The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 04, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Attack in Mogadishu

The United States strongly condemns the outrageous terrorist attack carried out earlier today by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu, Somalia. This despicable and cowardly act took the lives of dozens of innocent civilians, including students taking an exam in hopes of receiving scholarships to study abroad. Those who carried out these attacks have nothing to offer the people of Somalia except murder and destruction, and they must be held accountable. The United States stands with the families and loved ones of those killed and injured, and with the Somali people, who have suffered for far too long. This senseless attack also underscores the continued need for the international community to support the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Transitional Federal Government.

Al-Shabaab has shown its utter disregard for human life and human dignity by carrying out terrorist attacks, brutalizing the Somali people, and disrupting and denying humanitarian aid to millions in need even as the United Nations warns that 750,000 Somali men, women and children could lose their lives by the end of the year if humanitarian aid is not received. The United States, United Nations and international community will continue to provide life-saving relief to Somalis in need, while al-Shabaab’s continued actions draw strong and broad condemnation from the international community. Together, we must work to save lives while standing against those who deny the basic dignity of the Somali people.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 04, 2011

White House Report: American Jobs Act Supports Nearly 400,000 Education Jobs

White House Releases Report Outlining the Current Challenges to our Education System and the Impact of the American Jobs Act

Today, the White House released a report, Teacher Jobs at Risk, outlining how the Administration’s efforts – including the American Jobs Act - will keep teachers in the classroom, strengthen our schools and improve the local economy in communities across the country. The American Jobs Act will support nearly 400,000 education jobs, preventing layoffs of educators and allowing thousands more to be hired or rehired. In addition, the President’s plan will modernize at least 35,000 public school buildings and community college campuses while putting construction workers back to work.

Here in America, we are laying off teachers in droves. It makes no sense, and it has to stop. This bill will prevent up to 280,000 teachers from losing their jobs – and support almost 40,000 jobs right here in Texas,” said President Obama. “Congress should pass this jobs bill so we can put our teachers back in the classroom where they belong.”

America’s education system has always been one of our greatest sources of strength and global economic competitiveness, as well as the engine of incredible progress in science, technology, and the arts. We cannot expect to train our children for the high-skilled jobs of today, or for the opportunities of the future, without investments in a world-class education system.

But the severe recession from which we are still recovering has caused serious budget problems for many state and local governments, which fund the vast majority of the costs of public elementary through high school education. What this means is that school districts have been forced to make difficult decisions. Over the past twelve months, despite private-sector job growth of 1.7 million, local governments have reduced the number of teachers and education personnel they employ by nearly 200,000 people, about two thirds of all local government job losses during this period.

nd in the coming school year, without additional support, many school districts will have to make another round of difficult decisions. As a result of state and local funding cuts, as many as 280,000 teacher jobs could be at risk in the coming year. Unless they receive federal assistance, many school districts will be forced to reduce the number of teachers in their classrooms, or turn to other measures such as shortening the school year or cutting spending on schoolbooks and supplies.

President Obama believes that America cannot win the future if its teachers are not where they belong—at the chalkboards or the Smart Boards in our classrooms, teaching our nation’s children. That’s why he put forward a plan – the American Jobs Act – that will prevent further cuts and more than offset these layoffs, providing support for nearly 400,000 education jobs – enough for states to avoid harmful layoffs, rehire tens of thousands of teachers who lost their jobs over the past three years, preserve or extend the regular school day and school year, and support important after-school activities.

Today, the President will travel to Eastfield College, a community college in Mesquite, Texas, to tour the campus’ Children’s Laboratory School and meet with students and teachers before delivering remarks urging Congress to pass the American Jobs Act now to keep teachers in the classroom and rebuild our schools across the nation. In addition, Vice President Biden will visit Oakstead Elementary School in Land O’Lakes, Florida, a public school which lost teachers due to budget cuts and has seen class sizes balloon as a result.

To view the full report, click here.

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
October 04, 2011

White House Announces New Chief Usher, Angella Reid

The White House is pleased to announce that Angella Reid will serve as the next Director of the President’s Executive Residence and “Chief Usher.” Reid will be the ninth person and first woman to serve in the role. Reid brings to the position 25 years of hotel management experience where she won multiple leadership awards. She will begin in November. The position was most recently held by Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon, USCG (Ret.), who departed from the post earlier this year to take a position at the Department of Homeland Security.

As Chief Usher, Reid will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the operations and activities within the Executive Residence and on the Executive Residence grounds. Among her many responsibilities, Reid will oversee management of the Executive Residence to ensure activities and resources are used efficiently and effectively. She will maintain close liaison with the White House Historical Association, the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and other related entities to maintain and preserve the historic People’s House. Reid will also oversee the annual inventory of White House property, conducted by the Office of the Curator and the National Park Service.

