Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/31/obamacare_a_pivot_point_249703.html
Bill Richardson Bob Casey, Jr Bob Corker Byron Dorgan Carl Levin
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/31/change_in_egypt_is_good_249654.html
John Barrasso John Cornyn John Edwards John Ensign John F. Kerry
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/31/fear_the_muslim_brotherhood_249697.html
Kent Conrad Kirsten Gillibrand Kit Bond Lamar Alexander Lindsey Graham
WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama nominated Judge Henry F. Floyd for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
“Throughout his career, Henry Floyd has demonstrated unwavering integrity and a firm commitment to public service,” said President Obama. “I am proud to nominate him to serve on the United States Court of Appeals.”
Judge Henry F. Floyd: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Judge Henry F. Floyd is a distinguished jurist without over 18 years of judicial experience. For the past seven years, he has served as a U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina.
Judge Floyd was born in Brevard, North Carolina, and moved to Pickens, South Carolina as a young child. He received his B.A. in History from Wofford College in 1970, and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1973. While at Wofford, Judge Floyd joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, later achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.
In 1972, Judge Floyd was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and served until 1978. He began his private law practice in 1973 with the formation of the firm of Floyd and Welmaker, P.A. Five years later, the firm became Acker, Acker, Floyd & Welmaker, P.A., after it merged with another law firm. While in private practice, Judge Floyd served as a Commissioner on the South Carolina Forestry Commission from 1979 to 1991 and was counsel for Pickens County from 1986 to 1992. In 1992, Judge Floyd was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to serve as a Circuit Court Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and held that position until he joined the federal bench.
Al Gore Amy Klobuchar Arlen Specter Arnold Schwarzenegger Barack Obama
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/30/are_charter_schools_the_cure_249651.html
George Voinovich George W. Bush Harry Reid Henry Kissinger Herb Kohl
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Katharine G. Abraham, of Iowa, to be a Member of the Council of Economic Advisers, vice Christina Duckworth Romer, resigned.
David S. Cohen, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes, vice Stuart Levey, resigning.
Heather A. Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, vice Robert L. Nabors, resigned.
Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., of the District of Columbia, to be Solicitor General of the United States, vice Elena Kagan, resigned.
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/26/presidential-nominations-sent-senate-1
Robert Foster Bennett Robert Menendez Roger Wicker Roland Burris Ron Paul
The United States welcomes the inauguration today of the Afghan Parliament in Kabul. The seating of parliament is a significant milestone in the progression of Afghanistan’s democracy and an extremely important moment for Afghans who bravely cast their votes last September.
The constructive debate and co-operation between Afghanistan’s Office of the President and the recently elected members of Parliament demonstrates the Afghan commitment to ensuring that the will of the Afghan people is carried out and democratic principles are prioritized.
The United States joins the Afghan people in celebrating today’s achievement and we encourage the Afghans to begin an inclusive dialogue on electoral reform.
The United States looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the new parliament as it carries out its important Constitutional role on behalf of the Afghan people.
President Obama, Vice President Biden, Members of the Cabinet Fan Out Across the Country, Highlight Vision for Winning the Future
WASHINGTON – This week, President Obama, Vice President Biden, and members of the President’s Cabinet will travel across the country to highlight the President’s plan for winning the future and creating jobs by out-innovating, out-educating and out-building the rest of the world.
In tonight’s State of the Union Address, the President will speak directly to the American people about the contest we face today – not a contest between Democrats and Republicans, but one between America and our competitors across the globe for the jobs and industries of our time.
In travel on Wednesday, the President and Vice President will hold “White House to Main Street Tours” in Wisconsin and Indiana to visit companies that have shown that we can win that contest, hiring workers and investing in industries of the future. Details about their travel, along with information on cabinet members traveling this week, are below.
President Obama – White House to Main Street Tour, Manitowoc, Wisconsin on Wednesday:
On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, President Barack Obama will take the “White House to Main Street Tour” to Manitowoc, WI, where he will continue his conversation with American families and workers about rebuilding an economy that ensures America’s long-term economic competitiveness and guarantees that America and its people continue to lead in the future.
The President will tour Orion Energy Systems, a power technology company that designs, manufactures and deploys energy efficiency and renewable energy technology for commercial and industrial business, and deliver remarks on the economy to employees. In 2004, Orion shifted their manufacturing operations to Manitowoc, WI where they now employ over 250 employees and anticipate growing to more than 300 employees by the end of 2011.
The President will then tour Skana Aluminum Company, an aluminum manufacturer and rolling mill. Skana opened in 2010 and continues a long history of aluminum manufacturing in the Wisconsin Lakeshore area. Skana currently has over 70 employees and expects to reach 100 employees in 2011, with plans to fill approximately 15 positions for a second shift by the end of January.
The President will also tour Broadwind Towers (Tower Tech Systems), a wind turbine tower manufacturer. Tower Tech Systems opened in 2003 in Manitowoc and since that time has grown to over 300 employees.
Companies like the ones the President is visiting and middle-class families in places like Manitowoc have benefitted from the President’s efforts to support growth and job creation, including through the package of tax cuts and unemployment insurance he signed last month and the Small Business Jobs Act signed last fall. For example:
Incentives to Support Investments in Renewable Energy: The bill the President signed in December included an extension of the 1603 grant program, which provides incentives for the production of renewable energy like wind and solar. For example, some of Orion’s customers have benefited from this program, supporting demand for its products.
Tax Cuts to Encourage Businesses to Make New Investment: The bill the President signed includes provisions that encourage businesses to make new investments that will support growth and job creation. Under the bill, businesses – large and small – are now able to immediately expense 100% of investments they make in new machinery from September 2010 through the end of this year. For example, companies like Tower Tech Systems that plan to make capital investments this year as demand increases will be able to immediately expense 100% of these investments as they seek to expand and create new jobs.
