Statements and Releases

May 15, 2009

Statement by the Press Secretary regarding S. 735

Today, on Friday, May 15, 2009, the President signed into law: S. 735, the "Protecting Incentives for the Adoption of Children with Special Needs Act of 2009," which ensures that States receive incentive payments for adoptions made in fiscal years 2008 through 2012 in accordance with the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008.

May 15, 2009

President Obama Signs West Virginia Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides beginning on May 3, 2009, and continuing.

May 15, 2009

President Obama Announces More Key Treasury Department Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key posts at the Department of the Treasury: Rosa “Rosie” Gumatao Rios, United States Treasurer, and Daniel M. Tangherlini, Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Tangherlini will also serve as the Chief Performance Officer of the Treasury.

May 15, 2009

Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 100 Million In Recovery Act Funds To Clean Up Dangerous Lead In Housing

LOS ANGELES – Following a tour of the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation in South Central Los Angeles, Vice President Biden today announced that HUD is making nearly than $100 million in Recovery Act funding available to help eliminate dangerous lead-based paint and other health and safety hazards from low-income homes. These grants will help 53 local programs in 20 states and the District of Columbia to protect young children from lead poisoning and create jobs.

May 15, 2009

President Obama Nominates Preet Bharara, Tristram Coffin, Jenny Durkan, Paul Fishman, John Paul Kacavas and Joyce Vance for US Attorney

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama today announced his intent to nominate Preet Bharara, Tristram Coffin, Jenny Durkan, Paul Fishman, John Paul Kacavas and Joyce Vance for U.S. Attorney.

May 15, 2009

Treasury Department statement on GM Dealer consolidation announcement

WASHINGTON – Today, General Motors initiated the dealer consolidation plan it laid out in its interim plan on April 27, 2009.

May 15, 2009

Statement of President Barack Obama on Military Commissions

Military commissions have a long tradition in the United States. They are appropriate for trying enemies who violate the laws of war, provided that they are properly structured and administered. In the past, I have supported the use of military commissions as one avenue to try detainees, in addition to prosecution in Article III courts.

May 15, 2009

Conference Call to Brief Journalists on Vice President Biden's Upcoming Trip to Southeastern Europe

A senior administration official will hold conference call on FRIDAY, May 15th at 2:15 PM EDT to brief journalists on background on the Vice President’s upcoming trip to Southeastern Europe. During the week of May 18th, the Vice President will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. During the visit, the Vice President will meet with the political leadership in all three countries, as well as U.S. officials and military personnel stationed in the region.

May 15, 2009

Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Key of New Zealand

The President spoke on May 13 with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. New Zealand is an important partner of the United States on a range of international political and economic issues, and the two welcomed the opportunity to have their first phone conversation since their election to office last November.

May 15, 2009

President Obama Appoints Dr. Thomas Frieden as CDC Director

Today, President Barack Obama announced that he has appointed Dr. Thomas Frieden, currently Commissioner of the New York City Health Department, as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Briefing Room