This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

The White House
For Immediate Release

WHITE HOUSE VIDEO MESSAGE: Congress Must Work Together to Better Serve the American People

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

______________________________________________________________________________

EMBARGOED UNTIL 6:00 AM ET, SATURDAY, October 19, 2013

WHITE HOUSE VIDEO MESSAGE: Congress Must Work Together to Better Serve the American People

In this week’s message, Director of the Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz discussed the importance of Democrats and Republicans coming together to work hard and to act in the best interests of this country we love. Now that the clouds of crisis and uncertainty have lifted, the President hopes that both parties can work together right away on a balanced approach to a responsible budget and passage of immigration reform and a farm bill.

The audio of the address and video of the message is available online HERE.

Spanish Language Weekly Address

Director of the Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz

October 19, 2013

Hi everybody.  This week, because Democrats and responsible Republicans came together, the government was reopened, and the threat of default was removed from our economy. 

Now that these clouds of crisis and uncertainty have lifted, we need to focus on what the majority of Americans sent us here to do – grow the economy, create good jobs, strengthen the middle class, lay the foundation for broad-based prosperity, and get our fiscal house in order for the long haul.

It won’t be easy.  But we can make progress.  Specifically, there are three places where I believe that Democrats and Republicans can work together right away.

First, we should sit down and pursue a balanced approach to a responsible budget that grows our economy faster, shrinks our long-term deficits further. There is no choice between growth and fiscal responsibility – we need both. 

Second, we should finish the job of fixing our broken immigration system.  There’s already a broad coalition across America that’s behind this effort, from business leaders to faith leaders to law enforcement.  Immigration reform help grow our economy.  The Senate has already passed a bill with strong bipartisan support.  The House should, too. It can and should get done by the end of this year.

Third, we should pass a farm bill – one that America’s farmers and ranchers can depend on, one that protects vulnerable children and adults in times of need, and one that gives rural communities opportunities to grow and the longer-term certainty they deserve. 

Those of us who have the privilege to serve this country have an obligation to do our job the best we can.  We come from different parties, but we’re Americans first.  And our obligations to you must compel all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to cooperate, and compromise, and act in the best interests of this country we love.

Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend. 

###