Efforts to Help Small Businesses Get Access to the Credit They Need to Expand and Hire: The President has supported efforts to ensure that creditworthy small businesses can access the loans they need to expand and hire. The Small Business Jobs Act he signed last September included measures the President proposed – including an extension of successful Recovery Act provisions to boost Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, an expansion of the maximum SBA 7(a) loan to $5 million, and the creation of two new programs, a Small Business Lending Fund and a State Small Business Credit Initiative, to boost private-sector lending to small businesses. Skana Aluminum has benefitted from these provisions by taking out a $5 million loan with a 90 percent SBA guarantee in December.
Tax Cuts to Support Middle Class Families: The bill the President signed in December – in addition to preventing the middle class tax cuts from expiring, which would have increased taxes by $3,000 for a typical working family – included several tax cuts that help middle-class families across the country. For a family with the median household income of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin – about $51,000 – these provisions the President fought for could provide significant savings. For example, the 2% payroll tax cut could result in savings of about $1,020 for the typical Manitowoc family this year. If that family sent a child to college, they could be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit – a tax cut initially passed under the Recovery Act and extended under the recent bill he signed that is worth up to $2,500 per year of college.
Vice President Biden – White House to Main Street Tour, Greenfield, Indiana on Wednesday:
On Wednesday, Vice President Biden, Chair of the Middle Class Task Force, will take the “White House to Main Street Tour” to Greenfield, Indiana, where he will visit Ener1, Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion battery systems for transportation, grid energy storage and industrial electronics. Ener1 was awarded a $118.5 million Recovery Act grant to expand its production of advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The grant is allowing Ener1 to expand its current manufacturing and assembly operation from 336 workers at its Indianapolis manufacturing and assembly facilities to over a thousand by the start of 2013. In 2010 alone, Ener1 added 120 jobs at its Indianapolis plants.
Following a tour of the factory, the Vice President will discuss with workers how the Administration is incentivizing investment in innovation and helping to lay the foundation for American competiveness in the 21st century. He will outline the President’s new plan to reach an ambitious goal of making the United States the first country in the world to put 1 million advanced technology vehicles on the road by 2015. The President’s new three-part plan will include supporting electric vehicle manufacturing and adoption in the U.S. through generous new consumer rebates, investments in R&D, and a competitive program to encourage communities to invest in electric vehicle infrastructure.
Cabinet Member Travel:
Members of the Cabinet will travel throughout the country to highlight the pillars of the President’s remarks, visiting companies and schools that are already engaged in cutting-edge ways to innovate and accelerate economic growth. This week and throughout February, the Cabinet will discuss ways to win the future through investments in innovative technologies and research, strengthened educational opportunities, and cutting-edge approaches to manufacturing and modern infrastructure.
For example, SBA Administrator Karen Mills will travel to St. Louis on Wednesday, where she will focus on ways to accelerate economic growth through innovation during a visit to Innoventor, Inc. The firm is a go-to company for businesses which have an idea and want it invented and built. To date, Innoventor has been part of building: a non-invasive, magnetically controlled heart catheter machine; a chiller for use in human laser surgery; TheraStride, a technology developed through funding from the Christopher Reeve Foundation, that helps people with spinal cord injuries to restore their ability to walk; and green technology that converts swine manure into biofuels and asphalt.
On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will visit Proterra, Inc., in Greenville, S.C., where targeted investments are sparking innovation and job creation. Proterra, which began in 2004 as a small start up in Golden, Colorado, is on the cutting-edge of advanced transportation fuel technology development. The Greenville facility is building the world’s first fast-charge electric transit buses, and is on track to grow from more than 120 employees today to more than 350 employees by the end of the year. Proterra is building a new plant on the campus of Clemson University, where they will collaborate with the faculty to research new technologies and train the next generation of transportation scientists and engineers.
Dianne Feinstein Dick Cheney Dick Lugar Elizabeth Dole Evan Bayh
The United States welcomes the inauguration today of the Afghan Parliament in Kabul. The seating of parliament is a significant milestone in the progression of Afghanistan’s democracy and an extremely important moment for Afghans who bravely cast their votes last September.
The constructive debate and co-operation between Afghanistan’s Office of the President and the recently elected members of Parliament demonstrates the Afghan commitment to ensuring that the will of the Afghan people is carried out and democratic principles are prioritized.
The United States joins the Afghan people in celebrating today’s achievement and we encourage the Afghans to begin an inclusive dialogue on electoral reform.
The United States looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the new parliament as it carries out its important Constitutional role on behalf of the Afghan people.
Bill Clinton Bill Nelson Bill Richardson Bob Casey, Jr Bob Corker
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/28/obama039s_robust_defense_of_statism_249556.html
Olympia Snowe Orrin Hatch Pat Roberts Patrick Leahy Patty Murray
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/28/obama_reframes_his_leadership_249571.html
David Vitter Debbie Stabenow Dennis Hastert Dennis Kucinich Dianne Feinstein
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/01/27/obama_shows_why_election_was_a_mistake.html
Orrin Hatch Pat Roberts Patrick Leahy Patty Murray Ralph Nader
WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama nominated Judge Henry F. Floyd for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
“Throughout his career, Henry Floyd has demonstrated unwavering integrity and a firm commitment to public service,” said President Obama. “I am proud to nominate him to serve on the United States Court of Appeals.”
Judge Henry F. Floyd: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Judge Henry F. Floyd is a distinguished jurist without over 18 years of judicial experience. For the past seven years, he has served as a U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina.
