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August 31, 2010

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will travel to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he will meet with troops. Fort Bliss is home to troops who have served at every stage of the Iraq War, including troops who are redeploying back home throughout the fall, and troops supporting our new support mission in Iraq. There will be travel pool coverage of the President’s visit with the troops. The departure from the South Lawn and the arrival in El Paso are open press. In the evening, the President will return to Washington and address the nation from the Oval Office on the end of the American combat mission in Iraq. The President’s remarks are pooled press.

All times ET
8:30 AM	The President departs the White House en route Andrews Air Force Base South Lawn Open Press Pre-set 8:00AM – Final Call 8:15AM - North Doors of the Palm Room
8:45 AM	The President departs Andrews Air Force Base en route El Paso, Texas Andrews Air Force Base Travel Pool Coverage Call Time 7:30AM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base
12:30 PM	The President arrives in El Paso, Texas Biggs Army Airfield Open Press
1:10 PM	The President meets with troops Fort Bliss Army Base Travel Pool Coverage
2:20 PM	The President departs El Paso, Texas en route Andrews Air Force Base Biggs Army Airfield Travel Pool Spray
5:05 PM	The President arrives at Andrews Air Force Base Andrews Air Force Base Travel Pool Coverage
5:20 PM	The President arrives at the White House South Lawn Open Press Pre-set 4:50PM - Final Gather 5:05PM – North Doors of the Palm Room
8:00 PM	The President addresses the nation Oval Office Pooled Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 8:00 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Houston Chronicle
Radio: SRN

Out-of-Town Pool Call Time: 7:30AM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: AFP
Radio: NBC

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

President Obama's Address on the End of the Combat Mission in Iraq

Having returned hours earlier from a conversation with troops at Fort Bliss, Texas – troops who had seen every phase of what has become one of America’s longest wars – the President spoke to the Nation for just the second time from the Oval Office to announce the end of America’s combat role in that war.

9:30 PM ET by Jesse Lee

President Obama Salutes the Troops at Fort Bliss: "Thank You" and "Welcome Home"

The President travels to Fort Bliss, TX to meet with the troops and applaud their service.

3:19 PM ET by Jesse Lee

Ben Rhodes Answers Your Questions About Iraq Following the President's Oval Address

At 8pm EDT on August 31st, President Obama will address the nation about the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq. Immediately following the address, Ben Rhodes will take your questions live on WhiteHouse.gov.

12:51 PM ET by Sarah Bernard

New Resources for Employers and Unions to Help Keep Health Coverage Accessible and Affordable

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke explains how the Affordable Care Act’s Early Retiree Reinsurance Program will make it a little easier for employers to provide high-quality health benefits to their retirees.

10:58 AM ET by Secretary Gary Locke

Hurricane Katrina: The Work Continues

The final post in the Hurricane Katrina: 5 Years of Remembering & Rebuilding series highlights government work to restore and rebuild the Gulf Coast and restates the Administration's commitment to the dedicated residents who are working to restore the region.

10:16 AM ET by Chris Lu

August 30, 2010

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will meet with senior advisors and receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press. In the afternoon, he will receive the Economic Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. There will be a pool spray at the bottom of the meeting.

All times ET
10:30 AM	The President meets with senior advisors Oval Office Closed Press
11:00 AM	The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
12:05 PM	The President receives the Economic Daily Briefing Oval Office Pool Spray at the Bottom Pool Gather Time 12:10PM—Brady Briefing Room
12:30 PM	The President delivers a statement to the press Rose Garden Open Press Pre-set 11:30AM—Final Gather 12:00PM – North Doors of the Palm Room
2:00 PM	Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs James S. Brady Briefing Room Open Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 10:00 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: The Hill
Radio: NPR

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

Agent Orange and Veterans: A 40-Year Wait

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki writes about long overdue changes that will allow as many as 150,000 Veterans to submit Agent Orange claims in the next 12 to 18 months.

4:59 PM ET by Secretary Eric K. Shinseki

Economic Recovery for Small Businesses: Now is Not the Time to Pull Back

Karen Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, discusses the importance of passing the Small Business Jobs Act currently before the Senate to help small business owners get the loans they need to grow and hire.

