. Let's protect the hard-earned benefits their companies have promised. Let's make it possible for hardworking Americans to save for retirement. And let's allow our unions and their organizers to lift up this country's middle class again."Let's be the generation that ends poverty in America. Every single person willing to work should be able to get job training that leads to a job, and earn a living wage that can pay the bills, and afford child care so their kids have a safe place to go when they work. Let's do this."Though he may not have realized at the time, the President-to-be was really describing the work of the Middle Class Task Force. Vice President Biden, the Task Force staff, and our members at all the cabinet agencies will do everything we can to make sure that the next recovery lines up very differently than the ones in the graph above. The middle class won’t get left behind again.Jared Bernstein is Chief Economist to Vice President Biden, and Executive Director of the Middle Class Task Force -
August 10, 2009
06:12 PM EDT"Michigan has turned a new page in its industrial history, and the city of Livonia may be a part of a chapter yet to be written on battery technology" – so said The Livonia Observer yesterday. The story was discussing a massive investment of Recovery funds in producing the next generation of batteries here in America, and is just one of several stories that demonstrate the wide impact of the Recovery Act.In addition to financing next-generation technology in Michigan, funds provided by the Recovery Act created jobs in California, prevented layoffs in Kansas, and extended unemployment insurance benefits in Wisconsin:Roughly 1,200 Teenagers Found Jobs As Long Beach Youth Employment Placement Organizations Saw Resources Increase Four-Fold With Stimulus Infusions; Aspiring Soldiers Experienced Port Security Operations. "Restoring wetlands, installing electrical lines, planting gardens, patrolling the ports. Federal stimulus dollars have put about 1,200 local teens to work in professional fields this summer in and around Long Beach amid one of the toughest job markets in memory. The youth job program run through the city experienced a nearly 400 percent increase in paid employment this summer thanks to some $2.7 million in special federal funding. For 17-year-olds Chris Martinez and Phyreoun Chea, the influx of cash offered an opportunity to earn some money and learn new skills working about 25 hours a week at the Port of Long Beach, where they're receiving a crash course on police work at the port's security division. ‘There's a lot of ex-military people working with us, showing us how security is handled at the port, taking us to meetings, explaining reports and technology and taking us into the field,’ said Chea, a Poly High student who plans to join the Army after graduation in June. Martinez, a senior at Millikan High this fall, said the program has exposed him to a new world. ‘I'd say we're learning a lot,’ Martinez said. ‘The stuff that goes on here is pretty amazing, some of the equipment and how they have to operate to keep the port secure. It's been a good experience.’"ARRA Saved Over 1,000 Public Safety Jobs, Grant Will Retain 112 Criminal Justice Workers, Reduce Furloughs for 1,484 Workers. "State and local public safety programs have been hit hard by declining revenues and the national recession; but thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Kansas remains safe and secure as more than 1,000 public safety jobs are protected. ‘Public safety is a top priority for my administration, which is why during the last round of budget cuts our Department of Corrections was spared. However, state and local programs have had to cope with fewer resources and less flexibility,’ said Governor Parkinson. ‘With the justice grants contained in the Recovery Act, more than 1,000 public safety employees won’t have to be furloughed, and more than a hundred won’t be laid off. Not only is this stemming the rising tide of unemployment – it’s keeping the streets of Kansas safe.’ Twenty-seven state and local agencies will receive $11,534,125 in Justice Assistance Grants during the next 24 months. The grant program supports communities in their efforts to hire and retain criminal justice personnel. The funds will create five full time positions and will help retain all or a portion of 112 existing positions. In addition, the grant funds will reduce anticipated furlough days for approximately 1,484 employees. The grant program will help maintain and strengthen resources for law enforcement, prosecution, and corrections programs."Senator Mikulski Announced Creation Of Stimulus-Backed Registered Apprenticeship Programs Across Maryland By Which Young People Will Be Employed And Garner Relevant Job Skills. "Senator Barbara A. Mikulski announced five Maryland industry associations and labor-management organizations have been awarded grants to develop Registered Apprenticeship programs. The funds are being awarded by the Department of Labor, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama this year. Registered Apprenticeships are based on an ‘earn while you learn’ model that provides a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeships will help develop a pipeline of workers for new and emerging industries, including those related to green technologies. ‘These grants help us invest in workers and businesses that are ready for the future. These funds will help build Maryland’s innovation infrastructure and power our innovation economy,’ Senator Mikulski said."Observer & Eccentric Newspapers: A123 Systems Obtained Battery Technology ARRA Allocation, Marking A Potential "New Chapter" In Michigan Industrial History. "Michigan has turned a new page in its industrial history, and the city of Livonia may be a part of a chapter yet to be written on battery technology. Vice President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that $1.35 billion in federal grants will be awarded to 12 projects in Michigan to support advanced battery and electric vehicle manufacturing and development. Gov. Jennifer Granholm visited A123 Systems in Livonia Thursday to highlight that company's $249.1 million grant from the Department of Energy at the site of what will be the company's new regional headquarters and production facility. The grant will help A123 develop a strategy for constructing lithium ion battery manufacturing facilities in the United States with the first construction location in Livonia. Under the grant's terms, A123 will be required to match the funds over time as they are spent. Grant funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's electric drive vehicle battery and component manufacturing initiative. A123 will be located at 39000 Seven Mile, just west of I-275. Company officials would not comment Thursday on specific plans for the building. A123 officials said the manufacturing system is expected to be U.S.