Angella Reid currently is General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia. Previously, she served in management positions at The Ritz-Carlton properties in Miami, Florida and Washington, D.C. Before her tenure with The Ritz-Carlton, Reid was General Manager at the Hartford Marriott Rocky Hill Hotel in Connecticut and Director of Operations at the Renaissance New York Hotel in New York City. Reid holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft School in Munich, Germany and is conversational in German and basic Spanish.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 03, 2011

Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister Shuvalov of Russia

Vice President Biden welcomed First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Igor Shuvalov to the White House today.  The two discussed United States-Russian relations and Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization.  They agreed on the importance of continuing to strengthen our bilateral relations in a way that promotes the security and prosperity of both countries.  The Vice President affirmed U.S. support for Russia’s accession to the WTO and commended Deputy Prime Minister Shuvalov on Russia’s significant progress in the accession process.   In this regard, the Vice President encouraged the successful conclusion of ongoing talks between Russia and Georgia with respect to Russia’s WTO accession.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 03, 2011

Remarks by Dr. Jill Biden at the Washington D.C. Screening of the Movie "FIVE"

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center Amphitheater
Washington, D.C.
October 3, 2011

As Prepared for Delivery

Thank you, Jennifer and Kristin, for your kind words – and for your leadership on this issue.

And thank you to everyone here tonight who is working hard to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and the desperate need for a cure.

Aren’t we all here tonight because this is personal?

I look across the room and know you agree – far too many of us have lost a loved one to this disease – or seen a neighbor or a colleague endure painful treatments or a long battle with breast cancer.

It’s personal.

My personal involvement in the fight against breast cancer started almost 20 years ago after several of my friends were diagnosed with the disease.  One of those friends lost her battle and I saw then just what a ruthless adversary breast cancer could be. 

We know that early detection can make all the difference.  And I am proud to be a part of an Administration that is working hard to ensure that affordable and accessible preventive care is a reality.

The President and the Vice President fought to enact a health reform law that makes preventive services like mammograms free for women across the country.

And thanks to the law, today more than 65 million women with private health insurance and more than 24 million with Medicare can get a mammogram without paying an extra penny out of their own pocket.

That’s a great benefit. But we’re all here because we know how important it is for women to use these benefits, take action and defeat this disease.

This afternoon, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Jennifer and I toured a state-of-the-art breast health center at INOVA hospital in Northern Virginia.  We met with committed health professionals as well as with women who shared personal stories about their battles with breast cancer. 

There is no question that we have a lot of work ahead of us – but I will say that we were all inspired and hopeful after the visit.

I commend tonight’s organizers for creating a film that gives voice to the millions of people who have been touched by this disease.  Increasing awareness of breast cancer and of the importance of early detection is absolutely critical. 

Each of us here is bound by our commitment to a future where these battles are a distant memory.  Each of us is adding our voice to the fight.  And together we will win this struggle.  

So, thank you for the invitation to join you tonight and keep up the fight! 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 03, 2011

Presidential Nominations and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Earl W. Gast, of California, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, vice Katherine Almquist, resigned.

Roberta S. Jacobson, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Executive Service, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Western Hemisphere Affairs), vice Arturo A. Valenzuela, resigned.

James T. Ryan, of Utah, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2013, vice James Broaddus, resigned.

Michael T. Scuse, of Delaware, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, vice James W. Miller, resigned.

Michael T. Scuse, of Delaware, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation, vice James W. Miller, resigned.

WITHDRAWALS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Terry D. Garcia, of Florida, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce, vice Dennis F. Hightower, resigned, which was sent to the Senate on May 16, 2011.

James T. Ryan, of Utah, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2013, vice James Broaddus, resigned, which was sent to the Senate on July 22, 2011.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 03, 2011

Statement from President Obama on the Submission of the Korea, Colombia, and Panama Trade Agreements

“The series of trade agreements I am submitting to Congress today will make it easier for American companies to sell their products in South Korea, Colombia, and Panama and provide a major boost to our exports.  These agreements will support tens of thousands of jobs across the country for workers making products stamped with three proud words: Made in America.  We've worked hard to strengthen these agreements to get the best possible deal for American workers and businesses, and I call on Congress to pass them without delay, along with the bipartisan agreement on Trade Adjustment Assistance that will help workers whose jobs have been affected by global competition.”

A fact sheet on the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement is available HERE.

A fact sheet on the U.S.-Panama Trade Agreement is available HERE.

