Jerusalem
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

 VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I want to thank our hosts for showing us through Yad Vashem.  As a young father, when I introduced each of our sons -- who are grown men now -- to Europe at age 15, I took them first to Dachau for them to understand as young men the human capacity -- ability of mankind to be so brutal.  But also, I took my son here to Israel to let him know that the indomitable spirit of the human being is not able to be snuffed out.

What I wrote in the book is as a fan of the Irish poet William Butler Yeats.  Writing about his Ireland, he said, “Too long a suffering makes a stone of the heart.”  What I wrote here is that every day, Israel makes a lie of the poet’s words -- ”too long a suffering makes a stone of the heart” -- because for world Jewry, Israel is the heart.  For world Jewry, Israel is the light.  For world Jewry, Israel is the hope.  If anyone ever wondered about that, they ought to take the tour of the museum.  They would not doubt it again.  The word -- phrase “never again” is used so often it almost has lost its meaning.  But, again, all you have to do is walk through -- walk through Yad Vashem and understand how incredible -- how incredible the journey has been and the spirit a world Jewry and that Israel is such a central part to its existence.

Thank you.

"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I’ve had here in Israel. We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them. This announcement underscores the need to get negotiations under way that can resolve all the outstanding issues of the conflict. The United States recognizes that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians.  We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem and safeguards its status for people around the world.  Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues.   As George Mitchell said in announcing the proximity talks, "we encourage the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks.""

10:42 A.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you, everyone.  Thanks so much.

Well, clearly, it’s a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you today.

Let me begin by thanking Secretary Clough for that generous introduction.  I want to thank him and his wife Anne for their dedication to the mission of the Smithsonian.

And I want to thank our hosts from the National Museum of American History -– Dr. Brent Glass and John Rogers.  Thank you for making these museums such wonderful places for people of all ages to learn and to explore.

And I have to also do my part in recognizing our very special guests, the students and the teachers from Huntington High School, who made the trip all the way from New York to be here.  You all please stand so we can see you.  (Applause.)  Now, there’s a special reason why I invited these students here.  They sent me this book of beautifully designed inaugural gowns of their own creations, and I had so much fun looking through all the designs.  You all are obviously a very talented and beautiful and handsome group of people.  And I am so pleased to be able to share this special day with you.  You make us proud.  And thank you for the gifts.

And, finally, I also want to thank all the board members, the staff, the supporters of these museums, all of you, for the work that you do every day, and for being here and sharing this moment with me, as well.

So, here we are.  It’s the dress.  (Laughter.)  And I have to say, to be honest, I am very honored and very humbled, but I have to say that I’m also a little embarrassed by all the fuss being made over my dress.  Like many of you, I’m not used to people wanting to put things I’ve worn on display.  (Laughter.)  So, all of this is a little odd, so forgive me.

But, at the same time, I truly recognize the significance of this day.  This gown –- and all of the items that we’ll see in this wonderful exhibit –- help us connect with a moment in history in a very real way.

When we look at the gown that Jackie Kennedy wore 50 years ago, or the one that Mary Todd Lincoln wore more than a hundred years before that, it really takes us beyond the history books and the photographs, and it helps us understand that history is really made by real live people.

The detail of each gown –- the fabric, the cut, the color –- tells us something much more about each single First Lady.  It’s a visual reminder that we each come from such different backgrounds, from different generations, and from different walks of life.

Each gown places us right in the moment and makes us wonder about the intimate details of that evening, like how did she feel in the dress?   Did her feet hurt in those shoes?  (Laughter.)  How many times did her husband step on that train?  (Laughter.)  But, more importantly, these gowns and this exhibit uniquely define a moment in our American history.

When I look at my gown –- which I, in fact, have not seen since the day that I took it off –- memories of that moment truly come rushing back.  I remember that it was freezing cold in Washington.  I know we all remember that.  Yet, despite the frigid temperatures, hundreds of thousands of people flooded the Mall.  Nothing was going to stop them from being part of history.

