The Campaign To Cut Waste

June 13, 2011 | 4:07 | Public Domain

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden speak about the Administration's ongoing effort to make government more accountable to the American people through The Campaign to Cut Waste. The Campaign To Cut Waste will build on the Accountable Government Initiative, led by OMB Director Jacob Lew and OMB's Deputy Director for Management and Federal Chief Performance Officer Jeffrey Zients, which has already tackled waste and inefficiency in many areas across government, cutting contracting spending for the first time in 13 years, identifying $3 billion in information technology savings, shutting down duplicative data centers and getting rid of excess federal real estate. This campaign continues the steps the administration has taken to date to reduce government waste and make government work better for the American people. http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/21stcenturygov

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President Obama Visits North Carolina’s Cree, Inc., and Meets with Council on Jobs and Competitiveness

Jen Psaki
June 13, 2011
09:37 AM EDT

Today, President Obama will travel to Durham, NC to meet with the Jobs and Competitiveness Council at the corporate and U.S. manufacturing headquarters of Cree, a leading manufacturer of energy efficient LED lighting.  The President will tour Cree’s manufacturing facilities, deliver remarks and meet with the Jobs Council to discuss initiatives and policies to spur economic growth, promote job creation and accelerate hiring across the nation. 

The President’s Jobs and Competitiveness Council, led by GE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt, is a group of business leaders from around the country that was created to provide non-partisan advice to the President on ways to strengthen the economy and ensure the competitiveness of the United States.  

Since its creation three months ago, the Jobs Council has worked on recommendations to address short-term, medium-term and long-term economic growth and job creation with a focus on high-growth sectors, areas of concentrated unemployment, and immediate impact opportunities, including manufacturing, construction, clean energy, healthcare, and tourism.

The Jobs Council held their first meeting at the White House on February 24th, focusing on finding new ways to promote growth, encourage hiring, to educate and train our workers to compete globally, and attract the best jobs and businesses to the United States.

Today, the Jobs Council will present their ideas to the President.

You can watch the President’s meeting with the Jobs and Competitiveness Council live on www.WhiteHouse.gov/Live at 11:40 AM EDT.

Jen Psaki is the White House Deputy Communications Director
Related Topics: Economy

VIDEO: President Obama and Vice President Biden Launch the Campaign to Cut Waste

Kori Schulman
Kori Schulman
June 13, 2011
09:21 AM EDT

Ed. Note: At 11:00 AM, the Vice President will make an announcement regarding the Administration’s ongoing effort to make government more accountable to the American people. Watch the event live at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

In a video message, President Obama and Vice President Biden launched the Campaign to Cut Waste today, which will hunt down and eliminate misspent tax dollars in every agency and department across the federal government. “Targeting waste and making government more efficient have been a priority for my administration since day one. But as we work to tackle the budget deficit, we need to step up our game,” said the President in the video, “No amount of waste is acceptable – not when it’s your money; not at a time when so many families are already cutting back.”

Watch the President's and Vice President's full remarks here.

Related Topics: Economy, Ethics, Technology

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 11, 2011

Weekly Address: Government Partnering with the Private Sector to Train Workers and Spur Hiring

        WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama spoke to the American people about how the government is partnering with the private sector to make sure workers have the skills and training they need in this economy.  This past Wednesday, he announced commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers that will make it possible for half a million community college students to get a manufacturing credential that has the industry’s stamp of approval.  And on Monday, he will travel to North Carolina to meet with his Jobs Council to work on the steps the government can take to spur private sector hiring in the short-term and ensure our workers have the skills and training they need.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
June 11, 2011
Washington D.C.

        Hello, everyone. I want to spend a couple minutes talking with you about our economy. We’ve just come through the worst recession since the Great Depression, and while our economy as a whole has been growing and adding private sector jobs, too many folks are still struggling to get back on their feet. I wish I could tell you there was a quick fix to our economic problems. But the truth is, we didn’t get into this mess overnight, and we won’t get out of it overnight. It’s going to take time.

        The good news is, when it comes to job-creation and economic growth, there are certain things we know we can do. Now, government is not – and should not be – the main engine of job-creation in this country. That’s the role of the private sector. But one thing government can do is partner with the private sector to make sure that every worker has the necessary skills for the jobs they’re applying for.

        On Wednesday, I announced commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers that will make it possible for 500,000 community college students to get a manufacturing credential that has the industry’s stamp of approval. If you’re a company that’s hiring, you’ll know that anyone who has this degree has the skills you’re looking for. If you’re a student considering community college, you’ll know that your diploma will give you a leg up in the job market.

        On Monday, I’ll travel to North Carolina, where I’ll meet with my Jobs Council and talk about additional steps we can take to spur private sector hiring in the short-term and ensure our workers have the skills and training they need in this economy.