2:44 PM ET by Karen Mills

Landmark: Number of Donut Hole Rebate Checks Passes One Million

This weekend, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mailed the one millionth $250 check to a senior who had reached the current gap in prescription drug coverage. The checks are part of the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of seniors’ benefits and the provision to close this “donut hole” gap by 2014.

2:14 PM ET by Don Berwick

The President on the Economy: "Pushing This Economy Forward" vs. "The Blockade"

The President lays out a series of economic measures to boost the recovery, and tells Republicans in the Senate to stop the obstruction.

1:34 PM ET by Jesse Lee

Newsflash! Economists Agree

A new piece from USA Today is titled "Economists Agree: Stimulus Created 3 Million Jobs."

12:38 PM ET by Jared Bernstein

Vice President Biden Lands in Iraq

Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Iraq to participate in a Change of Command and Change of Mission Ceremony, fulfilling the commitment made by the President in his first month in office.

11:34 AM ET by Jesse Lee

Five Years Later, Our Commitment Continues

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood discusses what has been achieved since Hurricane Katrina, the ongoing work to restore area communities, and the department's continued commitment to helping Gulf residents rebuild.

11:08 AM ET by Secretary Ray LaHood

August 29, 2010

The Schedule

On Sunday, the President and First Lady will travel to New Orleans, Louisiana where the President will deliver a speech at Xavier University on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Members of the President’s Cabinet who have worked to speed recovery and restoration efforts will also be in the region to mark the anniversary. The departure from the Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station and arrival to Louis Armstrong Airport are open press.

The President and the First Lady will return to the White House in the evening. The departure from Louis Armstrong Airport and arrival on the South Lawn are open press.

All times ET
10:00 AM	The President and First Lady depart Martha’s Vineyard Travel Pool Coverage
10:15 AM	The President and First Lady depart Cape Cod, Massachusetts en route New Orleans, Louisiana Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station Open Press
1:20 PM	The President and First Lady arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana Louis Armstrong Airport Open Press
3:10 PM	The President delivers remarks on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina Xavier University Open Press
5:50 PM	The President and First Lady depart New Orleans, Louisiana en route Andrews Air Force Base Louis Armstrong Airport Open Press
8:05 PM	The President and First Lady arrive at Andrews Air Force Base Travel Pool Coverage
8:20 PM	The President and First Lady arrive at the White House South Lawn Open Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 7:00 PM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: AFP
Radio: NPR

Out-of-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Hearst
Radio: FOX

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

Five Years After Katrina: "New Orleans is Blossoming Again"

The President and First Lady travel to New Orleans, joined by members of the Cabinet who have been working on recovery from Hurricane Katrina since they came into office.

5:05 PM ET by Jesse Lee

August 27, 2010

The Schedule

The Vice President will be in Washington, D.C. He will meet with senior advisors throughout the day.

Out-of-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: Washington Post

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

Setting the Record Straight on Weatherization

A close look from the Energy Department on the progress of the Administration's efforts to weatherize homes, a key part of the emerging clean energy economy.

3:59 PM ET by Dan Leistikow

Improving America's Disaster Response

In recognition of the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, DHS Secretary Napolitano discusses the department’s progress in helping the Gulf Coast recover and strengthening the nation’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters.

3:39 PM ET by Secretary Janet Napolitano

More than 600,000 White House Visitor Records Online

As part of his commitment to transparency, President Obama ordered that White House visitor records be released. This White House has released over 600,000 records to date.

2:57 PM ET by Norm Eisen

Lost and Found: Preparing Workers for New Careers

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis discusses her trip to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina as well as the department's efforts to prepare workers for new in-demand careers and help residents get training and education they need to rebuild their communities, their livelihoods and their lives.

2:36 PM ET by Secretary Hilda Solis

On the PERAB Tax Task Force Report

The President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) approves its report on tax reform and sends it to the President.

2:30 PM ET by Austan Goolsbee

An Unexpected Answer on the Affordable Care Act & the Deficit

A critic of the President's health care reforms does not get the answer he may have been hoping for on the impact of repealing the Affordable Care Act on America's deficits.