That day was so hectic for us.  And I remember the inaugural parade and how the President and I stood and we waved until every last band walked by.

Then we only had less than an hour -- ladies, if you can believe that -- (laughter) -- all of my friends left us in the stands, by the way.  (Laughter.)  “See ya, good luck!”  (Laughter.)  I was like, “Yeah, thanks.”  (Laughter.)  “We have to get ready for the ball.”  (Laughter.)  Like, “Yeah, so do I.”  (Laughter.)  So at the time I wasn’t really focused on what I was wearing that evening -– I was really just trying to stay warm.

But I’ll never forget the moment that I slipped on this beautiful gown.  I remember how just luscious I felt as the President and I were announced onto the stage for the first of many dances.  And I’ll cherish that moment for the rest of my life.

And now that the crowds are gone, and the Mall is silent, and our family has settled into our new home, the White house, this gown is one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day.  And that’s why it will always hold a special place in my heart.

And today, when I look at the dress, I remember all of the incredible people that we met along our journey and on that day, and how warmly -- welcome they received us.

I remember the joy on the faces of so many young people who devoted so much time to getting us to that point.

I remember the wonderful letters we received from folks who were there and others who watched the event from home; people who told us about how much that day meant for them and their families -- letters from octogenarians who told us how they never thought they’d live to see the day.

I remember all the men and women who worked so hard and so long to make sure that every single detail was just perfect.

And I remember the time we shared with Americans from every corner of this nation.

And one of the people who made that day possible is the creator of this beautiful gown, Jason Wu, a young man who, not so long ago, was just an aspiring designer like many of you students here.  When Jason was just five years old, growing up in Taiwan, his parents would take him to the bridal shops so that he could sketch the gowns in the windows.  He started making clothes for dolls when he was 16, and after studying under some of the best designers in the world, he opened his own shop four years ago with the money he had saved.

And Jason’s dress, as you can see -- this gown is a masterpiece.  It is simple, it’s elegant, and it comes from this brilliant young mind, someone who is living the American Dream.

The countless hours that you can see that he spent sewing this piece made my night even more special, and now I am proud that millions of visitors will be able to see just how talented this young man is.

Thank you, Jason.  Thank you for your vision and for your hard work, because, in the end of the day, today is about much more than this gown.  It’s also about how, with enough focus and with enough determination, someone in this room could be the next Jason Wu.  Someone in this room could be the next Barack Obama.  It’s about how the American story is written by real people –- not just names on a page.  And it’s about how something you create today –- whether it’s a dress, or a painting, or a story or a song –- can help teach the next generation in a way that nothing else can.

Thank you all so much.  (Applause.)

END
10:50 A.M. EST

12:36 P.M. (local)

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Vice President Biden, Joe, welcome to Israel and welcome to Jerusalem.  We’ve been personal friends for almost three decades.  Can you believe it has been that long? 

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  No.  You’re getting older, Bibi, I don’t know how.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  But you remain younger all the time.  (Laughter.)  And in all that time, you’ve been a real friend to me, and a real friend to Israel and to the Jewish people.  And you’ve come to Israel many times since you came here first on the eve of the Yom Kippur.  But now, you’re coming as the Vice President of the United States of America.  And this is deeply appreciated and, for me, deeply moving. 

President Obama has said in Cairo, and he has repeated this many times since, that the bonds between Israel and the United States are unbreakable.  And he has shown that in the last year in things that are known to the public and some things that are not known to the public.  In pursuing, for example, the joint military exercises for military defense between the Israeli army and the American military; in securing Israel’s qualitative military edge; and in many other activities along the world’s scene, including the battle against the infamous Goldstone report.  I think that the bonds -- exactly as President Obama has said, the bonds are unbreakable.  And your visit demonstrates how strong they are.