-based with research and development, manufacturing of the company's proprietary Nanophosphate cathode powder, electrode coating, cell fabrication, module fabrication and so on through the final assembly of complete battery pack systems for vehicle integration."ARRA Will Fund Expansion of Unemployment Benefits For Over 1,200 Workers Displaced By Manufacturing Layoffs. "Gov. Jim Doyle announced Thursday that more than $3.4 million in additional assistance for more than 1,200 dislocated workers formerly employed by 11 Bay Area manufacturers, including Sheboygan area companies Kohler, JL French and Pentair Filtration. The National Emergency Grant includes more than $1.6 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ‘This is good news for working families hit hard by the national recession,’ Doyle said in a press release. ‘This grant will help these displaced workers improve their skills. With new skills, they will be job-ready in the months ahead as our national economy begins to recover. I am committed to doing everything in my power to assist these workers, their families and communities.’ The more than 1,200 workers were affected by multiple layoffs at JL French, Sheboygan; Genmar Yacht Group (Carver Boats), Pulaski; Koenig and Vits, Manitowoc; Marinette Marine, Marinette; Kohler, Sheboygan; Pentair Filtration, Sheboygan; Manitowoc Company, Manitowoc; Federal Mogul, Manitowoc; Karl Schmidt Unisia, Marinette; KCS International (Cruisers), Oconto and Winsert, Marinette." -
August 10, 2009
05:09 PM EDTViewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.download .mp4 (159.8 MB) | read the transcript
Continuing his efforts to strengthen partnerships with North American leaders, the President has been in Guadalajara, Mexico the past two days at the North American Leaders Summit. Joined by Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, President Obama described the spirit of the summit, "Indeed, in the 21st century, North America is defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds."
(President Barack Obama, left, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, right, and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, center, at the leader's trilateral meeting at the Cabanas Cultural Center in Guadalajara, Monday, August 10, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)In this vein, the summit centered on trilateral discussions on issues of mutual concern, including the global economy, energy and climate change, security and safety, as well as continued cooperation to fight the H1N1 pandemic. At a press conference today featuring the three leaders, President Obama discussed the importance of cooperation in confronting these shared challenges:First, we agreed that we had to work together to restore our common prosperity. The global recession has cost jobs and hurt families from Toronto to Toledo to Tijuana. So we renew our commitment to work together in Ottawa, Washington and Mexico City. Building on our progress at the G8 and G20 summits, we agreed to continue to take aggressive, coordinated action to restore economic growth and create jobs for our workers, including workers in the North American auto industry.Because so much of our common prosperity and millions of jobs depend on trade that flows across our borders – billions of dollars worth of trade every day – we reaffirmed the need to reject protectionism. We recommitted ourselves to the infrastructure investments, the common-sense regulations and intellectual property protections upon which trade thrives. We are among each other's largest trading partners. As we work together towards lasting prosperity, we need to expand that trade, not restrict it.I would note that our common prosperity also depends on orderly, legal migration. All three of our nations have been enriched by our ties of family and community. I think of my own brother-in law who's Canadian. I think of the many Mexican Americans from Jalisco who found a home in Los Angeles and Texas and in my hometown of Chicago. At the same time, Americans, Mexicans and Canadians all expect their borders to be safe and secure. And that is why my administration will continue to work to fix America's broken immigration system in a way that is in keeping with our traditions of being both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.And because our future prosperity also depends on clean energy economies, we built on our bilateral efforts to invest in renewable energy and green jobs, and we recommitted ourselves to the historic goals announced last month in Italy. Nations like the United States and Canada will take the lead by reducing emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and we will work with other nations to cut global emissions in half. Indeed, we made progress toward the concrete goals that will be negotiated at the Copenhagen climate change summit in December. And I again want to commend Mexico for its leadership in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and President Calderón for his innovative proposals to help developing countries build clean, sustainable economies.Second, we reiterated our abiding commitment to the common safety and security of our people. In response to the H1N1 pandemic, our three governments have worked closely, collaboratively and responsibly. With science as our guide, we resolved to continue taking all necessary preparations and precautions to prepare for the upcoming flu season and protect the health of our people. And this challenge transcends borders and so must our response.We also resolved to continue confronting the urgent threat to our common security from the drug cartels that are causing so much violence and death in our countries. As I've said on many occasions, I heartily commend President Calderón and his government for their determination and courage in taking on these cartels. And the President reaffirmed his government's commitment to transparency, accountability and human rights as they wage this difficult but necessary fight.The United States will remain a full partner in this effort. We will work to make sure Mexico has the support it needs to dismantle and defeat the cartels. And the United States will also meet its responsibilities by continuing our efforts to reduce the demand for drugs and continuing to strengthening the security of our shared border – not only to protect the American people, but to stem the illegal southbound flow of American guns and cash that helps fuel this extraordinary violence.Third, we reaffirmed our abiding commitment to our common values, including peace, democracy and human rights. And in particular, we discussed the coup in Honduras. As has been mentioned, our three nations stand united on this issue. President Zelaya remains the democratically elected president. For the sake of the Honduran people, democratic and constitutional order must be restored. And we will continue to work with others, especially the Organization of American States, to achieve a negotiated and peaceful solution.
