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More than 5.91 Million Records Released

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 15:00:00 -0500

In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in August 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.91 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.

Weekly Address: Coming Together On Thanksgiving

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's address, President Obama wished the American people a happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, we are still one people, part of something bigger than ourselves. Because what makes us American are the ideals to which we pledge our allegiance. And it's about our ability to live up to the creed "E Pluribus Unum" -- that out of many, we are one.

In case you missed it, be sure to take a look at the President's final pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey.

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President Obama's Final Turkey Pardon

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:03:10 -0500

President Barack Obama and nephews Austin and Aaron Robinson watch the National Thanksgiving Turkey, Tater, flap during the pardon of the National Thanksgiving Turkey ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House, Nov. 23, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year to be an American. It’s a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and enjoy some good food and some great company. But it’s also one of the worst days of the year to be a turkey. They don’t have it so good.
President Barack Obama

This Thursday, friends and families across the United States will gather to give thanks, spend time with loved ones and enjoy a festive meal. But before the First Family sits down to their Thanksgiving dinner, President Obama will continue a long-cherished White House tradition and pardon the final turkey of his presidency.

Since 1947, the chairman of the National Turkey Federation has presented a turkey to the President of the United States, who grants a pardon to the bird.

While only one can be named the National Thanksgiving Turkey, both lucky birds will be sent to their new home at Virginia Tech where they will be cared for by veterinarians and students of Virginia Tech’s Animal and Poultry Sciences Department at “Gobbler's Rest” in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Tune in here to watch the official pardoning ceremony.

And it is my great privilege -- well, it’s my privilege -- actually, let’s just say it’s my job -- to grant them clemency this afternoon. As I do, I want to take a moment to recognize the brave turkeys who weren’t so lucky, who didn’t get to ride the gravy train to freedom -- who met their fate with courage and sacrifice -- and proved that they weren’t chicken.
President Obama, November 23, 2016

Read the President's remarks, including many more Thanksgiving Day puns, here.

Which turkey will take home this year's title? Per a recent digital tradition, you can vote for your favorite on social media. Meet this year's contenders: Tater and Tot!

Who will receive this year’s #WHTurkeyPardon? Vote before the official ceremony tomorrow: https://t.co/wTcdWKlWAM #TeamTater #TeamTot
— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) November 22, 2016

A look back: President Obama's turkey pardons

President Obama has had the honor of pardoning multiple birds. In case you missed the previous years, here's a look back:

2009 - The President officially pardoned not one but two turkeys, sparing both “Courage” and “Carolina” at the request of his compassionate daughters, Sasha and Malia and starting a new tradition.

2010 - After a rigorous competition to win the presidential pardon at home on Foster Farms Wellsford Ranch near Modesto, California, President Obama pardoned both Apple and his understudy Cider. Both turkeys were then sent to live out their days at Mount Vernon, home of our nation’s first President George Washington.

2011 - President Obama pardoned turkeys Peace and Liberty on the North Portico of the White House.

2012 - This year marked the 65th anniversary of the National Turkey presentation and the first time the American people cast their vote via the White House Facebook page to decide which of two turkeys would receive the honor. Cobbler won the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey, but both he and his alternate, Gobbler, received the official pardon.

2013 - This year, White House digital audiences could vote on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for Caramel or Popcorn.

2014 - The American people were graced with the opportunity to meet Mac and Cheese. Cheese was ultimately voted the 2014 National Thanksgiving Turkey.

2015 - Last year, we were introduced to Honest & Abe, two twin male turkeys. While their love for country music made them a stand out, both turkeys were fortunate enough to be pardoned by President Obama.

President Barack Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia participate in the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House, Nov. 25, 2015. National Turkey Federation Chairman Jihad Douglas participates. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekly Address: Building on a Record of Economic Progress

Sat, 19 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's address, Vice President Joe Biden discussed the progress we have made to ensure that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules has a real shot at getting into the middle class and staying there. Over the past eight years, we have made significant progress; from working with Congress to cut taxes for low- and middle-income families, to taking executive authority to provide paid sick leave to more than 1.1 million workers.

Since the President's call to action to increase the minimum wage in 2013, 18 states and 55 cities have raised their minimum wage. The Vice President noted that although we've made progress, more work needs to be done to give American workers a chance. Because when they are given the chance, American workers never let their country down.