I think this unbreakable bond will help our two countries meet the two historic challenges that we face today in the Middle East.  The first and foremost among them is the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and the second is the need to advance a secure peace between Israel and our Palestinian and other Arab neighbors.

I very much appreciate the efforts of President Obama and the American government to lead the international community to place tough sanctions on Iran.  The stronger those sanctions are, the more likely it will be that the Iranian regime will have to choose between advancing its nuclear program and advancing the future of its own permanence.  I think that the international community and the leading countries in the international community have to join the American effort.  And Israel has been helping out with key countries and continues to do so.

I also appreciate the administration’s effort to advance peace in the region.  I know that this has been difficult and has required a great deal of patience.  But I’m pleased that these efforts are beginning to bear fruit.  And we have to be persistent and purposeful in making sure that we get to those direct negotiations that will enable us to resolve this conflict. 

I look forward to working with President Obama, and with you and your entire administration, to forge a historic peace agreement in which the permanence and legitimacy of the Jewish state of Israel is recognized by our Palestinian neighbors, and in which Israel’s security is guaranteed for generations to come. 

Again, Vice President -- my friend, Joe, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to Jerusalem.  Welcome.

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you very much.  Mr. Prime Minister, it’s a pleasure to be back.  It’s been too long between visits here.  And it is true that you and I have been friends a long, long time.  And as a matter of fact, when each of us were in the minority, we’d -- occasionally, I’d find -- get a phone call at home and I’d call you as well to get a sense of what’s going on.  Our friendship is real, but it is -- what’s even deeper is the relationship between the United States and Israel. 

But Prime Minister, I’m sure you’d agree we’ve had a -- we had a very productive discussion spanning a wide range of issues that affect both our nations.  The relationship between Israel and the United States has been, and will continue to be, a centerpiece -- a centerpiece of American policy.  And it’s been that way since Israel’s founding in 1948.  And, quite frankly, it was a major focus of my work for all those years as a United States Senator and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Our two countries are bound by historic and cultural ties, and so many shared interests, that it would take too long to enumerate, and also by a wide range of deep-seated personal relationships and friendships that span the time even before 1948.  Our ties have been strengthened by our deep cooperation in many fields including science and economic development, and a range of other policy areas as well. 

But the cornerstone of the relationship -- the cornerstone of the relationship is our absolute, total, unvarnished commitment to Israel’s security.  Bibi, you heard me say before, progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no space between the United States and Israel.  There is no space between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel’s security.  And for that reason, and many others, addressing Iran’s nuclear program has been of -- one of our administration’s priorities.

We’re determined -- we’re determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.  And we’re working with many countries around the world to convince Tehran to meet its international obligations and cease and desist.  Iran must also curb its other destabilizing actions in the region, well beyond their desire to acquire nuclear weapons.  And that is their continued support for terrorist groups that threaten Israel, and I might add, our interests as well.

President Obama and I strongly believe that the best long-term guarantee for Israel’s security is a comprehensive Middle East peace with the Palestinians, with the Syrians, with Lebanon and leading eventually to full and normalized relationships with the entire Arab world.  It’s overwhelmingly in the interest of Israel, but it’s also overwhelmingly of interest to the Arab world.  And it’s in our interest, as well.

And so, Mr. Prime Minister, toward that end I am very pleased that -- that you and the Palestinian leadership have agreed to launch indirect talks.  We hope that these talks will lead, and they must lead, eventually to negotiations and direct discussions between the parties.  The goal is, obviously, to resolve the final status issues and to achieve a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.  And historic peace is going to require both parties to make some historically bold commitments.  You have done it before, and I’m confident for real peace you would do it again.

Over the last year, Mr. Prime Minister, you have taken significant steps including the moratorium that has limited new settlement construction activity.  And you have significantly increased freedom of movement across the West Bank.  Palestinian leaders are beginning to make progress on their determined willingness to -- especially in their efforts to reform their institutions of government and with their security force -- their security forces becoming much more reliable. 

