The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Presidential Proclamation -- National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2015

NATIONAL DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION DAY
AND NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION WEEK, 2015
 
- - - - - - -
 
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
A PROCLAMATION
 
American infrastructure is the foundation of our economy -- helping businesses move products, getting workers to the job, and ensuring families make it home to their loved ones each night. All year, we rely on our transportation networks to sustain our way of life, and on National Defense Transportation Day and during National Transportation Week, we pause to reaffirm the importance of infrastructure and the role it plays in growing our economy and keeping us safe.
 
Today, our Nation's investment in transportation lags behind the rest of the world. Over half of America's major roads are in less than good condition, and a quarter of our bridges require significant repair or cannot handle today's traffic, costing businesses and consumers billions in unnecessary freight expenses. Countless hours and dollars are lost navigating bad roads, making transportation costs -- from wasted gas to commercial trucking costs that are passed on to the consumer -- one of the biggest expenses for the average American family.
 
America's commitment to connect two coasts forged the Transcontinental Railroad, and our need for a robust network of roads fueled the Interstate Highway System. The United States was once a leader in infrastructure, and my Administration is dedicated to restoring this legacy by making investments that will improve the competitiveness of our economy while creating jobs and expanding opportunity for all hardworking Americans. Last year, we launched the Build America Investment Initiative to give cities and States innovative opportunities to partner with the private sector on infrastructure funding. We are continuing to advance major highway and port projects, and this year, we announced new infrastructure tax proposals that will level the playing field for municipalities seeking public-private infrastructure partnerships.
 
Keeping our infrastructure up-to-date is not only crucial to our economy, it is essential to our safety and security. The same roads, bridges, and ports that we depend on to carry goods to market also enable us to deliver lifesaving resources to victims during emergencies. In the face of a changing climate, resilient infrastructure that can withstand more frequent and more devastating natural disasters is more important than ever. To ensure our Nation is prepared in the face of crisis and to guarantee service members and first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively, we must continue to invest in our vital transportation networks.
 
In a 21st-century economy, businesses set up shop wherever they can find the best roads and bridges, the fastest rail and Internet, and the most reliable airports and power grids. This week, let us continue our work to build the best transportation systems possible and recommit to investing in our infrastructure in a way that will keep our economy growing -- not just for the next few years, but for generations to come.
 
In recognition of the importance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure, and of the men and women who build, maintain, and utilize it, the Congress has requested, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957, as amended (36 U.S.C. 120), that the President designate the third Friday in May of each year as "National Defense Transportation Day," and, by joint resolution approved May 14, 1962, as amended (36 U.S.C. 133), that the week during which that Friday falls be designated as "National Transportation Week."
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 15, 2015, as National Defense Transportation Day and May 10 through May 16, 2015, as National Transportation Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the importance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure and to acknowledge the contributions of those who build, operate, and maintain it.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
 
BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Remarks by the President on Trade

Nike, Inc.
Beaverton, Oregon

9:44 A.M. PDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Oregon!  (Applause.)  Well, who arranged this day?  (Applause.)  Every time I come to Oregon this is what it looks like.  (Laughter.)  Yeah!  It never rains in Oregon, does it?

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  Never. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Don't come to California.  (Laughter.) 

THE PRESIDENT:  All right.  Well, listen, it is wonderful to see all of you.  First of all, please give Mark another round of applause for his hospitality.  (Applause.)  And thanks to everyone at Nike for hosting us today, here in “Federer Platz.”  (Laughter.)  You know, the White House is cool.  (Laughter.)  We’ve got a basketball court -- actually, it's a tennis court that we repainted some lines -- (laughter) -- when I came into office.  So it's a combination basketball-tennis court.  There is a putting green that President Eisenhower put in.  Can you imagine, by the way, if I had put in a putting green?  (Laughter.)  Things have changed.  (Laughter.) 

But you’ve got all that and the 18th tee box from Pebble Beach.  (Applause.)  Come on.  I’m sure some of my staff is running around right now in the Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm buildings -- (laughter) -- they want to be lab rats for your new gear.  (Laughter.)

But it is wonderful to be here.  Please give it up for two people who fight every single day for Oregon workers -- your Representatives in Congress -- they do a great job -- Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici.  They are both here.  Give them a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  Yay!  And there are two people who couldn't make it here today, but they’re doing a great job and you should give them a round of applause as well, and that's Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Kurt Schrader.  (Applause.)   

So it is great to be at the world headquarters of such an iconic company -- a company that helps athletes succeed from the individual to the world stage.  And as you’ve heard, I’ve come to Oregon to talk a little bit about trade -- which initially may have had some people thinking, what, is Mariota going someplace that we didn’t know about?  (Laughter.)  He’s going to be great. He’s an outstanding young man.  He’s going to be terrific -- and from Hawaii, by the way.  (Applause.)  Local boy. 

But this is important, and I want to tell you why I think trade deals and our willingness to go out there and compete on the global stage is so important.

Before I came out here, I had a chance to meet with some    small business owners from across Oregon, whose workers make everything from bikes to tea to stationery to wine.  And they know how important this is to them.  Sometimes when we talk about trade, we think of Nike, or we think of Boeing, or we think of G.E. -- we think about these big multinational companies.  But those small business leaders came here today because they understood that these markets outside the United States will help them grow, and will help them hire more folks -- just as all the suppliers to Nike or Boeing or G.E. or any of these other companies understand this is going to be critical to their growth and their ability to create new jobs.

In fact, that’s why Ron Wyden is not here -- because he’s in Washington, D.C. as we speak quarterbacking this effort on behalf of Oregon’s small business owners and workers.

Now, small businesses are the backbone of our economy.  Eventually, like Nike, they grow sometimes into really, really big companies.  They employ millions of people; 98 percent of exporters are small businesses.  They’re the ones who make Made in Oregon and Made in the USA mean something.  And they represent something essential about this country -- the notion that if you’ve got a good idea and you’re willing to work at it, you can turn that idea into a business, you can growth that business, and eventually, who knows what might happen.  You can give other people a chance to earn a living even as you do well.  That’s America’s promise.  And it’s up to us to keep that promise alive.

Now, that promise was threatened for almost everybody just about seven years ago, when the economy nearly collapsed, and millions of Americans lost their jobs and their homes and their life savings.  But thanks to the hard work of the American people and entrepreneurs like the ones who are here today -- and some pretty good policies from my administration -- (laughter) -- we’re in a different place today.  (Applause.)  We're in a different place today.

This morning, we learned that our economy created 223,000 new jobs last month.  (Applause.)  The unemployment rate ticked down again to 5.4 percent -- which is the lowest it’s been in almost seven years.  (Applause.)  That’s 3 million new jobs over the past 12 months -- nearly the fastest pace in over a decade.  And all told, over the past 62 months in a row, America’s businesses have created 12.3 million new jobs. 

I should add, by the way, 62 months ago is when I signed the Affordable Care Act.  So, obviously, it hasn’t done too bad in terms of employment in this country.  (Applause.)  I just thought I’d mention that.  (Applause.)  Since there were a lot of predictions of doom and gloom, I would just suggest those who were making those predictions go back and check the statistics.  (Laughter.)  Just saying.  (Laughter.) 

So small businesses deserve a lot of credit for that.  In fact, over the past several years, small businesses have created nearly two out of every three new American jobs.  And the question is, how do we build on that success?  We’ve got to be relentless in our efforts to support small businesses who are creating jobs and helping to grow the economy. 

