Clean Energy Jobs: From the Lab to the Manufacturing Line to the Living Room
(President Barack Obama shares the podium with MIT's Susan Hockfield and Paul Holland of Serious Materials during the President's remarks on investments in clean energy and new technology Monday, March 23, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House. White House Photo / Lawrence Jackson)
Photo credit Jason Djang, 3/23/09)
Photo Credit Jason Djang, 3/23/09)
(The audience looks on intently during the pre-program. Photo credit Jason Djang, 3/23/09)
President Obama declares turning point on earmark reform
The President lays out principals for what Congressional analyst Norm Ornstein calls "real reform."
“Opportunities their mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers never dreamed of”
President Obama signs an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls.
Launch
Space shuttle Discovery closes in on launch. Read more from NASA's blog, and have a look at an amazing photo from NASA photographer Bill Ingalls. UPDATE: Launch scrubbed for today, again via NASA's blog.
Recovery in Action: CA, VT, GA, TN, MD, MI, MN
Across the country the economy is tough, but the recovery act is fighting back.
"It feels different already"
Nancy-Ann DeParle, the new director of the White House Office for Health Reform, takes to the op-ed page to give her perspective on the drive for health reform and why it can be successful after so many decades of frustration.
Ethics Update
Norm Eisen, special counsel to the president for ethics and government reform, gives an update on the President’s Executive Order on Ethics.
Van Jones to CEQ
Van Jones, an early green jobs visionary, joins the team at CEQ to help oversee the creation of green jobs where they are needed most.
The Vice President on Afghanistan at NATO
Vice President Biden discusses his views on America's alliances and the new strategy being developed for Afghanistan.
Taking on Education
The President explains the urgency of changing the way we educate our children, and offers four pillars of reform.
A Salute to Senator Kennedy
The President and Ms. Obama salute Senator Ted Kennedy on his birthday.
Green Jobs: Watch the Panels
Watch the panels from the first official meeting of the Middle Class Task Force, focusing on green jobs.
Remembering Christopher Reeve
The passionate advocate is remembered by President Obama and Peter Wilderotter, the current President and CEO of the Reeves Foundation.
“A debt of gratitude to so many tireless advocates”
President Obama signs an Executive Order lifting restrictions on stem cell research as well as a Presidential Memorandum ensuring that sound science be protected from politics.
Weekly Address: Toward a Better Day
The President discusses significant steps taken this week down the long path toward economic recovery.
The First Lady at Miriam’s Kitchen
Yesterday Ms. Obama visited Miriam’s Kitchen to help feed the homeless.
President Obama signs continuing resolution
In light of an imminent government shut down as result of delays in passing last year’s appropriations bills, Congress has passed and President Obama has signed a continuing resolution to maintain the prior year’s funding level through Wednesday while negotiations continue on last year’s budget work.
Rebuilding America, town by town
Today the President went to Ohio for the Graduation of the Columbus Police Division’s 114th Class. The bad economic numbers are more than statistics there, but the recovery act did bring some good news.
Slideshow: Forum on Health Reform – and next steps
See some amazing photos from yesterday's event, and find out what's ahead with new Regional Forums.
Public Transit Gets a Boost
Today, Vice President Biden, U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood, and Miami Mayor Diaz announced the availability of $8.4 billion in public transportation investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to states and local transportation authorities to repair and build America's public transportation infrastructure.
Live-blogging the White House Forum on Health Reform
We asked Rebecca Adelman of HHS to give us an inside look at the forum as it happens.
Meet Gov. Locke
Get to know Commerce Secretary-designate Gary Locke a little better in a brief video.
Priorities -- Not lining the pockets of contractors
The President is joined by Senators McCain, Levin, and McCaskill along with Representatives Towns and Welch in beginning the task of eliminating waste and fraud from defense contracting.
Transatlanticism
In a meeting at the White House with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, President Obama spoke warmly of the two nations' "shared values" and argued forcefully for collaboration between them.
Renewing America's Infrastructure
I can say that 14 days after I signed our Recovery Act into law, we are seeing shovels hit the ground," President Obama said in remarks at the Department of Transportation today, announcing the allocation of billions in infrastructure spending. See the details at www.Recovery.gov.
