Statements and Releases

President Obama Announces Next Steps in Development of Urban and Metropolitan Agenda

Today, President Obama announced the next phase in developing a new urban agenda including a national conversation to engage cities and metropolitan areas with an eye towards what works, and a call for an interagency review of how federal policies are impacting local communities.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate, 7-13-09

Glyn T. Davies, of the District of Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador.

Readouts of the President's meetings with labor leaders and leaders from the Jewish community today

The President met with more than a dozen labor leaders for approximately 45 minutes. The President was joined by Secretary Solis. It was a productive conversation about shared priorities like creating jobs, health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act.

President Obama Signs Tennessee Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of June 12-14, 2009.

Republican Recovery Act Claims Disputed

Last week, CNN ran a piece challenging John Boehner's comments that no federally funded economic recovery projects have started in his state of Ohio. The segment also included a Republican sheriff from Boehner's own district who two months ago received nearly $1 million in economic recovery funds and is using the money to keep correctional officers on staff. According to Sheriff Richard Jones, "The stimulus is working for me here in Butler County because I am keeping my deputies and I am not having to lay them off."

President Obama Announces Nominee for Surgeon General, 7-13-09

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Regina M. Benjamin as Surgeon General, Department of Health and Human Services.

Advisory: Press Avail During White House Office Of Urban Affairs And Domestic Policy Council Urban And Metropolitan Policy Roundtable

As part of the day long urban policy roundtable conducted by the White House Office of Urban Affairs and Domestic Policy Council, cabinet members and metropolitan association representatives contributing to the day’s discussion will be available at 1:45 p.m. at the West Wing stakeout area. Adolfo Carrion, Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, will provide a summary of the policy discussion being conducted with leading experts from across the country, and time will be made for Q&A.

Council of Economic Advisers Releases Report on Jobs of the Future

President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers released a report today, "Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow," that offers an overview of how the U.S. labor market is expected to grow and develop over the next few years. The report discusses the skills and training that will likely be most relevant in growing occupations, and the attributes of an education and training system designed to best equip the workers of today for the jobs of tomorrow.

Readout of the President's Call to Judge Sotomayor

President Obama called Judge Sotomayor from the Oval Office this morning to wish her good luck as she completed preparations for her confirmation hearing.

Statement on the visit of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the White House

The President will receive President Arroyo at the White House on July 30, where they will have an opportunity to discuss ways to enhance U.S.-Philippine cooperation on critical global issues including counterterrorism and climate change, as well as further the traditionally strong alliance and bond between our nations.

Briefing Room