And that’s been the purpose behind many of the policies I’ve fought for as President.  I’ve cut taxes for small businesses more than a dozen times.  I’ve pushed for investments in infrastructure and faster Internet.  It’s why we’ve made health care more accessible, affordable, portable -- to give people the freedom to change jobs or launch that startup without worrying about losing their health insurance. 

And passing trade agreements is part of that agenda if those trade agreements are the right kinds of trade agreements; if they make sure that they’re growing our businesses, and helping American workers by selling goods Made in America across the rest of the world.

And I’ve been talking a lot about this lately, because I view smart trade agreements as a vital piece of middle-class economics.  Not a contradiction to middle-class economics, it’s a part and parcel of it. 

I believe that our country does best when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, everybody plays by the same set of rules.  And that means making sure everybody has got a good education.  It means making sure that women are getting paid the same as men for doing the same work.  (Applause.)  It means making sure that folks have to have sick leave and family leave and that they can balance work and family in a fair way.  It means, working to increase the minimum wage all across this country -- because folks who have some of the toughest jobs oftentimes get the lowest pay. 

That’s all part of middle-class economics, but, you know what, so is trade.  We strive to make sure our own economy lives up to high standards, but in a lot of parts of the world, the rules are unfair.  The playing field is uneven.  That puts American businesses and American workers at a disadvantage.  So the question is, what should we do about it?

Some folks think we should just withdraw and not even try to engage in trade with these countries.  I disagree.  We have to make sure America writes the rules of the global economy.  And we should do it today, while our economy is in the position of global strength.  (Applause.)  Because if we don’t write the rules for trade around the world -- guess what -- China will.  And they’ll write those rules in a way that gives Chinese workers and Chinese businesses the upper hand, and locks American-made goods out. 

That’s the choice we face.  We're not going to be able to isolate ourselves from world markets.  We got to be in there and compete.  And the question is, are we going to make sure that the rules are fair so that our businesses and our workers are on a level playing field.  Because when they are, we win every time.  When the rules are fair, we win every time.  (Applause.)

So this is why I’m such a strong supporter of new trade agreements.  They're going to help our workers compete and our businesses compete.  This is not a left issue or a right issue, or a business or a labor issue.  It is about fairness and equity and access.  And like other issues that we’ve waged slow, steady fights on over the last seven years, this is also a question of the past versus the future.

So the Trans-Pacific Partnership that we’re working on, it’s the biggest trade deal that we're working on right now -- has to do with the Asia Pacific region.  And it reflects our values in ways that, frankly, some previous trade agreements did not.  It’s the highest-standard, most progressive trade deal in history.  It’s got strong, enforceable provisions for workers, preventing things like child labor.  It’s got strong, enforceable provisions on the environment, helping us to do things that haven’t been done before, to prevent wildlife trafficking, or deforestation, or dealing with our oceans.   And these are enforceable in the agreement. 

And Nike operates in the Pacific region, so they understand the competitive pressures they're under.  Nike has factories all around the world.  And let’s face it, Mark I think doesn't mind me saying it that some of these countries, they don't have the standards for wages and labor conditions that we have here. 

So when you look at a country like Vietnam, under this agreement, Vietnam would actually, for the first time, have to raise its labor standards.  It would have to set a minimum wage. It would have to pass safe workplace laws to protect its workers. It would even have to protect workers’ freedom to form unions -- for the very first time.  That would make a difference.  That helps to level the playing field -- (applause) -- and it would be good for the workers in Vietnam, even as it helps make sure that they’re not undercutting competition here in the United States. 

So that’s progress.  It doesn’t mean that suddenly working conditions in Vietnam will be like they are here at Nike.  (Laughter.)  Or here in Portland right away.  But it moves us in the right direction.

And if Vietnam, or any of the other countries in this trade agreement don’t meet these requirements, they’ll face meaningful consequences.  If you’re a country that wants in to this agreement, you have to meet higher standards.  If you don’t, you’re out.  If you break the rules, there are actual repercussions.  And that’s good for American businesses and American workers, because we already meet higher standards than most of the rest of the world, and that helps level the playing field. 

And this deal would strengthen our hand overseas by giving us the tools to open other markets to our goods and services and make sure they play by the fair rules we help write.  The truth is, we have one of the most open markets in the world.  Folks are already selling stuff here.  We got to be able to sell there.  That requires us to enter into trade agreements to open up their markets. 

I hear Oregon wine is actually pretty good.  (Applause.)  Somebody told me that the pinot noir in Oregon is top-notch, right?  I’ve got some winemakers right here.  (Applause.)  Well, I want to make sure Japanese wine consumers have the opportunity to partake -- (laughter) -- in our excellent Oregon wine. 

We got some Oregon beef producers and ranchers around here. (Applause.)  Beef is really expensive in Japan.  Let’s make sure they try some Oregon steaks.  (Applause.)  It’s good stuff. 

And that’s one of the best things that can happen for our businesses and our workers -- opening up markets that have previously been closed, particularly markets where they’re already selling stuff here.  There’s a lack of reciprocity.  It’s not a fair deal right now.  We want to make it fair.

Now, I want to acknowledge -- because this looks like a very well-read and informed crowd -- (laughter) -- that there have been a bunch of critics about trade deals generally and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  And what’s interesting is typically they’re my friends, coming from my party, and they’re my fellow travelers on minimum wage and on job training and on clean energy.  On every progressive issue, they’re right there with me. And then on this one, they’re like whooping on me.  (Laughter.) 

But I tell you what.  I’ve run my last election, and the only reason I do something is because I think it’s good for American workers and the American people and the American economy.  (Applause.)  I don’t have any other rationale for doing what I do than I think it’s the best thing for the American people.  And on this issue, on trade, I actually think some of my dearest friends are wrong.  They’re just wrong.  And here’s why.

First of all, they say that this trade agreement will cost American jobs.  And they’re really basing this on some past experience, looking at what happened in the ‘90s, over the last 20 years, as there was a lot of outsourcing going on.  And you know what, past trade agreements, it’s true, didn’t always reflect our values or didn’t always do enough to protect American workers.  But that’s why we’re designing a different kind of trade deal

And the truth is that companies that only care about low wages, they’ve already moved.  They don’t need new trade deals to move.  They’ve already outsourced.  They’ve already located in search of low wages. 

What this trade agreement would do is open the doors to the higher-skill, higher-wage jobs of the future -- jobs that we excel at.  It would make sure our manufacturers who are operating at the higher end of the value chain are able to access these growing markets.  And the fact is, over the past few years, our manufacturers have been steadily creating jobs for the first time since the 1990s -- under my administration.  After more than a decade away from the top spot, business leaders around the world have declared the United States is the world’s number one place to invest for a third year in a row.  (Applause.)  Third year in a row. 

So the point is, outsourcing is already giving way to insourcing.  Companies are starting to move back here to do more advanced manufacturing, and this is a trend we expect to continue.  This trade deal would help that.

Just this morning, as Mark may have mentioned, Nike announced that, with the Trans-Pacific Partnership, it will make new investments in advanced manufacturing -- not overseas, but right here in the United States.  And far more Nike products would be made in the U.S.A.  (Applause.)  And that means thousands of new jobs in manufacturing and engineering and design at Nike facilities across the country, and potentially tens of thousands of new jobs along Nike’s supply chain here at home.  That’s what trade can do.  (Applause.) 

Look, I’ve spent six and a half years trying to rescue this economy -- six and a half years of trying to revitalize American manufacturing, including rescuing an American auto industry that was on its back and is now fully recovered.  So I would not risk any of that if I thought the trade deals were going to undermine it.  The reason I’m for this is because I think it will enhance it and advance it.  So that’s point number one.