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Weekly Address: Honoring Our Veterans

Sat, 12 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's address, President Obama recognized the service and sacrifice of our Nation's military members and veterans. These men and women serve as an example of what our Nation strives to be every day. From the example of the 9/11 Generation signing up to serve in response to tragedy, to the example of our military's unity and diversity, our Nation's veterans and service members represent the best of our country. To all of our Nation's veterans: thank you for your service.

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Asked and Answered: "You Are Already A Good Man"

A 57-Year-Old Veteran Thanks President Obama for the Chance to Give Back

Weekly Address: The Progress We've Made Because of the Affordable Care Act

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 06:00:00 -0400

This week, President Obama discussed Open Enrollment on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which began November 1 and will end on January 31. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 20 million American adults have obtained health insurance, and an additional three million children have gained coverage since the President took office. The uninsured rate is the lowest level on record.

Today, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your preventive care is free; there are no more annual or lifetime limits on essential health care; you can’t get charged more just for being a woman; young people can stay on a parent’s plan until they turn 26; seniors get discounts on their prescriptions; and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. To sign up for health care coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

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More than 5.84 Million Records Released

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0400

In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in July 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.84 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.

Weekly Address: Taking Action to Spur Competition in the Airline Industry

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s address, President Obama highlighted the actions his administration is taking to spur competition in the airline industry, protect consumers and arm them with the information they need to make informed decisions, following the President’s call to action in April. Building on the progress we’ve made so far, this week’s actions include a proposed requirement for airlines to reimburse luggage fees when bags are delayed; requiring airlines to report on the probability that your luggage could be lost; providing protections for travelers with disabilities; and requiring additional transparency and fairness in online ticket platforms.

The President highlighted these steps as another example of how government can be a force for good – ensuring that everyday Americans get a fair shake in our economy and have a voice in the conversation. That’s what these actions are about – taking steps, big and small, to better the lives of everyday Americans.

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How We're Helping to Make Air Travel Better

Weekly Address: Ensuring America Leads the World Into the Next Frontier

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s address, President Obama highlighted the White House Frontiers Conference, where many of America’s leading innovators came together to discuss how we can empower people through science, technology, and innovation to lead our communities, our country, and our world in the future. The President said the advances we’ve made as a nation demonstrate how investing in science and technology can help develop new jobs and industries, and new discoveries that improve lives – and that innovation is in our nation’s DNA.

And that’s why the President made the largest single investment in basic research in history; modernized the government’s approach to innovation for the 21st Century; and spurred a clean energy revolution, among many other accomplishments in science and technology. That’s what the President’s leadership has been about – ensuring America is the nation that leads the world into the next frontier. You can learn more about the President’s accomplishments in science, technology, and innovation – and about the White House Frontiers Conference.

Get the Record Frontiers

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Email: Can you hear the stars?

Weekly Address: It’s Time to Give Families Access to Paid Sick Leave

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s address, President Obama discussed the importance of ensuring that American families have access to paid leave. Today, millions of Americans do not have access to paid sick leave and have to face tough choices when their families face illness – choices that could risk their jobs or their health. The President has repeatedly called on Republicans in Congress to pass a law guaranteeing most workers the chance to earn seven days of paid sick leave each year. To this day, no action has been taken in the Republican Congress. But, that hasn’t stopped the President from taking action where he can to help more Americans access paid sick time, and starting January 1st, federal contractors will be required to give their employees working on new federal contracts up to seven paid sick days each year. That’s because paid leave isn’t something that just nice to have – it’s a must have.

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More than 5.74 Million Records Released

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 16:05:39 -0400

In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in June 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.74 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section

Email from Jonathan Swanson: Helping our pros get covered

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:35:07 -0400

President and co-founder of Thumbtack Jonathan Swanson sent the below message to a White House email list during the Millennial Outreach and Engagement Summit. Didn't get the message? Make sure to sign up for the latest updates.

Like most business owners, I spend a lot of time looking at numbers. Are revenues up? Are costs down? The business owners we serve have many different professions -- roofer, caterer, personal trainer, to name just a few -- but we all share one thing in common: we are all our own accountants.