Judge Floyd was born in Brevard, North Carolina, and moved to Pickens, South Carolina as a young child. He received his B.A. in History from Wofford College in 1970, and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1973. While at Wofford, Judge Floyd joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, later achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.
In 1972, Judge Floyd was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and served until 1978. He began his private law practice in 1973 with the formation of the firm of Floyd and Welmaker, P.A. Five years later, the firm became Acker, Acker, Floyd & Welmaker, P.A., after it merged with another law firm. While in private practice, Judge Floyd served as a Commissioner on the South Carolina Forestry Commission from 1979 to 1991 and was counsel for Pickens County from 1986 to 1992. In 1992, Judge Floyd was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to serve as a Circuit Court Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and held that position until he joined the federal bench.
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/27/paul_ryan039s_tall_tales_about_european_debt_249533.html
Kit Bond Lamar Alexander Lindsey Graham Lisa Murkowski Maria Cantwell
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/27/state_of_the_union_not_classic_but_effective_249479.html
President Obama called President Medvedev this morning to express his deepest condolences for yesterday's terrorist attack and his solidarity with the Russian people. President Obama reaffirmed his strong condemnation of this outrageous attack on innocent civilians and his commitment to work with Russia in combating terrorism. President Obama also congratulated President Medevedev on today's approval by the Duma of the new START treaty, and the two leaders pledged to build on this progress as they continue their close partnership in 2011.
To view a photo of the President’s call click HERE.
Lamar Alexander Lindsey Graham Lisa Murkowski Maria Cantwell Mark Begich
1:58 P.M. EST
MRS. OBAMA: Well, there you go. (Laughter.) And that’s what the South Side of Chicago produces. (Laughter and applause.) Well done. Thank you, Deneen, for that outstanding introduction.
Look, it is a pleasure to be here with all of you today to celebrate National Mentoring Month. I know all you agree we could do this for a year, right? (Laughter.)
But I want to start by thanking Dr. Billington from the Library of Congress, as well as Wim Kooyer from MENTOR for being such gracious hosts and making this day possible. Has it been good? (Applause.) All right. (Applause.) I’ve heard good things.
So we’re also joined by the President’s Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, who is here -- (applause) -- as well as Patrick Corvington from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Patrick. (Applause.) These are two people who -- and I’ve known these guys -- I’ve known Arne for a good chunk of my life. He has always mentored. And Patrick is making sure that more Americans are mentoring. So thank you both for your hard work and your commitment. Yes. (Applause.)
As many of you know, it is rare to have all the major mentoring organizations in the country together under one roof -- that's what’s going on here today -- along with leaders from every level of government and across the private sector. And I just want to say how proud and honored I am to be here with so many people making such a big difference in the lives of so many young people.
You all may come from different parts of the country. And maybe you come at this issue from a wide variety of angles. But you’re all here today because you know that in today’s world, having a mentor is more important than ever before. And that’s because, in many ways, being a kid today is tougher than ever before.
Right now, more young people are growing up in single-parent homes, and more of those parents are working multiple jobs and longer hours just to make ends meet.
More kids are growing up outside of those tight-knit neighborhoods that many of us remember; you know, those neighborhoods where folks looked out for each others’ kids and told on you when you weren’t doing what you were supposed to do. (Laughter.) Right?
And even though our children are connecting to the world and to each other in ways we never could have imagined, sometimes the messages they receive promote instant gratification over hard work and perseverance, young people. (Laughter.) And I know that all that can be a little overwhelming.
And then when you add in the age-old struggles of just plain old growing up –- the anxiety, the confusion, the academic and the social pressure –- you’ve got an entire generation of young people truly in desperate need of a friend, someone they can trust, an example they can follow.
And that’s where all of you come in. That’s why mentors are so important. You all are reaching out to kids who do have big, gigantic dreams and plenty of talent, but they don’t always have enough guidance.
And as all of you know, mentoring doesn’t have to require a huge commitment. It doesn’t take much. It can be as simple as taking your kid to the zoo, maybe shooting some hoops -- that's all Arne would be doing -- (laughter) -- maybe going shopping, or just sitting around talking. Kids don’t need you to be Superman. They just need you to be there. They need you to be someone they can count on.
And that’s really the core of mentoring. It’s about building that trust. It’s about providing comfort and stability in a world that often lacks both. And it’s about showing young people that the world is filled with opportunities, and then helping them seize those opportunities.
As mentors, you’re planting a seed that may not take root for years. But let me tell you, when it does, the benefits are undeniable. Studies have shown that young people with mentors are more likely to graduate from high school and set higher goals for themselves, and they’re less likely to skip school, use drugs, or fight, or as Deneen said, talk back to their parents. (Laughter.) I don't know if the studies said that, but I’m sure -- (laughter) -- that that is an important byproduct of mentoring. (Laughter.) By watching their mentors, children learn to expect more from themselves, they learn to reach just a little higher, they learn how to handle conflict and disappointment when things don’t work out right.
But the rewards go both ways, as you all know. For some of you, forging a mentoring relationship is a meaningful way to get involved in your own communities, or to broaden your own view of the world. It can be a chance to pay back someone who made a difference in your life by doing the same thing for someone else. And it is an amazing feeling when you can help a child discover the best in themselves, isn’t it? It’s amazing.
As one mentor said, and this is a quote, “I feel like my role in our relationship is to mirror back all the wonderful things that I notice about her. I’m here to remind her how strong and talented she is.” That's from a mentor.
