The President’s Weekley Address: "Gearing up for a fight"

Posted by Christopher Hass under Obama Blog Feeds

On Thursday President Obama delivered his budget outline to Congress, a document that represents the ideas he campaigned on and millions of supporters fought for. "Because it represents real and dramatic change," the President explained, "it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington." He acknowledged the fight ahead to bring this budget plan from outline to final legislation, but he also sent a clear message: Two years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works

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Keeping Promises

Posted by The White House under White House News

In the Weekly Address this morning, President Obama explains how the budget he sent to Congress will fulfill the promises he made as a candidate.  On fiscal responsibility, a fair tax code, a clean energy economy, real health care reform, and education, this budget sets out a new vision for our country.

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2/28/09: Your Weekly Address

Posted by The White House under White House News

President Obama explains how the budget he sent to Congress will fulfill the promises he made as a candidate, and assures special interests that he is ready for the fight.

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Press Gaggle by Robert Gibbs - 2/27/09

Posted by The White House under White House News, Whitehouse Press

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                          February 27, 2009 Aboard Air Force One En route Andrews Air Force Base 3:30 P.M. EST             MR. GIBBS:  Yes, sir, fire away.  Who’s first

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National Consumer Protection Week, 2009

Posted by The White House under White House News, Whitehouse Press

  THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ———————————————————————- For Immediate Release                             February 27, 2009 A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Consumer education helps every American who enters the marketplace.  When making a purchase, consumers should know their rights and should learn about goods and services before they buy.  This knowledge allows consumers to make sound decisions and protects families and individuals from fraud and abuse.  Consumer vigilance also prevents problems before they arise.  During National Consumer Protection Week, we highlight consumer education efforts to help Americans make wise decisions.  Federal, State, and local agencies; private sector organizations; and consumer advocacy groups band together to encourage Americans to learn about the protections the law affords and to take full advantage of the resources available for consumers of every age.

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Transfer of Detainee to Control of the Attorney General

Posted by The White House under White House News, Whitehouse Press

  THE WHITE HOUSE  Office of the Press Secretary __________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                                           February 27, 2009   MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE SUBJECT:  Transfer of Detainee to Control of the Attorney General Based on the information available to me, including the memorandum from the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General dated February 26, 2009, and the joint recommendation contained therein, I hereby determine that it is in the interest of the United States that Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri be released from detention by the Secretary of Defense and transferred to the control of the Attorney General for the purpose of criminal proceedings against him.

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Read Across America Day, 2009

Posted by The White House under White House News, Whitehouse Press

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ——————————————————- For Immediate Release                          February 27, 2009 A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  Read Across America Day provides an opportunity to support efforts to excite children about reading and to educate families about the importance of literacy.  I encourage families and all citizens to celebrate the joy and emphasize the importance of reading.  Every American child deserves the opportunity to solve the puzzles of mystery novels, to discover the beauty of poetry, to imagine the fantastical worlds of science fiction, and to explore their own world through books about nature and foreign lands.  Reading provides unending enjoyment and helps unlock a child’s creative potential.  We must make literacy the birthright of every American

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Friday Extras

Posted by The White House under White House News

OMB Director Peter Orszag is up again on his new blog , this time addressing the questions on how the budget will affect deductions for charitable contributions ("Is our budget proposal uncharitable?") Again, very much worth reading in full.    The EPA has video of the First Lady’s visit from yesterday. Also chime in on their Question of the Week: How has your community used smart growth for environment-friendly development? The State Department also has their question of the week up:  "What Is the Best Path Forward for Gaza?" It’s accompanied by the picture below:   DOT gets underway on Expressions of Interest on high-speed rail. In case you missed it in today’s scrappy live-blog, Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan and Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a major partnership between their departments that will use $16 billion in funds from the ARRA to help create green jobs.

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American Red Cross Month, 2009

Posted by The White House under White House News, Whitehouse Press

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ———————————————————————- For Immediate Release                                  February 27, 2009   A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  Sixty-two years after its founding, the Red Cross was instrumental in what President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the "greatest single crusade of mercy in all of history."  In 1943, at the height of World War II, President Roosevelt called on the American people to support the troops by supporting the Red Cross, which provided food, blood, and supplies to American troops, allies, and civilians across the world.  President Roosevelt asked Americans to donate funds to the Red Cross, setting a goal of $125 million for 6 weeks of fundraising.  The American people responded with characteristic generosity, opening their hearts and wallets.  The Red Cross met this goal in less than 6 weeks.  During that season of generosity and unity, President Roosevelt proclaimed March 1943 as the first Red Cross Month.  The Red Cross has continued to serve those suffering from large- and small-scale disasters.  The organization is best known for its work helping communities deal with major disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.  These large-scale disasters represent a major part of the work of the American Red Cross.  Just as important are the tens of thousands of small-scale disasters that occur every day in communities nationwide, and the volunteers who respond to them.  These efforts include supporting our military and their families, collecting and distributing blood, helping the needy, delivering health and safety education, and providing aid abroad

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Briefing by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates 2/27/09

Posted by The White House under White House News, Whitehouse Press, inauguration

  THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _____________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                           February 27, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT GATES Via Teleconference 1:04 P.M. EST       MR. EARNEST:  Good afternoon, everybody.  It’s Josh Earnest.  Thank you for jumping on the call.  As Rob mentioned, we’ll hear some brief remarks from Secretary Gates and then we’ll open it up for questions.  We’re running tight on time, so we’ll move quickly and we won’t have any follow-up questions.  So you just get one bite at the apple here

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