Presidential politics

Weekly Address: President Obama Honors America’s Workers; Outlines Steps Taken to Strengthen the Middle Class

WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to America’s workers and the middle class.  Even before the current recession hit, the middle class had been hurting from stagnant incomes and declining economic security.  To repair the economy and strengthen the middle class, the administration has invested in infrastructure projects that will lead to jobs in the private sector, taken emergency steps to prevent the layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers and cops, and cut taxes for 95 percent of working families.  The President is fighting to pass a law that will provide tax breaks for folks who create jobs in America.  

The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at www.whitehouse.gov.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Weekly Address
Washington DC

On Monday, we celebrate Labor Day. It’s a chance to get together with family and friends, to throw some food on the grill, and have a good time.  But it’s also a day to honor the American worker – to reaffirm our commitment to the great American middle class that has, for generations, made our economy the envy of the world.

That is especially important now.  I don’t have to tell you that this is a very tough time for our country.  Millions of our neighbors have been swept up in the worst recession in our lifetimes.  And long before this recession hit, the middle class had been taking some hard shots.  Long before this recession, the values of hard work and responsibility that built this country had been given short shrift.

For a decade, middle class families felt the sting of stagnant incomes and declining economic security.  Companies were rewarded with tax breaks for creating jobs overseas.  Wall Street firms turned huge profits by taking, in some cases, reckless risks and cutting corners.  All of this came at the expense of working Americans, who were fighting harder and harder just to stay afloat – often borrowing against inflated home values to pay their bills.  Ultimately, the house of cards collapsed.

So this Labor Day, we should recommit ourselves to our time-honored values and to this fundamental truth: to heal our economy, we need more than a healthy stock market; we need bustling main streets and a growing, thriving middle class.  That’s why I will keep working day-by-day to restore opportunity, economic security, and that basic American Dream for our families and future generations. 

First, that means doing everything we can to accelerate job creation. The steps we have taken to date have stopped the bleeding: investments in roads and bridges and high-speed railroads that will lead to hundreds of thousands of jobs in the private sector; emergency steps to prevent the layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers and firefighters and police officers; and tax cuts and loans for small business owners who create most of the jobs in America. We also ended a tax loophole that encouraged companies to create jobs overseas. Instead, I’m fighting to pass a law to provide tax breaks to the folks who create jobs right here in America.

But strengthening our economy means more than that.  We’re fighting to build an economy in which middle class families can afford to send their kids to college, buy a home, save for retirement, and achieve some measure of economic security when their working days are done.  And over the last two years, that has meant taking on some powerful interests who had been dominating the agenda in Washington for far too long.

That’s why we’ve put an end to the wasteful subsidies to big banks that provide student loans.  We’re going to use that money to make college more affordable for students instead. 

That’s why we’re making it easier for workers to save for retirement, with new ways of saving their tax refunds and a simpler system for enrolling in retirement plans like 401(k)s.  And we’re going to keep up the fight to protect Social Security for generations to come.

That’s why we stopped insurance companies from refusing to cover people with pre-existing conditions and dropping folks who become seriously ill. 

And that’s why we cut taxes for 95 percent of working families, and passed a law to help make sure women earn equal pay for equal work in the United States of America. 

This Labor Day, we are reminded that we didn’t become the most prosperous country in the world by rewarding greed and recklessness.  We did it by rewarding hard work and responsibility.  We did it by recognizing that we rise or we fall together as one nation – one people – all of us vested in one another.  That is how we have succeeded in the past. And that is how we will not only rebuild this economy, but rebuild it stronger than ever before.

Thank you. And I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend.

Presidential Memorandum– Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Resulting from Flooding in Pakistan

September 3, 2010

Presidential Determination No.    2010-14

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (the "Act"), as amended (22 U.S.C. 2601(c)(1)), I hereby determine, pursuant to section 2(c)(1) of the Act, that it is important to the national interest to furnish assistance under the Act in an amount not to exceed $33 million from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for the purpose of meeting unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs, including by contributions to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations and payment of administrative expenses of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the Department of State, related to humanitarian needs resulting from recent devastating flooding in Pakistan.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                        BARACK OBAMA