It’s easy to point fingers, particularly in this part of the world, at what each side has not done.  But it’s also important to give credit where things have been done in order to be able to move forward.  Mr. Prime Minister, the United States will always stand with those who take risks for peace.  And you’re prepared to do that.  And I am hopeful.  And I’ll be having discussions with Palestinian leaders.  It is my hope and expectation that they will be prepared, as well. 

The proximity start -- talks are just that, a start.  They’re not designed to finish the process.  And so, Mr. Prime Minister, I thank you for all the time you have given me.  And it’s just, quite frankly, good to be back in your company and see you again. 

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Thank you.  Thank you, Joe.  I have one thing to offer you right now, and it’s broken glass.  (Laughter.)  So what I’m going to do is I’m going to sign -- but I need a pen.  Thank you. 

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Don’t cut yourself.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Now, this is a significant piece of paper.  I will say that agreements are dependent on the arrangements not on paper but on the ground.  Here is a piece of paper that reflects an arrangement on the ground.  We have planted a circle of trees in Jerusalem in memory of your mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, because you have said many times that she was a source of immeasurable strength, which I recognize in you, Joe.  So we planted a tree to serve as a tribute -- a circle of trees next to the leaders of the nations.  We have a forest of the leaders of the nations, and right next to it are the trees that we have planted in memory of your mother as a tribute to her immeasurable strength.  And I want to offer it to you on your visit to Israel.

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, thank you very much.  If you don’t mind my saying, Mr. Prime Minister, my love for your country was watered by this Irish lady, who was proudest of me when I was working with and for the security of Israel.  So that’s a great honor.  Thank you very much.

END
12:50 P.M. (local)

Presidency
Jerusalem

9:16 A.M. (local)

PRESIDENT PERES: Well, I want to express our profound appreciation for your visit, not just because you are the Vice President of the United States and the most senior person to visit our region at the time; because for us you are a stoic friend, a man with profound judgment. You were the youngest senator in the United States. And from that age, so to speak, you showed friendship, understanding, and judgment, which we appreciate to this day. We think you are coming on a mission of peace. You understand there are two sides to the mission. And I dont see, I think, any contradiction in between being friendly and understanding to the two sides. And since the mission is peace, we are following the same mission.

I want to say that Im not impressed by the perception of the agreement about the proximity talks, because the situation is both more serious and also maybe more promising. If I compare the present situation with the previous situations, I can see three major changes, which I want to mention briefly.

One, the Palestinians started to build a state. Lets not underestimate it. And we learned from early age, from the early beginning felt that better build a state without borders than negotiate borders within every state, so to this very day, in our declaration of independence, there is no borders. I think if the Palestinians started to negotiate about borders and postponing building a state, its a mistake from their side, because the problem with borders here is there was never a Palestinian state -- we didnt have a precedent like we had with the Jordanians and with Egypt and so we didnt have borders as we did have with the Jordanians, Egyptians, Lebanese, and Syrians and also because in that case borders have a holy aspect to it, as well. Jerusalem does not trust a territorial border.

So the effect that the United States, the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority -- all of them agreed to build a state is an innovation and a very promising process that we have to support and enlarge. And I do not see much difficulties in continuing to do so. I think we have to be, all of us, more generous, more compromising and to supply the Palestinians with the necessary means to build their own home.

If it would -- we do just that, they would say we are escaping the negotiations. We are not. So the building of a state is not instead of the negotiations, but in addition to it. The negotiations, its very hard to open it and all of us know there will be -- as it is always -- a difference between the opening position and the fall-back position. The opening position is tougher and everybody emphasizes the difference. Anyway, I dont know a way -- how can you start with the fall-back positions. Even in Hollywood, the happy end is at the end; you dont begin negotiations with the happy end.

So the present declarations on both sides are very careful, and everybody wants to shop as much as he can his own position. And I think we have accepted, as a matter of fact -- and I dont think it will save us the difficulties, but lets not see in it the end of the negotiations or the end of the day. Thats the second thing that I believe why its better to have it.

