Statements and Releases

Statement by the President on the Health Care Reform Legislation Passed Today by the Senate HELP Committee

Today, thanks to the unyielding passion and inspiration provided by Senator Edward Kennedy, the HELP committee he chairs has produced a proposal that will finally lower health care costs, provide better care for patients, and ensure fair treatment of consumers by the insurance industry.

NEC Director Lawrence H. Summers to Deliver Remarks on the Economy

On Friday, July 17, 2009 at 11:00 am, Lawrence H. Summers, Director of the National Economic Council and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, will deliver remarks at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Dr. Summers will provide a progress report on economic policy and Obama Administration efforts to rescue and rebuild the U.S. economy.

Letter from the President regarding Cuba

Dear Mr. Chairman: (Dear Representative:) (Dear Senator:)

Statement by President Obama Following the Re-election of Indonesian President Yudhoyono

The people of Indonesia held a free and fair election on July 8, and President Yudhoyono has impressively won reelection. I wish to offer my personal congratulations to President Yudhoyono and make clear America’s desire to work with him and the Indonesian people in the years to come to build an even stronger relationship between our two countries.

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

On Thursday, July 16, Vice President Biden will travel to the Richmond, VA area, where he will highlight the progress of the Recovery Act at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. The Vice President will discuss how the Recovery Act is building a 21st-century economy in the Richmond area and across the nation.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 7-14-09

Dennis K. Burke, of Arizona, to be United States Attorney for the District of Arizona for the term of four years, vice Diane J. Humetewa.

ADVISORY: Vice President Biden, Secretary Sebelius, and AARP to Hold Middle Class Task Force Meeting on Health Care Reform

On Thursday, July 16, Vice President Biden will travel to Alexandria, Virginia, to hold the next meeting of the Middle Class Task Force. The Vice President will be joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, White House Office of Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle and Barry Rand, CEO of the AARP.

Excerpts of the President's remarks in Warren, Michigan and fact sheet on the American Graduation Initiative

The hard truth is that some of the jobs that have been lost in the auto industry and elsewhere won’t be coming back. They are casualties of a changing economy. And that only underscores the importance of generating new businesses and industries to replace the ones we’ve lost, and of preparing our workers to fill the jobs they create.

Statement by the President on the Health Care Reform Legislation Introduced in the House Today

For decades, Washington failed to act as health care costs continued to rise, crushing businesses and families and placing an unsustainable burden on governments. But today, key committees in the House of Representatives have engaged in unprecedented cooperation to produce a health care reform proposal that will lower costs, provide better care for patients, and ensure fair treatment of consumers by the insurance industry.

President Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Aaron Williams as Director of the Peace Corps

President Obama today announced his intent to nominate Aaron Williams to be Director of the Peace Corps. President Obama said, “America was built on a belief that the best progress comes from ordinary citizens working to bring about the change they believe in. Through a lifetime of service, Aaron Williams has embodied the very best of that American ideal. I am grateful for his service and honored to nominate him to direct the critical work of the Peace Corps.”

Briefing Room