Statements and Releases

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 4-29-09

Eric P. Goosby, of California, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

Spanish-Language Media Outlets Document Obama Administration Outreach to Hispanics

In his first hundred days, Barack Obama’s White House has carried out an intense outreach effort toward Hispanics, who for the first time represent nearly 10 percent of the presidential appointments who require Senate confirmation... Of the 204 officials Obama has named to date and who require Senate confirmation, 20 are Hispanic, 9.8 percent. At the end of the first year of the George W. Bush administration, of 608 positions, 34 went to Hispanics, 5.59 percent, while with Bill Clinton of 670 appointments 30 were Latino, 4.48 percent. Twenty six Hispanics work inside the White House in a variety of roles, among them four who participate in the daily senior staff meetings.

Vice President Biden Hosts Conference Calls with Governors and Local Officials to Discuss Recovery Act Implementation, 4-29-09

Earlier today, the Vice President hosted two conference calls with Governors and Mayors/County Executives from across the country to discuss Recovery Act implementation.

Readout of the President's call with Prime Minister Rudd of Australia

The President welcomes Prime Minister Rudd’s announcement of Australia’s decision to increase its already significant military, civilian, and financial commitment to Afghanistan. Enhanced commitments like Australia’s are critical if we are to meet our shared goal of disrupting, dismantling, and defeating al Qaeda and its extremist allies and preventing Afghanistan from again becoming a safe haven.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 4-28-09

Rebecca M. Blank, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs, vice Cynthia A. Glassman, resigned.

Statement by the President on H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009

President Obama Signs Alabama Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds during the period of March 25 to April 3, 2009.

President Obama Signs Arkansas Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on April 9, 2009.

Briefing Room