Secretary Clinton in the Middle East
Secretary of State Clinton speaks at a donor’s conference for Gaza recovery in Egypt.
Images and Recap from Philly
The Middle Class Task Force came to Philadelphia on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 with a clear mission -- figure out how to make sure that our recovery from the current economic crisis benefits the middle class. Read a recap and see picture from the day's event.
Sebelius at HHS
"Kathleen Sebelius has a remarkable intellect, unquestioned integrity, and the kind of pragmatic wisdom you’ll tend to find in a Kansan," President Obama said as he announced the Kansas Governor as his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. He also announced Nancy Ann DeParle as his choice to lead the White House Office for Health Reform.
Cyber review underway
John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, provides an update on the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council's review of our communications and information infrastructure (i.e., cyberspace).
Keeping Promises
President Obama explains how the budget he sent to Congress will fulfill the promises he made as a candidate, and assures special interests that he is ready for the fight.
Friday Extras
Closing out the day: OMB Director Orszag clears up another misconception, the EPA raises another question. More on Green Jobs, high-speed rail, and another federal governent blog you should know about.
Responsibly Ending the War in Iraq (Update: photos)
"Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," the President said today at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Liveblogging at AStrongMiddleClass.gov
The Vice President and his team are in Philadelphia this morning for the first meeting of the Middle Class Task Force, with a focus on Green Jobs as a pathway to a strong Middle Class. We're liveblogging the event over at AStrongMiddleClass.gov.
Liveblog: The Task Force's first meeting
The Vice President and his team are in Philadelphia this morning for the first meeting of the Middle Class Task Force, with a focus on a green jobs as a pathway to a strong middle class. Greg Nelson from the White House Office of Public Liaison is attending the meeting and will be filing updates throughout the day.
The case for green jobs
Vice President Biden makes the case for Green Jobs as a way to aid the Middle Class in an op-ed appearing this morning in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Extras
The President meets with the Chicago Bulls, the Vice President meets with the President of Kosovo, and some news from around the Cabinet.
The world we leave our children
Along with thanks and congratulations, First Lady Michelle Obama today appealed to employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to strive for excellence for the sake of the next generation.
Apply for an internship
If you’re interested in applying for a White House internship, the application process is now open.
Wonder at the White House
"The fact that [Michelle and I] agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship," President Obama said last night at a White House ceremony presenting Stevie Wonder with the 2nd annual Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Library of Congress.
A new era of fiscal responsibility… and blogging
OMB Director Peter Orszag on the budget and blogging.
Green job spotlight: Energy auditor
The Philadelphia Inquirer today profiles Suechada Poynter, a 39-year-old woman who is a home energy auditor -- she checks for air leaks and improperly functioning furnaces to make buildings more energy efficient -- exactly the kind of job the ARRA will create:
The budget -- more info
Much more info on the budget for Fiscal Year 2010 is available on the website of the Office of Management and Budget, www.OMB.gov.
The budget (Update: photos)
The President just spoke on the budget for FY 2010, here are some highlights.
Overhaul
The President today laid out 7 key principles for transforming the nation's regulatory system.
Fighting foreclosure and homelessness
Just a week after President Obama signed the Act into law, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today allocated 75% of its recovery funds -- $10 billion -- to create green jobs, to revive housing markets with high rates of foreclosure, and curb homelessness.
A good week for green jobs
Greg Nelson of the Office of Public Liaison runs down the action on Green Jobs for this week.
Locke at Commerce
"Gary knows the American Dream. He's lived it. And that's why he shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time," President Obama said this morning in announcing former Washington governor Gary Locke as his choice to lead the Commerce Department.
Don't mess with Joe (and others)
"They said last night don't mess with Joe,” the Vice President said this morning at the first Recovery Plan Implementation meeting. Actually, "This is the guy you don't mess with," he said, pointing to Earl Devaney, the official in charge of preventing waste and abuse in spending Recovery Act funds.
Making Strides, Improving Standards
Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, discusses what it's like working on the environment in the Obama Administraion, and recent dramatic strides made towards an international agreement on mercury.
The first meeting: Green jobs as a pathway to a strong middle class
Vice President Biden and the rest of the Middle Class Task Force get down to (official) business for the first time Friday, Feb. 27, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Take a look at what's on the agenda.