And that’s the kind of relationship that Jennifer Shultz and Kendelle Brooks have developed. With a father and brother who spent time in prison, Kendelle struggled in school and was always in and out of trouble. But then he met Jennifer, who’s a deputy with the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. And for the last four years, they’ve bonded, I’m told, over sports, with Jennifer helping Kendelle stay on track and raise his grades. He’s a member of the JV football and basketball teams, and Kendelle had perfect attendance last year. And with a mentor -- yes, that deserves a round of applause -- (applause) -- and with a mentor who’s a police officer, you can imagine he is learning how to avoid the same trouble that so many around him may have gotten into.
It’s a relationship that Tina Colvin and her mentor, Veronica Cool, also know a little something about. Veronica, the mentor, came to the United States from the Dominican Republic when she was just 10 years old. But two years ago, she was paired with her mentee, Tina, who lives in West Baltimore. And together, they bonded instantly over their tough childhoods, their love of dance and their wacky sense of humor, something I can relate to. (Laughter.) Now they eat dinner together, they visit museums, go to baseball games and talk about Tina’s dreams of becoming a pediatrician. (Applause.) Yes, another -- (applause) -- big dreams. (Applause.) And like so many of you understand, in the process of building that relationship, they’ve become more than mentor and mentee; they’ve become family. As Veronica says, “Tina’s going to persevere no matter what. She’s going to make something of herself. She just needs the tools to do so.”
And as First Lady, let me guarantee you I am determined to do everything I can to give even more young people the tools they need to reach their potential. And that's -- (applause) -- thank you.
And one thing I learned growing up on the South Side of Chicago, you can’t just talk the talk. You have to walk the walk. That’s why, in 2009, we launched a White House Leadership and Mentoring Initiative. Some of you have participated in that. I see some of my supporters out there. We matched White House staffers with students in the Washington, D.C. area who, we believed, could benefit from a little encouragement, a little inspiration.
The President followed suit too. (Laughter.) Once I did it, then he had to have his mentoring project. But that’s good. We’re encouraging all Americans. (Laughter.)
And we’ve also, in addition to the program that we have in the White House, we’ve hosted mentoring events across the country in an effort to connect kids with adults who can help point them in the right direction.
The idea that we have behind all these initiatives isn’t simply to create a series of one-time experiences for just a small number of kids. It’s about encouraging more caring adults to step up and make mentoring a part of their lives. And our thought is that if the President and the First Lady can mentor, shoot, everybody has got a little time. (Laughter.) And it’s about making a real effort to help our young people do better in school and stay out of trouble, not just here in Washington, but all across the country, because we know you all have everything it takes to be outstanding. That’s not special. You have it already.
And that’s why today, I am thrilled to announce that the Corporation for National and Community Service has teamed up with several major companies to establish a Corporate Mentoring Challenge. (Applause.)
This is a program calling on businesses of all sizes to allow their employees to mentor for short periods during the work day, giving kids positive role models and offering employees a way to give back. And they’ve already received new commitments from leading companies who have agreed to harness their resources and help us make a difference on a very large scale. We want to do things big. And they will also be joined in this effort by other companies who have been mentoring for years, because there are so many of you who have already been doing this. You’ve set the stage, many of whom are here today, and we thank you for all the work that you’ve been doing over the years. (Applause.)
So many of these companies have long-standing relationships with local schools. They’re connecting employees with kids who need help, whether it’s in reading or writing. Others have provided grants to help build mentorship programs in areas where children often fall behind.
And, again, I want to encourage businesses across the country to follow this example in the months and years ahead. There is so much, so much good that we can all do here. And days like today make me hopeful that this is only the beginning.
People like all of you help me believe that a child who grows up surrounded by doubt and fear and negativity can still feel loved and inspired and hopeful for their future. And times like these also make me feel like we’re on our way to building a culture where no child ever feels like they’re on their own.
I want to close today by sharing a lesson that I’ve learned, a lesson that I try to live by. We should always have three friends in our lives -- one who walks ahead who we look up to and we follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journeys; and then, one who we reach back for and we bring along after we’ve cleared the way.
See, and that last friend represents our need to mentor, to lend our experience and our wisdom in the hopes that it will give someone after us the strength to reach a little higher and dream a little bigger.
That’s what each of you is doing in your own lives and your own work. That’s why this is a big mission for me as First Lady, and if we continue, all of us -- and that means mentees, too -- you are never too young to mentor. You should already be thinking about who that friend is you’re going to be reaching back for. And if we continue to reach back and we continue to help those in need of someone to trust and someone to follow, then I’m confident that we can make even more progress together.
So congratulations. Congratulations on this day. Congratulations on your work. Mentees, you all are blessed, and I hope you know that, to have people who are not related to you ready to pull it together and make it happen for you. So thank you all and congratulations. I’m going to come down and shake some hands. You all take care. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead. (Applause.)
END
2:13 P.M. EST
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/25/remarks-first-lady-national-mentoring-summit
EAST ROOM
Today, the President, the First Lady, and Dr. Biden will deliver remarks at an event at the White House unveiling efforts to better coordinate and strengthen the Federal government’s support for military families. The President will publicly release the final report of the Presidential Study Directive-9 (PSD-9), Strengthening our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment (attached), a signature Administration deliverable for military families and the First Lady and Dr. Biden’s leadership on military family matters. The final report for PSD-9 includes nearly 50 commitments by and between Cabinet and other Federal agencies addressing some of the critical needs of military families. This report demonstrates the President’s commitment to mobilizing the entire Administration to support America’s troops, veterans and their families. The report’s release also marks nearly 2 years of leadership and advocacy by the First Lady and Dr. Biden. The event will be attended by Cabinet Members, Members of Congress, senior military officials, Veterans and Military Family Support Organizations, and military families.
Expected Attendees
Cabinet Members and Agency Heads
Secretary Tim Geithner, Department of Treasury
Secretary Robert Gates, Department of Defense
Attorney General Eric Holder, Department of Justice
Secretary Ken Salazar, Department of Interior
Secretary Gary Locke, Department of Commerce
Secretary Hilda Solis, Department of Labor
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary Shaun Donovan, Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Steven Chu, Department of Energy
Secretary Arne Duncan, Department of Education
Secretary Eric Shinseki, Department of Veterans Affairs
Mrs. Patty Shinseki, spouse of Secretary Eric Shinseki
Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute, Department of Homeland Security
Dr. Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense
Administrator Charlie Bolden, NASA
Director John Berry, OPM
CEO Patrick Corvington, Corporation for National and Community Service
Members of Congress
Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
Representative Susan Davis (D-CA)
Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA)
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Senior Military Officials
Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Mrs. Deborah Mullen, spouse of Admiral Michael Mullen
Mrs. Sheila Casey, spouse of General George Casey, Chief of Staff of the Army
General Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army
Mrs. Beth Chairelli, daughter of General Peter Chairelli
Hon. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy
Mrs. Ellen Roughead, spouse of Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations
General Joseph Dunford, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps
Mrs. Kathleen Dunford, spouse of General Joseph Dunford
Ms. Erin C. Conaton, Under Secretary of the Air Force
General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
Mrs. Suzie Schwartz, spouse of General Suzie Schwartz
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy
Mrs. Paula Roy, spouse of Chief Master Sergeant James Roy
Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard
Mrs. Linda Papp, spouse of Admiral Robert Papp
General Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau
Ms. Cheryl McKinley, spouse of General Craig McKinley
Chief Master Sergeant, (CMSgt) Denise Jelinski-Hall, Senior Enlisted Advisor, National Guard Bureau
Mr. Gary Hall, spouse of Chief Master Sergeant Denise Jelinski-Hall
Mrs. Nancy Wyatt, spouse of Lieutenant General Harry M. Wyatt III, Director, Air National Guard
CMSgt Christopher Muncy, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Air National Guard
Mrs. Monique Muncy, spouse of CMSgt Christopher Muncy
Mrs. Laura Stultz, spouse of Lieutenant General Jack Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve
Lieutenant General, Charles Stenner, Chief, Air Force Reserve
CMSgt Dwight Badgett, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Air Force Reserve
Mrs. Janet Badgett, spouse of CMSgt Dwight Badgett
Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink, Chief, Navy Reserve
Mrs. Terry Debbink, spouse of Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink
Force Master Chief Petty Officer Ronney Wright, Navy Reserve
Mrs. Donna Wright, spouse of Force Master Chief Petty Officer Ronney Wright
Sergeant Major Kim Davis, Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve
Dick Cheney Dick Lugar Elizabeth Dole Evan Bayh Frank Lautenberg
Condoleezza Rice Daniel Akaka Daniel Inouye David Vitter Debbie Stabenow
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/01/26/a_smart_speech_that_reframed_the_debate_249397.html
Dennis Kucinich Dianne Feinstein Dick Cheney Dick Lugar Elizabeth Dole
East Room
10:57 A.M. EST
DR. BIDEN: Good morning. And on behalf of the President and First Lady, the Vice President and myself, I want to welcome you and thank you for joining us here today at the White House.
I want to offer a special welcome to our service members and military families. Your presence here today honors us all.
I’m proud to stand here this morning as a military mom. My son is a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard and he recently spent a year in Iraq, so my husband and I know well the mixture of pride and concern that all military families share.
From our earliest times together, Michelle and I have had the privilege of meeting with military service members and their families all around the country -- people and families like so many of you who are with us here today.
People like Jessica Sanders who I met at a deployment ceremony for members of the Delaware Army National Guard’s 126th Aviation Regiment. Jessica’s fiancé, Captain Mark Thomas, will deploy in the coming weeks to Afghanistan where he and his unit will provide medical evacuations for troops, allies and Afghan civilians. Captain Thomas’s parents are here today, too. Thank you for your service. (Applause.)
People like Sandra Norris, the wife of Colonel John Norris, who I met when I traveled to Iraq last summer. Sandra has volunteered thousands of hours of her time and expertise over the past 20 years –- leading family readiness groups and supporting other military families as an advisor and a friend -- all while raising two sons and coping with John’s 42 months in combat.
Each of you here today brings your own story of service, strength and sacrifice -- just like the many other military families we have been fortunate enough to meet.
Michelle and I have heard your concerns about schools and career issues. We have shared your joy when your service members have returned from deployment. And we have tried to offer solace when your soldiers have returned home injured. And in each and every instance, we have been moved not just by your sacrifices, but by your incredible spirit and commitment to America.
Michelle and I have talked a lot about the ways that all Americans can support our troops and thank those men and women for their service. Today, we will highlight the efforts of the federal government to support our nation’s military families.
At the direction of the President, the agencies are acting in a coordinated, strategic, and comprehensive way to bring the full force of the federal government to bear on this critically important issue.
As a teacher, I am particularly pleased that the Department of Education is supporting the military children in public schools throughout the country. And I am looking forward to working with Secretary Duncan to help teachers understand how they can meet the unique needs of the military students in their classrooms.
I am also heartened by the efforts to respond to the challenges facing our Guard and Reserve families -- from helping them sustain their businesses to supporting their reintegration back into their communities after deployments.
Today is an important next step in this administration’s commitment to support our servicemen, their families and our members.
Michelle and I hold this commitment close in our hearts, just as we keep each of our soldiers in our hearts and in our prayers. As long as we have the privilege and honor of serving in our roles, we will do whatever we can to support those who protect us.