(President Barack Obama, center, with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, left, and Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, right, at the leader's trilateral meeting at the Cabanas Cultural Center in Guadalajara, Monday, August 10, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) -
August 10, 2009
03:43 PM EDTLast week, President Obama and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki held a roundtable discussion with military reporters at the White House. The conversation covered a broad range of issues that are of concern to our veterans – everything from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which was launched last week, to how health insurance reform will affect VA health care. The President also covered an issue that has often been overlooked in the past, PTSD:First of all, I do think that there's been a sea change in attitudes around post-traumatic stress disorder since the Vietnam era. And I think both DOD and the VA take the issue of PTSD very seriously.One of the best things that we can do to reduce incidents of PTSD is to reduce the amount of time in theater without a break. And so the steps that we've taken to increase our forces, particularly army and Marines, the authorization that I've provided to Secretary Gates to advance the increase in forces for our army so that we can end stop-loss policy sooner than we otherwise would have been able to do — all those things are going to make a difference in reducing stress, because what you've seen is, is that the incidents of post-traumatic stress disorder increase with each deployment. So that's step number one.Step number two is making sure that we are doing the screening that's necessary so that problems don't fester, and eliminating the stigma that may have historically existed when somebody is showing symptoms of PTSD, particularly if they're still in theater, or still on active duty. And I think that you've seen steps both within all the armed forces to talk about these issues, encourage people to avail themselves of services while they're in theater, but also when they get home. And that's then combined with the much more aggressive systematic screening that's now being done by the VA for those who are discharged.And then the third part of it is to actually provide the mental health services once people have been identified as needing help. And money will pay for more counselors, more mental health specialists, more facilities. It will allow us to target specific aspects of PTSD, for example, women veterans. We are trying to make sure that there are — service is available for women veterans in every VA facility or as many VA facilities as we can. You know, issues of potential sexual abuse for women veterans is being addressed directly in a way that it hasn't been talked about in the past.So I think that this kind of comprehensive approach will help, but it's something that is still going to require a lot of work. That's I think what Ric was referring to when he talked about looking at the homeless population. By the time somebody is homeless, I think it's safe to assume that we've missed a lot of warningHead over to the Department of Defense, where you can read more about the roundtable discussion, and get more information on these specific issues. You can also read the full transcript here. -
August 10, 2009
01:14 PM EDTAs we move full steam ahead on health insurance reform, we’re working to provide you with accurate information about what health reform will mean for you and your family. You probably saw our new "Reality Check" site, aimed at debunking the myths and giving you the facts on comprehensive health insurance reform. You can also go to HealthReform.gov, and check out a state-by-state analysis of how health insurance reform will impact people living in your state.We’re also continuing our ongoing series of health care stakeholder discussions. At 2:00, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform Nancy-Ann DeParle hosts a stakeholder discussion on the potential impact of advanced models of primary care. The roundtable will include leaders of several successful practices, and the discussion will focus on identifying opportunities to strengthen our primary care system so that we can lower costs, improve quality, and increase patient satisfaction.- Watch the entire discussion on WhiteHouse.gov/live.
- Watch and chat using our Facebook application.
[UPDATE: This event has now concluded] -
If you've tuned into the news in the past few days, it's clear that the debate about health insurance reform has heated up as Senators and Representatives return to their home states and districts. A troubling trend has also emerged: as more people become engaged in the issue, defenders of the status quo have responded by muddying the waters with more wild rumors and scare tactics.Today the White House is rolling out a new website that focuses on what reform really means for you and your family, debunks some common myths along the way and provides you with online tools and content to share the facts with friends, family and anyone else in your social network.The first set of videos addresses a wide scope of topics and debunks some of those common myths:
- CEA Chair Christina Romer details how health insurance reform will impact small businesses.
- Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes tackles a nasty rumor about euthanasia and clearly describes how reform helps families.
- Matt Flavin, the White House's Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy, clears the air about Veteran's benefits.
- Kavita Patel, M.D., a doctor serving in the White House's Office of Public Engagement, explains that health care rationing is happening right now and how reform gives control back to patients and doctors.
- Robert Kocher, M.D., a doctor serving on the National Economic Council, debunks the myth that health insurance reform will be financed by cutting Medicare benefits.
- In a video first released last week, Linda Douglass from the White House Health Reform Office addresses fears about the end of our private insurance system and reiterates that if you like your current plan you can keep it.
There is also a handy FAQ about health insurance reform.Moving forward, we'll use this platform to provide you with the latest "Reality Checks" and tools to combat misinformation.We also want to hear from you. If you have questions about health insurance reform or suggestions on what topics we should address next, please let us know.The road ahead will surely reveal more aggressive efforts from defenders of the status quo to confuse and scare Americans with half-truths and outright lies. We're all too familiar with the time-tested tactics that opponents of reform have used for decades to prevent the meaningful change our health insurance system needs.Now, with what the President calls "the best chance of reform we have ever had," it’s time for citizens across the country get the facts about reform and work on the grassroots level to add a healthy dose of reality into the national discussion on health insurance reform. -
The President calls health insurance reform critical to our nation's long-term economic strength and dispels the outlandish rumors being promoted by those who are defending the status quo.Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.