1:24 PM ET by Stephanie Cutter

Strengthening the Gulf's Health Care Infrastructure for Generations to Come

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discusses ongoing work to strengthen the Gulf's health care infrastructure since Hurricane Katrina, including providing millions of dollars to increase access to quality care and supporting community health centers that are delivering medical and mental health services to nearly 300,000 local patients.

12:02 PM ET by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

Show Thanks to the Troops by Saluting Their Service in Iraq

In a video message, President Obama kicks off “Saluting Service in Iraq,” a social media campaign to encourage all Americans to get online and use their own networks to show their support for the troops as America’s combat mission in Iraq draws to an end.

10:40 AM ET by Kori Schulman

Restoring the Gulf's Priceless Natural Resources

In continuation of the Hurricane Katrina series, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson shares her experiences of growing up in New Orleans and the agency's work to build a better, more sustainable future for the region.

9:50 AM ET by Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator Lisa Jackson

West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Iraq" - Preview

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, watch a sneak preview of next Friday’s “Dispatches from Iraq” and join our brave men and women, both troops and civilians, on the ground as combat operations end in Iraq.

12:00 AM ET by Arun Chaudhary

August 26, 2010

The Schedule

In the morning, the Vice President will travel to the Manchester, New Hampshire, area to mark a Recovery Act milestone. The Vice President will deliver remarks at 11:15 AM ET at a private home. The Vice President will be joined by Representative Paul Hodes and Representative Carol Shea-Porter. This event is open to pre-credentialed media.

Afterwards, the Vice President will return to Washington, D.C.

All times ET
11:15 AM	The Vice President Biden travels to the Manchester, New Hampshire, to mark a Recovery Act milestone Private Residence, Manchester, New Hampshire Open Press Space is limited. The Vice President will be joined by Representative Paul Hodes and Representative Carol Shea-Porter.

Out-of-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Tribune

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

200,000 Homes Weatherized Under the Recovery Act

Vice President Biden announces that 200,000 homes have been weatherized thanks to the Recovery Act. Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, shares her thoughts.

5:26 PM ET by Andy Oare

Women's Equality Day and the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett discusses Women’s Equality Day and the historic 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

4:33 PM ET by Valerie Jarrett

What You Missed: Open for Questions on 90th Anniversary of Women’s Right To Vote

Tina Tchen, Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls, takes questions on women’s issues on the 90th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

1:41 PM ET by Tina Tchen

The Facts on the Recovery Act & American Innovation

A look at the report out this week on some of the amazing innovations spurred by the Recovery Act that often go under the radar, and a debunking of some of the attacks on the report.

1:12 PM ET by Liz Oxhorn

SBA Disaster Assistance: Then and Now

SBA’s disaster loan programs are a critical piece of the federal government’s overall response in the wake of disasters. As part of the ongoing series on Hurricane Katrina, Administrator Karen Mills discusses the vast improvements the agency has made in the past five years and her continuing commitment to strengthening the program.

1:02 PM ET by Karen Mills

What You Need to Know About the Egg Recall

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg discusses the egg recall and the important consumer information available on FoodSafety.gov.

11:11 AM ET by Commissioner Margaret Hamburg

Protecting Medicare Benefits and Offering Clear Choices for Seniors

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is improving the Medicare Prescription Drug program, including making Medicare Part D easier to use. These reforms are part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of Medicare are secure, and that seniors gain more control and can more easily make choices that best meet their needs.

9:47 AM ET by Jonathan Blum

Cutting Red Tape and Helping Communities Rebuild

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate discusses how, in the years since Hurricane Katrina, the agency has accelerated the recovery by cutting through red tape, and getting money moving to important projects on the ground, from schools to police stations to hospitals to libraries and transportation systems.

9:24 AM ET by Craig Fugate

August 25, 2010

The Schedule

In the morning, at 11:15 AM, the Vice President will host a Middle Class Task Force roundtable discussion with local workers and small business owners. The discussion will focus on tax policies designed to help middle class families and small businesses. The Vice President will emphasize the Administration’s tax cuts for 95 percent of working families, the importance of preserving tax cuts for the middle class, and the need for Congress to pass legislation to give small businesses additional tax relief and access to capital. The discussion will take place at a small business in the Washington, D.C., area that has benefitted from provisions in the Recovery Act. The Vice President will make remarks at the top of the event. These remarks will be pooled press.

