Statements and Releases

January 28, 2009

Statement from Robert Gibbs on the Election of the New Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church

The President congratulates Russia's community of Orthodox believers on the election yesterday of Metropolitan Kirill as the new Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.

January 27, 2009

Vice President Biden at Annual Munich Security Conference

The Vice President will travel to Germany at the end of next week to represent the United States and address the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy, also known as Wehrkunde. General James L. Jones, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, will also attend the conference.

January 27, 2009

Readout on the President's Calls to Foreign Leaders

The President had a warm, positive conversation with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

January 27, 2009

Dr. Jill Biden Announces Plans to Continue Teaching

Continuing her 28-year career as an educator, Dr. Jill Biden returned to teaching today at a DC-area community college. Dr. Biden will work as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College this semester, teaching two English courses.

January 27, 2009

Readout on the President's Call to South Africa's President Motlanthe

Below is a readout from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs: Earlier today President Obama spoke with South Africa's President Motlanthe. President Obama emphasized the importance of South Africa's leadership role as a strong and vibrant democracy in Africa. The two leaders discussed their shared concerns about the situation in Zimbabwe. The President noted that South Africa holds a key role in helping to find a resolution to the political crisis in Zimbabwe. The President also

January 25, 2009

Statement from the Press Secretary on Executive Office Building

Early this afternoon, the D.C. Fire Department was called to the Executive Office Building in response to reports of smoke on the 4th floor. A limited number of staff were temporarily evacuated and have now returned to their offices. There were no injuries and no apparent damage to the building.

January 25, 2009

Statement by the President on the Occasion of India Republic Day

As the people of India and people of Indian origin in America and around the world celebrate Republic Day on January 26, I send the warmest greetings of the American people to the people of India. Together, we celebrate our shared belief in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance.

January 24, 2009

Statement from Robert Gibbs on the President's Meeting with Economic Team

The President met with his economic team again this morning to discuss the week’s developments on the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment plan and proposals going forward including the budget.

January 24, 2009

WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Barack Obama Discusses New White House Report on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

In the weekly address released today, President Barack Obama discussed a new White House report on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which outlines the tangible impact that the plan will have on our economy.

January 23, 2009

Appoinment of Senator Gillibrand, NY

"Governor Paterson made a wonderful choice in appointing Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Secretary Clinton's seat in the United States Senate. I am confident that she will continue Secretary Clinton's distinguished service to the people of New York and to our country.

Briefing Room