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Here’s a trivia question for today:What do a Boeing 777 and a Bar-Tailed Godwit have in common? The Bar-Tailed Godwit is a bird, but that’s the only hint I’m giving you. And no fair cheating by using Google.Stumped? Find the answer (and what it has to do with energy independence) on my Facebook page.
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August 07, 2009
04:18 PM EDTViewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.download .mp4 (159.8 MB) | read the transcript
Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released unemployment figures for the month of July. While every job lost is a tragedy, and we still have a ways to go, these numbers are a promising indication that the deep recession is easing. The unemployment rate actually fell in July. Although we lost 247,000 jobs, this is nearly 200,000 fewer jobs lost than in June. The President spoke today about the findings, and explained how the Recovery Act is helping our country rebound:Today we're pointed in the right direction. We're losing jobs at less than half the rate we were when I took office. We've pulled the financial system back from the brink, and a rising market is restoring value to those 401(k)s that are the foundation of a secure retirement. We've enabled families to reduce the payments on their mortgages, making their homes more affordable and reducing the number of foreclosures. We helped revive the credit markets and opened up loans for families and small businesses.While we've rescued our economy from catastrophe, we've also begun to build a new foundation for growth. That's why we passed an unprecedented Recovery Act less than a month after I took office – and did so without any of the earmarks or pork-barrel spending that's so common in Washington. Now, there's a lot of misinformation about the Recovery Act. So let me repeat what it is and what it is not. The plan is divided into three parts.One-third of the money is for tax relief that's going directly to families and small businesses. For Americans struggling to pay rising bills with shrinking wages, we've kept a campaign promise to put a middle class tax cut in the pocket of 95 percent of working families – a tax cut that began showing up in paychecks about four months ago. We also cut taxes for small businesses on the investments they make, and substantially increased loans through the Small Business Administration.Another third of the money in the Recovery Act is for emergency relief that is helping folks who have borne the brunt of this recession. For Americans who were laid off, we expanded unemployment benefits – a measure that's already made a difference in the lives of 12 million Americans. We're making health insurance 65 percent cheaper for families that rely on COBRA while they're looking for work. And for states facing historic budget shortfalls, we provided assistance that saved the jobs of tens of thousands of teachers and police officers and other public service workers.So these two thirds of the Recovery Act have helped people weather the worst phase of this recession, while saving jobs and stabilizing our economy. The last third is dedicated to the vital investments that are putting people back to work today to create a stronger economy tomorrow. Part of that is the largest new investment of infrastructure in America since Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System back in the 1950s. These are jobs rebuilding America: upgrading roads and bridges, and renovating schools and hospitals.
(President Barack Obama speaks about the economy during a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House Friday, August 7, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)The President has repeatedly said he is committed to not only helping our economy recover in the near-term, but he is committed to building a new foundation for a strong economy for the future:And that's why we've put an end to the status quo that got us into this crisis. We cannot turn back to the failed policies of the past, nor can we stand still. Now is the time to build a new foundation for a stronger, more productive economy that creates the jobs of the future.And this foundation has to be supported by several pillars to our economy. We need a historic commitment to education, so that America is the most highly-educated, well-trained workforce in the world. We need health insurance reform that brings down costs, provides more security for folks who have insurance, and affordable options for those who don't. And we need to provide incentives that will create new, clean energy sources for our industries. That's where the jobs of the future are, that is the competition that will shape the 21st century, and that's a race that America must win. So we have a lot further to go. As far as I'm concerned, we will not have a true recovery as long as we're losing jobs, and we won't rest until every American that is looking for work can find a job. I have no doubt that we can make these changes. It won't be easy, though. Change is hard – especially in Washington. We have a steep mountain to climb, and we started in a very deep valley. But I have faith in the American people – in their capacity for hard work and innovation, in their commitment to one another, and their courage to face adversity. -
August 07, 2009
11:30 AM EDTIf you’ve been following the health insurance reform debate, you probably have a number of questions about how health insurance reform will help you and improve the quality of care you receive. With all the talk about health insurance reform, it can be difficult to sort out fact from fiction.We want to be sure you have the facts and answer your questions. Today, I’ll be moderating a webcast with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and other top HHS officials where we’ll discuss how health insurance reform will benefit all Americans and take on some of the myths you may have heard. The webcast will begin at 1:00 PM EDT and you can watch it at www.healthreform.gov. You can also watch and discuss using the White House Facebook application.During the webcast, we’ll be answering your questions. Questions can be emailed to hhsstudio@hhs.gov or submitted via Twitter by using the hashtag #HCRQ.We look forward to answering your questions today.[UPDATE: This event has now concluded] -
I wanted to share an essay I wrote last week about an issue that is close to my heart: community colleges. I am thrilled that President Obama has asked me to spread the word to as many people as possible about the value of these institutions. As I write in my essay, I have seen firsthand how these institutions serve as a gateway to opportunity for so many Americans. I hope you enjoy it.Here is a short snippet:I have been an educator for 28 years, and I have taught in the community college system for more than 16 of them. I don't have to look any further than my classroom to see the power of community colleges to change lives. For years I have welcomed students to my classroom from many different educational, economic and cultural backgrounds, and seen how the community college system puts them on the same path of opportunity.I have seen how community colleges fill important gaps: granting two-year degrees, teaching English to immigrants, providing vocational skills training and certification and teaching basic academic skills to those who may not yet be ready to pursue a four-year degree.It's also hard to ignore the financial advantages. In today's challenging economy, community colleges are an increasingly affordable way for students from middle-class families to complete the first two years of a baccalaureate degree before moving on to a four-year university.