A fact sheet on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement is available HERE.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 01, 2011

President Obama to Welcome the 2011 NCAA Champion Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball Team to the White House

On Thursday, October 6, President Obama will welcome Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball Team  to the White House to celebrate their 2011 NCAA championship.  The President will also recognize the efforts by Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball Team to give back to their community, continuing the tradition begun by President Obama of honoring sports teams for their efforts on and off the court.  As part of their visit, the team will also hold a basketball clinic at the White House for Washington, D.C.-area kids.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 01, 2011

Statement from NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on the National Security Advisor’s visit to Saudi Arabia

National Security Advisor Tom Donilon concluded a positive and productive one-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today.  During his visit to Riyadh, Mr. Donilon met with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud to discuss a broad range of regional political, security, and economic issues of mutual interest.  Mr. Donilon commended the King and the Gulf Cooperation Council for their recent statements calling for an end to violence against civilians perpetrated by the Assad regime.

Mr. Donilon and King Abdullah stressed the shared deep and abiding strategic interests that have served as the foundation for the U.S.-Saudi partnership for decades.  They expressed satisfaction with the breadth and strength of the bilateral relationship.  The United States looks forward to continuing close consultations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the full range of issues of mutual interest.

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 01, 2011

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Democrats and Republicans Should Get Together and Pass the American Jobs Act

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama told the American people that it has been nearly three weeks since he sent Congress his jobs bill, and now it is time for Congress to send it back so that it can be signed into law.  Economists agree that the American Jobs Act will spur hiring and boost the economy, and it will give workers and small businesses tax cuts, get construction workers back to work rebuilding our roads and bridges, and put more teachers in classrooms and cops on the streets.  Too many Americans are struggling and need help now, and so Republicans and Democrats should come together without delay to pass the American Jobs Act.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
October 1, 2011

Hello, everyone.  It’s been almost three weeks since I sent the American Jobs Act to Congress – three weeks since I sent them a bill that would put people back to work and put money in people’s pockets.  This jobs bill is fully paid for.  This jobs bill contains the kinds of proposals that Democrats and Republicans have supported in the past.  And now I want it back.  It is time for Congress to get its act together and pass this jobs bill so I can sign it into law. 

Some Republicans in Congress have said that they agree with certain parts of this jobs bill.  If so, it’s time for them to tell me what those proposals are.  And if they’re opposed to this jobs bill, I’d like to know what exactly they’re against.  Are they against putting teachers and police officers and firefighters back on the job?  Are they against hiring construction workers to rebuild our roads and bridges and schools?  Are they against giving tax cuts to virtually every worker and small business in America? 

Economists from across the political spectrum have said that this jobs bill would boost the economy and spur hiring.  Why would you be against that?  Especially at a time when so many Americans are struggling and out of work. 

This isn’t just about what I think is right.  It’s not just about what a group of economists think is right.  This is about what the American people want.  Everywhere I go, they tell me they want action on jobs.  Every day, I get letters from Americans who expect Washington to do something about the problems we face. 

Destiny Wheeler is a sixteen year old from Georgia who wants to go to college.  She wrote to me saying, “Now-a-days it is hard to see myself pushing forward and putting my family in a better position, especially since the economy is rough and my starting situation is so poor.  Yet, the American Jobs act gives me hope that I might start to receive a better education, that one day job opportunities will be open for me to grasp, and that one day my personal American Dream will be reached.”  Destiny needs us to pass this jobs bill. 

Alice Johnson is an Oregon native who, along with her husband, has been looking for a job for about two years.  She writes, “I have faithfully applied for work every week…Of the hundreds of applications I have put in, I received interview requests for about 10…I too, am sick of all the fighting in Washington DC.  Please tell the Republicans that people are hurting and are hungry and need help, pass the jobs bill.”  Alice Johnson needs our help. 

Cathleen Dixon sent me pictures of the aging bridge she drives under when she takes her kids to school in Chicago every day.  She worries about their safety, and writes, “I am angry that in this country of vast resources we claim that we cannot maintain basic infrastructure.  How can we ever hope to preserve or regain our stature in this world, if we cannot find the will to protect our people and take care of our basic needs?”

I also heard from Kim Faber, who told me about the small carpet business her husband owns in New Jersey.  “We hang on by a shoe String,” she writes, “my husband worries every day about if checks might bounce, he uses our home loan to put money in the business so they will be covered.  Please pass this jobs bill! This is the job creating we need right now! It breaks my husband’s heart when he has to let people go! Pass the bill!”

Kim said it best: Pass the bill.  I know one Republican was quoted as saying that their party shouldn’t pass this jobs bill because it would give me a win.  Well this isn’t about giving me a win, and it’s not about them.  This is about Destiny Wheeler and Alice Johnson. It’s about Cathleen Dixon’s children, and the Fabers’ family business.  These are the people who need a win, and I will be fighting for this jobs bill every day on their behalf.  If anyone watching feels the same way, don’t be shy about letting your Congressman know.  It is time for the politics to end.  Let’s pass this jobs bill.