Point number two -- when you ask folks specifically, what do you oppose about this trade deal, they just say “NAFTA.”  NAFTA was passed 20 years ago.  That was a different agreement.  And in fact, this agreement fixes some of what was wrong with NAFTA by making labor and environmental provisions actually enforceable.  (Applause.)  I was just getting out of law school when NAFTA got passed.  (Laughter.)   

Number three -- you’ve got some critics saying that any deal would be rushed through; it’s a secret deal, people don’t know what’s in it.  This is not true.  Any agreement that we finalize with the other 11 countries will have to be posted online for at least 60 days before I even sign it.  Then it would go to Congress -- and you know they’re not going to do anything fast.  (Laughter.)  So there will be months of review.  Every T crossed, every I dotted.  Everybody is going to be able to see exactly what’s in it. 

There’s nothing fast-track about this.  This is a very deliberate track -- (laughter) -- which will be fully subject to scrutiny.  And I’m confident when people read the agreement for themselves, they’ll see that this is the most progressive trade deal in history. 

Number four -- critics warn that parts of this deal would undermine American regulation -- food safety, worker safety, even financial regulations.  They’re making this stuff up.  (Applause.)  This is just not true.  No trade agreement is going to force us to change our laws.  This agreement would make sure our companies aren’t discriminated against in other countries. 

We already treat companies from other countries fairly here. But our companies don’t always get treated fairly there.  So sometimes they need to have some way to settle disputes where it’s not subject to the whims of some government bureaucrat in that country.  That’s important.  We want our businesses to succeed in selling over there because that's how our workers will get more jobs here in the United States.

And then finally, some critics talk about currency manipulation.  Now, this has been a problem in the past.  Some countries, they try to lower their currency so that it makes their goods cheaper, makes our more expensive.  There was a time when China was pretty egregious about this.  When I came into office, I started pounding on them.  Every time I meet with them, I’d be talking about currency.  And we pushed back hard, and China moved.  In real terms, their currency has appreciated about 30 percent since I came into office.  And we're going to keep on going after it.  But that’s not an argument against this trade agreement.  If we give up the chance to help our businesses sell their stuff in the world’s fastest-growing markets, that doesn't do anything to stop currency manipulation. 

So the fact is, some folks are just opposed to trade deals out of principle, a reflexive principle.  And what I tell them is, you know what, if you're opposed to these smart, progressive trade deals, then that means you must be satisfied with the status quo.  And the status quo hasn’t been working for our workers.  It hasn’t been working for our businesses.  And there are people here who will tell you why.

I’m going to just give you a couple of examples of small businesses who I had a chance to meet with today.  Egg Press is a Portland-based greeting card company.  (Applause.)  Really nice. They sell their cards in Australia, which is a member of this Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.  Their CEO, Tess Darrow -- where’s Tess?  Raise your hand.  I saw her.  There she is.  (Applause.)  So Tess says that if they could more easily reach customers in Japan, as well, they’d sell half the volume that they do here in America.  That’s a lot. 

Right now, the logistics of exporting to Japan are too complicated.  Products end up being held up for months at the border.  This agreement would help solve some of those problems so Tess can sell more greeting cards in Japan -- presumably in Japanese.  (Laughter.)  Is there going to be -- there will be a translation process, I assume.  Yes, absolutely.  I’m teasing.  (Laughter.)

So the trade deal would help eliminate barriers, and simplify customs, and hold countries accountable for getting products delivered swiftly.  The more Tess sells, the more she can grow, the more she can hire here in Oregon, here in the United States.

Oregon Fruit Products -- makes canned fruits, berries, other products -- depends on exports for 20 percent of its annual sales.  Right now, it exports to four members of this partnership that we're putting together:  Japan, Australia, Singapore, and Canada.  Unfortunately, selling in these countries right now can mean dealing with unfair rules designed to prevent our products from being offered in their markets.  Under this agreement, that would change.  Exporting becomes simpler, more consistent.  That means more people around the world eating Oregon berries all year long.  Berry tasty.  (Applause.)

Sokol Blosser Winery -- (applause) -- we got a lot of drinkers here.  (Laughter.)  It’s a winery, family-run in Dayton, Oregon.  One of its top export markets is Japan.  Right now, there are high tariffs on American wine in that country.  Under this trade partnership, those tariffs would be eliminated, and wineries across America could see their sales grow overseas.  The brother--and-sister team that runs this vineyard -- wave, guys -- (applause) -- they say, “If we can make it easier to do business with countries that are already our trading partners, countries that are allies, that’s a good thing.”

They’re right.  This deal would be a good thing.  So let’s “just do it.”  (Laughter and applause.)  It took a while for you to catch that, didn’t it?  (Laughter.)  I thought that was pretty obvious.  (Laughter.) 

So, listen, I know a lot of folks who are skeptical about trade.  Past trade deals didn’t always live up to the hype.  Labor and environmental protections weren’t always strong enough. I saw for years, in Chicago and towns across Illinois, manufacturing collapsing, jobs drying up.  Outsourcing is real.  Folks didn’t just make that up.  Some of our manufacturing base shifted over the last 25 years, and it wasn’t good for manufacturing and it wasn’t good for those communities, and it wasn’t good for workers.  That’s the truth.  It had benefits -- other jobs were created, we got cheaper goods.  But there was real displacement and real pain.  And so, for many Americans, this is not an abstraction; this is real. 

But we’ve got to learn the right lessons from that.  The lesson is not that we pull up the drawbridge and build a moat around ourselves.  The lesson is, is that we’ve got to make sure that the trade deals that we do shape are ones that allow us to compete fairly. 

So when I took office, I decided we could rethink the way we do trade in a way that actually works for working Americans.  I didn’t think this was the right thing to do just for companies.  If I didn’t think this was the right thing to do for working families, I would not be fighting for it.  If any agreement undercuts working families, I won’t sign it.  I ran for office to expand opportunity for everybody -- the all-American idea that no matter who you are, or where you come from, or how you started out, or who you love, in America you can make it if you try.  (Applause.)  

So, yes, we should be mindful of the past, but we can’t ignore the realities of the new economy.  We can’t stand on the beaches and stop the global economy at our shores.  We’ve got to harness it on our terms.  This century is built for us.  It’s about innovation.  It’s about dynamism and flexibility and entrepreneurship, and information and knowledge and science and research.  That’s us.  So we can’t be afraid of it; we’ve got to seize it.  We’ve got to give every single American who wakes up, sends their kids to school, rolls up their sleeves, punches in every day the chance to do what they do best:  dream up, innovate, build, sell the best products and ideas in the world to every corner of the world.  (Applause.) 

Because, Nike, we do not just have the best athletes in the world.  We also have the best workers in the world.  (Applause.) We also have the best businesses in the world.  And when the playing field is level, nobody beats the United States of America.  (Applause.)  Nobody beats the United States of America.

Just do it, everybody.  Thank you.  God bless you.  Thank you, Oregon.  Thank you.  God bless America.  (Applause.) 

END
10:14 A.M. PDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Remarks by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice at the V-E Day Commemoration - As Prepared for Delivery

National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice
Remarks at the 70th Anniversary of V-E Day Commemoration
As Prepared
World War II Memorial
Washington, D.C.

Friday, May 8, 2015

The message, when it came at last, was simple:  “The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7th, 1945.”  Signed, Eisenhower.  

There was no paean to victory.  No exultation.  Too much had been lost for that.  Too much remained to be done. 