The Vice President will meet with senior advisors in the afternoon.

All times ET
11:15 AM	The Vice President hosts a Middle Class Task Force roundtable discussion with local workers and small business owners Pooled Press

Out-of-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: Politico

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

Keeping Taxes Low for the Middle Class and Small Businesses

Vice President Biden holds a Middle Class Task Force roundtable discussion with workers and small business owners to discuss tax policies designed to help middle-class families make ends meet and help small businesses invest and grow.

6:21 PM ET by Brian Levine

Five Years After Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, USDA Continues to Assist Gulf Residents

As part of the restoration efforts following Hurricane Katrina, Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary of USDA Rural Development, discusses how hundreds of Louisiana families have utilized the agency's single-family housing programs to rebuild their lives.

6:13 PM ET by Dallas Tonsager

On the Road from Recovery to Revitalization

Part of the ongoing series marking five years since Hurricane Katrina, Secretary Donovan discusses the Administration's commitment to cutting red tape and standing with the residents of the Gulf Coast through the region’s continued recovery.

4:39 PM ET by Shaun Donovan

An Increasingly Awkward Dance

Jared Bernstein, Deputy Assistant to the President on Economic Policy, debunks Representative Boehner's claims that the Recovery Act hasn’t created or saved American jobs.

4:09 PM ET by Jared Bernstein

Hurricane Katrina: Five Years of Remembering & Rebuilding

This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and the Obama Administration remains deeply committed to serving the needs of Gulf Coast residents. This is the first in a series of posts written to remember what was lost, recognize what has been regained, and celebrate the resilience and determination of those affected.

12:37 PM ET by Chris Lu

August 24, 2010

The Schedule

At 10:45 AM, the Vice President will unveil a report with new analysis on the impact of Recovery Act investments in innovation, science and technology. The Recovery Act is investing over $100 billion in innovative and transformative programs that span industries from Energy to Health Information Technology. These investments are accelerating the pace of innovation, helping to establish the U.S. as a global leader in competitive, high-growth industries of the 21st century. The Vice President will be joined by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu as he discusses how these investments will help make important technologies more affordable in the marketplace and build the nation’s infrastructure to enable further sound economic growth and job creation. This event in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building will be pooled for TV cameras, and open to print, online, radio and still photographers. Press who wish to cover this event should RSVP to press@ovp.eop.gov by tomorrow morning, Tuesday, August 24th at 8:00 AM. Press who do not have a White House hard pass should include their date of birth and social security number for clearance. This event will be streamed live on obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/live. At 12:45 PM, the Vice President will meet with U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke. Afterwards, at 1:45 PM, the Vice President will meet with Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin, incoming Commanding General, United States Forces – Iraq. These meetings are closed press. In the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, the Vice President will swear in Director of National Intelligence James Clapper in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This is closed press.

All times ET
10:45 AM	The Vice President unveils a report on Recovery Act investments in innovation South Court Auditorium Open to pre-credentialed media Pooled for TV cameras, open to print, online, radio and still photographers. RSVP required Vice President Biden will hold an event unveiling a report with new analysis on the impact of Recovery Act investments in innovation, science and technology. The Recovery Act is investing over $100 billion in innovative and transformative programs that span industries from Energy to Health Information Technology. These investments are accelerating the pace of innovation, helping to establish the U.S. as a global leader in competitive, high-growth industries of the 21st century. The Vice President will be joined by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu as he discusses how these investments will help make important technologies more affordable in the marketplace and build the nation’s infrastructure to enable further sound economic growth and job creation.
11:00 AM	Press Briefing by Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton joined by Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan to discuss Iraq Martha's Vineyard Press File Open Press Open to Credentialed Media
12:45 PM	Vice President meets with U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke Closed Press
1:45 PM	The Vice President meets with Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin, incoming Commanding General, United States Forces – Iraq Closed Press
3:00 PM	The Vice President swears in Director of National Intelligence James Clapper Eisenhower Executive Office Building Closed Press

Out-of-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: New York Times

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

The Power of Information at Your Fingertips

HealthCare.gov released a new widget, making it even easier to search for a customized list of public and private coverage options.

