Statements and Releases

Advisory: Vice President Biden, Attorney General Holder to Make Major Recovery Act Announcement in Philadelphia

On Tuesday, July 28, Vice President Biden and Attorney General Holder will travel to Philadelphia, PA, where they will make a major American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding announcement for law enforcement agencies across the nation.

Op-ed by Vice President Joe Biden in Today's New York Times

SIX months ago, when President Obama and I took office, we were confronted with an economic crisis unparalleled in our lifetime. The nation was hemorrhaging more than 700,000 jobs a month, the housing market was in free fall, and the fate of the financial system hung in the balance.

Readout of the Presidents call with UK Prime Minister Brown

The President spoke to Prime Minister Brown yesterday as part of their regular consultations. The President and the Prime Minister commended the outstanding performance of United States and United Kingdom troops in Afghanistan during a difficult phase of operations.

Weekly Address: President Obama: Health Insurance Reform Will Strengthen Small Businesses

WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama cited a report released this morning by the Council of Economic Advisors in explaining how health insurance reform will strengthen small businesses in America. With small businesses paying up to 18 percent more for health insurance than large businesses, too many small businesses are forced to cut benefits, law off workers, or close down entirely.

CEA Releases Report on the Economic Effects of Health Care Reform on Small Businesses and Their Employees

WASHINGTON, DC – The Council of Economic Advisers released a report today that examines the challenges currently faced by smaller firms in the health insurance market and the likely impacts of health care reform on small businesses and the workers they employ.

Presidential Nomination sent to the Senate, 7-24-09

Dennis F. Hightower, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce, vice John J. Sullivan, resigned.

Readout of the President's Phone Call with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

The President called and connected with Professor Gates at 3:15 this afternoon.

President Obama, U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan announce National Competition to advance school reform

President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that states leading the way on school reform will be eligible to compete for $4.35 billion in Race to the Top competitive grants to support education reform and innovation in classrooms. Between the 2009 budget and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more than $10 billion in grant money will be available to states and districts that are driving reform.

Statement from Former President George H.W. Bush on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

I congratulate President Obama for taking some time today to remember the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is no place in our society for prejudice of any kind, yet it was not that long ago when Americans with disabilities were often not given equal rights and opportunities.

President Obama To Award Medal of Honor

On September 17, President Barack Obama will award Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Staff Sergeant Monti will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat in Afghanistan.

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