Health care is one of the most expensive aspects of running a new business. So when we started to survey the professionals we serve, particularly the young professionals, who are starting a new business, I was not surprised to learn that one in three say that health care is on their minds.

That's why I'm excited to join a conversation about health care at the White House today on how we can help get more young professionals get covered.

You can watch this event live here:

Availability of benefits like health insurance is a major obstacle to individuals looking to start their businesses. Many of these small business owners continue to struggle to find and keep coverage and are still uninsured in greater numbers than other Americans.

By helping de-couple benefits from traditional employment arrangements, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a huge difference to many of our professionals, including young entrepreneurs, who are now able to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until the age of 26 or to buy affordable coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or HealthCare.gov. As Joe, a photographer from Maryland, told us, "Before Obamacare, I never would have been able to start my business."

We understand that the ACA has stirred passions from all quarters, but there is no question that making benefits like health care available to more individuals makes it easier for people to start and run their own small businesses. As Nicole, a wellness professional from California, told us:

"I have several pre-existing medical conditions and had been without health insurance for quite some time. When the new system came out, I was finally able to get coverage. Knowing that I will always be able to see a doctor has lifted a giant weight off my shoulders."

At Thumbtack, we are honored to be part of helping entrepreneurs like Nicole step out on their own -- and it benefits our economy as a whole. And it's why we'll keep sharing information about health care and the upcoming Open Enrollment period starting on November 1 with them.

You can watch today's conversation here.

Thanks,
Jonathan Swanson
President and Cofounder, Thumbtack.com

Learn more about the White House's first-ever Affordable Care Act Millennial Outreach and Enrollment Summit.

Need health insurance? Find out if you qualify today.

Get Covered

Weekly Address: Celebrating the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sat, 24 Sep 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s address, President Obama commemorated the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The President recognized the museum for celebrating the many accomplishments of the African American community – and for telling the fuller story of America by facing the uncomfortable truths of our Nation’s history all while embracing the knowledge that America is a constant work in progress.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture not only tells the African American story – it tells the American story. By telling the fuller account of the American story, the President said, the museum will give all of us a chance to reflect and set the course for generations to come.

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Celebrating African American History at the White House

Weekly Address: It’s Time for Republicans in Congress To Do Their Jobs

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's address, President Obama called on Republicans in Congress to do their jobs. With Congress back in session there is a lot of business that needs to get done, including funding the fight against Zika, providing resources to help the flood victims in Louisiana, and giving Supreme Court nominee Chief Judge Merrick Garland the courtesy of a fair hearing and a vote. The President said addressing these problems is all within our reach – and we need Congress to work as hard as the American people do. We should expect Republicans in Congress to do their jobs – to protect us from disease, help us recover from disaster, and keep the Supreme Court above politics.

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Congress is finally back in session this week. And there's a long to-do list waiting for them:

Vice President Biden Heads to Capitol Hill to Tell Republicans in Congress: Do Your Job.

Learn more about the Administration's response to the Zika virus.

Learn more about the President's nominee for the Supreme Court.

Weekly Address: Building Upon the Legacy of Labor Day

Sat, 03 Sep 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s address, President Obama commemorated Labor Day by highlighting the economic progress we’ve made over the course of his administration. Over the past seven and a half years, we've rescued our economy from another depression, cut our unemployment rate in half, and unleashed the longest string total job growth on record.

The President said that although the country has made significant progress, there’s still work to do in the years to come. He emphasized that despite the boisterous political season, we must not lose sight of the policies that will actually help working families get ahead. President Obama said if we are going to restore the sense that hard work is rewarded with a fair shot to get ahead, we must build on the legacy of those who came before us – that means exercising our right to speak up in the workplace, to join a union, and to vote.

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Weekly Address: Taking Action Against the Zika Virus

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 06:00:00 -0400

This week, President Obama called on Republicans in Congress to take action and vote to fund the Administration’s response to the Zika virus. In February, the President asked Congress to fund emergency resources, including mosquito control, fast-tracking diagnostics tests and vaccines, tracking the spread of the virus, and monitoring women and babies with Zika. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have failed to take action on this issue.

So the President continues to direct his Administration do what it can without help from Congress, with the primary focus of protecting pregnant women and families planning to have children. Today, the CDC continues to work with state public health officials and has an emergency response team on the ground in South Florida, agencies have moved to expedite the development of a vaccine, and the administration is working with the private sector to develop more options to test and prevent infection. The President reiterated this is about more than politics and Republicans should make this their top priority when they return from their summer recess.

