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 The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Image of the South Portico of the White House

What's Happening

Get the feed

February 27, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

In the afternoon, building on his Year of Action, the President will meet with foundation and business leaders in the State Dining Room to discuss his “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative to expand opportunity for Americans. There will be a stills only pool spray at the top of the meeting.

To unveil the initiative, the President will be joined in the East Room by a wide group of stakeholders who share our interest in helping put these boys and young men of color on the path to success, including faith leaders, state and local officials. This event is open to pre-credentialed media.

Later in the afternoon, the President and Vice President will meet with Secretary of the Treasury Lew. This meeting is closed press.

All times ET
10:00 AM	The President and Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
11:30 AM	The Vice President drops by a meeting of the Association of State Democratic Chairs Capital Hilton Pooled TV, Open to Correspondents
12:15 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
2:30 PM	The President meets with foundation and business leaders State Dining Room Pool Spray
3:25 PM	The President delivers remarks on the My Brother’s Keeper initiative The East Room Open to pre-credentialed media
4:35 PM	The President and Vice President meet with Secretary of the Treasury Lew Oval Office Closed Press
7:15 PM	The Vice President attends an event for the Democratic National Committee National Museum of Women in the Arts Closed Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:30 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: Dallas Morning News
Radio: AP

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

President Obama Launches My Brother's Keeper, His New Initiative to Help Young Men of Color

President Obama delivers remarks at the launch event for My Brother's Keeper, his new initiative aimed at helping young men of color succeed and reach their full potential.

7:32 PM ET by David Hudson

Helping Families Make Healthier Choices: FDA to Update Nutrition Facts Label

5:06 PM ET by AJ Pearlman

My Brother’s Keeper: A New White House Initiative to Empower Boys and Young Men of Color

President Obama is launching a new effort aimed at empowering boys and young men of color, a segment of our society which too often faces disproportionate challenges and obstacles to success.

10:26 AM ET by Valerie Jarrett, Broderick Johnson

February 26, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

Later in the morning, the President will travel to St. Paul, Minnesota. The departure from the South Lawn and arrival at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are open press.

In the afternoon, the President will tour the Metro Transit Light Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility. There will be out-of-town travel pool coverage of the President’s tour. Following the tour, the President will deliver remarks at Union Depot to announce a new competition encouraging investments to create jobs and restore infrastructure as part of the President’s Year of Action. The President’s remarks are open to pre-credentialed media.

Later in the afternoon, the President will depart St. Paul, Minnesota en route Washington, DC. The departure from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and arrival on the South Lawn are open press.

All times ET
10:15 AM	The President and Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
11:15 AM	The President departs the White House en route Joint Base Andrews South Lawn Open Press
11:30 AM	The President departs Joint Base Andrews Travel Pool Coverage
1:50 PM	The President arrives Minnesota Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport Open Press
2:00 PM	The Vice President holds a listening session with college presidents and university officials as part of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault Eisenhower Executive Office Building Pool Spray at the Top
2:15 PM	The President tours the Metro Transit Light Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility St. Paul - Minnesota Travel Pool Coverage
3:05 PM	The President delivers remarks Union Depot - St. Paul - Minnesota Open to pre-credentialed media
4:05 PM	The President departs Minnesota Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport Open Press
6:10 PM	The President arrives Joint Base Andrews Travel Pool Coverage
6:25 PM	The President arrives the White House South Lawn Open Press

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

Out-of-Town Pool Call Time: 10:00 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: The Hill

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

President Obama Lays Out New Plan for Upgrading Our Transportation Infrastructure

The President travels to St. Paul, Minnesota to unveil a new plan to upgrade America's infrastructure and put people back to work.

6:11 PM ET by David Hudson

Crime Doesn't Pay

Crime doesn’t pay when it comes to defrauding Medicare or Medicaid -- but our crime-fighting efforts do. Over the past three years, every dollar we’ve invested to fight fraud and abuse has returned $8.10 to the American taxpayer.