When President Truman addressed the nation, even as he proclaimed that “the flags of freedom fly all over Europe,” he reminded all Americans of those priceless lives that were “rendered as a sacrifice to redeem our liberty.” 

As the news spread and people poured into the streets to celebrate—in New York, London, Paris—cheers and laughter mixed freely with tears. 

And, even in the midst of one triumph, we vowed to fight on and finish the war in the Pacific. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 70 years after that great turning point in the history of our world, we remember the sacrifice that was made to preserve freedom—those who laid down their lives for a better future.  The Americans who won the beachhead at Normandy, inch by bloody inch. 

From Britain, “The Few,” who defied the Luftwaffe.  The Free French, who never accepted Nazi occupation.  The brave Poles, who fought “for our freedom and yours.”  The Canadian regiments, who pushed across France into Northern Germany.  The resistance movements in every European country.  And, in the East, the people of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and all the former Soviet states, who endured many of the heaviest losses of the war. 

But, today, we can also celebrate without reserve the legacy of their accomplishments—a legacy that could not yet be imagined in 1945, with the trauma of war so fresh.  Not just a Europe that has known seven decades of peace and growing prosperity.  But the way the seed of democracy has flourished around the world.  The lasting bonds that unite Europe and the United States.  The international institutions that have underwritten peaceful development. 

The continual reaffirmation of those basic principles which formed our Alliance—that all men and women of all lands should be able to live free from fear and want. 

When American and Soviet troops met in Torgau, Germany in April of 1945, they met not only as victors in war, but as witnesses to some of history’s most unconscionable crimes. 

Hardened soldiers were sickened by the horrors of Dachau and Auschwitz.  As one world, we proclaimed “never again,” and that legacy continues to drive us to stand against atrocities and acts of mass inhumanity. 

On the homefront, the war helped unleash movements toward greater equality for all people as women stepped into factories to keep America’s industries pumping and joined auxiliary services. 

Platoons of white and black GIs fought side by side on the fields of Europe, and then black servicemen, like my late father’s Tuskegee airmen, came back here to demand justice in their own land. 

We honor all those brave men and women.  Those who fell, and those who survived—including the proud veterans who are here with us today. 

We owe each of you an unpayable debt.  And, on behalf of President Obama, let me reaffirm the enduring gratitude of the American people. 

The story of your generation will never be forgotten.  We will continue to tell it to children blessedly untouched by war, so that they understand, as this memorial reminds us, “the price of freedom.” 

We will continue to mark the passing of anniversaries like this one, so that memory never fades into complacency toward the evils of our world.  We will carry on the march toward a world of greater rights and opportunities, so that all men and women can live their lives with the basic human dignity that your generation fought for. 

Because, while one mission was fulfilled in 1945, the cause of defending freedom is never finished.  As President Truman put it, “We must work to bind up the wounds of a suffering world—to build an abiding peace, a peace rooted in justice and in law.” 

That is the pledge we make today and every day.  And, no matter how difficult the challenges that lie ahead or what obstacles arise, we will never abandon this struggle.  Because, for all that has changed during the past 70 years, one thing never will:  the United States of America will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of the world on the side of liberty and justice for all.    

Thank you so very much.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Statement by the President on the Election in the United Kingdom

I congratulate Prime Minister Cameron on his impressive electoral victory.  The special and essential relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is rooted in deep and abiding shared interests and values.  I have enjoyed working closely with Prime Minister Cameron on a range of shared interests these last several years, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries, as we work together on behalf of global peace, security and prosperity.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Notice -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Central African Republic

NOTICE

- - - - - - -

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT

TO THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

On May 12, 2014, by Executive Order 13667, I declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to the Central African Republic, which has been marked by a breakdown of law and order, intersectarian tension, widespread violence and atrocities, and the pervasive, often forced recruitment and use of child soldiers, and that threatens the peace, security, or stability of the Central African Republic and neighboring states.

The situation in and in relation to the Central African Republic continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on May 12, 2014, to deal with that threat must continue in effect beyond May 12, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13667.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Letter -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Central African Republic

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13667 of May 12, 2014, with respect to the Central African Republic is to continue in effect beyond May 12, 2015.

The situation in and in relation to the Central African Republic, which has been marked by a breakdown of law and order, intersectarian tension, widespread violence and atrocities, and the pervasive, often forced recruitment and use of child soldiers, threatens the peace, security, or stability of the Central African Republic and neighboring states, and continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13667 with respect to the Central African Republic.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Remarks by the President at DNC Fundraiser -- Portland, OR

Sentinel Hotel
Portland, Oregon

6:56 P.M. PDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Portland!  (Applause.)  Oh, I am excited to be in Portland!  (Applause.)  Hello, hello, hello!  (Applause.)  Hello! 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  I love you!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back!  (Applause.) 

Well, everybody, have a seat, have a seat.  Make yourselves comfortable.  (Applause.)  Now, first of all, I appreciate I appreciate whoever arranged for the really excellent weather.  (Applause.)  Somebody told me it never rains in Oregon.  (Laughter.)  But it is spectacular.  As we were flying in, you had Mt. Hood, and the greenery, and I don't want to go.  (Applause.)  Now that I'm here.  But it turns out I got this job, it's really demanding.  (Laughter.) 

It is wonderful to see all of you.  Thank you so much for the extraordinary hospitality.  There are a couple of people that I want to start off by acknowledging.  First of all, you’ve got as wonderful a congressional delegation coming out of here as anybody.  (Applause.)  I want to start off by thanking your senior member of Congress here, who has just been a great friend -- one of my earliest supporters, supported me when people could not pronounce my name.  (Laughter.)  And I'm so grateful to him for everything that he’s done.  He does a great job for you -- Earl Blumenauer is here.  (Applause.)  There’s Earl.  There he is back there.

And outstanding member of Congress now who’s really just doing great work every single day, representing your values and what you care about -- Suzanne Bonamici.  Give her a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  Where’s Suzanne?  Right here.

Kurt Schrader is traveling overseas, but give him a big round of applause anyway.  We love him.  (Applause.)  And the chair of the Oregon Democratic Party, Frank Dixon is here. (Applause.)  Along with some outstanding college Democrats who are here in the house -- the next generation!  (Applause.) 

Now, I just have fond memories of this place, because, I told a number of people before I came out onstage, that maybe my favorite event of the entire 2008 campaign -- (applause) -- was the rally we had here in the park along the waterfront.  A lot of you were there.  (Applause.)  It was a perfect day.  A day in which you had kayakers and -- this guy here, “yeah, I was out there on a kayak.  (Laughter.)  But it was spectacular.  And I've had a soft spot for Oregon and Portland ever since.

When you think about the distance we've traveled since that time, it's pretty remarkable.  Yes, I am more gray than I was at the time.  (Laughter.)  So that is one, significant change -- although, as I pointed out, Michelle has not changed at all.  (Laughter and applause.)  She has a special mirror in our house, she won't let me look at it.  (Laughter.)  So there’s some sort of pact that she’s made.  (Laughter.) 

So I'm a little older, got a few dings and dents here and there.  But when we came to that rally, as beautiful as it was, as extraordinary of a day as it was, those were scary times.  We were entering into what proved to be the worst financial crisis in our lifetimes.  And we were losing 800,000 jobs a month.  The prospects not only of Wall Street collapsing, but more importantly, Main Street collapsing were very, very real. 

And six and a half years later, because of the incredible resilience and strength and tenacity of the American people, and because so many of you worked so hard to give me the opportunity to put in place some smart policies, we are able to reverse those trends.