The third change which I see is the Iranian presence. I think the tone and extremacy of Ahmadinejad against Israel is a cover up of his own ambition to create hegemony in the Middle East, since he doesnt want to appear as a Shiite or a Sunnite. He wants to appear as an anti-Israel, which gives him an entry to other countries. And that way, everybody is using Israel as an excuse or a cover up for their real positions. I believe the higher-ups are aware that Iran is a danger to them. More than a thousand years of history in the Middle East -- there is thousand years, 900 years the Arabs were under occupation of empires, and Muslims as well. Its only in the last 100 years they have had any independence. And they dont want to give up, rightly so, their independence.

And understand that in the name of religion, Iran is trying to establish a super structure of the Iranians in the Middle East. But at the same time, short of President Mubarak who stood up and some other leaders, theyre reluctant to declare their real position because of the conflict between us and the Palestinians. Everybody uses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a cover up. And I think its a strange situation over the world that the secret relations are better than the open relations, that the relations among the different intelligence organizations are better than the diplomatic one. The reason is diplomacy covers and intelligence discovers, because today to win the fight against the terrorists is not a victory but a discovery. If you discover them ahead of time, you win it.

But I think we -- sorry -- we have had many problems in the domain of, I think, terrorists. In our own domain, we are very successful and that should serve as an example. And that is the model of our relations or the relations between Jordan and ourselves. No matter what the political mood is, the two countries decided not to permit terrorists to play on. And the Jordanians are the most quiet border -- all the time between us and the Jordanians, understanding that today its not a total war, but a war against the terrorists.

I want to make a short remark about Iran as I see it. First of all, the United States should lead the Iranian policy -- there is nobody else in the world. The United States, with whatever criticism you may have, you are the most serious, the most organized, and the most analytical approach to the Iranian. And we have trust in President Obama. I dont envy neither you nor him. You have inherited an extremely difficult situation worldwide and otherwise. And its easy to give advice. I know it. Its more difficult to face the trials that are coming from uninvited angles, and participation.

I believe that the best policy vis--vis Iran, and Im speaking of -- from our perspective -- I cannot suggest to do it in my advice -- should comprise three major efforts -- one, which is major, and that is the moral code. I think moral sanctions are not less important than economic sanctions. A person like Ahmadinejad that calls openly to destroy the state of Israel cannot be a full member of the United Nations. A man that calls for acts in terror and who hangs people in the streets, not just because of the Israeli conflict -- and as Hillary described him as a military dictator. I think he should be placed in his proper definition. He cannot go around almost like a cultural hero.

However, President Obama considers Niebuhr as his philosophical preference. I like to listen to the lectures of Reinhold Niebuhr. The subject was the Judeo-Christian heritage. The first six lectures were about Judeo-Christians. I never heard anything more profound or more moving than that. But he said one word which I believe fits the present situation. He says all of us have to stand up against moral corruption. But moral corruption is more dangerous even than financial corruption. And the first code, in my judgment, is to voice a real struggle against the moral corruption. From an Israeli standpoint, we are totally surprised. They try to de-legitimize us. Were a democratic country. Nobody is being hanged in Israel. We try to make peace. We give back land. We are in a difficult situation, but still on a moral foundation. So he tries to de-legitimize us or you. We are the Satan; he is the Lord. So I think that must be done in a strong and clear voice.

It will also help the people of Iran, the Persians, to continue their struggle to defend their culture. They are ashamed of him. In my judgment, this should be done strongly, clearly, vocally. Then the economic sanctions, which I dont have to advise.

Maybe I would like to see a third point, and that is to surround Iran with an envelope of self-defense -- the Palestinians side, as well -- against their missiles and nuclear trap. And nobody knows exactly what theyre going to do. But self-defense will be an additional weight in limiting the danger of Iran. Again, only you can do it.