Welcoming the Japanese PM to the Oval Office
The leaders of the world's two largest economies met in Washington yesterday morning, as Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso became the first foreign leader to meet with the President in the Oval Office.
The President's address (Update: photos, video, full remarks, and excerpt translations)
The President is gearing up to give his first address to a joint session of Congress tonight. Read an excerpt of the address, along with the names of the Americans who will be seated in the First Lady’s box during the President’s remarks.
Housekeeping @ WhiteHouse.gov -- RSS feeds repaired
If you subscribe to our RSS feed, you may have noticed a little hiccup recently having to do with multiple posts showing up in your feed reader. We've now corrected that problem and moving forward, it should be fine.
Great seats
A group of people from across the country will be joining First Lady Michelle Obama in her box at the House of Representatives for President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress tonight.
Eye on Darfur
Bringing relief to the battered region of Darfur is a top priority for the administration, the President and Vice President assured the actor and activist George Clooney last night.
Recovery in Action: Minnesota and Oregon
The first dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are going out in just two days -- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 -- in the form of federal support for state medicaid payments. But the impact is already being felt well beyond that.
Owning up to what we owe
The President today promised that by the end of his first term, he will cut in half the massive federal deficit we've inherited. And we'll do it in a new way: honestly and candidly.
Secretary Clinton: “We have to remain vigilant on behalf of women’s rights”
Secretary Clinton gives an impassioned speech on women's right during a town hall in Seoul.
Inside the White House kitchen
Before last night's dinner for the nation's governors, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced some local cooking students to Cris Comerford, the White House Executive Chef, and Bill Yosses, the head pastry chef.
The first foreign trip
We put together a short video with some highlights from the President's first foreign trip, last week's visit to Ottawa.
Help is on the way
The President announced that $15 billion in relief funds for states will be available as soon as this Wednesday, and he has named Earl Devaney, former inspector general of the Interior Department, to oversee spending of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The quickest and broadest tax cut ever
In his weekly address, President Obama announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will start having an impact as soon as a few weeks from now, in the form of the quickest and broadest tax cut in history.
Saying "Hi" at DOT
First Lady Michelle Obama continued her tour of her new neighborhood today with a visit to the Department of Transportation.
Gibbs corrects the record on the President’s housing plan
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs clears up some misconceptions on who will benefit from the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.
Time for All of Us to Step Up
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan explains how the President's housing plan helps responsible Americans struggling to make their mortgage payments every month in this economic crisis.
New commitment to the Gulf Coast
"We must ensure that the failures of the past are never repeated," President Obama said in a statement today, announcing the extension of the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding and his decision to send two cabinet members to the region.
On the front lines
"You're on the front lines," President Obama told a gathering of 85 mayors in the East Room of the White House this morning.
Streaming: Mayors Meeting
Starting at 10:30 eastern / 9:30 central, we'll be streaming the President and Vice President's remarks to a gathering of 85 of the nation's mayors.
How the garden grows
Building gardens at USDA facilities all over the world is "a very good thing," First Lady Michelle Obama said on a visit to the Department of Agriculture today, for the example it sets for communities around the world. And she had kind words for Secretary Tom Vilsack, who has been leading that effort.
A new era at the CIA
The United States is prepared to chart a new course on foreign policy, Vice President Joe Biden said today at the swearing in of new CIA Director Leon Panetta -- a man he said has "the experience, the independence and the judgment to lead this agency," and to help it depart dramatically from the legacy of the last eight years.
A thank you lunch
Vice President Biden hosted members of the Middle Class Task Force recently for lunch to thank them for their willingness to serve on the middle class task force and to develop the agenda for the first Task Force meeting on Green Jobs.
Liveblog: The President in Canada (Update: photos)
President Obama is on his first foreign trip today -- to Ottawa, Canada's capital city. White House New Media staffer Jason Djang will be liveblogging the trip from the road.
Playing, “Did you know?”
"Did you know that African American slaves helped to build this house?" First Lady Michelle Obama asked a group 6th and 7th graders on a visit to the White House Wednesday, an event celebrating African American History Month. She asked them a few more trivia questions, too, before ceding the floor to Sweet Honey in the Rock, an African American female a cappella group.