We've now seen five straight years of job growth -- the longest private sector job growth in our history.  (Applause.)   The unemployment rate has gone from 10 percent to 5.5 percent.  (Applause.)  An auto industry that had flat-lined is running on all cylinders.  And we are not only making some of the best cars in the world, but we're selling them all around the world.

At the time when we had that rally a lot of folks were concerned that Washington wasn’t taking seriously the imperatives of our environment and the need to grapple with climate change.  And since that time, we have doubled our production of clean energy.  We have increased solar energy by tenfold, wind energy by threefold -- (applause) -- doubled fuel efficiency standards for our cars.  And as a consequence, we've been able to significantly reduce the trend lines in terms of the carbon pollution that is heating the planet.

At the time that we had that extraordinary rally there were millions of people around the country who didn’t have health care at all, and people who, if they lost their job, because of a preexisting condition would not be able to get health care.  (Applause.)  And today, because of the work that you did, there are 16 million people who have health insurance that didn’t have it.  (Applause.)  And everywhere in the country, if somebody has a preexisting condition, insurance companies cannot turn them away.  (Applause.) 

At the time that we fought for this, it was predicted that this would break the bank and drive our deficits up.  And yet, low and behold, health care costs have actually increased at the lowest rate in 50 years.  (Applause.)  And by the way, the deficits have come down by two-thirds since I came into office.  (Applause.) 

The Recovery Act that helped us avoid a Great Depression was the biggest investment in infrastructure, the biggest investment in education, the biggest investment in green technology, the biggest investment in NIH.  And as a consequence, people were put back to work; jobs were saved and the economy started coming back.

And as we look to the future, we've initiated the kinds of reforms that are going to be critical to our future.  We've revamped our student loan program so that we expanded Pell grants, allowing millions of young people who couldn't afford to go to college before to go to college.  And we are now working to make sure that young people, when they are going to college, have the information they need to keep their debt levels lower and systems that allow them to make repayments in an affordable way, and allow them to choose professions like teaching because they’re not going to be burdened so much with debt.  (Applause.)

In terms of our younger kids, reading scores are up, high school graduation highest on record, college attendance highest on record.  (Applause.) 

And so here’s the bottom line.  That was a nice day in the park, but it was also a moment in which we were fighting for America’s future.  And America is better off because of the work that you did.  America is stronger than it was; it is safer than it was.  Because of what you did, there are people around this country that have jobs that didn’t have it before, and have health care that didn’t have it before, and are attending college who didn’t have a chance before. 

You’ve made a difference.  And I always said back then that change doesn’t come from the top; change comes from the bottom up.  And the people here in Oregon, the people here in Portland are as good representatives as anybody of the power of ordinary people coming together and making a decision that they can change their country.  You have brought about extraordinary change.  (Applause.)

Now, here’s the thing.  We've got a lot more work to do.  For all the progress that we've made, despite the fact that we ended “don't ask, don't tell,” -- (applause) -- and despite the fact that we had gone after the practices of paying women differently for doing the same job, and the changes that we're beginning to make in terms of our criminal justice system -- despite all the reforms that we are initiating, we all know we've still got a lot of work to do.  Because the fact of the matter is, is that although the economy has recovered, there are still a lot of folks out there that are hurting.  Wages and incomes still aren't going up as fast as corporate profits.  They’re still not going up as fast as the stock market has gone up.  The middle class still feels squeezed, and the ladders to get into the middle class have become scarcer for a lot of people who are willing to work hard but can't seem to get ahead.

And so our challenge now is not just to have recovered from crisis, but now it's to seize the future and make sure we've got the kind of America that we believe in -- and America in which anybody, no matter where they come from, no matter what they look like, no matter what their last name is, no matter what faith they practice, no matter who they love -- that this is an America in which if you are willing to work hard and take responsibility, you can make it here in America.  That's what we're fighting for. (Applause.)  That's what we're fighting for.

So what does that mean?  Concretely, what are the steps that we still have to take?  Well, we've still got to put more folks back to work.  And we've got to make sure that folks who are working are getting paid a decent wage and have decent benefits. And that's why we're fighting so hard to make sure that we increase the minimum wage all across this country.  (Applause.) 
That's the reason why we think it's really important to have paid sick leave for people.  There are 43 million people in this country who don't have it, and that's not right.  (Applause.) 
That's the reason why we're going to keep on making sure that there’s equal pay for equal work all across America.  (Applause.)

That's why, working with Earl and Suzanne and others, we need to start rebuilding our infrastructure all across this country, putting people back to work right now, rebuilding our roads and our bridges, but also our broadband lines and creating a smart grid that can save energy and help us to curb climate change.  We’ve still got more work to do to put people back to work.

And one of the things that we need to do to put people back to work is make sure we are accessing the markets of the future. So part of what I'm going to be doing tomorrow at Nike is talking about how important it is -- 95 percent of the world’s markets are outside our borders.  We've got the best workers in the world, the best universities in the world, the most innovative companies in the world, the best scientists and research in the world.  So we are not afraid of competition.  We are concerned if the playing field is not level.  And that's why we've got to have the kinds of enforceable, tough, fair trade deals that are going to make sure that American workers and American businesses aren't locked out of these markets.

That's part of a middle-class economic agenda, and it is a priority for us.  (Applause.)  We’ve got to make sure it happens.

We’ve got to make sure that we are training our young people for the jobs of the future.  And that’s why I’ve proposed to make sure that the first two years of community college in this country are free, just like public high school -- (applause) -- so every young person can at least get that kind of start for the jobs of the future. 

And for folks who still want to go on for four years, it’s not bad having two years free.  That will cut our debt -- student debt that is such a burden on so many young people all across this country.  So that’s got to be a priority. 

And we’ve got to make sure that early childhood education is our priority -- (applause) -- because we know that young people, when they get a chance early on in life, it is the best investment we can make.  Every dollar we invest in early childhood education means higher graduation rates, lower teen pregnancy rates.  It means that kids are going to do better.  They are going to be successful citizens.  They’ll pay taxes.  We will get that money back.  They’re not going to be going straight from school to jail -- they’re going to be going into college and they’re going to be going into jobs.  And that’s the kind of America that we want.  (Applause.)  That’s what we believe in. 

We still got to make sure we get comprehensive immigration reform passed in this country.  (Applause.)  I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we’ve done through executive actions to make sure that our young DREAMers -- young people who were brought here as children and are Americans just like our kids, except they don’t have the right documents -- the notion that we would be keeping them in the shadows made no sense.

But we’ve got to solve that larger problem, and only Congress can do that.  And you’ve got some great members of Congress who understand that.  Now, we’ve got to get all members of Congress to understand that -- (applause) -- and we’ve got to get that thing passed.  (Applause.)  It’s the right thing to do. It’s good for our economy -- (applause) -- and it upholds our tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.

We’re going to have to tackle climate change.  We’ve got some folks in the center right now who think because we get a snowy day, they bring in snowballs into the chambers and think that’s science.  (Laughter.)  I'm not a scientist, but I know a lot of scientists.  I can understand science.  And what the science says is that our planet is warming in such a way that it is going to increase drought, and it is going to increase wildfires, and it is going to displace millions of people around this planet, and increase the severity of floods and hurricanes, and it will cost lives and it will cost our way of life, and it could affect the incredible natural bounty that Oregon represents.  And that’s not the kind of America I want to pass on to our kids and our grandkids. 

That’s why we’re taking actions through the EPA to make sure that we cut carbon pollution that’s produced from power plants. It’s the right thing do.  (Applause.) 