5:26 PM ET by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Eric Holder

Creating Healthier Out-of-School Environments for Kids Across the Country

Continuing the celebration of the fourth anniversary of Let’s Move!, the First Lady traveled to Miami to visit a parks and recreation center to highlight a new announcement around healthy out-of-school time programs.

5:11 PM ET by AJ Pearlman

All-of-the-Above is Making a Difference Across America

Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz travels across the country to highlight the Administration’s efforts to promote production of domestic energy, create jobs and opportunities for American families, and address the serious issues posed by climate change.

11:10 AM ET by Secretary Ernest Moniz, Dr. Ernest Moniz

Transformational Changes in Schools Nationwide

9:25 AM ET by Kelly Miterko

February 25, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will meet with Speaker John Boehner. This meeting is closed press.

In the afternoon, the President will deliver remarks in the East Room to announce new steps in partnership with the private sector to boost advanced manufacturing, strengthen our capabilities for defense, and attract the types of high-quality jobs that a growing middle class requires. The President’s remarks are open to pre-credentialed media.

In the evening, the President will deliver remarks at Organizing for Action's "National Organizing Summit" and will deliver remarks and answer questions at an Organizing for Action dinner. The remarks at the event are pooled for TV and open to pre-credentialed correspondents. There will be print pool coverage for the dinner remarks only.

All times ET
11:00 AM	The Vice President makes an appearance on “The View” to discuss the importance of signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s Marketplace before the March 31st deadline
11:30 AM	The President meets with Speaker John Boehner Oval Office Closed Press
12:45 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
3:05 PM	The President delivers remarks on manufacturing innovation institutes The East Room Open to pre-credentialed media
6:05 PM	The President delivers remarks at the National Organizing Summit Mandarin Oriental Hotel-Grand Ballroom B&C, Washington DC Pooled TV, Open to Correspondents
7:00 PM	The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden host a reception in honor of African American History Month Naval Observatory Pooled Press
7:10 PM	The President delivers remarks and answers questions at an Organizing for Action dinner Mandarin Oriental Hotel-Oriental Ballroom, Washington DC Print Pool

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

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

Get Your Popcorn Ready! It's the First Ever White House Film Festival

The White House is hosting the first-ever Student Film Festival, featuring the work of more than a dozen young filmmakers who created short films celebrating the role of technology in the classroom.

6:20 PM ET by Adam Garber

Manufacturing Innovation Institutes: Putting America at the Forefront of 21st Century Manufacturing

President Obama announces two new public-private manufacturing innovation institutes – one in Chicago and one in the Detroit area -- as well as a competition for the first of four additional manufacturing innovation institutes.

5:11 PM ET by Megan Slack

February 24, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

Later in the morning, the President and the Vice President will deliver remarks to the National Governors Association in the State Dining Room. The remarks are pooled press.

In the afternoon, the President will meet with governors of Western States to discuss drought and wildfires. This meeting in the Situation Room is closed press.

All times ET
10:00 AM	The President and Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
11:00 AM	The President and Vice President deliver remarks to the National Governors Association State Dining Room Pooled Press
1:15 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
1:45 PM	The President meets with governors of Western States The Situation Room Closed Press
2:30 PM	The Vice President meets with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili of Georgia Roosevelt Room Closed Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:00 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: CS Monitor
Radio: Talk Radio

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

Kids Teach the First Lady and Will Ferrell About Being Healthy

In celebration of the fourth anniversary of Let’s Move!, the First Lady and Will Ferrell host a “focus group” with young kids to ask them about eating healthy and being active.

6:31 PM ET by Kelly Miterko

A White House Call To Action to Advance the BRAIN Initiative

President Obama is calling for BRAIN Initiative to be an “all hands on deck” effort, involving not only the federal government but also companies, health systems, patient advocacy organizations, philanthropists, state governments, research universities, private research institutes, and scientific societies.