7:01 PM ET by Todd Park

Nine States and the District of Columbia Win Second Round Race to the Top Grants

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announces the next round of Race to the Top grant winners.

1:52 PM ET by Arne Duncan

Open for Questions: The 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote

Tomorrow, 4:30pm EDT, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement, Tina Tchen will host a live chat to honor the historic moment of the 19th Amendment and the 90th anniversary of women's right to vote. Submit your questions now, and watch live tomorrow at whitehouse.gov/live.

1:23 PM ET by Sarah Bernard

Vice President Biden on Iraq and Our Veterans: "These Homecomings Are Something I Have Long Looked Forward To..."

The Vice President speaks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars as combat operations there draw to a close.

1:22 PM ET by Jesse Lee

Photostream: Behind the Scenes in Early August

From education in Austin, to bill signings in DC, to ice cream in Florida – and a couple shots of how the President gets around. It’s the first batch of behind-the-scenes shots from Pete Souza and the White House Photo Office.

12:40 PM ET by Jesse Lee

Their Economic Policies Haven’t Changed, So They Won’t Bring the Change We Need

Later today, House Minority Leader John Boehner is slated to give a speech at the City Club of Cleveland laying out the major planks of his party’s economic agenda. Unfortunately, families in Ohio and across the country don’t need to wait until the speech to learn about these economic policies because they’ve been living with the impact of many of these same old policies for years.

6:00 AM ET by Dan Pfeiffer

August 23, 2010

The Schedule

In the morning, the Vice President will attend the Veterans of Foreign Wars 111th National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. At 11:00 AM EDT, the Vice President will deliver remarks addressing the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq as we near the goal of ending our combat mission on August 31st, as well as our support for our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world. The Vice President will also discuss the Administration’s commitment to serving our veterans as well as they have served us. This event is open press.

In the afternoon, Vice President Biden will travel to Toledo, Ohio, for a Middle Class Task Force visit to the Chrysler Toledo Assembly Complex, which includes the main assembly plant producing the Jeep Wrangler and three of the plant’s suppliers. At 3:00 PM EDT, the Vice President, Chair of the White House Middle Class Task Force, will deliver remarks about the success thus far of the Administration’s actions to strengthen the American auto industry. The Vice President will be joined by Governor Ted Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown, and Representative Marcy Kaptur.

The Vice President will emphasize the role of the Administration’s investments in GM and Chrysler, as well as their suppliers, in helping these companies return to profitability, retain and hire workers, and keep plants open. These investments, along with the steps the Administration and Congress have taken with Cash for Clunkers and the Recovery Act, have not only strengthened the auto industry, but have stimulated economic activity and job growth across the country. This event is open press.

At 4:30 PM EDT, the Vice President will attend an event for Governor Ted Strickland.

The Vice President will return to Washington, DC, in the evening.

All times ET
11:00 AM	The Vice President delivers remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars 111th National Convention Indianapolis, Indiana Open Press
3:00 PM	The Vice President will deliver remarks at a Middle Class Task Force event Chrysler Toledo Assembly Complex Open Press
4:30 PM	The Vice President attends an event for Governor Ted Strickland Toledo, Ohio Closed Press

In-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: AFP

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

Your Credit Card Bill of Rights Now in Full Effect

The President releases a statement on the final reform provisions of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act.

6:34 PM ET by Kori Schulman

Lakes and Rivers: A Middle Class Task Force Visit to the Chrysler Toledo Assembly Complex

Vice President Biden travels to Toledo, Ohio, today to hold a Middle Class Task Force event at the Chrysler Toledo Assembly Complex - a state-of-the-art complex that houses the main assembly plant producing the Jeep Wrangler.

4:00 PM ET by Jared Bernstein

31,000 Homes Weatherized in June

In June, more than 31,000 low-income homes nationwide underwent retrofits to use less energy representing the largest number of homes ever upgraded – or “weatherized” – in a single month.

11:53 AM ET by Cathy Zoi

Celebrating Teen Driving Safety at the Illinois State Fair

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood lets Illinois State fairgoers know what the Administration has been up to in the fight against distracted driving.

