Statements and Releases

Statement from the Press Secretary on the Department of Justice Inquiry

The President has said repeatedly that he wants to look forward, not back, and the President agrees with the Attorney General that those who acted in good faith and within the scope of legal guidance should not be prosecuted.

President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology PCAST releases report assessing H1N1 preparations

A Presidential advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers today released a new report assessing the Obama Administration’s preparations for this fall’s expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 flu and outlining key steps officials can take in the coming weeks and months to minimize the disease’s impact on the nation.

WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Obama Debunks "Phony Claims" about Health Reform; Emphasizes Consumer Protections

In his weekly address, President Obama set the record straight on some of the most pervasive myths about health insurance reform. He addressed a range of “outrageous myths” including that illegal immigrants will be covered, that abortions will be funded by taxpayer dollars, that so-called “death panels” will be formed to decide who receives treatment, and that reform will lead to a government takeover of health care.

Readout of the President's meeting with former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle today

The President invited Senator Daschle to the White House for a quick check-in on the health insurance reform process and to exchange views on the process moving forward. Senator Daschle is one of the foremost experts on health care and on the legislative process, and has been a friend and sounding-board for the President for several years.

President Obama Signs Tennessee Disaster Declaration, 8/21/09

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 and flooding during the period of July 15-17, 2009.

President Obama Announces National HIV/AIDS Community Discussions

President Obama today announced the launch of the National HIV/AIDS Community Discussions, a series of events to be held across the country.

Readout of the President's call with Brazilian President Lula

The President spoke with President Lula of Brazil this morning to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern in the Americas.

Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Korea to attend the funeral of former President Kim Dae-jung

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Seoul, Republic of Korea to attend the funeral of former President Kim Dae-jung on August 23, 2009.

Vice President Biden Announces Availability of Nearly $1.2 Billion in Grants to Help Hospitals and Doctors Use Electronic Health Records

Vice President Joe Biden today announced the availability of grants worth nearly $1.2 billion to help hospitals and health care providers implement and use electronic health records. The grants will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and will help health care providers qualify for new incentives that will be made available in 2010 to doctors and hospitals that meaningfully use electronic health records.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the release of Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi

The United States deeply regrets the decision by the Scottish Executive to release Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi.

Briefing Room