4:45 PM ET by Tom Kalil

Governors Come to D.C. for the National Governors Association Winter Meeting

Governors from across the nation gather in Washington, D.C. for the 2014 National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting.

4:01 PM ET by David Hudson

February 21, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the White House. The President last met the Dalai Lama in July 2011. This meeting is closed press. Later in the morning, the President will deliver remarks at the Democratic Governors Association Meeting in the State Dining Room. The Vice President will also attend. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting. In the afternoon, the President and Vice President will meet for lunch in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press.

All times ET
10:00 AM	The President meets with His Holiness the Dalai Lama Map Room Closed Press
11:15 AM	The President and Vice President attend the Democratic Governors Association Meeting State Dining Room Pool Spray at the Top
12:30 PM	The President and Vice President meet for lunch Private Dining Room Closed Press
1:15 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
3:15 PM	The Vice President ceremonially swears in Max Baucus as U.S. Ambassador to China State Department Closed Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:00 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Baltimore Sun
Radio: NPR

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

Weekly Wrap Up: the President Bets on Team USA, the First Lady Visits Jimmy Fallon, and More

This week, President Obama bet on Team USA, and visited Mexico. The First Lady stopped by the Tonight Show, and the White House reaffirmed its commitment to net neutrality. Check out what you missed in this week's wrap up.

6:45 PM ET by Jonathan Friedman

The First Lady Wants to See How You Move

To mark the four-year anniversary of Lets Move!, a nationwide initiative to create a healthier future for our kids and families, the First Lady appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," to kick off a week-long celebration to mark how far we’ve come.

6:11 PM ET by Kasie Coccaro

President Obama Has a Message for You: #GetCovered

Millions of Americans are eligible for new or improved coverage. And if you're one of them, you've only got until March 31st to get covered. President Obama recorded a message just for you -- watch it now, then go to HealthCare.gov.

5:43 PM ET by Ezra Mechaber

A Down Payment on Expanding Opportunity for America’s Long-Term Unemployed

The Obama administration announces the availability of applications for $150 million in “Ready to Work Partnership” grants designed to help those facing long-term unemployment upgrade their skills and build bridges to jobs in growing areas like information technology and advanced manufacturing.

2:01 PM ET by Secretary Tom Perez, Gene Sperling

We the Geeks: Celebrating Black History Month

The Office of Science and Technology is hosting and participating in a series of activities to highlight diverse STEM role models and the urgent need to help minority students across the country envision themselves as tomorrow’s discoverers, explorers, developers, and STEM innovators.

12:45 PM ET by Knatokie Ford and Sean Jones

Get Covered: An Assist from Mayor Kevin Johnson

Sacramento Mayor and former NBA star Kevin Johnson explains why it's important to sign up for affordable health insurance.

9:47 AM ET by Kevin Johnson

West Wing Week 02/21/14 or “Don’t Make Small Plans, Make Big Plans”

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

12:00 AM ET by Adam Garber

February 20, 2014

The Schedule

In the evening, the President will deliver remarks at the Democratic Governors Association dinner in Washington, DC.

All times ET
1:50 AM	The President arrives Joint Base Andrews Travel Pool Coverage
2:05 AM	The President arrives the White House South Lawn Open Press
1:00 PM	Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest
2:00 PM	The Vice President meets with members of the Cabinet to discuss ways to identify job skills that match the demands of American companies, while creating training programs to teach those skills across the country Eisenhower Executive Office Building Pool Spray at the Top
5:35 PM	The President delivers remarks and answers questions at the Democratic Governors Association dinner The St. Regis, Washington DC Print Pool

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

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

Responding to the Situation in Ukraine

Get information on the Obama administration's response to the situation in Ukraine.

7:05 PM ET by Megan Slack

Dr. Biden Speaks at Summit Focused on Post-9/11 Veterans at The Bush Institute

Dr. Jill Biden joins President Bush at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas for a Summit focused on how Americans can support post-9/11 veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

3:07 PM ET by Melanie Kaye

Vice President Biden Speaks at America’s Central Port on the Fifth Anniversary of the Recovery Act

At America’s Central Port in Granite City, Illinois, the Vice President outlined how Recovery Act grants at the port and across the country have modernized the way we do business, created good-paying middle-class jobs, and strengthened our global economic competitiveness.

