The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 24, 2011

WEEKLY ADDRESS: On Thanksgiving, Grateful for the Men and Women Who Defend Our Country

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama wished the American people a happy Thanksgiving, giving a special thanks to the brave men and women serving overseas and those giving back at shelters and soup kitchens in their communities during the holidays. Those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving persevered by drawing strength from each other, and today we once again come together in that spirit of unity to overcome our challenges, remaining thankful for our freedom and the blessings of family, community, and country.

The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, Thursday, November 24, 2011.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The White House

From my family to yours, I’d like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Like millions of Americans, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will spend the day eating great food, watching a little football, and reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are.

As Americans, each of us has our own list of things and people to be thankful for. But there are some blessings we all share.

We’re especially grateful for the men and women who defend our country overseas. To all the service members eating Thanksgiving dinner far from your families: the American people are thinking of you today. And when you come home, we intend to make sure that we serve you as well as you’re serving America.

We’re also grateful for the Americans who are taking time out of their holiday to serve in soup kitchens and shelters, making sure their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay. This sense of mutual responsibility – the idea that I am my brother’s keeper; that I am my sister’s keeper – has always been a part of what makes our country special. And it’s one of the reasons the Thanksgiving tradition has endured.

The very first Thanksgiving was a celebration of community during a time of great hardship, and we have followed that example ever since. Even when the fate of our union was far from certain – during a Civil War, two World Wars, a Great Depression – Americans drew strength from each other. They had faith that tomorrow would be better than today.

We’re grateful that they did. As we gather around the table, we pause to remember the pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots who helped make this country what it is. They faced impossible odds, and yet somehow, they persevered. Today, it’s our turn.

I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most. But no matter how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny. The problems we face didn’t develop overnight, and we won’t solve them overnight. But we will solve them. All it takes is for each of us to do our part.

With all the partisanship and gridlock here in Washington, it’s easy to wonder if such unity is really possible. But think about what’s happening at this very moment: Americans from all walks of life are coming together as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country.

If we keep that spirit alive, if we support each other, and look out for each other, and remember that we’re all in this together, then I know that we too will overcome the challenges of our time.

So today, I’m thankful to serve as your President and Commander-and-Chief. I’m thankful that my daughters get to grow up in this great country of ours. And I’m thankful for the chance to do my part, as together, we make tomorrow better than today.

Thanks, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 23, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on Bahrain

We welcome today’s report by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, which provides a thorough and independent assessment of events in Bahrain since protests first erupted in February. King Hamad’s decision to establish the Commission was a courageous one, and we commend him for it. We commend the chairman of the Commission, Cherif Bassiouni and the other commissioners for their thorough and painstaking efforts over nearly 5 months. The report identifies a number of disturbing human rights abuses that took place during this period, and it is now incumbent upon the Government of Bahrain to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and put in place institutional changes to ensure that such abuses do not happen again.

We welcome King Hamad’s commitment to carry out the report’s recommendations and will closely follow the implementation process. More broadly, we believe the Commission’s report and subsequent steps taken to implement its recommendations can serve as a foundation for advancing reconciliation and reform. Bahrain is a long-standing partner of the United States, and we urge the government and all parties to take steps that lead to respect for universal human rights and to meaningful reforms that meet the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 23, 2011

Message from the President - Small Business Saturday, 2011

Attached is a message signed by the President today regarding Small Business Saturday, 2011.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 23, 2011

Statement by President Obama on the Signing of the GCC-Brokered Agreement in Yemen

I welcome today’s action by the Yemeni government and the opposition to sign a political agreement brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council to form a government of national unity within 14 days and hold early presidential elections within 90 days. In particular, the United States welcomes President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s decision to transfer executive powers immediately to the Vice President in accordance with the agreement. This represents an important step forward for the Yemeni people, who deserve the opportunity to determine their own future.