10:48 AM ET by Secretary Ray LaHood

August 19, 2010

The Schedule

On Thursday afternoon, the President will travel to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The departure from the South Lawn and arrival to the Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station are open press. Following the arrival at the Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, the President will travel via Marine One to Martha’s Vineyard. The arrival at Martha’s Vineyard is travel pool coverage.

The President has no other scheduled public events.

All times ET
12:35 PM	The President departs the White House en route Andrews Air Force Base South Lawn Open Press (Pre-set 12:05PM – Final Call 12:20PM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:50 PM	The President departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Martha’s Vineyard Andrews Air Force Base Travel Pool Coverage (Call Time 11:30AM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base)
2:00 PM	The President arrives Cape Cod, Massachusetts Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station Open Press
2:15 PM	The President arrives Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts Travel Pool Coverage

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:30 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Boston Globe
Radio: CBS

Out-of-Town Pool Call Time: 11:30 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Politico

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

President to Congress: Put Small Business Assistance to a Vote

President Obama calls on a partisan minority in Congress to stop blocking legislation that would make loans more available and cut taxes for small businesses.

3:30 PM ET by Katelyn Sabochik

Video: A Backyard Conversation with the President

President Obama takes questions on a range of topics including health care, Wall St. reform, the economy and social security during a backyard discussion with families in Columbus, Ohio.

10:15 AM ET by Katelyn Sabochik

August 18, 2010

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will meet with a family at their home in Columbus, Ohio. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting. Following the meeting, the President will hold a discussion on the economy with families from the area. This meeting is open to pre-credentialed media.

Later, the President will deliver remarks at reception for Governor Ted Strickland. This event is travel pool coverage.

In the afternoon, the President will depart Columbus, Ohio en route Miami, Florida. The departure from Port Columbus International Airport and the arrival to Miami International Airport are open press. Later, the President will deliver remarks at a reception for the Florida Democratic Party. The President’s remarks are travel pool coverage.

In the evening, the President will return to the White House. The departure from Miami International Airport and the arrival on the South Lawn are open press.

All times ET
10:15 AM	The President meets with Columbus Family Private Residence Travel Pool Coverage
10:50 AM	The President holds discussion on the economy Private Residence Travel Pool Coverage
1:20 PM	The President delivers remarks at a reception for Governor Ted Strickland Travel Pool Coverage
2:25 PM	The President departs Columbus, Ohio en route Miami, Florida Port Columbus International Airport Open Press
4:45 PM	The President arrives in Miami, Florida Miami International Airport Open Press
6:00 PM	The Vice President and Dr. Biden attend the funeral service for Senator Ted Stevens. Closed Press The Vice President will also deliver remarks.
6:10 PM	The President delivers remarks at a reception for the Florida Democratic Party Fontainebleau Hotel Travel Pool Coverage
7:35 PM	The President departs Miami, Florida en route Andrews Air Force Base Miami International Airport Open Press
9:00 PM	The President arrives at Andrews Air Force Base Andrews Air Force Base Travel Pool Coverage
9:15 PM	The President arrives at the White House South Lawn Open Press (Pre-set 8:45 - Final Gather 9:00PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:00 PM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: BNA
Radio: AURN

Out-of-Town Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: New York Times
Radio: CBS

Subscribe to: the full schedule, the President's schedule, the Vice President's schedule.

Iowa State Fair: America’s Heartland at its Best

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visits the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines and announces renewable energy and energy efficiency loans and grants to help meet the needs of rural America.

5:45 PM ET by Secretary Tom Vilsack, Tom Vilsack

Around the Kitchen Table in Columbus, Ohio

The President sits around the kitchen table with the Weithman Family in Columbus, Ohio and speaks to families from the area about the economy, an issue that's on a lot of people’s minds right now.

5:00 PM ET by Kori Schulman

Seniors Already Seeing Lower Prescription Drug Costs

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, seniors can expect almost no change Medicare prescription drug plan premiums in 2011 despite major improvements in drug coverage.

4:49 PM ET by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

The Proof is in the Pizza: A Small Business Owner's Story

Joe Fugere, a small business owner that participated in a roundtable discussion with the President in Seattle, shares his story that proves that community banks can be the engine for getting much needed loans to small businesses, so small businesses can grow, create jobs, and build the economy.

4:07 PM ET by Joe Fugere