President Obama to Award Medal of Honor

On September 21, President Barack Obama will award Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger, U.S. Air Force, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Chief Etchberger will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat on March 11, 1968 in the country of Laos.  He displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor - deliberately exposing himself to enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades in the rescue slings permitting them to be airlifted to safety. As he was finally being rescued, he was fatally wounded by enemy ground fire.  Chief Etchberger's sons, Cory Etchberger, Richard Etchberger and Steve Wilson will join the President at the White House to commemorate their father’s example of selfless service and sacrifice.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
Richard (Dick) L. Etchberger served in the United States Air Force from 1951 – 1968.  Born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania on March 5, 1933, he was inspired to join the military due to his brother Bob enlisting in the Navy in early 1946.  Upon joining the USAF on August 31, 1951, he proved to have a high aptitude in electronics and began long list of training and assignments that he would undergo to become a master in his career field.  On April 1, 1967, he was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant.  He held assignments in Mississippi, Utah, Morocco, North Dakota, Philippines, Illinois and the Republic of Vietnam. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE MEDAL OF HONOR:
The Medal of Honor is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while:

• engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
• engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
• serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

Presidential Proclamation-Labor Day

A PROCLAMATION

Working Americans are the foundation of our Nation's continued economic success and prosperity.  From constructing the first transcontinental railroad to shaping our city skylines, they have built our country and propelled it forward.  Through great innovation and perseverance, our labor force has forged America as a land of limitless possibility and a leader in the global marketplace.  On Labor Day, we honor the enduring values and immeasurable contributions of working men and women today and throughout our history.

As we recognize the contributions of the American workers who have built our country, we must continue to protect their vital role and that of organized labor in our national life.  Workers have not always possessed the same rights and benefits many enjoy today.  Over time, they have fought for and gained fairer pay, better benefits, and safer work environments.  From the factory floors during the Industrial Revolution to the shopping aisles of today's superstores, organized labor has provided millions of hard-working men and women with a voice in the workplace and an unprecedented path into our strong middle class.  By advocating on behalf of our families, labor unions have helped advance the safe and equitable working conditions that every worker deserves.

Today, as we emerge from the worst recession since the Great Depression, far too many American workers remain without a job.  With every work hour lost and every plant closure and layoff, families and communities struggle to make ends meet and face difficult decisions about how to stay afloat.  Yet, in the face of this tremendous challenge, our workers have renewed their commitment to achieving the American dream by training and educating themselves for careers crucial to our long-term competitiveness.  To rebuild our economy, my Administration is focusing on job training and investing in industries that cannot be outsourced.  By focusing on recovery at home, we are saving or creating millions of jobs in America and supporting the working men and women who will drive our 21st-century economy.  More remains to be done, but we have taken important steps forward toward recovery.

American workers have always been ready to roll up their sleeves, clock in, and earn an honest living.  That steady determination is why I have confidence in the American economy and confidence that we can overcome the challenges we face. There is no greater example of our country's resolve and resilience than that of our workers.  As we celebrate Labor Day, we honor those who have advanced our Nation's strength and prosperity -- American workers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2010, as Labor Day.  I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working Americans and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Upcoming Visit of NATO Secretary General

President Obama will welcome the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, to the White House on September 7, 2010.  As part of the President’s ongoing consultations with allies about our global agenda, the two leaders will discuss NATO’s role in advancing our shared interests in Europe and beyond, including through the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.  They will discuss preparations for the November 19-20, 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, which will include a focus on NATO’s development of new capabilities that ensure it is able to respond effectively to 21st century challenges.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Attacks Today in Pakistan

The United States condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the terrorist attacks on a religious procession in Quetta and an Ahmedi worship center in Peshawar.  We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

To target innocent civilians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at an already difficult time as the country is working hard to recover  from terrible flooding caused by monsoons makes these acts even more reprehensible.

In line with the deepening partnership between our two nations, the United States government continues to assist and work closely with the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to rebuild and recover, and we will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan as they face these challenging times.

President Obama to host second U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting

The President will host a meeting with leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in New York City on September 24, 2010.  The President has invited the leaders of the ten ASEAN member states as well as ASEAN’s Secretary General to join him for the second ever U.S.-ASEAN  leaders meeting.   At the first such meeting, held in Singapore in November 2009, the President and the ASEAN leaders pledged to deepen cooperation in a number of areas of common concern including trade and investment, regional security, disaster management, food and energy security, and climate change.  The President looks forward to working with the leaders to assess the progress on these issues, identify future efforts to strengthen U.S.-ASEAN relations, and discuss multilateral approaches for greater regional cooperation.

Remarks by the President on Monthly Unemployment Numbers

10:16 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everybody.  As we head into Labor Day weekend, I know many people across this country are concerned about what the future holds for themselves, for their families, and for the economy as a whole.

As I’ve said from the start, there’s no quick fix to the worst recession we've experienced since the Great Depression.  The hard truth is that it took years to create our current economic problems, and it will take more time than any of us would like to repair the damage.  Millions of our neighbors are living with that painfully every day.