And now it is my pleasure to introduce my partner, my dear friend, and our First Lady, Michelle Obama. (Applause.)
MRS. OBAMA: Good morning. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. (Applause.) Thank you. Thanks so much. Thank you all. Thank you for being here. Thank you, Jill, for that kind introduction. It has been a true privilege to work with you on these and so many other issues. And we’ve got a lot more work to do, so I’m looking forward to it.
I also want to recognize all the members of the Cabinet, the elected officials, and all of the military family advocates that we have here with us today.
And let me say a special word of thanks to folks like Patty Shinseki, Becky Gates, and all of the spouses of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the senior enlisted advisors who have been such good friends and trusted counselors to both Jill and me over these past couple of years.
But most of all, I want to take a moment to thank those among us today and everyone outside of this room who wears our country’s uniform, and the families who serve right alongside them each and every day.
Working with all of you is some of the best work I do. Your stories affect me not just as First Lady, but as a mother, as a wife, and as an American. Stories like that of the military wife, who has balanced raising a daughter, volunteering for her unit’s family readiness groups, and a career as a community developer, all while living in seven different states over 17 years.
Stories like the woman who had just gotten her nursing degree and quit her new job only after two months, so that she could take care of her Navy SEAL brother who was wounded by an IED -- two of my favorite people. And today, he’s doing better, even running last fall’s Army 10-miler on a pair of prosthetic legs.
Stories like the young woman, just 15 years old, who took on the role of a third parent -- helping her brothers and sisters with homework, assisting with meals -- as her mother cared for her wounded father. She summed it all up by simply saying, “They needed me and I was there for them.”
Stories like these -- and stories like those of so many in this room -- are a reminder of what words like “service,” “strength,” and “sacrifice” -- what those words look like in real life. They’re a reminder of the love that keeps us together -- the love of family, the love of country.
And for me, and for Jill, they are a reminder of our obligation to our troops, our veterans, and their families -- an obligation to work harder; an obligation to channel the strength and courage of our military families and veterans into our work on their behalf.
Again, I know Jill feels the same way, and we’ve learned so much as we’ve tackled these issues together. We visited with servicemen and women, like many of you, at Fort Bragg or Nellis Air Force Base in San Diego and New York, at Landstuhl and in Baghdad. We’ve played with your kids at childcare centers. We’ve sat with you at hospital bedsides. We’ve heard your concerns around conference tables. We’ve invited you to the White House for roundtable discussions and backyard picnics and even a Halloween haunted house or two. (Laughter.)
We’ve seen you giving back to your communities, no matter how strapped you are for time or resources or sleep. We’ve heard how difficult it is when the only way you can connect with your spouse is by sporadic cell phone calls or emails. We’ve seen the strength you’ve shown when a loved one comes home with a wounded body or painful memories, and the journey back to normal takes longer than expected.
And the more we’ve listened, the more stories we’ve heard, the more we’ve recognized that there is no one, single definition of a military family; there’s no standard-issue set of challenges that you all face.
The lives you lead, the families you build, the issues you confront are as diverse as anything seen throughout America. You’re not just a military wife or a husband. Maybe you’re a mom or a dad. Maybe you, too, wear a uniform, or take care of a wounded warrior or a survivor to one of our fallen heroes.
You’re starting your career, or looking to succeed in the one you already have. You’re trying to save for college for your kids and retirement for yourselves. You’re hoping to squeeze in that late night class and make it back in time for dinner. You’re trying to save up for that down payment on the home and still afford the right daycare center for your kids.
And so, for me and for Jill, this isn’t about just understanding your concerns. It’s about addressing your concerns. It’s about telling your stories throughout the country, but more importantly, giving you a voice with decision-makers. But most of all, it’s about getting something done. It’s about making real, lasting changes that make a real difference in your lives.
And that’s why today means so much to us. That’s why we’re so excited. Because back in May, I announced that my husband had directed his Cabinet to identify new priorities and new partnerships to support our military families. So today, they have come back with 50 -- 50 specific commitments that aim to keep improving your quality of life.
For instance, the Department of Education, as Jill mentioned, is simplifying its financial aid application process just for you. The Departments of Labor, Commerce, Defense, and the Small Business Administration are partnering with the business community to expand your career options. The Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, and Defense are working together to expand your childcare options.
But the list of commitments goes on and on, addressing everything from homelessness to mental health to employment opportunities for young adults. So this effort gives you all a seat at the table not just at the White House or at the Pentagon or at the VA. It gives you a seat at the table all across the federal government.
And I want to emphasize that this is not a one-time press conference. This isn’t just a headline for today that gets buried under tomorrow’s news. These are lasting commitments by the government to address your needs and concerns for years to come. And my hope is that these recommendations will live on no matter the President, no matter the party.
So today isn’t the end of this process, not by a long shot. Don’t think for one minute that Jill and I will not keep pushing and advocating and fighting for you, because we will. And we’re not going to stop until every part of our society -– every part, both inside and outside of government -– is fully mobilized to support our troops and their families. After all the time I’ve spent with you, I know how much you deserve our government and our people’s support. I know it because of your stories. I know it because of what you’ve done for this country. I know it because of that 15-year-old who answered the call, just because she was needed. Some of the best memories I’ve had in the past couple of years are with you.
And my husband feels the exact same way. I know that because of the moments that we’ve shared with wounded warriors and survivors, because of the military children who have made us both smile, and because of the conversation that he and I have had long after those events are over. That’s why he has been such a leader on these issues.
And that is why I am so proud to introduce this man –- because he hears your stories not only as President and Commander-in-Chief, but also as a loving father and as a wonderful husband. He doesn’t hear me say that often. (Laughter.)