Thats one point. And I want to say about the Palestinians, there is a way to increase the help to the Palestinians to build their state. I know that our government is ready to continue the dismantling of different checkpoints to free the movement. The Palestinians have never had a state in their history, and now theyre beginning to taste what does it mean to build a city or to plan trees or to introduce an economy. On all this, we as the immediate neighbor -- you as the guiding the party, and the Europeans, and the Russians, everybody -- can participate in helping them to build a state, which I want to say must be affluent. And its not to build another poor state; that would be a mistake. If we are going to build, lets build it a modern state. And I believe that the Palestinians have already leaders. The person that built the city, Bashar Masri, for example, is an extremely intelligent man, up to date -- Rawabi is the new city of the Palestinians.

And we have to introduce hi-tech. They cannot make a living just on land. The problem today is not the land, but the level of knowledge. Agriculture went down only to two or three percent. And Israel is an example of making a living out of knowledge, out of hi-tech. We are ready to share. And I believe that they can be providing those of -- money. I want to identify immediately. I wont ask from you today money. But I think the Monetary Fund is willing and able to provide serious amounts of money. I spoke with the head of the Monetary Fund. They say that they can support trends; they dont have to support enterprises, contrary to the World Bank. And if the trend is peace, they are ready to invest seriously. In uniting, you have to take them in the picture.

Thats number one. Now, in the negotiations itself, I know the mood. I know that among the Palestinians there is mistrust vis--vis Israel and our government. We are aware of it. What Im asking -- and why is that? Because there isnt -- if Israel would be against a Palestinian state, would we permit you to build an economy, a police force, institutions? Why are we doing it? And I believe that as things will progress, we can handle the responsibilities for security wherever and whenever they will be ready. For example, if Jenin can police herself, our army will be glad to hand over the security to them. And if there are six or seven cities, lets go.

We suggested, like in the road map to recognize the Palestinian state with provisional borders. But the Palestinians didnt like it, and Mubarak told me leave it alone. They are getting angry with it. Okay. So we dont need lines. We dont need -- okay, I shall stop here, because –

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: No, Im anxious -- I love hearing you speak. (Laughter.) I really do. Ive told you, Mr. President, you are the most articulate statesman I have ever known. And I have been around for a long, long time. I always -- I always enjoy not only your knowledge, but your wisdom. I mean that sincerely. You know I have told you that over the years.

PRESIDENT PERES: I know. I keep it –

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, let me just briefly respond.

PRESIDENT PERES: Yes.

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: First of all, you know you talked about my being a friend of Israel from the time I was a young senator.

PRESIDENT PERES: What was it, 32?

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thirty years old -- 29, actually. But I arrived at the Senate educated by a righteous Christian, my father, who -- we spent our dinner table -- we assembled at our dinner table in the evening to have discussions and incidentally eat rather than eat and incidentally have discussions. And -- but Israel captured my heart. I make no bones about it. That does not mean I do not understand and have a great empathy for the circumstances of the Palestinians, but Israel captured my heart and my imagination.

And my first visit here as a young senator, I sat before the desk of Golda Meir as she was chain smoking and pulling maps up and down behind me, explaining to me the Six Day War. And there was a young man sitting to my right, his name was Rabin. So I have had the great privilege of not only knowing you, but knowing every Prime Minister and President since the days of Golda Meir.

I think your observation is one that more of the world should understand, because as you pointed out, there is an international attempt to isolate Israel and -- right now. And sometimes, we are our own worst enemy and playing into the hands of those who wish to do that. The peace process, as you pointed out, has two components to it, it always has: the actual definition of a state by borders and sovereign immunity and sovereign capabilities, but also the actual stuff of which a state is made. Institutions, everything from security forces to tax collection capability and everything in between. And that is underway.