        There are also a few other things we know will help grow our economy, and give people good jobs that support a middle-class lifestyle. We know that a quality education is a prerequisite for success, so we’re challenging states and school districts to improve teaching and learning, and making it a national goal to once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

        We know that more and more jobs are being created in the clean energy sector, so we’re investing in wind power, solar power, and biofuels that will make us less dependent on foreign oil and clean up our planet for our children. These are steps we know will make a difference in people’s lives – not just twenty years from now, or ten years from now, but now, and in the months to come.
        In the end, the folks I hear from in letters or meet when I travel across the country – they aren’t asking for much. They’re just looking for a job that covers their bills. They’re just looking for a little financial security. They want to know that if they work hard and live within their means, everything will be all right. They’ll be able to get ahead, and give their kids a better life. That’s the dream each of us has for ourselves and our families. And so long as I have the privilege of serving as President, I’ll keep fighting to put that dream within reach for all Americans. Have a great weekend, everybody.

Weekly Address: Partnering with the Private Sector to Spur Hiring

June 10, 2011 | 3:02 | Public Domain

The President outlines how the government is partnering with the private sector to ensure workers have the skills they need to be competitive and grow the economy.

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Weekly Address: Partnering with the Private Sector to Spur Hiring

The President outlines how the government is partnering with the private sector to ensure workers have the skills they need to be competitive and grow the economy.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 10, 2011

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

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

  • Martin J. Gruenberg, Chairman, Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  • Ken Kopocis, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency


President Obama said, “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 nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Martin J. Gruenberg, Nominee for Chairman, Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Martin J. Gruenberg has been Vice Chairman of the FDIC Board of Directors since August 2005. He served as Acting Chairman from November 15, 2005 to June 26, 2006. In 2007, Mr. Gruenberg was named Chairman of the Executive Council and President of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI). Mr. Gruenberg joined the FDIC Board after broad congressional experience in the financial services and regulatory areas. He served as Senior Counsel to Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) on the staff of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs from 1993 to 2005. Mr. Gruenberg advised Senator Sarbanes on issues of domestic and international financial regulation, monetary policy and trade. Mr. Gruenberg holds a J.D. from Case Western Reserve Law School and an A.B. from Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

Ken Kopocis, Nominee for Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency
Ken Kopocis has been the Senior Counsel on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since 2008. From 2006-2008, he served as the Deputy Staff Director for Infrastructure on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. From 1993-2006, Mr. Kopocis was the Staff Director and Senior Counsel for the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. From 1985-1993, he served as Assistant Counsel on the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for the Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Mr. Kopocis has worked on water issues in the United States Congress for over 25 years, and has played a role in crafting and defending numerous pieces of environmental legislation, including the Clean Water Act. He also previously served as an Attorney in the Government Accountability Office and at the General Services Administration. Mr. Kopocis holds a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a J.D. from the College of William and Mary.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 10, 2011

President Obama Signs New York Disaster Declaration

President Obama Signs New York Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds during the period of April 26 to
May 8, 2011.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes in the counties of Allegany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Steuben, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, and Yates.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named John Long as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.  

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  FEMA (202) 646-3272.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 10, 2011

President Obama Signs Alaska Disaster Declaration

President Obama Signs Alaska Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by an ice jam and flooding during the period of May 8-13, 2011.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the ice jam and flooding in the Alaska Native Villages of Crooked Creek and Red Devil in the Kuspuk Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA).

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Dolph A. Diemont as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.  

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  FEMA (202) 646-3272.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 10, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--Flag Day and National Flag Week

        On June 14, 1777, the Second Constitutional Congress adopted a flag with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars to represent our Nation, one star for each of our founding colonies. The stars were set upon a blue field, in the words of the Congress's resolution, "representing a new constellation" in the night sky. What was then a fledgling democracy has flourished and expanded, as we constantly strive toward a more perfect Union.

        Through the successes and struggles we have faced, the American flag has been ever present. It has flown on our ships and military bases around the world as we continue to defend liberty and democracy abroad. It has been raised in yards and on porches across America on days of celebration, and as a sign of our shared heritage. And it is lowered on days of remembrance to honor fallen service members and public servants; or when tragedy strikes and we join together in mourning. Our flag is the mark of one country, one people, uniting under one banner.

        When the American flag soars, so too does our Nation and the ideals it stands for. We remain committed to defending the liberties and freedoms it represents, and we give special thanks to the members of the Armed Forces who wear our flag proudly. On Flag Day, and during National Flag Week, we celebrate the powerful beacon of hope that our flag has become for us all, and for people around the world.

        To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), designated June 14 of each year as "Flag Day" and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and for the display of the flag of the United States on all Federal Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as "National Flag Week" and call upon citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week.

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2011, as Flag Day and the week beginning June 12, 2011, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during that week, and I urge

        all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

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

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 10, 2011

Statement by the President on Celebrating Russia Day

I join the American people in sending my best wishes to all those who are celebrating Russia Day.  Since the first Congress of the Russian Federation declared a new sovereign nation on June 12, 1992, the United States and Russia have worked to build a relationship that makes both our nations more secure and more prosperous.  Together, we have reduced our nuclear arsenals, expanded trade and commerce, and deepened the ties between our people.  Here in the United States, we are grateful for the many Russian Americans who have helped to strengthen our country and who play a vital role in bringing the Russian and American people even closer.