And we’re going to keep on investing in clean energy, because that is not only critical to our environmental future, but it’s critical to our economic future.  There are jobs to be had for those countries that are first to figure out how to harness the power of the sun and the wind, and store it properly and distribute it properly.  And I want that to be America.  I want those jobs to be right here in the United States.  I want those jobs to be here in Oregon.  That’s what we’re fighting for. (Applause.)

So we got a lot of stuff to do.  And I hope you’re not tired.  (Laughter.)  Because I'm not.  People sometimes ask me -- they ask me, you’ve got so much stuff on your plate.  I mean, we just talked about domestic issues.  Obviously, internationally, we have ended two wars, but we still have to bring about peace, and help deal with situations from Ukraine to Iraq, to making sure that in places like Latin America and Asia, they continue to see America as a beacon of leadership.

So people say, Mr. President, no wonder you look so old.  (Laughter.)  And they ask you, how do you just keep at it every day?  And I tell them, at least once a day I meet people who, because of the work that we did, have seen their lives transformed. 

Before I came out here there was a young man who told me that before the ACA was passed, he was paying $3,000 a month for the drugs that he needed to take every day to stay alive.  And today, because of the Affordable Care Act, not only can he afford those drugs but he knows that if he had to change jobs he’ll be able to get access to what he needs.  (Applause.)  That will keep you from getting tired, hearing something like that.

Mother’s day is coming up.  Yesterday I called some moms.  I get these 10 letters every single day -- out of 40,000 that we receive, 10 get to me.  And so for Mother’s Day, we decided we were just going to call, as a surprise, three moms who had written me letters.  One of them was a waitress, two young kids. They had written me on President’s Day because mom was trying to teach the two boys about doing good deeds, and part of their good deed was encouraging the President of the United States.  (Laughter.) 

And she wrote, and took the time, along with her sons, to say, thank you for the good work you're doing.  Now, here’s somebody who’s working on her feet every single day, undoubtedly underpaid, then having to come home and look after a couple kids -- took the time to say thank you to me.  I can't afford to be tired, because I want to make sure that she’s getting the kind of wages and benefits that she deserves.  And if she gets sick, I want to make sure that she can stay home.  And if her kids get sick, I want to make sure that she can look after them and not lose a day’s pay.  That's why I'm not tired.  We got work to do. (Applause.) 

The young man in college who comes to me and says, you know, as a gay teen, I was bullied and thought about suicide, and seeing all the changes that have taken place and the recognition and the acceptance and the love that we've seen sweep across this country has made such a big difference in my life.  That's why I don't get tired, because I want that young man to feel loved.  (Applause.) 

Those wounded warriors who I see at Walter Reed, some of them lost a leg, some of them lost two.  And then six months, or eight months, or a year later, they come into the White House, walking on their new legs, and looking me in the eye, standing up straight and shaking my hand -- and I think about the sacrifice that they’ve made, and realize that we've got to serve them just as well as they have served us.  That's why I don't get tired.  (Applause.) 

But here’s the thing, Democrats -- I can't do it alone.  And I've run my last election -- Michelle is very happy about that.  (Laughter.)  But that doesn’t mean I stop fighting. 

I think it was Brandeis who said, the most important office in a democracy is not the President, not a senator or governor or mayor; it's the office of citizen.  And what was represented at that park back in 2008 here in Portland, that was people holding office.  That was people holding the office of citizen, and saying that we are joining together to make sure that America is living up to the ideals that we care about so deeply. 

Pretty soon, I'm going to be a citizen myself -- not just a President.  I'll be alongside you.  And we're going to have to make sure that we keep people like Earl and Suzanne, make sure that we got a Democratic President and a Democratic House and a Democratic Senate.  (Applause.)  We've got to make sure that we are fighting for the things that we believe in, so that when we look back 10 years from now, or 20 years from now, or 30 years from now, or when our children and grandchildren look back, they can say that we were part of that incredible race that has been run, and we took the baton and we carried it forward to make this a more just, more prosperous, more secure, more tolerant, more generous, more loving nation.

That's what we're fighting for.  I'm going to need you, Democrats.  Not just today, not just next week or next year, but as long as you hold that incredible office of citizen. 

Thank you very much, everybody.  I love you.  (Applause.) 

END
7:23 P.M. PDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Statement by the President on the 70th Anniversary of V-E Day

Seventy years ago today, the Allied Forces declared victory in Europe over tyranny during World War II.  After more than five years of brutal fighting that took the lives of some 40 million people across the continent—including six million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazi regime—the forces of freedom triumphed over oppression in Europe.  The war was not yet won; it would be three more months of fighting in the Pacific.  But V-E Day represented, at long last, a hope for peace.

Today, we salute the more than 16 million Americans who left everything they knew—their families, their homes—to serve in World War II, and then came home to help build the America we know today.  We honor the memory of the more than 400,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live free.  We rededicate ourselves—on this day and every day—to the freedoms for which they fought, and to the American Dream for which they died.  We stand with our allies, in Europe and around the world, in defending the liberty and human rights of all people.  And we honor our brave men and women in uniform and their families who continue to defend the freedom that was won 70 years ago today.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2015

Weekly Address: Honoring the 70th Anniversary of V-E Day

In this week’s address, the President honored the 70th anniversary of V-E Day.  On this occasion, we commemorate the Allied victory in Europe during World War II.  It is a day to pay tribute to the men and women who decades ago served and sacrificed for the cause of freedom.  This was the generation that, by ending the war, literally saved the world, laying a foundation for peace.  The President asked that in addition to commemorating this important anniversary, we honor the men and women in uniform who currently serve our country, and recommit ourselves to the values we share with our allies in Europe and beyond: freedom, security, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world.

The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, May 8, 2015.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
May 8, 2015

Hello, everybody.  Today marks an historic anniversary—70 years since the Allied victory in Europe during World War II.  On V-E Day after the Nazi surrender, people swarmed the streets of London and Paris and Moscow, and the cloud of fear that had hung for so many years finally lifted.  Here at home, from small towns to Times Square, crowds gathered in celebration, singing and dancing with joy.  There would still be three more months of deadly fighting in the Pacific.  But for a few hours, the world rejoiced in the hope of peace. 

General Eisenhower announced the news with little fanfare. “The Mission of this Allied Force,” he said, “was fulfilled.”  But his simple message belied the extraordinary nature of the Allied victory—and the staggering human loss.  For over five years, brutal fighting laid waste to an entire continent.  Mothers, fathers, children were murdered in concentration camps.  By the time the guns fell silent in Europe, some 40 million people on the continent had lost their lives.  

Today, we pay tribute to all who served.  They were patriots, like my grandfather who served in Patton’s Army—soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guard, merchant marines—and the women of the WACs and the WAVES and every branch.  They risked their lives, and gave their lives so that we, the people the world over, could live free.  They were women who stepped up in unprecedented numbers, manning the home front, and—like my grandmother—building bombers on assembly lines.

This was the generation that literally saved the world—that ended the war and laid a foundation for peace.

This was the generation that traded in their uniforms for a college education so they could marry their sweethearts, buy homes, raise children and build the strongest middle class the world has ever known.

This was the generation that included heroes like the Tuskegee Airmen, the Navajo Code Talkers and the Japanese-Americans of the 442nd Regiment—and who continued the fight for freedom here at home, expanding equality and opportunity and justice for minorities and women.