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Learn more about the Administration's response to the Zika virus.

Read More

More than 5.64 Million Records Released

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 15:01:09 -0400

In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in May 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.64 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.

Email from Max Levchin: The next great immigrant inventor

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:54:39 -0400

Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, Affirm, Glow, and Slide, sent the below message to White House email lists. Didn't get the message? Sign up here for updates.

In 1991, with just a few hundred dollars to our name, my family and I immigrated to the United States from the USSR, and landed in Chicago a couple of days after I turned 16 years old.

Coming from a family of scientists, I was always strongly encouraged to seek out the best education available. Graduating high school in 1993, I went to study Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, one of America’s best schools in the discipline.

The Internet’s popularity had just begun to explode, opportunities were limitless, and everyone around me was dreaming up startup company ideas. I started no fewer than four companies while finishing up my degree, and every single one of them failed. Undeterred, I drove cross-country to Silicon Valley, and co-founded my fifth company -- PayPal.

Recruiting as many college friends as I could to join the venture, the next few years were spent building the foundation of what is now a $45 billion company, employing over nearly 17,000 people.

Because of PayPal’s success, I was afforded the opportunity to support and fuel the start of many other great companies. I was able to co-found Glow and Affirm, and I was the first investor and chairman of Yelp -- a company that now employs more than 4,000 people. I’ve served on corporate boards of Yahoo!, Yelp, and Evernote, as well as the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Advisory Board. I’ve had the privilege to invest in over 100 startups, and advise numerous others.

I believe that the most promising entrepreneurs from around the world should have the same opportunity I had -- the chance to deliver on their potential, here in America.

That’s why I am thrilled that the Obama Administration has a plan to make it easier for the world’s best and brightest immigrant entrepreneurs to start the next great companies right here, in the United States. And you can have a voice in how the new process will work.

My story isn’t unique -- America is a nation of immigrants and has always been a magnet for strivers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe.

Immigrants co-founded as many as a quarter of the high-tech startups in communities all across this country -- and over half of the startups in Silicon Valley. One in every 10 people employed at a privately-owned U.S. company works at an immigrant-owned firm -- that's nearly 4 million people. Immigrants or children of immigrants founded more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies.

And the next great companies are being conceived right now, in countless dorm rooms and garages around the world. So many of these entrepreneurs yearn to grow their companies here in America, where the opportunities are still limitless. And when these companies are started and capitalized here, it creates jobs for Americans and grows our economy.

Learn more about how the Obama Administration is taking action today to welcome more immigrant entrepreneurs to the United States -- and submit your feedback before this plan is finalized.

Thanks,
Max Levchin
Co-Founder of PayPal, Affirm, Glow, and Slide

Email from Cheyenne: Find your park this week!

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:14:26 -0400

Cheyenne, a rising fifth grader from Maryland, sent the below message to the White House email list. Didn't get the message? Sign up here for updates.

My name is Cheyenne and I am a rising 5th grader at an elementary school in Maryland.

This Thursday, August 25, the National Park Service turns 100 years old.

To celebrate this anniversary, all national parks will be free to visit from August 25 -- 28, and I wanted to tell you why I hope you will go to FindYourPark.com and plan a visit to some of these amazing places.

Parks are very important to me. When you go to parks, you are able to see just how beautiful and awesome the outdoors can be and how we must be good stewards of our planet.

Sure, you can go on an adventure in a video game, or see someone else's adventure on social media, but think of how much better it would be to LIVE the adventure! With so many national parks in the country, no video game or TV show can beat the fun adventures that exist outside!

Our school is part of National Park Trust’s Buddy Bison environmental education program and that’s how I learned about the President’s Every Kid in a Park initiative. This program, which will start its second year on September 1, gives passes to all 4th graders in the country so that they and their families can visit any national park and public land for free for a full year.

My Every Kid in a Park pass not only provides free entry into all national parks, but also serves as a reminder that I need to keep discovering and exploring new outdoor and historic places. Last June, my classmates and I went to National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park in Maryland. I enjoyed pretending that we were time travelers going to the 1800s to fix some other time travelers’ mistakes. It was so much fun!