And I hope -- notwithstanding the mistrust you referenced, I hope the beginning of what I referred to as these indirect or proximity talks, I hope it is a vehicle, a vehicle by which we can begin to allay that layer of mistrust that has built over the last several years. Because if you look at the region, there is obviously a great deal more that should be uniting the Palestinians and the Israelis than any time since Ive been involved for 36 years. You point out that the great Persian people have had their history besmirched by the presence of the -- Mr. Ahmadinejad and the theocracy.

But I would point out, Mr. President, that the moral sanctions you refer to have begun -- and need not have been imposed by us, theyre being imposed by their own people. The people of Iran are making that argument clearly, engaging in their own form of morally sanctioning their government as we have and as the rest of the world is. I remote -- since our administration has come to power, I would point out that Iran is more isolated -- internally, externally -- has fewer friends in the world. One of the reasons why President Obama insisted on engaging was in the -- was with eyes wide open. The hope was that there would be some movement. But the reality was -- the reality was so that we could in a sense point out to the rest of the world we need to deal with many of the things you mentioned.

But let me conclude in my very brief response here that I -- I think this -- we are at a moment of real opportunity. And I think that the -- the interest of both the Palestinians and the Israeli people are -- if everyone will just step back and take a deep breath -- are actually very much more in line than they are in opposition. And when I first came here, my first 10 or 12 trips, the idea that we would speak with certitude about a two-state solution wasnt so obvious. So Id like to focus with you -- if we have a chance to speak privately, Id like to focus with you on how we -- how we take advantage of this moment for the security of Israel.

I just want to conclude by saying one thing that I know you understand -- I know you understand about me and I know you understand it about President Obama -- theres absolutely no space between the United States and Israel in terms of Israels security and our mutual security -- none, none at all. Thats the basis in which this starts. Theres a lot we can do. But Im really flattered you would see me. And I’m anxious to –

PRESIDENT PERES: We were waiting for you. (Laughter.)

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, its good to be home. (Laughter.)

END
9:45 A.M. (local)

4:52 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  So I get to speak first while he stands and watches.  I love this.  (Laughter.)  Look at me adoringly.  (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:  I can do that.

MRS. OBAMA:  With sincerity.  (Laughter.)  Anyway.

I’m thrilled to see everybody here.  Welcome, welcome.  This is a wonderful event as we celebrate Women’s History Month at the White House.  It’s so exciting.  (Applause.)

And let me start by recognizing all of the amazing leaders who have taken time out of their very busy days and schedules to be here with us today.  We have our Cabinet Secretaries, congresswomen and other leaders who are serving as such powerful role models for the next generation.

But we have some of the members of the next generation here, as well, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge some of them, as well.  We’ve got young people here from the Girl Scouts, from Mount Vernon.  (Applause.)  From Mount Vernon and Hayfield Secondary in Virginia.  (Applause.)  From High Point High School in Maryland.  (Applause.)  From Eastern High School.  (Applause.)  And Georgetown Visitation here in D.C.  (Applause.)  All of you stand.  Everybody stand.  (Applause.)

I had a chance to meet with each and every one of them, to get a hug and a picture, and we talked.  They are beautiful, they are inquisitive -- yes, it was a hug, it was a good hug.  (Laughter.)  And what I told them is that they should make sure they take advantage of this evening by making sure that they take time out to meet all of you extraordinary women, right; that they come up and introduce themselves with confidence; and that you make sure you have a little fun, right?  So you’re going to make that promise.

Make sure you get to meet everyone here today, because today all of you are joining the long line of incredible women who have graced these halls both as visitors and as residents, from admirals and actresses to civil rights pioneers -- my good friend, Dorothy Height, is here.  (Applause.)  Nobel Prize Winners -- you name it, this house has hosted some of the most accomplished women and some of the most accomplished Americans in the history of this country.

But we’re here today not just to pay tribute to leaders and icons and household names.  During Women’s History Month we’re also here to honor the quiet heroes who’ve shaped this country from the very beginning.  We honor the women who traveled those lonely roads to be the first ones in those courtrooms, to be the first ones in those boardrooms, to be the first ones on those playing fields, and to be the first ones on those battlefields.

