Statements and Releases

February 15, 2009

Declaration of Major Disaster in the State of Oklahoma

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes during the period of February 10-11, 2009.

February 14, 2009

President Obama Promotes Community Service in NBA All-Star Game Message

During a pre-taped message that will air during halftime of tomorrow evening’s NBA All-Star game in Phoenix, President Obama will once again discuss the importance of serving others and encourage Americans to visit usaservice.org to find ways to serve in their community.

February 13, 2009

President and First Lady to Host Concert Honoring Stevie Wonder in the East Room

On Wednesday, February 25th, the President and First Lady will host a concert in the East Room honoring Stevie Wonder, who will be awarded the 2nd annual Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Library of Congress.

February 13, 2009

Readout on the President's Call to King Juan Carlos I of Spain

This afternoon, President Obama spoke with King Juan Carlos I to convey his desire to build on the close relationship the United States and Spain enjoy.

February 12, 2009

Vice President Joe Biden Announces Kareem Dale As Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy

BOISE, ID – Vice President Joe Biden today announced Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. The Vice President, who was leading a Presidential Delegation at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, made the announcement during a stop at the Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Event, a worldwide program in which athletes receive a variety of health screenings and services.

February 12, 2009

Statement from Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

“Senator Gregg reached out to the President and offered his name for Secretary of Commerce. He was very clear throughout the interviewing process that despite past disagreements about policies, he would support, embrace, and move forward with the President’s agenda.

February 12, 2009

Statement by the President on the Anniversary of the Assassination of Rafiq Hariri

Saturday marks the fourth anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. As we share our grief with the Lebanese people over the loss of Prime Minister Hariri, we also share our conviction that his sacrifice will not be in vain. The United States fully supports the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, whose work will begin in a few weeks, to bring those responsible for this horrific crime and those that followed to justice.

February 11, 2009

Statement of President Barack Obama on Signing the DTV Bill

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama signed S.352, a bill to postpone the DTV transition date to June 12th to allow for more time for the American consumers to prepare for the switch from analog television.

February 11, 2009

Readout On the President’s Calls to Foreign Leaders

This afternoon, President Obama spoke to President Peres of Israel to extend his congratulations to the Israeli people on their general elections yesterday. The President remarked that the Israeli people should be very happy about the democratic example they have set for the world. They had a good discussion, and the President complimented President Peres on his recent op-ed in which he reaffirmed his strong commitment to achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Briefing Room