1:15 PM ET by Marc Aidinoff

February 18, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will travel to Upper Marlboro, Maryland where he will deliver remarks on the economy at the Safeway Distribution Center. These remarks are open to pre-credentialed media.

In the afternoon, the President will meet with leaders from African American civil rights groups to discuss how his Administration can continue to partner with them on issues including criminal justice reform, income inequality and the Affordable Care Act. There will be a stills only pool spray at the top of the meeting.

Later in the afternoon, the President and Vice President will meet with Secretary of Defense Hagel in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

In the evening, the President will host cast and crew members of the movie The Monuments Men at the White House. This screening is closed press.

All times ET
11:20 AM	The President delivers remarks Safeway Distribution Center - Upper Marlboro Maryland Open to pre-credentialed media
1:00 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
2:50 PM	The President meets with leaders from African American civil rights groups Roosevelt Room Pool Spray
3:00 PM	The Vice President holds a listening session with college students as part of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault Eisenhower Executive Office Building Pool Spray at the Top
4:05 PM	The President and Vice President meet with Secretary of Defense Hagel Oval Office Closed Press
5:45 PM	The President hosts a screening of The Monuments Men at the White House The Family Theatre Closed Press

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

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

New Funding to Increase Access to Mental Health Services and New Protections Under the Health Care Law

In 2014, the Obama Administration has taken three key steps in the ongoing effort to increase access to mental health services.

7:22 PM ET by Stefanie Feldman

A Look At What They’re Saying About myRA Across the Country

See what newspaper editorial boards and financial columnists across the country are saying about myRA, a simple, safe, and affordable retirement savings account that will be offered through employers to help low- and moderate- income Americans begin to save for retirement.

6:20 PM ET by Brandi Hoffine

Kicking Vehicle Efficiency into High Gear

After years of idling on fuel efficiency, America’s truck fleet is on a straight road to lower emissions, fuel savings for drivers, and leading the world in advanced vehicles.

3:45 PM ET by Dan Utech

Congressional Budget Office Report Finds Minimum Wage Lifts Wages for 16.5 Million Workers

A new CBO report finds that 16.5 million workers would get a raise from increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, helping millions of hard-working families, reducing poverty, and increasing the overall wages going to lower-income households.

3:24 PM ET by Jason Furman and Betsey Stevenson

We the People Response: Reaffirming the White House's Commitment to Net Neutrality

The White House issued its response to a We the People petition on net neutrality, reaffirming the administration's commitment to an open Internet.

2:06 PM ET by Gene Sperling and Todd Park

February 14, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President will deliver remarks at the House Democratic Issues Conference in Cambridge, Maryland. The departure from the South Lawn will be open press and the President’s remarks will be open to pre-credentialed media.

Following the conference, the President will travel to the Fresno, California area to discuss ongoing efforts to respond to the severe drought. As part of his visit, the President will participate in a roundtable with community leaders, tour a local farm and deliver remarks. The arrival and departure of Air Force One are open to pre-credentialed members of the media, but closed to the public. There will be a pool spray of the roundtable and travel pool coverage of the President’s tour and remarks.

In the evening, the President will travel to Rancho Mirage, California, for a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at Sunnylands, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Estate. The United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are close friends and historic partners that have worked together to promote peace, prosperity, and reform. The President looks forward to discussing with King Abdullah opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Jordan strategic partnership and to consult on regional developments. The arrival of Air Force One is open to pre-credentialed members of the media, but closed to the public. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting.