We will be forever grateful for what these remarkable men and women did, for the selfless grace they showed in one of our darkest hours.  But as we mark this 70th anniversary, let’s not simply commemorate history.  Let’s rededicate ourselves to the freedoms for which they fought.

Let’s make sure that we keep striving to fulfill our founding ideals—that we’re a country where no matter who we are or where we’re from or what we look like or who we love, if we work hard and take responsibility, every American will have the opportunity to make of our lives what we will.

Let’s make sure that we keep striving to fulfill our founding ideals—that we’re a country where no matter who we are or where we’re from or what we look like or who we love, if we work hard and take responsibility, every American will have the opportunity to make of our lives what we will.

Let’s stand united with our allies, in Europe and beyond, on behalf of our common values—freedom, security, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world—and against bigotry and hatred in all their forms so that we give meaning to that pledge: “Never forget.  Never again.” 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 07, 2015

Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz en route Portland, OR, 5/7/2015

Aboard Air Force One
En Route Portland, Oregon

3:56 P.M. EDT

MR. SCHULTZ:  Welcome aboard Air Force One this afternoon en route to Beaverton.  I just have one announcement at the top that’s personnel related.

This trip is the last trip for Hannah Hankins, a wrangler who you all know has moved on to be the Communications Director for the Domestic Policy Council.  She’s doing an exemplary job.  She’s come back around for this trip.  But I just wanted to point that out on the record.

The second personnel announcement I have is this is also the last trip for Assistant Press Secretary Jessica Santillo, who handles the health care and education and veterans affairs portfolio for us.  She, too, has done extraordinary work on behalf of the President and the administration for many years now.  So she’s joining us on this trip, and we appreciate her and wish her good luck in the private sector where she goes next.

With that, I’m happy to take your questions.

Q    What’s the White House’s next move on NSA?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Steve, we are in the process of evaluating the decision handed down earlier today by the courts.  Without commenting specifically on that ruling today, I will say the President has been clear that he believes we should end the 215 bulk telephony metadata program as it currently exists by creating an alternative mechanism to preserve the program’s essential capabilities without the government holding the bulk data.

We continue to work closely with members of Congress from both parties to do just that.  And we’ve been encouraged by the good progress on the bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would implement these important reforms known as the USA Freedom Act.

Q    Do you think that the reforms that you’re looking at will address the issues that the court raised?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Jeff, that’s a good question.  I know that the leaders of that bill put out a statement to that effect.  Our team is still reviewing the details of the ruling.  But we believe that regardless of the fine print of that ruling, that legislation is the way to go.

Q    Is the ruling a setback?  Is that something you guys were expecting?  Or you’re expecting to prevail?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Well, I guess I would say, Jim, that our views on this -- the President’s view on this far predates today’s ruling.  The President believes that because of privacy concerns, that the way this program is run right now should no longer be continued.  That’s why we support the USA Freedom Act, which, as you know, is supported by Republicans and Democrats alike in Congress.

Q    So the ruling buttresses the President’s position in a way?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Again, I think our lawyers are reviewing the fine print in the ruling and the legal rationale that’s included in there by the judge.  But our view is the privacy concerns that the President stated, I believe last year now, are ones that should prompt the United States Congress to take action.

Q    We’re flying to Oregon.  The President has got this event tomorrow at Nike.  Does he have any regrets about choosing Nike as the place to make this statement about TPP and fast-track, given the fact that he’s going to land at a fundraiser, be thronged by protestors?  And he’s now sort of on the defense when you want to be on the offense.  Or is he going to pull a rabbit out of a hat with some spectacular announcement of the environment and labor tomorrow that will change all the critics’ minds?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Margaret, we’re either on defense or we’re spectacular.  (Laughter.)  Let me try and characterize it the way we see it, which is the President is looking forward to this visit for an important reason.  We believe that securing a trade deal will be good for American workers and good for the American workforce.

I will let Nike share with you the impact they anticipate a trade deal having on their company.  But I do think that it is safe for you all to assume that the President would not be going to one of America’s top companies if they weren’t a testament to how this trade deal would positively impact America’s workforce.

Q    Can we assume, Eric, that Nike is going to be making some kind of announcement about manufacturing to be timed with this visit?

MR. SCHULTZ:  I’m going to let Nike share their news when they’re available to do so.  I will say it’s going to be also important to note that while the President is in Beaverton, at Nike, he’s also going to be joined by representatives from a multitude of small businesses in the area who also would benefit from a trade deal because of their heavy reliance on exports that helps them grow jobs here at home. 

So I think tomorrow’s event is going to be -- it’s obviously as Nike.  That will be a focus.  But we're also going to look at the broader impact across the United States workforce.

Q    But Nike does have news to share?

MR. SCHULTZ:  I’m going to -- if they do, I’m sure you will be on their list to be told.

Q    Just to follow up on that, how much has the White House told Nike about what’s in the trade deal with Asia, in TPP?  I mean, presumably, whether they make an announcement tomorrow, it will be based on whether this deal passes.  So how much do they know about the deal ahead of time?  Have you shared any details with them that we might not have heard already?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Kevin, that's a good question.  I don't have private conversations to read out to you.  I think that obviously we’ve been in touch with Nike to set up this event.  I also know that Nike is not alone in recognizing the economic benefits of what a trade deal would mean to American workers and American jobs.

As you know, 95 percent of the world’s customers are outside our borders, so it’s important for U.S. companies to be able to sell to those markets. 

Q    Nike has about a million workers working in contract factories overseas, and the country that has the most is Vietnam.  Vietnam, even by the U.S. acknowledgement, has not met international standards on labor in many respects.  What is the President’s message then going in?  And is Nike going to accept having to pay, perhaps, or meet higher labor standards in one of its main contract factories -- locations?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Well, I think the President’s message going in will be very similar to what you've heard for the preceding weeks, which is the trade deal that the President hopes to sign is one that is not only good for American workers, good for the American economy, but is one that includes the strongest, oldest human rights protections, labor protections, and environmental protections we’ve seen in a trade deal.  We are fully aware that past trade deals have not always lived up to the hype.

And that is why the President doubled down on his efforts and instructed his negotiating team to really make sure that the labor, environmental, and human rights protections were not just included in maybe a side letter or a side deal that was associated with the trade deal, but written into the text of the deal in a fully enforceable way.

Q    On this Nike choice, there are a lot of small businesses in Oregon that do export and would love to export more.  Why not just pick -- why not have picked one of those and avoid all these questions about Nike?

MR. SCHULTZ:  First, I’m not here to avoid any questions about Nike.  We appreciate the high anticipation for this event.  But your second -- your larger point is a good one, and I would expect a lot of participation tomorrow from those small businesses that do rely on exports.

Q    Can you talk a little bit about -- not to get super in the weeds -- but your whip count, Democrats on the Hill?  I mean, many of the Democrats who you need to win over in the House have been leaning in the opposite direction in the walkup to this Nike event.  What are you doing to change hearts and minds?

MR. SCHULTZ:  That's a fair question, Margaret.  I’m not going to be in a position to offer you a whip count, as much fun as that would be right now. 

I would tell you that the President has been deeply engaged in this, as have members from across the administration.  That includes senior folks at the White House; that includes several Cabinet secretaries.  And that outreach includes both private briefings and conversations, meetings.  But the pitch we make in those private sessions is very similar to the one that the President makes publicly, which is globalization is at our door, and we have two options as the United States:  We can put our head in the sand and pretend it’s non-existent, or we can make sure that we are the ones leveling the playing field for America’s workers.

The President believes if we’re not out there setting the terrain, that the Chinese will.  And the President believes that if the Chinese set the rules, they will do so in a way that advantages their companies.  The United States believes that’s the wrong direction to go.