Setting the bar high
It will be an enormous undertaking to ensure that the transparency and accountability that the President expects for Recovery.gov will be upheld. Peter Orszag, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has sent a memo to the heads of federal departments and agencies explaining what's expected of them and offering advice for how to meet those high standards.
9 million +
"In the end, all of us are paying a price for this home mortgage crisis. And all of us will pay an even steeper price if we allow this crisis to continue to deepen," President Obama said today in Phoenix, AZ, announcing the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. "But if we act boldly and swiftly to arrest this downward spiral, every American will benefit."
Help for homeowners
In a couple of hours, the President will announce his "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan." Take a look and see how the plan might affect you.
Signed, sealed, delivered: ARRA
The economic recovery package is essential for our nation's economy, for its infrastructure, and for our energy, health, and education needs -- and now it's the law.
On the Road: Secretary Clinton
Secretary Clinton is in Tokyo today, the first stop on her weeklong tour of Asia, which also includes stops in Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, and China.
Time to sign it
The President is off to Denver this morning, where he'll sign the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Owners of local clean energy companies say they expect to benefit from the plan.
The story of the economic recovery package (photos)
White House photographer Pete Souza, whose job it is to visually document everything the President does, put together a photo gallery tracing the path of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
NBA All-Star Game message
"Those of us who grew up playing basketball, whether on a playground in the city or a farm in the heartland, are grateful to the game for the lessons it teaches us about life," President Obama says in a special message for the NBA All-Star Game.
A major milestone
Today President Obama is celebrating the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a "major milestone on our road to recovery," while still emphasizing that we have many miles yet to go.
Biden honors a movement at the Special Olympics
Vice President Biden announces Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy at the Special Olympics.
ARRA for comment
Yesterday, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed through conference and is now on its way back to the House and Senate for full votes. Have a look and give us your comments.
Statement on tragic accident
President Obama this morning released a statement in response to the crash of Flight 3407 outside Buffalo late last night.
Our door is open: Latino groups
"Yesterday was a great day for the Latino community, as 60 Latino and Latina leaders from across the country converged in Washington for a briefing with key White House Staff," Office of Public Liaison member Stephanie Valencia writes in a guest blog post.
What is the middle class?
Over at the Strong Middle Class Blog, Jared Bernstein, the Executive Director of the Middle Class Task Force and the Vice President's Chief Economist and Economic Policy Advisor, responds to your questions and comments.
Statement on Gregg's withdrawal
Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) has withdrawn from consideration as the nominee for Secretary of Commerce.
Your comments
In an introductory blog post, Jared Bernstein, the Executive Director of the Middle Class Task Force and Chief Economist and Economic Policy Advisor to the Vice President, responds to some of your comments and questions.
Happy Birthday, Abe
The Great Emancipator would have been 200 years old today, and President Obama is marking the occasion in several ways.
Apply for a job
We're happy to announce that the jobs application feature is now live on WhiteHouse.gov.
Digital delayed
President Obama today signed legislation extending the deadline for the switch from analog to digital TV signals until June 12.
First compromise, then impact
The House and Senate Conference Committee have agreed to a compromise on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In anticipation of its passage, many companies and industries say they're ready to start hiring.
Growing up
This afternoon, the First Lady delivered remarks at Howard University on the topic of "Home, Work, Community: the Roles of African American Women as Change Agents."
Progress
The Senate-House conference committee has reconciled the chambers' different versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
With the stroke of a pen (update: photo)
On a visit to an infrastructure project in Virginia, the President announced that the Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar told him that if the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passes, his company would be able to rehire some of the 20,000 employees it has laid off in the last few weeks.
Do the right thing
"No matter what you do, you can't pass a law that makes somebody do the right thing, right?" That was Mrs. Obama's message to a group of young people she met with on a visit to the Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit that provides a range of social services.
Liveblog: Ft. Myers, FL townhall (Update: pictures)
We're liveblogging the President's town hall on the economic recovery in Ft. Myers, FL.
Senate passes ARRA
The Senate has voted to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Stability (Update: photos)
Treasury Secretary Geithner just finished speaking about the new Financial Stability Plan, which will boost lending and prevent home foreclosures.
The first presser
The President last night gave his first White House press conference. Here's the full video.
Stewards of America's natural wonders
Mrs. Obama this afternoon visited the Department of the Interior, where she spoke about how important it is to protect our natural resources and move towards a clean, sustainable energy future.