But I want all Americans to remind themselves there are better days ahead.  Even after this economic crisis, our markets remain the most dynamic in the world.  Our workers are still the most productive.  We remain the global leader in innovation, in discovery, in entrepreneurship. 

Now, the month I took office, we were losing 750,000 jobs a month.  This morning, new figures show the economy produced 67,000 private sector jobs in August -– the eighth consecutive month of private job growth.  Additionally, the numbers for July were revised upward to 107,000. 

Now, that’s positive news, and it reflects the steps we’ve already taken to break the back of this recession.  But it’s not nearly good enough.  That’s why we need to take further steps to create jobs and keep the economy growing, including extending tax cuts for the middle class and investing in the areas of our economy where the potential for job growth is greatest.  In the weeks ahead, I’ll be discussing some of these ideas in more detail.

But one thing we also have to do right now –- one thing we have a responsibility to do right now –- is to lift up our small businesses, which accounted for over 60 percent of job losses in the final months of last year.  That's why once again, I’m calling on Congress to make passing a small business jobs bill its first order of business when it gets back into session later this month.

Now, here’s why this is so important.  Up until this past May, we were not only waiving fees for entrepreneurs who took out Small Business Administration loans, we were also encouraging more community banks to make loans to responsible business owners.  These steps are part of the reason about 70,000 new Small Business Administration loans have been approved since I took office.  And I thank Karen Mills for the outstanding job she’s been doing as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

We’ve also been extending -- fighting to extend these loan enhancements with a small business jobs bill.  It’s a bill that will more than double the amount some small business owners can borrow to grow their companies.  It will completely eliminate capital gains taxes on key investments, so small business owners can buy new equipment and expand.  And it will accelerate $55 billion in tax cuts for businesses, large and small, that make job-creating investments in the next 14 months.

And keep in mind, it is paid for.  It will not add one dime to our deficit.  So, put simply, this piece of legislation is good for workers; it’s good for small business people; it’s good for our economy.  And yet, Republicans in the Senate have blocked this bill -- a needless delay that has led small business owners across this country to put off hiring, put off expanding, and put off plans that will make our economy stronger. 

I’ve repeated since I ran for office, there is no silver bullet that is going to solve all of our economic problems overnight.  But there are certain steps that we know will make a meaningful difference for small businessmen and women, who are the primary drivers of job creation.  There are certain measures that we know will advance our recovery.  This small business jobs bill is one of them.

And I’m confident that if we’re willing to put partisanship aside and be the leaders the American people need us to be, if we’re willing to do what’s next not for the -- what’s best not for the next election, but for the next generation, then we are not only going to see America’s hardworking families and America’s small businesses bounce back, but we’ll rebuild America’s economy stronger than it’s been before.

Thank you very much.

Q    Mr. President, what are the other incentives that you mentioned Monday, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I will be addressing a broader package of ideas next week.  We are confident that we are moving in the right direction, but we want to keep this recovery moving stronger and accelerate the job growth that’s needed so desperately all across the country.

Q    What about a poverty agenda, Mr. President?  What about a poverty agenda for all classes --

Q    Mr. President, to what degree to you regret the administration’s decision to call this “Recovery Summer”?

THE PRESIDENT:  I don’t regret the notion that we are moving forward because of the steps that we’ve taken.  And I’m going to have a press conference next week where, after you guys are able to hear where we’re at, we’ll be able to answer some specific questions. 

But the key point I'm making right now is that the economy is moving in a positive direction.  Jobs are being created.  They’re just not being created as fast as they need to, given the big hole that we experienced.  And we’re going to have to continue to work with Republicans and Democrats to come up with ideas that can further accelerate that job growth.

I'm confident that we can do that.  And the evidence that we’ve seen during the course of this summer and over the course of the last 18 months indicate that we’re moving in the right direction.  We just have to speed it up.

All right?  Thank you very much, everybody.

END
10:22 A.M. EDT

President Obama Signs Massachusetts Emergency Disaster Declaration

The President today declared an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Earl beginning on September 1, 2010, and continuing.

The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.  

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named James N. Russo as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  FEMA (202) 646-3272.

Readout of President Obama’s Recent Calls on the Middle East

President Obama called President Sarkozy earlier today to thank him for his support for a comprehensive Middle East peace, and to consult on next steps to encourage further progress in the direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.  The President noted that he had a productive series of meetings yesterday, and said that he believed the two parties were committed to achieving progress.  President Sarkozy affirmed his full support for the peace talks and his commitment to working with President Obama and the other leaders to advance the process.  Both leaders agreed to remain in close touch on this issue as part of their ongoing cooperation.

Earlier in the week on Monday, August 31, the President called King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to discuss the situation in the region, including direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians and the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq.