Weekly Address: Coming Together as One Nation to Remember

September 10, 2011 | 3:57 | Public Domain

President Obama marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and pays tribute to the first responders, those serving our nation in the military, and those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

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Weekly Address: Coming Together as One Nation to Remember

President Obama marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and pays tribute to the first responders, those serving our nation in the military, and those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 10, 2011

President Obama Signs Texas Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by wildfires beginning on August 30, 2011, and continuing.
 
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bastrop County.
 
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Kevin L. Hannes as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
 
FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.
 
FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT:  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@DHS.GOV

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 09, 2011

Readout of the President's Call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

The President spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu today about the situation at the Israeli Embassy in Cairo.  The President expressed his great concern about the situation at the Embassy, and the security of the Israelis serving there. He reviewed the steps that the U.S. is taking at all levels to help resolve the situation without further violence, and to call on the Government of Egypt to honor its international obligations to safeguard the security of the Israeli Embassy.  The President and the Prime Minister agreed to stay in close touch until the situation is resolved. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 09, 2011

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Glenn S.Gerstell - Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Commission
  • Charles "Chip" Lyons - United States Alternate Representative to the Executive Board on the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

President Obamasaid, “I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join this Administration and serve our country.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to  key Administration posts:

Glen S. Gerstell, Appointee for Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
Glenn S. Gerstell is the Managing Partner of the Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP Washington, D.C. office.  He also heads the firm’s global communications practice and has been active in the firm’s international infrastructure financing for over 30 years.  A partner since 1985, he previously served as the Managing Partner in the firm’s Hong Kong office (1989-1996) and Singapore office (1988-1989).  He began his career with the firm in the New York office in 1976.  Mr. Gerstell served as the Board Chair of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority from 2001 to 2007.  He holds a B.A. from New York University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Charles "Chip" Lyons, Appointee for United States Alternative Representative, Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
Charles “Chip” Lyons is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.  Prior to joining the Foundation in January 2010, he was Director of Special Initiatives in the Global Development Program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from 2007 to 2009.   From 1985 to 2007, he worked for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) holding various positions including President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Chief of Staff to the Executive Director at UNICEF headquarters, and Program Officer for UNICEF Mozambique.  Mr. Lyons has also worked closely with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), serving on the board and executive committee, and as chair of the executive committee of The GAVI Fund from 2004 to 2006.  Mr. Lyons holds a B.A. from Carleton College in Minnesota.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 09, 2011

Presidential Proclamation -- National Days of Prayer and Remembrance

        Ten years ago, a bright September day was darkened by the worst terrorist attack on America in our Nation's history.  On this tenth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we lift in prayer and remembrance the men, women, and children who died in New York City, in Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, and we honor the countless heroes who responded to senseless violence with courage and compassion.  We continue to stand with their families and loved ones, while striving to ensure the legacy of those we lost is a safer, stronger, and more resilient Nation.

        Since that day, a generation has come of age bearing the burden of war.  The 9/11 Generation of service members and their families has stepped up to defend our security at home and abroad.  They volunteer, knowing they might be sent into harm's way, and they uphold the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice that have always been at the center of our Nation's strength.  We pay humble tribute to all those who serve in our Armed Forces, and to the thousands of brave Americans who have given their last full measure of devotion during this difficult decade of war.

        First responders, law enforcement officials, service members, diplomats -- the range of Americans who have dedicated themselves to building a safer world is awe-inspiring.  We have put unprecedented pressure on those who attacked us 10 years ago and put al-Qa'ida on the path to defeat.  Around the globe, we have joined with allies and partners to support peace, security, prosperity, and universal rights.  At home, communities have come together to make us a stronger country, united by our diversity, our character, and our enduring principles.

        Today, our Nation still faces great challenges, but this last decade has proven once more that, as a people, we emerge from our trials stronger than before.  During these days of prayer and remembrance, a grateful Nation gives thanks to all those who have given of themselves to make us safer.  And in memory of the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and friends and loved ones taken from us 10 years ago, let us join again in common cause to build a more hopeful world.

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11, 2011, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.  I ask that the people of the United States honor and remember the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting of memorials, the ringing of bells, evening candlelight remembrance vigils, and other appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I invite people around the world to participate in this commemoration.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

 

 

BARACK OBAMA

 

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 09, 2011

Presidential Proclamation -- National Grandparents Day

        The support of loved ones provides the earliest and often most powerful influence on our lives.  Grandparents hold a special place in our families, serving as elders, caregivers, and sources of lasting inspiration.  On National Grandparents Day, we honor the loving presence of these mentors who have contributed immeasurably to the strength of our families and our Nation.

        As a country, we understand our welfare is determined by that of all Americans, and it is our responsibility to provide for our grandparents as they have for us.  We must keep Social Security strong and viable, while preserving it for future generations.  We must strengthen Medicare by making common-sense changes that encourage high-quality care and address wasteful spending.  After a lifetime of contributions to our Nation and its economy, seniors have earned this support.

        Today, our grandparents continue to serve their communities in many ways.  Their spirit of service and warm guidance instill in each of us the values of community and compassion and inspire all of us to reach for ever greater heights.

        The greatest generation built America into a global force for prosperity, opportunity, and freedom.  They taught us that with hard work, sacrifice, and a determined spirit, anything is possible.  Today, we honor their contributions to our Nation and its proud story.

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2011, as National Grandparents Day.  I call upon all Americans to take the time to honor their own grandparents and those in their community.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
 

BARACK OBAMA

Rural America and The President's Jobs Plan

Posted by Secretary Tom Vilsack on September 09, 2011 at 05:47 PM EDT

Ed. Note: Cross-posted from the USDA Blog.

Last night, I went to the Capitol to hear the President address Congress about the way forward to grow the economy and create jobs.
 
There is no doubt that these have been tough times.  And it’s very tough for the many Americans who are looking for work.  So we’ve got to keep finding ways to help the unemployed in the short term and rebuild the middle class over the long term.
 
The American Jobs Act that President Obama laid out this evening will have an immediate impact.  It will create jobs now.  And it is based on bipartisan ideas that both Democrats and Republicans have supported in the past. 
 
Americans living in rural communities know well that the specific ideas in the bill work.

See more about Economy, Rural  

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 09, 2011

Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed budget request for disaster response needs through Fiscal Year (FY) 2012. It includes a supplemental appropriations request for FY 2011 of $500 million and a budget amendment for FY 2012 of $4.6 billion for the Department of Homeland Security.

The proposed totals for FY 2011 and FY 2012 would increase by $5.1 billion as a result of this request. The additional funding would fund disaster response needs in the Disaster Relief Fund, including approximately $1.5 billion for the Federal share of costs to respond to Hurricane Irene.

This request responds to urgent and essential needs. The supplemental appropriations request would be designated as an emergency requirement. The request for FY 2012 in the budget amendment would constitute disaster relief within the meaning of section 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011, and would therefore adjust the discretionary spending levels for FY 2012 pursuant to section 251. The details of this request are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 09, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the American people demonstrated that in times of hardship, the values that define us do not simply endure -- they are stronger than ever.  As a Nation, we responded to unthinkable tragedy with an outpouring of service and goodwill.  On that dark day, first responders rushed into a burning Pentagon and climbed the stairs of smoking towers on the verge of collapse, while citizens risked their own health and safety to prevent further heartbreak and destruction.  As Americans, we came together to help our country recover and rebuild.

Today, we pay tribute to the selfless heroes and innocent victims of September 11, 2001, and we reaffirm the spirit of patriotism, service, and unity that we felt in the days and months that followed.  By volunteering our time and unique skills, we can enrich communities across our country, and together, we can strengthen our Nation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

In the days to come, I ask all Americans to join together in serving their communities and neighborhoods in honor of the victims of the September 11 attacks.  Today and throughout the year, scores of Americans answer the call to make service a way of life -- from helping the homeless to teaching underserved students to bringing relief to disaster zones.  I encourage all Americans to visit Serve.gov, or Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, to learn more about service opportunities across our country.

As we join in serving causes greater than ourselves and honoring those we lost, we are reminded of the ways that the victims of 9/11 live on -- in the people they loved, the lives they touched, and the courageous acts they inspired.  On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we pledge to carry on their legacy of courage and compassion, and to move forward together as one people.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized "National Day of Service and Remembrance."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2011, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.  I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance.  I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA 

President Obama Discussed the American Jobs Act

September 09, 2011 | 25:32 | Public Domain

The American Jobs Act will lead to new jobs for construction workers, teachers, veterans, young people, the long-term unemployed and provide tax credits for businesses and workers.

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President Obama on the American Jobs Act: Let's Be Ambitious

Watch the President's speech on the American Jobs Act here.

President Obama today said that he is "an eternal optimist" who believes in America, and in our democracy and that Congress will do the right thing, and pass the American Jobs Act,

Speaking to students at the University of Richmond, the President discussed why the actions he laid out last night in a joint address to Congress need to be taken quickly:

It will create more jobs for construction workers.  More jobs for teachers.  More jobs for veterans.  More jobs for young people. More jobs for the long-term unemployed.  It will provide a tax break to companies if they hire new workers.  It will cut payroll taxes in half for every small business owner and every working American. It will jumpstart an economy that has stalled, and it will give companies the confidence that, if they hire new workers and they invest in their businesses, then there are going to be customers there who can afford to actually buy the things they’re selling.

Passing this jobs bill will put people to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and our crumbling bridges.  And it will also help us rebuild our schools.  I just -- in the back, I was taking some photos with folks who had helped out to organize this event, and there was a young lady who is a teacher.  And she said, “I heard your speech last night.  I really appreciate it.  I’m teaching eighth grade English, and I teach in a trailer.”  We shouldn’t have people teaching in trailers.  We shouldn’t have kids learning in trailers.  They should have classrooms with Internet and science labs. 

You’ve got aging bridges on I-95 -- need to replace them.  You’ve got schools... that need to be upgraded.  There are millions of unemployed construction workers across America ready to put on their tool belt and get dirty. I don’t know about you -- I don’t want the newest airports, the fastest railroads, to be built in China.  I want them to build -- I want them to be built right here in the Unites States of America. 

He also discussed how the American Jobs Act can help us return to the days when America was a world leader in educating our children: 

I don’t want any of our kids to study in sub-par schools. I want all our kids to study in great schools. So there’s work to be done; there are workers ready to do it. Let’s pass this jobs bill right away.   

Passing this jobs bill will put thousands of teachers in Virginia and across America back to work when we need them most. This is a new age.  Everybody here knows that.  If you want a good job, a good career, if we want America to succeed, then we’ve got to have the best-trained, most highly skilled workers in the world.  You’ve got places like South Korea that are adding teachers to prepare their kids for a global economy.  We’re laying off our teachers in droves.  It’s unfair to our kids.  It undermines their future; it undermines our future.  It has to stop.  Let’s pass this bill and put our teachers back in the classroom where they belong.

 Find out more about the American Jobs Act

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