This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

Weekly Wrap Up: Strengthening Our Country's Future

Summary: 
Here's quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov.

Watch the West Wing Week here.

Here's a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

Immigration Reform: On Tuesday, President Obama traveled to Las Vegas to present his plans for comprehensive immigration reform. The four parts of the White House proposal call for a strengthening of our borders, cracking down on companies that hire undocumented workers, creating a path to earned citizenship and streamlining our legal immigration system for all.

“Now is the time to do this so we can strengthen our economy and strengthen our country's future,” said President Obama, urging a bipartisan effort.


  • Speak out to show your support and get the facts on our immigration reform page.
  • Read the President’s remarks on comprehensive immigration reform.
  • Watch the President’s speech on comprehensive immigration reform.

Turning to Law Enforcement: On Monday, President Obama and Vice President Biden welcomed police chiefs and sheriffs from across the country to hear their ideas on protecting our communities from gun violence. The President is seeking to prevent mass shootings like Newton, where 20 young children and six adults were killed by a gunman, and explained, “it's also what happens on a day-in-day-out basis in places like Chicago or Philadelphia, where young people are victims of gun violence every single day.”

Advancing Gender Equality: On Wednesday, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum to champion gender equality and empower women and girls. While in office President Obama has acknowledged the importance of women in the political and economic worlds. Under the President’s guidance, the White House Council on Women and Girls was initiated and his first piece of legislation was the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which makes it easier for women to challenge unequal pay.

Mama, I Made It: On Monday, the Miami Heat were honored at the White House for their 2012 NBA Finals victory. After President Obama’s remarks, an excited LeBron James candidly described the moment. “We’re in the White House right now,” James said. “This is like, hey, mama, I made it.”

Check out the full ceremony and watch James present President Obama a signed ball and star forward Dwayne Wade give a jersey to the President. Be sure to also take a look at our behind the scenes look on the Heat’s trip to the White House.

Relief for Syria: On Tuesday, the White House released a video message from President Obama announcing an additional $155 million in humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria. The aid provides food, clean water, medicines and medical treatment. The United States and its allies are working together to ensure the aid goes directly to those who need it most. The United States total contribution to the people of Syria stands at $365 million as the aid comes at a critical moment when allies are fighting for an end to the corrupt Assad regime.

Fireside Hangout: On Thursday, the White House continued their series of Google+ hangouts with senior White House officials. Cecilia Muñoz, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, discussed the President’s proposal for comprehensive immigration reform with participants from across America. Follow the White House on Google+ to receive the latest updates and stay in the loop for ways you can be involved for the next hangout.