Statements and Releases

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 4/29/09

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts: Anthony Wilder Miller, Deputy Secretary of Education, Department of Education; Mignon L. Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; and Juan M. Garcia, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), Department of the Navy, Department of Defense.

Excerpts of the President's Opening Remarks at Tonight's News Conference - As Prepared for Delivery

Spanish-Language Media Outlets Document Obama Administration Outreach to Hispanics

In his first hundred days, Barack Obama’s White House has carried out an intense outreach effort toward Hispanics, who for the first time represent nearly 10 percent of the presidential appointments who require Senate confirmation... Of the 204 officials Obama has named to date and who require Senate confirmation, 20 are Hispanic, 9.8 percent. At the end of the first year of the George W. Bush administration, of 608 positions, 34 went to Hispanics, 5.59 percent, while with Bill Clinton of 670 appointments 30 were Latino, 4.48 percent. Twenty six Hispanics work inside the White House in a variety of roles, among them four who participate in the daily senior staff meetings.

Readout of the President's call with Prime Minister Rudd of Australia

The President welcomes Prime Minister Rudd’s announcement of Australia’s decision to increase its already significant military, civilian, and financial commitment to Afghanistan. Enhanced commitments like Australia’s are critical if we are to meet our shared goal of disrupting, dismantling, and defeating al Qaeda and its extremist allies and preventing Afghanistan from again becoming a safe haven.