My park visits with my school and family inspired me to write my own book, For the Love of Water, since I learned that it is important that we protect our earth’s water. I have even thought about becoming a park ranger!

Thank you President Obama and the many others who gave 4th graders passes to visit these amazing parts of our country. Even as a 5th grader, without my pass, I want to go to more national parks very soon.

You too can find a park to visit -- just go to FindYourPark.com

I hope that everyone will join in the celebration of the National Park Service’s 100 years of existence and have the chance to get outside and explore the great outdoors!

Thank you!

Cheyenne

Weekly Address: Providing a Better, Cleaner, Safer Future for Our Children

Sat, 13 Aug 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's address, President Obama discussed the progress we have made to combat global climate change. During the Obama Administration, we have made ambitious investments in clean energy and achieved reductions in carbon emissions – increasing wind power and solar power, and decreasing the amount of carbon pollution from our energy sector to its lowest level in 25 years. We have also set standards to increase the distance cars and light trucks can travel on a gallon of gas every year through 2025.

The President noted that although America has become a global leader in the fight against climate change, there's still work to do. Together, we must continue to work domestically and build upon the progress we've made along with other countries – such as the Paris Agreement, the most ambitious climate change agreement in history. President Obama said if we continue to work together, we will leave a better, cleaner, safer future for our children.

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Learn more about the President's record on climate change.

The Record

Weekly Address: Representing the Best of America in the Summer Olympics

Sat, 06 Aug 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's address, President Obama celebrated the beginning of the Summer Olympics by wishing Team USA the best of luck as they compete on the world stage. The President said Team USA reminds the world why America always sets the example as a nation of immigrants that finds strength by embracing our diversity and finding unity in our national pride.

President Obama thanked the American Olympic and Paralympic athletes for representing the best of America. Our Olympians always remind us of our potential – that no matter where you're from, you can succeed with determination and discipline. That's not only the Olympic spirit, but also the American spirit.

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You can follow along with the Presidential Delegation to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games as they celebrate our nation's athletes.

Follow

Weekly Address: It’s Time to Fill the Vacancy on the Supreme Court

Sat, 30 Jul 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's address, retired Federal Judge Timothy Lewis joined Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Vice President talked about his experience as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, during which every nominee got a hearing and an up or down vote on the Senate floor. Despite having more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee in history, Chief Judge Garland’s nomination has now been pending longer than any other Supreme Court nominee who wasn’t withdrawn from consideration. Judge Lewis emphasized that this lack of action is preventing the Supreme Court from fulfilling its duty of interpreting the law and resolving conflicts in the lower courts.

The Vice President made clear that for the sake of our Nation, everyone must do their job. That's why the President did his job by nominating Chief Judge Merrick Garland. Now, it's time for the Senate Republicans to do their job.

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You can learn more about the President's Supreme Court Nominee, Chief Justice Merrick Garland.

Meet Garland Follow @SCOTUSNOM

More than 5.55 Million Records Released

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 16:00:00 -0400

In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in February 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.55 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.

Weekly Address: Coming Together to Find Solutions

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's address, President Obama acknowledged that the aftermath of tragedies like we've seen in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Minnesota, can leave us struggling to make sense of these events. However, the President reiterated that the country is not as divided as it may seem. He said he saw it this week when he met with law enforcement on the challenges they face; when he traveled to Dallas for the memorial service of the five brave police officers who died while protecting protesters with whom they may have disagreed; when he convened a more than four-hour long meeting with police chiefs, Black Lives Matter activists, and state and local leaders; and when he participated in a town hall where he said there is no contradiction between honoring police and recognizing racial disparities exist within the criminal justice system.

The President said that although these conversations can be challenging, we have to be able to talk about our differences. We have to be open and honest – not just within our own circles, but also with those who offer different perspectives. Because that's what America is about – finding solutions not only through policy, but also by forging consensus and finding the political will to make change.

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You can learn more about the steps we can all take to build trust between our communities and institutions.

Join the Conversation

Weekly Address: Serving our Military Families This Fourth of July

Sat, 02 Jul 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s address, President Obama wished everyone a happy Fourth of July, and recognized our service members, veterans and their families for their service to our country. The President commended First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden on the most recent milestone of their Joining Forces initiative.