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August 06, 2009
04:24 PM EDTJohn Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, spoke today at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. It has been a busy six months since the President took office, but Brennan stressed that the President has never lost sight of the "single most important responsibility as President" – keeping Americans safe. From his prepared remarks:To this end, he and Secretary of State Clinton have renewed America’s commitment to diplomacy: rebuilding old alliances; strengthening critical partnerships with nations such as Russia and China; and naming special envoys and representatives to focus on some of most pressing international challenges, from Middle East peace, to Afghanistan and Pakistan, to climate change, to the crisis in Darfur. He has launched a new era of engagement with the world, including committing the United States to a new partnership with Muslims around the world — a partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect.To confront the transnational threats of the 21st Century, he has launched new initiatives: strengthening the global non-proliferation regime; promoting food security that fights world hunger and lifts people around the world out of poverty; and bolstering the nation’s digital defense against cyber attacks.And to refocus the fight against those who attacked our embassies in Africa eleven years ago tomorrow and our homeland eight years ago next month, the President is proceeding with his plan to end the war in Iraq and to defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. And to ensure that our counterterrorism efforts strengthen our national security — and not undermine it — he banned the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, is proceeding with a new plan to swiftly and certainly deal with detainees, and will close the prison at Guantanamo Bay.Brennan emphasized the significance of the President’s decision to end enhanced interrogation techniques:At the same time, I have seen — we all have seen — how our fight against terrorists sometimes led us to stray from our ideals as a nation. Tactics such as waterboarding were not in keeping with our values as Americans, and these practices have been rightly terminated and should not, and will not, happen again.I believe President Obama is absolutely correct: such practices not only fail to advance our counterterrorism efforts, they actually set back our efforts. They are a recruitment bonanza for terrorists, increase the determination of our enemies, and decrease the willingness of other nations to cooperate with us. In short, they undermine our national security.Brennan went on to say the President "rejects the false choice between ensuring our national security and upholding civil liberties." In this vein, he seeks to maintain a robust dialogue with the American people about the administration’s efforts to prevent terrorist attacks. Brennan explained that the administration’s plan covers two distinct challenges: the immediate challenge of destroying Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations, and the longer-term challenge of dealing with violent extremism generally. He explained what the administration is doing to face the first challenge, fighting terrorist organizations:He is confronting what he has identified as the most immediate and extreme threat to global security — the possibility that terrorists will obtain and use a nuclear weapon. That is why he has taken a number of critical steps: leading the effort for a stronger global nonproliferation regime; launching an international effort to secure the world’s vulnerable nuclear material in four years; and hosting a Global Nuclear Summit next year. The risk of just one terrorist with just one nuclear weapon is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.To ensure our military has the new capabilities and technologies its needs for this fight, he accelerated the increase in the size of the Army and the Marines, has approved another increase in the size of the Army, is expanding our Special Forces, and is increasing the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets our troops need in Afghanistan.To ensure we have the timely and accurate intelligence that prevents terrorist attacks and saves lives, we are continuing to adapt and strengthen the intelligence community by expanding human intelligence; strengthening operations; enhancing the workforce with improved linguistic and cultural skills; filling intelligence gaps; improving collaboration across the intelligence community; and promoting greater coordination with foreign intelligence partners.And to better secure the homeland from attack, we’re taking the steps Secretary Napolitano described last week: enhancing information sharing arrangements with our allies and partners; strengthening partnerships with state and local officials, law enforcement, and first responders; and improving the security of our critical infrastructure, borders, ports, and airports.Facing the second challenge involves tackling the political, economic, and social factors that help drive individuals to extremist organizations. Brennan said the President’s approach is fundamentally new, and involves five key elements. First of all, the administration will not focus its entire foreign policy on fighting terrorism, but rather, will focus on broader engagement with other countries and peoples. The second element of his approach is a clearer, more precise definition of the challenge. He also seeks a broader, more accurate understanding of the conditions that fuel violent extremism because any comprehensive approach must address these underlying conditions. The fourth element is a recognition that in order to address these factors, we must meet the basic needs of ordinary people, not through military operations, but through social, political, and economic campaigns. The final facet of the President’s approach is to ensure these social, political, and economic factors discourage rather than encourage violent extremism. All of these elements represent a fundamentally different strategy to rid the world of violent extremists and assure the American people are kept safe. -
August 06, 2009
04:19 PM EDTViewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.download .mp4 (159.8 MB) | read the transcript