So I give to you the President of the United States, Barack Obama. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Everyone, please have a seat. Thank you so much.
Well, good morning, everyone. I want to thank Michelle and Jill -- although I have to say I hate following both of them. (Laughter.) As I think all you sense, when they speak, the government listens. You should know -- and I know Joe Biden would agree with this -- when they speak, the President and Vice President listen. (Laughter.)
So, Michelle and Jill, on behalf of all of us, thank you for being such extraordinary champions for our military families and making sure that their priorities are America’s priorities.
To all the members of Congress who are here, the members of my Cabinet, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaders from across the administration, and most of all, our troops, their families, their advocates -- thanks for joining us as we make an unprecedented commitment to America’s military families.
Now, last month I was in Afghanistan to visit our troops and to thank them for their service, especially during the holidays. And I think as some of you are aware, we fly in, in the dark of night for security reasons, unannounced. Folks I'm sure have to scramble on the other end to make sure that our visit works. And we had a wonderful crowd, a great rally. And then afterwards, I took the time not only to meet with General Petraeus and some of the other commanding officers, but I also met with a group of our special ops forces. Now, anybody who’s met with SEALs and Deltas, you know these are some of the toughest, most battle-hardened troops in our military. They are involved in some of the most dangerous fighting that there is.
There are tough guys. Looking at them, you can tell they’re tough. Some folks end up being tough, but these -- you can just tell these guys are tough. (Laughter.) And they embody the courage and character that makes our military the finest in the world. And just to give you some sense, these guys are going out on helicopter raids at night with very little support and carrying out extremely dangerous assignments each and every day.
So I asked them. I said, “What do you need from me? What can I do to support you better?” And without missing a beat, they looked me in the eye and they gave me their answer. It wasn’t about more equipment. It wasn’t about more resources on the battlefield. In fact, it wasn’t about them. They said -- to a man -- “Sir, take care of our families. Take care of our families. If we know our families are all right back home, then we can do our jobs.”
So we are here today because nearly a decade of war has been taking place, and our Armed Forces -- you and your families -- have done everything you’ve been asked to do. You’ve been everything we could ask you to be. You have done your duty. And as a grateful nation, we must do ours. We have to make sure that America is serving you as well as you have served us.
This isn’t just a military or -- this is not just a moral obligation. This is a matter of national security. With millions of military spouses, parents and children sacrificing as well, the readiness of our Armed Forces depends on the readiness of our military families.
As Michelle mentioned, she and I see this in the spouses we meet. During vacation, while we were in Hawaii, we had a chance to see a whole bunch of military families out on Kaneohe Marine Base. And what was true then in the conversations we had is what we find wherever we go around the country -- truly heroic wives and husbands who become single parents on the home front and somehow keep it all together —- the house, the kids, maybe even a job of their own.
We see it in the resilience of so many military kids -— boys and girls who, like all the other kids, are just trying to grow up, trying to find their way, but who, unlike other kids, are also having to worry about whether their mom or dad is going to come home safe.
We see it in the devotion of caregivers who tend to their loved ones, our wounded warriors, around the clock, day in, day out. And we see it in the quiet pride of our veterans, who only ask that we live up to those words from President Lincoln, that as a nation, we truly care for all those who have “borne the battle.” We see it in the unending love of the families of the fallen —- our Gold Star families who’ve given their nation the people they loved most in the world.
As Commander-in-Chief, I am determined to do everything in my power to make sure that we are fulfilling that request from our troops, that we are taking care of their families. And that’s why, over the past two years, we’ve made major investments: more military housing, more childcare, new schools for our military kids; more counseling and career support for spouses; more help for those tireless caregivers; dramatic increases in veterans health care, and helping hundreds of thousands of veterans and family members pursue their education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
And that’s why I ordered this government-wide effort, a Presidential Study Directive, to bring together the resources of the federal government for this mission. Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with these presidential directives, these are reserved for some of our most important and complex national security challenges. I think Mike Mullen will share with you, since becoming President I’ve only ordered about a dozen, including this one, which we believe is the first one ever on behalf of military families.
And today, I’m proud to announce that for the first time ever, supporting the well-being of our military families will be a priority not just for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, but all across the federal government. That's why all these Cabinet folks are here today. Sixteen members of my Cabinet have committed their departments and agencies to making military families one of their highest priorities.
We’re focusing on four areas —- the things you said matter most to you, whether you’re Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine or Coast Guard -- active Guard or Reserve, a veteran or a member of a family of the fallen. We didn’t wait for today to launch these efforts. Many of these efforts have already been underway. And that includes innovative new partnerships so that, in tough fiscal times, our government is more efficient and serves you better.
So let me just list our primary areas of focus. First, we are putting new emphasis on the quality of life for our military families. The Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services, for example, have joined forces to improve community mental health services and prevent suicides. A new office in the Treasury Department is working to protect military families from abusive practices like predatory lending. It turns out that military families are more subject to some of these financial scams than just about any other group.
The Agricultural Department is expanding its support for families in rural areas. A disproportionate number of our military families come from rural areas or are stationed in rural communities.
The Interior Department -- we use our national parks to help our wounded warriors recover. And we are going to remain relentless -- not just at VA, but at HUD and HHS and across the government -— in our fight to end homelessness among our veterans. We have to have zero tolerance for homelessness among our veterans. (Applause.)
Second, we’re putting a new focus on the education and development of our military children, most of whom go to public schools. So for the first time ever, the Department of Education will make military families a priority for some of its grant programs. And that’s going to give states and communities new incentives to address the unique needs of military children.
