Statement by White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer on the Ryan Republican Budget

The House budget once again fails the test of balance, fairness, and shared responsibility.  It would shower the wealthiest few Americans with an average tax cut of at least $150,000, while preserving taxpayer giveaways to oil companies and breaks for Wall Street hedge fund managers.  What’s worse is that all of these tax breaks would be paid for by undermining Medicare and the very things we need to grow our economy and the middle class – things like education, basic research, and new sources of energy. And instead of strengthening Medicare, the House budget would end Medicare as we know it, turning the guarantee of retirement security into a voucher that will shift higher and higher costs to seniors over time. 

The House economic plan draws on the same wrong-headed theory that led to the worst recession of our lifetimes and contributed to the erosion of middle-class security over the last decade.  And the President believes we cannot return to a failed theory that didn’t lead to the growth of jobs, incomes, or the economy.  That’s why he put forward a balanced approach that reduces the deficit by over $4 trillion.  It’s an approach that asks the wealthiest to pay their fair share, makes tough cuts to programs we can’t afford, and strengthens Medicare with reforms that would reduce overpayments to drug companies, improve the quality of care, and protect Medicare’s commitment to America’s seniors.

Statement by the President on the Passing of King George Tupou V of Tonga

With the passing yesterday of King George Tupou V of Tonga, the United States has lost a friend and the people of Tonga have lost a visionary leader. Upon ascending to the throne, King George championed a process of peaceful democratization that led to the first majority elected Parliament of Tonga taking office in 2010.  As I said when I met with the King at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation last spring, Tonga is one of the United States’ closest partners among the Pacific Island states and we are grateful for its role in Afghanistan, where Tonga makes an active contribution to the international coalition.  On behalf of all Americans, I extend my deepest condolences to the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho, the Royal Family, and the people of Tonga on the passing of King George Tupou V.

Statement by the President on the Need for a Bipartisan Transportation Bill

Last week, the Senate passed a bipartisan transportation bill that will keep construction workers on the job and keep our economy growing.  Now the House of Representatives needs to take bipartisan action so I can sign this into law.

An economy built to last depends on a world-class infrastructure system that allows us to transport our people and goods as quickly and effectively as possible.  That’s why we need to continue to make investments that will create jobs by rebuilding and modernizing our roads, bridges and railways.  And that’s why my Administration will continue to fight for the long-term investments needed to ensure that America continues to compete and succeed in a global economy.

We were deeply saddened to learn of the horrific attack this morning against the teachers and students of a Jewish school in the French city of Toulouse.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, and we stand with a community in grief.  We join the Government of France in condemning this unprovoked and outrageous act of violence in the strongest possible terms.