Weekly Wrap Up: “You Can Make it Here if You Try”

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Remarks on the Economy: President Obama made a visit to the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana to talk about the economy. In his speech, he discussed the importance of investing in our nation’s infrastructure so that more products stamped “Made in America” can be sold around the world.

“So let's make it easier for more businesses to expand and grow and sell more goods made in America to the rest of the world,” he said. “Let’s make sure we’ve got the best ports and roads and bridges and schools.”

He also called on members of Congress to work together to pass a farm bill, fix our broken immigration system, set a responsible budget, and work on growing the economy.

Growing our economy, creating new jobs, helping middle-class families regain a sense of stability and security so they can find good jobs and make sure that their kids are doing even better than they did -- that’s always been what America is about, but for too many people, that sense that you can make it here if you try, that sense has been slipping away. And my driving focus has been to restore that sense of security, and it should be Washington's focus, regardless of party. That’s what everybody in Washington should be thinking about every day.  

Affordable Health Care for Texans: President Obama traveled to Dallas, Texas on Wednesday to join a group of volunteers who are working to enroll people in quality, affordable health insurance. The President thanked them for their continued commitment to their work. "...Now what we’ve got to do is sign up those folks who don’t have health insurance and improve insurance for those who are under-insured, who don’t have very good insurance, and have been subject to the whims of the insurance company,” the President said. “And that’s what this is all about.” Read the President’s full remarks here.

Business Leaders and Immigration Reform: The President and Vice President Joe Biden met with business leaders on Tuesday to discuss the importance of commonsense immigration reform to boost economic growth. At the meeting, the President spoke on the importance of a streamlined immigration system.

They understand that if we are serious about border security, if we do a better job of streamlining the legal immigration system...that all together, these businesses are going to have more customers, we’re going to see people who are currently working here, out of the shadows, paying taxes and getting right with the law.

Make sure to read the President’s full remarks here.

Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks: On Monday, President Obama welcomed his hometown Chicago Blackhawks to honor the team for their Stanley Cup win. This is the second time the team has won the series while the President has been in office. “Championships belong in Chicago. So, to the Blackhawks, thank you for bringing it back home. Thanks for bringing the Stanley Cup,” he said.

White House Tours Resume: On Tuesday, White House tours resumed for the first time since March. President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Bo and Sunny kicked off the tours by surprising White House guests in the Blue Room. Check out some visitors’ reactions here.

Celebrating Diwali: First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed guests to the White House to celebrate Diwali on Tuesday. Before the celebration, the First Lady surprised local students at a Bollywood dance clinic, learning some new moves. At a reception, the First Lady said, “We want to honor and embrace all of the many cultures and faith traditions that make us who we are as Americans. And Diwali is very much one of those traditions.”

"Careers in Film Symposium": The First Lady was joined by some of Hollywood’s greats on Friday for the first-ever White House “Careers in Film Symposium.” High school students from New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. attended the symposium to hear from industry leaders about their careers and listen to a panel of actors and directors.