Statements and Releases

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 7-7-09

President Obama said, “I am confident that these skilled and dedicated individuals will diligently work to serve the American people, keeping our country safe at home and abroad and firmly placing us back on a path to prosperity. I look forward to working with them in the future.”

ADVISORY: Vice President Biden to Travel to New York to Highlight Progress of the Recovery Act

On Thursday, July 9, Vice President Biden will travel to Saratoga County, NY, where he will highlight the progress of the Recovery Act at Shenendehowa High School. The Vice President will discuss how the Recovery Act is building a 21st-century economy in Saratoga County and across the nation. The Vice President will be joined at this event by New York Governor David A. Paterson and Congressman Scott Murphy.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 7-7-09

Matthew Winthrop Barzun, of Kentucky, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Sweden.

ADVISORY: Vice President Biden to Travel to Ohio to Highlight Progress of the Recovery Act

On Thursday, July 9, Vice President Biden will travel to Cincinnati, OH, where he will highlight the progress of the Recovery Act in Ohio at the American Can Building. The Vice President will discuss how the Recovery Act is building a 21st-century economy in Cincinnati and across the nation. The American Can Building is a formerly abandoned factory that is being converted to a multi-use economic development project.

Readout of Vice President Biden's Calls with Iraqi Leaders

The Vice President had productive and positive conversations with Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani today. The Vice President expressed disappointment that he could not visit Erbil over the weekend due to weather conditions.

Obama Administration Delivers on Commitment to Upgrade U.S. Food Safety System

Today Vice President Biden was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to announce the key findings of the Food Safety Working Group.

Statement from the President on Health Care Reform

I am pleased by the progress we're making on health care reform and still believe, as I've said before, that one of the best ways to bring down costs, provide more choices, and assure quality is a public option that will force the insurance companies to compete and keep them honest. I look forward to a final product that achieves these very important goals.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 7-6-09

Jonathan S. Addleton, of Georgia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Mongolia.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 7-6-09

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts:

Statement by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Clashes in Western China

We are deeply concerned over reports of many deaths and injuries from violence in Urumqi in western China. Reports, so far, are unclear about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries, so it would be premature to comment or speculate further. We call on all in Xinjiang to exercise restraint.

Briefing Room