The first press conference
President Obama is holding his first press conference, in the East Room of the White House.
Indiana (Update: pictures)
At a town hall in Elkhart, Indiana today, the President discussed with working people exactly how the package will affect them and their communities.
Town hall time
The President is on his way to Elkhart, Indiana, for a town hall about the economic recovery plan.
First flights
Last Thursday, February 5, 2009, President Obama took his first flights aboard Marine One and Air Force One, on his way to the House Democratic Issues Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Compromise
"Americans across this country are struggling, and they are watching to see if we're equal to the task before us," the President says in this morning's Weekly Address. "Let's show them that we are."
Working with faith
Yesterday, President Obama signed an executive order establishing the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Update on Sunlight Before Signing
Since a few questions have come in, we want to update you on the President's campaign commitment to introducing more sunlight into the lawmaking process by posting non-emergency legislation online for five days before signing it.
Advice from "beyond the echo chamber"
President Obama signed an executive order establishing the Economic Recovery Advisory Board.
Vice President Biden: “Quite simply, we cannot wait.”
"Quite simply, we cannot wait," Vice President Joe Biden said as he toured a Maryland train station in need of repair. The state is the focus of a new White House case study which shows the impact of investing in infrastructure.
On the front lines of the foreclosure crisis
The people at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a crucial role to play in our economic recovery, the First Lady told the staff of the Department during a visit there yesterday.
A few more months of rabbit ears
The House voted yesterday to delay the transition from analog to digital TV, from February 17 -- less than two weeks away -- to June 12.
Serious about energy independence
In remarks at the Department of Energy, President Obama announced new efficiency standards for common household appliances, and issued a stark rebuke to critics of the stimulus plan and urged its swift passage.
"This is my hope. This is my prayer."
"The particular faith that motivates each of us can promote a greater good for all of us," President Obama said this morning to a crowd of about 3,500 people gathered for the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in the nation's capital.
Covering kids
Last night, President Obama signed a law reauthorizing CHIP, which funds health care for families who don't qualify for Medicaid but still can't afford private insurance.
The Action Americans Need
That's the title of President Obama's op-ed this morning in the Washington Post, where he makes a forceful argument for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.
Coast to coast and across party lines
This week, a bipartisan group of 19 governors came out in strong support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
CHIP
President Obama signed the Chidlren's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIP) tonight, which renews and expands the plan from 7 million children affected to 11 million.
Jobs in all 50 states
In a guest blog post, economic adviser Brian Deese explains how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will create jobs in all 50 states.
The technology is there
Yesterday, several members of the President's energy and environment team attended the Washington auto show. We asked Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, to make jot down some notes with her impressions of the show.
New rules
Today, President Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner issued imposing new restrictions on executive compensation at firms taking money from the government.
"How our schools should be"
“This kind of innovative school…is an example of how all our schools should be,” President Obama said yesterday, as he and Mrs. Obama visited a public charter school in Washington, D.C.
A new day at DOJ
Eric Holder has been sworn in as the 82nd Attorney General of the United States.
President Obama nominates third Republican to his cabinet
President Obama called Republican Senator Judd Gregg a "master of reaching across the aisle" in announcing him as his choice to lead the Commerce Department today.
Holder
Eric Holder has been confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.
What governors know
Everybody knows our economy needs a jolt. And no one knows that better than the country's governors, whether they are Democratic or Republican.
Relief for Gaza
President Obama signed a memorandum today directing more than $20 million for "urgent refugee and migration needs" in Gaza.
Bipartisan Super Bowl Party
President Obama spent his Super Bowl Sunday with a bipartisan group of senators and congressmen and women, including some from Pennsylvania and Arizona. He also sat down for an interview with NBC's Matt Lauer.
Latest version of SCHIP legislation published for comment
On January 29th, the U.S. Senate approved the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, better known as the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP. Once signed into law, this legislation will continue coverage for six to seven million children and increase that coverage to four million more.
Moving forward
In the weekly address, President Barack Obama urged the swift passage of an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan and announced that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is preparing a new strategy for reviving our financial system.
A strong middle class = a strong America
The President today signed an executive order creating a Middle Class Task Force and asked his right hand man, Vice President Joe Biden, to lead it.