The Interior Department, which is already one of the largest federal employers of young people, will create more opportunities, like summer jobs, for young people from military families. And today, we are renewing our call for every state to adopt the Interstate Compact, which makes it easier for military children to transfer between schools and succeed in the classroom. (Applause.)
Third, we’re redoubling our efforts to help military spouses pursue their educations and careers. As Michelle said, we’ve brought in the departments of Labor and Commerce and the Small Business Administration. We’re going to help spouses get that degree, find that job, or start that new business. We want every company in America to know our military spouses and veterans have the skills and the dedication, and our nation is more competitive when we tap their incredible talents. (Applause.)
And finally, we’re going to keep increasing childcare for our military moms and dads with young children. This is not just a job for the Department of Defense. As Michelle said, the departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture are now helping, too. And working together, we believe we can find new childcare options for tens of thousands of military children.
So these are just some of the nearly 50 specific commitments that my administration is making today. In other words, we’re not simply reaffirming our responsibility to our military families, we are upping our game. In fact, these 16 members of my Cabinet have signed their name to this report, pledging personally to see this through. So, gang, you are all on the hook. (Laughter.) We know where to find you -- (applause) -- and not only to fulfill these commitments, but to make sure that as we go forward our military families are being heard across the government. That's what we’re looking for here.
Michelle and Jill said they’re going to keep pushing —- and I promise you they are not kidding. (Laughter.) And as President, I’m going to make sure that we get this done.
We also recognize that this can’t be a mission for government alone. Government has its responsibilities, but 1 percent of Americans may be fighting our wars; 100 percent of Americans need to be supporting our troops and their families -- 100 percent. (Applause.)
So to help launch this effort, Michelle will be on “Oprah” this week to urge --
MRS. OBAMA: Oooh! (Laughter and applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: -- to urge every American to join a new national campaign to support our military families. That's a pretty good plug.
You see, this is one of those challenges, and one of those moments, when we have to remember what unites us as Americans, what we can achieve together -- and what we owe to each other, especially to those who serve and sacrifice so we can live free and be safe.
I want every service member who’s deployed to know that when you’re over there taking care of the country that you love, your country is back here taking care of the families that you love. I want every military wife and husband to know that we’re going to help you keep your family strong and secure. I want every military kid to know that we’re going to be there for you, too, to help you grow and to live your dreams.
I want our Gold Star families to know that this nation will never forget and will always honor the supreme sacrifice that your family has made to our nation.
And I want every single American to remember that as the beneficiaries of their service, each of us has an obligation —- a sacred duty —- to care for those who have “borne the battle.”
These are my commitments; these are Michelle and Jill’s commitments; these are my administration’s commitments; and they must be America’s commitments. And as long as I am President, we’re going to keep working to fulfill those commitments for all who serve.
Thank you very much, everybody. God bless you. (Applause.)
END
11:29 A.M. EST
WASHINGTON – President Obama used his weekly address to highlight the steps his administration is taking to make America more competitive. As a result of the deals made with China this week, U.S. exports to China will increase by more than $45 billion and China will increase its investments in America by several billion dollars. These deals will support some 235,000 American jobs. Also, the President named GE CEO Jeff Immelt to head up the new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, which will help find ways to grow the economy by investing in American businesses.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
The White House
January 22, 2011
Here’s the truth about today’s economy: If we’re serious about fighting for American jobs and American businesses, one of the most important things we can do is open up more markets to American goods around the world.
That’s why I met with China’s President Hu Jintao at the White House this past week. We’re now exporting more than $100 billion a year to China in goods and services. And as a result of deals we completed this week, we’ll be increasing U.S. exports to China by more than $45 billion, and China’s investments in America by several billion dollars. Most important, these deals will support some 235,000 American jobs. And that includes a lot of manufacturing jobs.
That goal is why I fought so hard to negotiate a new and better trade deal with South Korea – a deal with unprecedented support from business and labor – that will support more than 70,000 American jobs. And that’s why I traveled to India last fall to help pave the way for $10 billion in new deals for American businesses and more than 50,000 new American jobs.
Now, these may just sound like statistics. But yesterday, I saw what that means firsthand when I traveled to a GE plant in Schenectady, New York. This plant is manufacturing steam turbines and generators for a big project in India that resulted from a deal we announced around that trip – a project that’s helping support more than 1,200 manufacturing jobs and more than 400 engineering jobs in Schenectady. Good jobs at good wages, producing American products for the world.
At the same time, GE has also been investing in innovation, building a clean energy center, an advanced battery manufacturing plant, and other state-of-the-art facilities in Schenectady that are resulting in hundreds of new American jobs and contributing to America’s global economic leadership.
Leading the world in innovation. Opening new markets to American products. That’s how we’ll create jobs today. That’s how we’ll make America more competitive tomorrow. And that’s how we’ll win the future.
While I was in Schenectady, I announced that Jeff Immelt, GE’s CEO and one of the most imaginative and visionary business leaders in America, has agreed to head up our new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. The purpose of this council is to help us find ways to grow our economy by investing in our businesses here at home. And under Jeff’s leadership, I’m confident that they’ll generate good ideas about how we can spur hiring, educate our workers to compete in the 21st century, and attract the best jobs and businesses to America rather than seeing them spring up overseas.
We’re living in a new and challenging time, in which technology has made competition easier and fiercer than ever before. Countries around the world are upping their game and giving their workers and companies every advantage possible. But that shouldn’t discourage us. Because I know we can win that competition. I know we can out-compete any other nation on Earth. We just have to make sure we’re doing everything we can to unlock the productivity of American workers, unleash the ingenuity of American businesses, and harness the dynamism of America’s economy. Thanks everyone, and have a nice weekend.