All times ET
9:45 AM	The President departs the White House en route Cambridge, MD South Lawn Open Press
10:40 AM	The President delivers remarks at the House Democratic Issues Conference Maryland, Hyatt Regency - Cambridge Open to pre-credentialed media
10:50 AM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
12:15 PM	The President departs Joint Base Andrews en route Fresno, California Travel Pool Coverage
5:30 PM	The President arrives Fresno, California Fresno Yosemite International Airport Open Press
6:15 PM	The President takes part in a roundtable with community leaders San Luis Water Facility - Firebaugh California Travel Pool Spray
7:15 PM	The President tours a local farm Private Residence - Los Banos California Travel Pool Coverage
7:30 PM	The President delivers remarks Private Residence - Los Banos California Travel Pool Coverage
8:35 PM	The President departs Fresno, California Fresno Yosemite International Airport Open Press
9:35 PM	The President arrives Palm Springs, California Palm Springs International Airport Open Press
10:35 PM	The President greets His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands - Rancho Mirage California Travel Pool Coverage
10:50 PM	The President holds a bilateral meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands - Rancho Mirage California Travel Pool Spray
11:10 PM	The President holds a working dinner with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands - Rancho Mirage California Closed Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:00 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Wall Street Journal
Radio: VOA

Out-of-Town Pool Call Time: 8:15 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: CS Monitor

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

Weekly Wrap Up: the French Visit, the President Raises the Wage for Federal Contractors, and More

This week, President Obama welcomed French President François Hollande, and raised the minimum wage for federal contractors. The White House Chefs prepared a beautiful state dinner and POTUS tasted a very tasty chip! Check out what you missed in this week's wrap up.

6:10 PM ET by Jonathan Friedman

First Lady Michelle Obama: "I Need You to See This"

3:57 PM ET by Ezra Mechaber

From the Archives: State Dinners at the White House

See a gallery of past White House state visit images from the holdings of the Presidential Libraries of the National Archives and Records Administration.

1:43 PM ET by The Office of Presidential Libraries of the National Archives and Records Administration

West Wing Week 2/14/14 or, "The Red, White, and Blue -- and the Blue, White, and Red"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

12:00 AM ET by Adam Garber

February 13, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

All times ET
11:00 AM	The President and the Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:30 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: USA Today
Radio: Talk Radio

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

Making the World Safer from Pandemic Threats: A New Agenda for Global Health Security

The Global Health Security Agenda is an international effort to enhance our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks of infectious disease threats.

2:05 PM ET by Lisa Monaco

President Obama Speaks to the Latino Community on Why it is Important to #GetCovered

President Obama records a video message to help educate Latinos about the benefits and protections under the Affordable Care Act and encourage them to sign up for health coverage. Check out the message and hear the President talk about the tools available to help you and your “amigos, familia and vecinos” #GetCovered

1:38 PM ET by Katherine Vargas

ACA Valentines: Share Yours

This Valentine's Day, share the word and help make sure your friends, family and loved ones get covered today at healthcare.gov.

1:00 PM ET by Megan Slack

February 12, 2014

The Schedule

In the morning, the President and Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

In the afternoon, the President will deliver remarks on the importance of raising the federal minimum wage for all workers and sign an Executive Order requiring federal contractors to pay their federally funded employees on new contracts a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour. This event in the East Room is open press.

All times ET
11:00 AM	The President and Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
12:45 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
2:00 PM	The President delivers remarks and signs an Executive Order East Room Open Press
6:00 PM	The Vice President attends a campaign event for Alex Sink Closed Press

In-Town Pool Call Time: 9:30 AM
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: Tribune
Radio: Sirius XM

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

President Obama: "What I Signed Today"

Today, President Obama signed an Executive Order to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 for federal contract workers -- and sent an email to the White House list describing why raising the federal wage is good for the economy.

4:49 PM ET by Lindsay Holst

The Economic Case for Raising the Minimum Wage

President Obama is signing an Executive Order to raise the minimum wage for federal contractors to $10.10 an hour. This step is a smart business decision for the government, and will also give a boost to hardworking Americans struggling to make ends meet.

11:57 AM ET by Jason Furman and Betsey Stevenson