The Senate confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor this afternoon, 68-31, making her the 111th Supreme Court Justice, only the third female Justice, and the first Hispanic Justice. Speaking shortly after the confirmation, the President said he was grateful for the Senate's confirmation, and gave special thanks to the Senate Judiciary Committee for their hard work. He then reflected on Judge Sotomayor's qualifications, and the historic nature of her confirmation:The members of our Supreme Court are granted life tenure and are charged with the vital and difficult task of applying principles set forth at our founding to the questions and controversies of our time. Over the past 10 weeks, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate have assessed Judge Sotomayor’s fitness for this work. They've scrutinized her record as a prosecutor, as a litigator, and as a judge. They've gauged her respect for the proper role of each branch of our government, her commitment to faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand, and her determination to protect our core constitutional rights and freedoms.And with this historic vote, the Senate has affirmed that Judge Sotomayor has the intellect, the temperament, the history, the integrity and the independence of mind to ably serve on our nation’s highest court.This is a role that the Senate has played for more than two centuries, helping to ensure that "equal justice under the law" is not merely a phrase inscribed above our courthouse door, but a description of what happens every single day inside the courtroom. It's a promise that, whether you’re a mighty corporation or an ordinary American, you will receive a full and fair hearing. And in the end, the outcome of your case will be determined by nothing more or less than the strength of your argument and the dictates of the law.These core American ideals – justice, equality, and opportunity – are the very ideals that have made Judge Sotomayor’s own uniquely American journey possible. They're ideals she's fought for throughout her career, and the ideals the Senate has upheld today in breaking yet another barrier and moving us yet another step closer to a more perfect union.Like so many other aspects of this nation, I'm filled with pride in this achievement and great confidence that Judge Sotomayor will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice. This is a wonderful day for Judge Sotomayor and her family, but I also think it's a wonderful day for America.You can read the President’s full statement here. -
August 06, 2009
01:45 PM EDTAt 2pm EDT, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) will be opening up their meeting for public comment.Have thoughts on what the President’s priorities in the fields of science or technology should be? Join the live chat on facebook and submit your comments.[UPDATE: This event has now concluded] -
August 06, 2009
09:54 AM EDTDriving down State Route 19 through the endless corn fields and silos, one might think that Elkhart County in Indiana is a purely agricultural community. But the landscape is dotted with numerous manufacturing plants – places that have made the region the "RV Capital of the World."The RV industry has been hit hard by the recession. As a result, the area has experienced a 10% increase in unemployment over the last year, the second highest jump in the country. But behind such figures are the lives of real people. We got to spend some time with people like Herman and Pam, faithful employees of Monaco Coach, in advance of President Obama's announcement at their plant yesterday of billions of dollars in funds for advanced battery and electric drive projects. At its prime, Monaco employed some 1,200 staff; today, they're down to about 100, though the hope is these projects will help bring hundreds of jobs back to town. Herman and Pam told us the story of their embattled community, as they face this more than challenging economic climate together.Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.download .mp4 (83 MB)
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August 06, 2009
09:15 AM EDTAs we told you yesterday, the President announced $2.4 billion in Recovery Act funds designated for the manufacturing of advanced batteries and electric vehicles. As part of this unprecedented investment, Michigan will receive more than one billion in grants, the most of any state, and the Vice President was in Detroit yesterday to make the announcement. In his remarks, he explained that the United States must build on Detroit's rich past in order for the state's economy, which is dominated by the automobile industry, to recover. The grants are designed to do just that – by spurring innovation, they will create jobs while making Detroit an industry leader in the 21st century.
(Vice President Joe Biden hugs Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm at an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act event at Next Energy in Detroit, Michigan, Wednesday, August 5, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
(Vice President Joe Biden speaks in front of several plug-in hybrid vehicles at an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act event at Next Energy in Detroit, Michigan, Wednesday, August 5, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
(Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands after speaking at an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act event at Next Energy in Detroit, Michigan, Wednesday, August 5, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann) -
August 05, 2009
03:57 PM EDTViewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.download .mp4 (159.8 MB) | read the transcript
The President spoke directly and personally to the audience in Elkhart County, Indiana today: "For as the world grows more competitive, we can't afford to run the race at half-strength or half-speed. If we hope to lead this century like we did the last century, we have to create the conditions and the opportunities for places like Elkhart to succeed. We have to harness the potential – the innovative and creative spirit – that's waiting to be awakened all across America." Continuing his effort to establish a 21st century clean energy economy, the President announced an unprecedented $2.4 billion investment in 48 new advanced battery and electric drive projects, funded through the Recovery Act. The projects were selected through a highly competitive process by the Department of Energy, and these innovative ideas will help propel America forward as we work to establish the next generation of advanced vehicles.The $2.4 billion is the single largest investment ever in advanced battery technology for hybrid and electric drive vehicles, and coupled with another $2.4 billion in cost share from the award winners, it will result in the creation of tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs that are much needed in places like Elkhart. Places like Elkhart have been hit particularly hard as manufacturing jobs have disappeared, but this new investment provides $39 million for Navistar to create or save hundreds of jobs in Elkhart.