Save the Date: First Meeting 2/27/2009
The Task Force’s first official meeting will be on February 27, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The topic of the first meeting will be: “Green Jobs: A Pathway to a Strong Middle Class.”
Vice President Joe Biden: “Time to put middle class front and center”
In an editorial in in today’s USA Today, Vice President Joe Biden argues that a strong middle class equals a strong America.
Today's event (Update:Video)
America’s road to economic recovery will be driven by our middle class. Today, President Barack Obama created a task force specifically dedicated to strengthening our nation’s core -- our working families and small businesses -- and put Vice President Joe Biden in charge.
About the Task Force
Vice President Joe Biden and other members of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families are dedicated to strengthening our nation’s middle class. They have some pretty high goals and want to make sure you’re involved every step of the way.
Press Release: Vice President Biden announces Middle Class Task Force
President Barack Obama today announced the creation of a White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families to be chaired by Vice President Joe Biden. The Task Force is a major initiative targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America. It is comprised of top-level administration policy makers, and in addition to regular meetings, it will conduct outreach sessions with representatives of labor, business, and the advocacy communities.
SCHIP passes
In a step towards providing health care to millions of children around the country, the Senate this morning passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP.
Shameful
President Obama today said it was "the height of irresponsibility" for financial corporations to have doled out $18 billion in bonuses to their employees in a year when many banks shed jobs and turned to the government for funds.
A Wonderful Day (Update: Video)
Surrounded by leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and with the new law’s namesake, Lilly Ledbetter, at his side, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- a powerful tool to fight discrimination.
President Obama Declares Emergencies in Arkansas and Kentucky
Last night, President Obama declared federal emergencies caused by winter storms in two states, answering requests for aid from Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. (with picture of signing)
Cleaning house
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar kicked off the daily press briefing today with his plans for cleaning out a department that has become famous for scandal, before passing the podium to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
CEOs at the White House
Iconic American companies like IBM, Jet Blue, and Honeywell sent their leadership to meet with the President this morning to discuss how they can get the economy moving again.
Sec. Geithner tightens the reins
In one of his first acts as Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner today announced new rules that will make it harder for banks to lobby for a share of money set aside by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.
On the Hill
President Obama is on Capitol Hill today to hear out Republican ideas for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.
President to Muslim World: "Americans are not your enemy"
"My job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives," President Obama told Al Arabiya, an Arabic-language news channel based out of Dubai. "My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy."
Timothy Geithner sworn in as Secretary of the Treasury
Timothy Geithner is now officially the 75th Secretary of the United States Treasury.
Press Briefing Highlights
Thisafternoon, in his second press briefing, White House Press SecretaryRobert Gibbs fielded questions on energy independence, the stimuluspackage, and the auto industry.
From peril to progress (Update 1: Full Remarks)
"Thismoment of peril must be turned to one of progress," President BarackObama said this morning, as he signed his first two PresidentialMemoranda aimed at getting us on the path to energy independence.
The year of the ox
Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox, the second symbol in the Chinese Zodiac.
58 years of Indian democracy
Today is India Republic Day, the 58th anniversary of India's independence and the adoption of its Constitution.
Now Comes Lilly Ledbetter
For incoming White House staff, the past few days have been a singularly thrilling -- and learning -- experience.
Statement released after the President rescinds "Mexico City Policy"
Yesterday, President Obama rescinded the "Mexico City Policy" and released the following statement.
President Obama delivers Your Weekly Address
In his first weekly address since being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama discusses how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jump-start the economy.
President Obama on the Selection of Kirsten Gillibrand
This afternoon, New York Governor David Paterson announced his selection of Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Secretary Clinton's seat in the United States Senate.
Executive Orders to date
Yesterday, President Obama issued a series of Executive Orders.
President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address
Yesterday, President Obama delivered his Inaugural Address, calling for a "new era of responsibility." Watch the video.
A National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation
President Barack Obama's first proclamation.
Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov
The first post on WhiteHouse.gov.
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy and Serving America
The President, Vice President, and their families attend service events in Washington on Martin Luther King Day, one day before Inauguration.
The Whistle Stop Tour
Following the same route that Abraham Lincoln rode 150 years ago, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden made their way to the inauguration on a whistle stop train tour that wove its way from Philadelphia through Delaware and Maryland on its way to Washington.