For ten months, the Yemeni people have courageously and steadfastly voiced their demands for change in cities across Yemen in the face of violence and extreme hardship. Today’s agreement brings them a significant step closer to realizing their aspirations for a new beginning in Yemen. The United States urges all parties to move immediately to implement the terms of the agreement, which will allow Yemen to begin addressing an array of formidable challenges and chart a more secure and prosperous path for the future. The United States will continue to stand by the Yemeni people as they embark on this historic transition. We also acknowledge the important work done by our GCC partners in supporting this step forward.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 23, 2011

President Obama Signs New Mexico Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico and ordered Federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding during the period of August 19-24, 2011.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, 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 flooding in Cibola and Sandoval Counties and in the Pueblo of Acoma and the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and Tribes within the State.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Mark H. Armstrong 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 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

November 23, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 398, H.R. 2447, and S. 1412

On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, the President signed into law:

H.R. 398, which suspends, when either spouse is on active duty abroad in the U.S. Armed Forces, the required periods of time to file a petition (and appear for an interview with the Department of Homeland Security) to remove the conditional basis for permanent resident status of alien spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents;

H.R. 2447, which provides for the award of a congressional gold medal in honor of the Montford Point Marines, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country; and

S. 1412, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Woburn, Massachusetts, as the Officer John Maguire Post Office.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 23, 2011

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

• Marilyn B. Tavenner – Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services

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

• Mark L. Alderman – Member, Advisory Board of the National Air and Space Museum
• Keith M. Harper - Member, President's Commission on White House Fellowships
• Fletcher “Flash” Wiley - Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy

President Obama said, “It gives me great confidence that such dedicated and capable individuals have agreed to join this Administration to serve the American people. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

Marilyn B. Tavenner, Nominee for Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services
Marilyn Tavenner has served as Principal Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) since February 2010 and as Acting Administrator of CMS from February to July 2010. Previously, Ms. Tavenner served as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources in the administration of former Governor Tim Kaine. Before entering government service, Ms. Tavenner spent nearly 35 years working with healthcare providers in significantly increasing levels of responsibility, including almost 20 years in nursing, 3 years as a hospital CEO and 10 years in various senior executive level positions for Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). She has served as a board member of the American Hospital Association and as president of the Virginia Hospital Association. Ms. Tavenner holds a B.S. in nursing and an M.A. in health administration, both from the Virginia Commonwealth University

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

Mark L. Alderman, Appointee for Member, Advisory Board of the National Air and Space Museum
Mark L. Alderman is a partner at the law firm of Cozen O’Connor, P.C., and Chairman of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies LLC. Previously, he was the Chair of Wolf Block LLP. Mr. Alderman has served on a number of business and charitable boards, including the Board of Directors of the NASDAQ Futures Exchange, the Boards of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the Board of Trustees of Thomas Jefferson University, the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Board of Directors of the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center of Philadelphia. He also served as Chairman of the Philadelphia International Airport Advisory Board. Mr. Alderman earned his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Keith M. Harper, Appointee for Member, President’s Commission on White House Fellowships
Keith M. Harper is a partner and Chair of the Native American Practice Group at the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, and a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He works principally on litigation and Native American affairs. Previously, Mr. Harper worked at the Native American Rights Fund and he also worked as an adjunct professor at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and the American University Washington College of Law. Mr. Harper has served on the Supreme Court of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and as Appellate Justice on the highest court of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lawrence W. Pierce, United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. Mr. Harper received a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.

Fletcher "Flash" Wiley, Appointee for Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy
Fletcher “Flash” Wiley is currently Of Counsel to Bingham McCutchen LLP, where he specializes in corporate and commercial law. He is a founding member of the Harvard Law School Black Alumni Organization, a former Director of the New England Legal Foundation, Overseer of the New England Region Anti-Defamation League, and a current member of the Board of Visitors to The Air University. In addition, Mr. Wiley founded and chaired the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on Minority Business Development and served as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and completed a Fulbright Fellowship at L’Institut Des Etudes Politiques in Paris, France. Mr. Wiley received a B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy, an M.P.A. from the Harvard Kennedy School and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 23, 2011

Background on the Pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, President Obama will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a ceremony in the Rose Garden. The President will celebrate the 64th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation, reflect upon the time-honored traditions of Thanksgiving, and wish American families a warm, safe, and healthy holiday.

The President will pardon Liberty and its alternate Peace, both 19-week old, 45-pound turkeys. The names of the turkeys were chosen from over 100 submissions to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association’s web site that highlighted the National Thanksgiving Turkey. Many of the submissions came from Minneapolis and St. Paul school children who learned this year about the importance of agriculture to the world food supply and to our local economies.

After the pardoning, the turkeys will be driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. The National Thanksgiving Turkey will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a special program through January 6. After the holidays, the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate will live in a custom-made enclosure at Mount Vernon’s nationally recognized livestock facility.

Both birds were raised in Willmar, Minnesota under the supervision of National Turkey Federation Chairman Richard Huisinga.

Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, gave President Obama’s family two dressed turkeys that will be donated to a local area food bank.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 22, 2011

President Obama to Travel to Scranton, Pennslyvania

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, November 30th, President Obama will travel to Scranton, Pennsylvania where he will discuss the American Jobs Act. In the evening, the President will travel to New York City where he will attend campaign events. More details will be released when they become available.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2011

Statement by the President on the Supercommittee

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

5:44 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. As you all know, last summer I signed a law that will cut nearly $1 trillion of spending over the next 10 years. Part of that law also required Congress to reduce the deficit by an additional $1.2 trillion by the end of this year.

In September, I sent them a detailed plan that would have gone above and beyond that goal. It's a plan that would reduce the deficit by an additional $3 trillion, by cutting spending, slowing the growth of Medicare and Medicaid, and asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.

In addition to my plan, there were a number of other bipartisan plans for them to consider from both Democrats and Republicans, all of which promoted a balanced approach. This kind of balanced approach to reducing our deficit -- an approach where everybody gives a little bit, and everyone does their fair share -- is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans -- Democrats, independents, and Republicans. It’s supported by experts and economists from all across the political spectrum. And to their credit, many Democrats in Congress were willing to put politics aside and commit to reasonable adjustments that would have reduced the cost of Medicare, as long as they were part of a balanced approach.

But despite the broad agreement that exists for such an approach, there's still too many Republicans in Congress who have refused to listen to the voices of reason and compromise that are coming from outside of Washington. They continue to insist on protecting $100 billion worth of tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans at any cost, even if it means reducing the deficit with deep cuts to things like education and medical research. Even if it means deep cuts in Medicare.

So at this point, at least, they simply will not budge from that negotiating position. And so far, that refusal continues to be the main stumbling block that has prevented Congress from reaching an agreement to further reduce our deficit.

Now, we are not in the same situation that we were -- that we were in in August. There is no imminent threat to us defaulting on the debt that we owe. There are already $1 trillion worth of spending cuts that are locked in. And part of the law that I signed this summer stated that if Congress could not reach an agreement on the deficit, there would be another $1.2 trillion of automatic cuts in 2013 -– divided equally between domestic spending and defense spending.

One way or another, we will be trimming the deficit by a total of at least $2.2 trillion over the next 10 years. That's going to happen, one way or another. We've got $1 trillion locked in, and either Congress comes up with $1.2 trillion, which so far they've failed to do, or the sequester kicks in and these automatic spending cuts will occur that bring in an additional $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction.

Now, the question right now is whether we can reduce the deficit in a way that helps the economy grow, that operates with a scalpel, not with a hatchet, and if not, whether Congress is willing to stick to the painful deal that we made in August for the automatic cuts. Already, some in Congress are trying to undo these automatic spending cuts.

My message to them is simple: No. I will veto any effort to get rid of those automatic spending cuts to domestic and defense spending. There will be no easy off ramps on this one.

We need to keep the pressure up to compromise -- not turn off the pressure. The only way these spending cuts will not take place is if Congress gets back to work and agrees on a balanced plan to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion. That’s exactly what they need to do. That’s the job they promised to do. And they've still got a year to figure it out.

Although Congress has not come to an agreement yet, nothing prevents them from coming up with an agreement in the days ahead. They can still come together around a balanced plan. I believe Democrats are prepared to do so. My expectation is, is that there will be some Republicans who are still interested in preventing the automatic cuts from taking place. And, as I have from the beginning, I stand ready and willing to work with anybody that’s ready to engage in that effort to create a balanced plan for deficit reduction.

Now, in the meantime, we've got a lot of work left to do this year. Before Congress leaves next month, we have to work together to cut taxes for workers and small business owners all across America. If we don’t act, taxes will go up for every single American, starting next year. And I’m not about to let that happen. Middle-class Americans can’t afford to lose $1,000 next year because Congress won’t act. And I can only hope that members of Congress who've been fighting so hard to protect tax breaks for the wealthy will fight just as hard to protect tax breaks for small business owners and middle-class families.

We still need to put construction workers back on the job rebuilding our roads and our bridges. We still need to put our teachers back in the classroom educating our kids.

So when everybody gets back from Thanksgiving, it’s time to get some work done for the American people. All around the country, Americans are working hard to live within their means and meet their responsibilities. And I know they expect Washington to do the same.

Thanks.

END
5:50 P.M. EST