(President Barack Obama shakes hands with people in the audience following remarks on the economy at Monaco RV manufacturing in Indiana. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)This investment also demonstrates the President’s commitment to innovation, which is key to creating the jobs of the future right here in America:Now, history should be our guide. The United States led the world's economies in the 20th century because we led the world in innovation. Today, the competition is keener; the challenge is tougher; and that's why innovation is more important than ever. That's the key to good, new jobs in the 21st century. That's how we will ensure a high quality of life for this generation and future generations. With these investments, we're planting the seeds of progress for our country, and good-paying, private-sector jobs for the American people.So that's why I'm here today – to announce $2.4 billion in highly competitive grants to develop the next generation of fuel-efficient cars and trucks powered by the next generation of battery technologies all made right here in the U.S. of A. (Applause.) Right here in America. (Applause.) Made in America. (Applause.)For too long, we failed to invest in this kind of innovative work, even as countries like China and Japan were racing ahead. That's why this announcement is so important: This represents the largest investment in this kind of technology in American history.See, I'm committed to a strategy that ensures America leads in the design and the deployment of the next generation of clean-energy vehicles. This is not just an investment to produce vehicles today; this is an investment in our capacity to develop new technologies tomorrow. This is about creating the infrastructure of innovation.The President closed his remarks by acknowledging the realities of the recession, because even as progress is made, families continue to struggle. But as he explained, these tough times also present great opportunity for rebuilding a stronger foundation for our country:Energy and innovation, health care and education – these are the pillars of the new foundation that we have to build. This is how we won't just rescue the economy, but we're going to rebuild it stronger than before.Now, there are a lot of people out there those who are looking to defend the status quo. There are those who want to seek political advantage. They want to oppose these efforts. Some of them caused the problems that we got now in the first place, and then suddenly they're blaming other folks for it. (Applause.) They don't want to be constructive. They don't want to be constructive; they just want to get in the usual political fights back and forth. And sometimes that's fed by all the cable chatter on the media.But you and I know the truth. We know that even in the hardest times, against the toughest odds, we have never surrendered. We don't give up. We don't surrender our fates to chance. We have always endured. We have worked hard, and we have fought for our future. Our parents had to fight for their future; our grandparents had to fight for their future. That's the tradition of America. This country wasn't built just by griping and complaining. It was built by hard work and taking risks. (Applause.) And that's what we have to do today. -
August 05, 2009
11:09 AM EDTViewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher. Download the free player.download .mp4 (159.8 MB) | read the transcript
We were all relieved to learn yesterday that American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling, detained in North Korea since March, would be released. They arrived safely back in the United States this morning, and were reunited with their families. The President called the families yesterday when he learned that the journalists were on the plane home, and described the reunion as "a source of happiness not only for the families but for the entire country."The President reflected on the release in a statement this morning, and he thanked President Clinton and Vice President Gore for their efforts which led to the safe homecoming:I want to thank President Bill Clinton – I had a chance to talk to him – for the extraordinary humanitarian effort that resulted in the release of the two journalists. I want to thank Vice President Al Gore who worked tirelessly in order to achieve a positive outcome.I think that not only is this White House obviously extraordinarily happy, but all Americans should be grateful to both former President Clinton and Vice President Gore for their extraordinary work. And my hope is, is that the families that have been reunited can enjoy the next several days and weeks, understanding that because of the efforts of President Clinton and Gore, they are able to be with each other once again.So we are very pleased with the outcome, and I'm hopeful that the families are going to be able to get some good time together in the next few days.
(President Barack Obama makes a statement about the two journalists released from North Korea before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) -
August 04, 2009
05:20 PM EDTThe jobs created by the Recovery Act have received a lot of attention, and rightfully so: similar to previous weeks, thousands of Americans found employment this week thanks to the Recovery Act, in fields ranging from computer technology to weatherization.But the Recovery Act isn’t solely focused on creating jobs—it is also providing timely assistance to state and local governments. As outlined in the stories below, funding provided by Recovery Act was crucial to off-setting revenue decreases caused by the economic downturn, enabling state and local governments to keep vital programs running and prevent layoffs:Arizona State University, the University of Arizona And Northern Arizona University Benefited From ARRA Revenue That Will "Save Hundreds Of Jobs." "Arizona's three state universities will start receiving $154 million in federal stimulus funds next week. The money won't make up for all the cuts in their state funding, but university officials say the infusion will help save hundreds of jobs. Arizona State, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University have struggled amid record cuts in state funding. The national recession has caused state tax revenues to drop sharply and has led to widespread funding cuts to state agencies and schools. The universities saw a 20 percent, or $190 million, reduction in state funding for the 2008-09 school year. All three universities laid off employees during the past school year, eliminated academic programs with low enrollments and boosted some class sizes. While the $154 million in federal stimulus will backfill some of the loss in state funding, the $190 million is a permanent reduction to the university system's budget, so the federal money won't entirely cover the deficit in coming years. Even so, university officials are eager to get the money. NAU President John Haeger said in a statement that the stimulus means, ‘we will not have to endure more draconian cuts to our workforce or reduced programs and services for students.’ He estimates NAU's $23 million share of federal money will save more than 300 jobs and will limit employee furlough days to no more than three."Governor Parkinson Dubbed ARRA "Essential To [Kansas]" With Respect To Salvaging State Programs And Addressing Economic Burdens On Citizens. "To spur job creation and ease the pressure on the housing market, Governor Parkinson joined Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin in announcing the implementation of programs through the Department of the Treasury that will provide billions of dollars in recovery funds throughout the country and in Kansas. ‘The Recovery Act has been essential to our state, not only in terms of balancing the budget without demolishing essential state programs, but it's also been important to Kansans who are struggling to get through this national recession,’ Parkinson said. ‘Osawatomie is a great example of how the Recovery Act is making a difference – in this case, by creating and protecting jobs in construction, and providing affordable housing for our senior citizens. Projects, like Woodland Hills, will help communities across Kansas and the country get back on the road to recovery.’"Huge Influx Of Federal Stimulus Money To State And Local Governments More Than Offset A Sharp Drop In Tax Collections, Helping To Put The Brakes On The Nation’s Economic Decline. "A huge influx of federal stimulus money to state and local governments more than offset a sharp drop in tax collections, helping to put the brakes on the nation's economic decline, new government data show. The stimulus funds helped reverse six months of spending declines, pushing state and local government expenditures up 4.8% in the second quarter, reports the Bureau of Economic Analysis. ‘The money has caused a very sharp change in the path of the economy, which had been in steep decline,’ said Chad Stone, chief economist at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. Federal cash is now the No. 1 revenue source for state and local governments, surpassing sales and property taxes, the government data show. The flood of federal money lifted total revenues by 7.5%, overcoming an 8% drop in tax collections.Governor Ted Kulongoski: Recovery Act Money And Resultant Projects Dramatically Aided Many Facets Of Oregon Affected By Downturn, From K-12 To Transportation. "In February, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to inject billions of dollars into local economies across the country immediately, and to invest billions more over the next two years as part of a sustained economic recovery strategy. In Oregon, where our unemployment rate ranks among the nation's highest, and our state revenues declined by more than $4 billion in a matter of months, the Recovery Act dollars could not have come at a more critical time. As a result of Recovery Act funding for education, human services and public safety, the state was able to preserve many of these critical services that would otherwise have been cut deeper or eliminated altogether. For example, the Recovery Act provided critical funding for K-12 education during the next two school years. Without that assistance, we would have faced a potential cut of 20 days from the school year, which is not only harmful to our children, but would also mean 20 lost days of work for teachers in Oregon's 198 school districts. The Recovery Act also immediately allocated millions to Oregon for transportation, and we were the first state to have projects identified and contracts awarded, creating jobs immediately and making much-needed improvements to our transportation infrastructure. The state has awarded Recovery Act grants for upgrading drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities around the state, and contracts are starting to be signed for weatherizing the homes of low-income Oregonians — all investments that will sustain and create jobs while also improving our quality of life. And I expect the first wave of energy grants to be announced any day to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state."More Than 2,800 Young People In El Paso Gained Summer Employment Through ARRA Awards To Local Employment And Educational Institutions. "Part of the stimulus package passed by Congress in February is providing summer jobs for more than 2,800 El Paso youths and valuable training that could lead the participants to worthwhile careers, organizers say. The programs, being conducted at El Paso Community College, the University of Texas at El Paso and La Fe, are part of Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande's summer youth program, an annual effort. But more than $1.1 million in stimulus money has allowed the agency to expand the scope of the summer jobs program. The areas of study include computers, engineering and health sciences. Participants in the summer jobs program ranged in age from 14 to 24. More than 2,800 youth were certified in the Summer Youth Program in the six-county region served by Upper Rio Grande. Upper Rio Grande pays the students and pays for equipment, which the schools provide the instruction. Thursday, more than 20 students, ages 14 to 17, were installing new software on computers they had built themselves at El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus. A total of 44 students selected by Upper Rio Grande are learning computer skills in an eight-week program, which instructors said will give them the knowledge and skills to take the A-plus certification examination for entry-level computer technicians."Approximately 7,000 Washington Homes Will Be Weatherized Using ARRA Funds. "Five months after congressional approval, about $23 million in federal weatherization money is finally flowing across the state, putting theoretical plans for economic stimulus into elbow-grease practice. The goal is multipronged: Make low-income homes more energy-efficient, provide and retain ‘green’ jobs and help resuscitate a gasping economy. When the second wave of federal money arrives next year, almost $60 million in weatherization money will have been spread around Washington. State weatherization director Steve Payne expects about 7,000 dwellings will be updated. Two weeks ago, the state Commerce Department, where he works as managing director of Housing Improvements and Preservation, began authorizing 26 housing agencies around the state to manage local work. Seattle's weatherization program, called HomeWise and operated by the city Office of Housing, is receiving about $2.4 million in stimulus money this year. That extra money about doubles what the agency usually spends on weatherization annually. The HomeWise staff estimates the new money will help make an additional 1,000 homes more energy-efficient. The King County Housing Authority will receive about $2.6 million in stimulus money for weatherization this year, while Snohomish County will get $1.4 million."
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