Q    Eric, on a separate issue, do you have any information about this drone strike that apparently killed an AQAP member?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Jeff, as you know, I’m not in a position to comment on these reports.  But when it comes to our counterterrorism strategy, I’ll reiterate what we’ve said previously, which is we continue to actively monitor terrorist threats emanating from Yemen, and as we’ve said, we have capabilities postured in the area to address them.

As we have in the past, we will continue to take action to disrupt continuing imminent threats to the United States and our citizens.  That remains the policy of this administration.

Q    The woman who sponsored the Mohammed cartoon thing in Texas made an issue last night that neither the FBI nor the U.S. government is doing anything to protect her or talking to her.  What’s your response to that?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Steve, I haven’t seen that report, so I don’t have a direct response.  I would say that I think this incident at-large does underscore how closely coordinated our law enforcement agencies have been, both at the local level, the state level, and the national level.  So I’d refer you to them if you have questions about their level of engagement.

Q    On the decision in Canada this morning, a judge said that Omar Khadr, the former Guantanamo Bay detainee, could be released on bail.  I know that you were asked about the potential for that earlier this week, but now that it’s happened, do you have any response to that decision?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Kevin, I’ll admit I did not see that before getting on this flight.  I think, as Josh stated at that time, our general view is that the detention center at Guantanamo Bay is counter to America’s values.  It is a recruiting tool for those -- for our enemies, and it should be closed. 

Part of that closure is going to mean -- when these prisoners are sent to other countries -- making sure that that is done, A, with the unanimous consent of our national security team, and, B, in close coordination with those other countries.  And I know that every time that that happens there are mitigation steps taking place.

So I don’t have the details of those for this particular instance for you, but I know that that was true in this case, as well. 

Q    Prime Minister Netanyahu has formed a government.  Do you have any scheduling updates about a possible meeting with the President going forward or any other comments about that formation?

MR. SCHULTZ:  I don’t, Jeff.  I would tell you that the United States does congratulate the Israeli people, the Prime Minister, and the new governing coalition on the formation of Israel’s new government.  The President does look forward to working with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his new government.  And as the President has emphasized, the United States places great importance on our close military, intelligence and security cooperation with Israel, which reflects the deep and abiding partnership between both countries.

But I don’t have any events or scheduling updates for you at this time.

Q    Reaction to the Senate vote on Iran, the Iran nuclear?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Jim, I saw the Senate did approve that bill that had been previously approved in a bipartisan way through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  That’s a bill, as you know, the President said he would sign.  It’s a bill that we thought represented a compromise when it came together.  Now it has to pass the House of Representatives.  But the President said he would sign it in its current form. 

The President has also made clear that if amendments were added to that bill that would endanger a deal coming together that prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, that we’d oppose it.

Q    On the elections in Britain -- exit polls are due out in 50 minutes or so.  Will the President be keeping an eye on those from the plane?  Will he be briefed on that on the road?  Or is he waiting until a government can be formed before he really gets involved?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Kevin, I know that we are monitoring those elections clearly.  We have a special relationship with the people of Great Britain and their government.  But I don’t have the details of how the President is being kept up to date.

Q    Is the President rooting for Jim Messina or David Axelrod?

MR. SCHULTZ:  My boss, Josh Earnest, has gone to great lengths to avoid being seen as weighing in on the scales of that election, so I’m going to do the same.

Q    I’m asking about his two friends.

MR. SCHULTZ:  I understand what you’re asking.  (Laughter.)

Q    Do you guys have a special BBC feed on the plane in front today?

MR. SCHULTZ:  I’m not in a position to share what’s on the television up front.

Q    The exit polls will appear on CNN.  (Laughter.) 

MR. SCHULTZ:  Thank you for the plug, Kevin. 

Q    While we’re talking about what’s on the plane or who’s on the plane, do you have any update you can give us now about who’s traveling with the President?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Margaret, there are no current members of Congress on the plane with us, but Congresswoman Bonamici will be meeting us at the tarmac and Congressman Blumenauer will be meeting us at the tarmac; so will the governor and the mayor of Portland.

Q    Just the --

MR. SCHULTZ:  The governor and the mayor of Portland.

Q    Will there be any members at the event tomorrow?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Yes, both of those members will be there.

Q    And why did Senator Wyden not participate?  I assume he was invited.

MR. SCHULTZ:  Yes, he was invited.  You’ll have to check with his office for his schedule.

Q    Depending on how tomorrow’s timing works we might as well ask you today:  Tomorrow, the President is going to be visiting his 50th state as President, and I’m just wondering if you can tell us any more today about how he’s feeling about that -- whether he said anything about that as he was getting ready to come here today, and how he feels about the state of Democratic politics in South Dakota.

MR. SCHULTZ:  Margaret, I don't have an electoral analysis of that state to provide for you right now.  But I do think the President is very much looking forward to both our stop tonight and tomorrow morning, and then his stop in South Dakota.

As you point out, it is the 50th state that the President has visited while President.  He was there in 2008, as I think you recall.  I was not.  I was helping elect Al Franken into the United States Senate. 

So I think tomorrow’s visit will be momentous for a couple of different reasons.  And first amongst those is that at Lake Area Technical College, the President is going to underscore the importance of making community college available to all responsible students as part of his America’s College Promise campaign, one of several major proposals that builds on the historic investment the President has made in college affordability and quality.

I think we’ll have more to say on this tomorrow.  But LATC is a flagship community college which has done extraordinary work making sure young people are prepared for the 21st century economy, making sure they have the skills they need.  And the President is proud to support their work by showing up there in person tomorrow.

Q    Eric, can I ask -- as far as I can tell, the President only landed in Nebraska to immediately drive to Iowa.  Is this really the 50th state he’s visited?  And will he give Nebraska a little bit more attention in the last -- for this fourth quarter?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Mike, I don't have any further travel to read out to you at this time. 

Q    Nebraska is not getting shortchanged here?

MR. SCHULTZ:  That would not be my read.

Q    And Alaska have been -- those have just been landings, right, and refueling stops?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Yes, but I think he’s spoken to the troops.  I would urge you -- if this is on your mind -- Pete Souza just did a remarkable post on Medium that shares 49 photos from 49 different states, including Nebraska.  And it’s really remarkable to take a look.  And he also wrote personally how difficult it was to choose one picture from each state.  And tomorrow I think he’s going to update the post to be 50.

Q    Back to the British elections.  We know what the President’s relationship is, of course, with David Cameron.  Can you talk a little bit about what, if any, relationship -- does he know Ed Miliband?  What’s been their knowledge of each other?

MR. SCHULTZ:  That is a good question.  I don't have the details on that.  I’m happy to look into it for you.

Q    One last thing.  On the trade bill, what are his plans for next week in terms of -- because I believe the Senate is supposed to have at least one vote on it.  What will he do, and what is he planning to do to try to get the dozen Democrats or so that he’s going to need?

MR. SCHULTZ:  Sure.  I think you can expect the President to continue the engagement we’ve seen for the past couple of weeks and maybe even months now, and that is both publicly making the case why this makes sense for America’s workforce and American jobs, but also working directly and privately with members of Congress to answer their questions and make sure they have all the information they need to make a decision on the merits.

Q    Do you know how many he has spoken with privately, just generally?

MR. SCHULTZ:  I don't have a tally to read out to you at this time, but I can tell you the President has had a robust number of conversations. 

Thanks, guys.

END
4:15 P.M. EDT