This week, the First Lady and Dr. Biden announced that all fifty states have acted to streamline professional licensing for military spouses, who often move across state lines and need to re-certify for a job they are already qualified for. Although more work needs to be done, today, many military spouses no longer have to worry about putting their career on hold just because their loved ones have chosen to serve this country.

That’s what this initiative is all about – serving our troops as well as they have served us. This holiday weekend, visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can serve service members, veterans and military families in your community.

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Join the First Family in celebrating the men and women who keep our nation safe this Independence Day.

Tune In

Weekly Address: Designating Stonewall National Monument

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 06:00:00 -0400

On Friday, June 24, President Obama designated the Stonewall National Monument – the first national monument dedicated to telling the story of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community’s struggle for equal rights. In this week’s address, the President talked about the importance of preserving and sharing this significant part of the American story.

Although we have seen true progress over the years, the President acknowledged that the LGBT community still faces discrimination to this day. With that in mind, the President emphasized that as a country, we must continue to push for equality, acceptance and tolerance – because that’s what makes our country the greatest nation on earth.

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You can learn more about the Stonewall Monument designation and the President's work for LGBT and other social equality and civil rights.

ON Stonewall The Record

West Wing Week 6/24/16 or, "How Cool Is This?”

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 18:38:48 -0400

This week was full of travel, as the First Family took a break from the big city -- and a breath of fresh air -- in Yosemite and the Carlsbad Caverns. Dr. Biden headed south to Central and South America, and the Vice President traced his roots in Ireland.

More than 5.47 Million Records Released

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 16:00:00 -0400

In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in March 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.47 million —all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.

Weekly Address: Standing with Orlando

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's address, President Obama reflected on his visit with the families of the victims of the Orlando terrorist attack. He reiterated that we will always stand with those impacted by the Orlando attack – and we will do everything in our power to stop homegrown terrorism attacks and ultimately destroy ISIL.

With Father's Day coming up, the President emphasized the responsibilities we have to each other – particularly to our children. Too often, events like these have been followed by silence and inaction. President Obama said in order for us to raise our children in a more loving, safer world, we must speak up for it. Whether it's speaking up about the risks guns pose to our communities, or why tolerance and equality matter, our children need to hear us respond to these events and lead our lives with love.

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Follow Along: The United State of Women

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 07:00:00 -0400

The United State of Women Summit is rallying all of us together to celebrate what women and girls have achieved, and how we are taking action to move forward. Covering key gender equality issues, we hope to make a powerful difference in our collective future.

Watch Live

Tune in live to the Summit starting at 8:30 AM ET. You can watch events from throughout the day, from President Obama's remarks, to Vice President Biden's remarks, to First Lady Michelle Obama's conversation with Oprah Winfrey. Check out all of the day's speakers at theunitedstateofwomen.org.

Join the Conversation Online

We want to hear from you! Tweet your questions for the First Lady @FLOTUS, @Oprah, and other trailblazing speakers and attendees using #StateOfWomen. There will be Q&As on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and Instagram all day long. Check out what Americans across the nation are asking and sharing.

Together, we are stronger. Together we can change tomorrow. Stand with us: https://t.co/kMuWTuXTdb #StateOfWomen https://t.co/maBuf4nT0E
— First Lady- Archived (@FLOTUS44) June 6, 2016

Join @shondarhimes in this powerful movement. #StateofWomen →https://t.co/Cc2x2BfAiB pic.twitter.com/plPXvD3VLb
— UnitedStateofWomen (@USOWomen) June 13, 2016

Take the Pledge

I will be in charge of my own body. Every powerful part. I will learn whatever I want like it's nobody's business. I will stand by my game-changing ideas. I will use my voice to stand up for my community. I will get paid the same as everyone else doing the same job. I will call out sexism when I see it. I will not be a silent bystander.
The United State of Women

Join the United State of Women by uploading your photo, choosing your pledge, or crafting one that inspires you. Then download and share it to help change the #StateofWomen across the world.

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Check out President Obama's record on empowering women and girls.

The Record

Read our Medium publication featuring extraordinary women across the country -- including Melinda Gates, Christy Turlington, and Mary Kay Henry -- who are tackling the challenges women face today.

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Shailee Samar is an intern in the White House Office of Digital Strategy.

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