Statements and Releases

President Obama Nominates Former Governor Gary Locke for Secretary of Commerce

Today, President Barack Obama officially nominated former Washington Governor Gary Locke for Secretary of Commerce. In this key role on the administration’s economic team, Locke will work to foster and promote the nation’s economic development at home, and serve as an influential ambassador for American industry abroad.

Preliminary Excerpt of the President's Address to Congress and the List of Americans Seated with the First Lady

The White House today released a preliminary excerpt of the President’s address to the joint session of Congress tonight. Also, listed below are the names of the Americans who will be seated in the First Lady’s box during the President’s remarks.

Readout on the President's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Aso

President Obama today held in-depth consultations with the Prime Minister of Japan on the global economic crisis and other areas for bilateral cooperation. The President underscored his firm commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and called for continued progress in modernizing the Alliance by implementing the joint realignment initiative.

President Obama Announces Key Administration Posts

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate several individuals for key administration posts.

President Obama Announces More Key White House Staff

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced several key White House Staff.

Vice President Biden to Oversee the Administration's implementation of the Recovery Act's Provisions

Vice President Biden to Oversee the Administration’s Implementation of the Recovery Act’s Provisions President Obama Appoints Earl Devaney as Chair of the Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board

[REVISED] President Obama Announces $15 Billion in Medicaid Relief from ARRA Headed To States

Moving swiftly to bring real relief to Americans hit hard by the economic crisis, President Barack Obama announced today that states will be able to access the first two quarters of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding (FMAP) starting this Wednesday, February 25.

Statement by the Press Secretary on an Upcoming Visit to Washington by Prime Minister Gordon Brown

Geithner, Summers Convene Official Designees to Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry

WASHINGTON – Today, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and National Economic Council (NEC) Director Larry Summers convened official designees to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry to discuss recently submitted restructuring plans from Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation.

President Obama Selects Top Rural Health Care Advocate to Oversee Key HHS Agency

President Obama today announced the appointment of one of the nation’s top rural health care professionals as Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. Mary Wakefield, Director of the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota, will oversee this critical agency, which helps to deliver health care to those who are uninsured and underserved by our current health care system.

Briefing Room