We honor women who refused to listen to those who would say that you couldn’t or shouldn’t pursue your dreams.  And we honor women who may not have had many opportunities in their own lives, and we all know women like that:  Women who poured everything they had into making sure that their daughters and their granddaughters could pursue their dreams; women who, as the poet Alice Walker once wrote, “knew what we must know without knowing it themselves.”

All of us are here today because of women like these who came before us.  And during this Women’s History Month, may we recommit ourselves to carrying on their work for our own daughters and granddaughters, and also for our sons and our grandsons too.

Now, speaking of sons, it is my pleasure to introduce one of the few men in the room -- (laughter and applause) -- my husband, and the President of the United States, Barack Obama.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  That would be me.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Please, have a seat.  Let me begin by just thanking some of the people who are participating here today.  Michelle mentioned my outstanding Cabinet members, the extraordinary members of Congress and people who are in our senior White House team.  I also want to thank Ms. Kerry Washington for emceeing today.  Give Kerry a big round of applause.  Where is she?  There she is.  (Applause.)

Ms. Katharine McPhee, who’s going to be performing a song in the program.  Where’s Katharine?  She’s around -- she’s practicing.  (Applause.)  She’s here, I just saw her.

Secretary Madeline Albright is here today.  (Applause.)  and Ms. Mozhdah Jamalzadah is also going to be here performing a song in the program, so we want to thank her, give her a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

And then there’s this lady here.  (Laughter.)  FLOTUS, that’s what we call her -- FLOTUS.  (Laughter.)  She is -- I’m biased, I acknowledge; but I think she’s a pretty good First Lady.  (Applause.)  Don’t you think?  She’s pretty good.  (Applause.)  And I’m very sincere when I look at you adoringly.  (Laughter.)

The story of America over the past 200 years -- past 233 years is one of laws becoming more just, of a people becoming more equal, of a union being perfected.  It’s a story of captives being set free and a movement to fulfill the promise of that freedom.  It’s a story of waves of weary travelers reconsecrating America as a nation of immigrants.  It’s a story of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters making the most of that most American of demands –- to be treated the same as everybody else.  And it’s a story of women, from those on the Mayflower to the one I’m blessed to call my wife, who looked across the dinner table, and thought, I’m smarter than that guy.  (Laughter.)

The story of America’s women, like the story of America itself, has had its peaks and valleys.  But as one of our great American educators once said, if you drew a line through all the valleys and all the peaks, that line would be drawn with an upward curve.  That upward curve –- what we call progress –- didn’t happen by accident.

It came about because of daring, indomitable women.  Women like Abigail Adams, who brought on the ridicule of her husband John by advising him to “remember the ladies” in our founding documents.  Women like the pioneers and settlers who, in the words of one, said, “I thought where he could go, I could go.”  Women like Dorothy Height and Sylvia Mendez and Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem and Sandra Day O’Connor and Madeline Albright, upending assumptions and changing laws and tearing down barriers.  Women like Hillary Rodham Clinton, who, throughout her career, has put millions of cracks in America’s glass ceiling.  (Applause.)  It’s because of them –- and so many others, many who aren’t recorded in the history books –- that the story of America is, ultimately, one of hope and one of progress, of an upward journey.

But even as we reflect on the hope of our history, we must also face squarely the reality of the present -– a reality marked by unfairness, marked by hardship for too many women in America.  The statistics of inequality are all too familiar to us -- how women just earn 77 cents for every dollar men make; how one in four women is the victim of domestic violence at some point in her life; how women are more than half the population, but make up only 17 percent of the seats in Congress, and less than 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs.

These, and any number of other facts and figures, reflect the fundamental truth that in 2010, full gender equality has not yet been achieved; that the task of perfecting America goes on; and that all of us, men and women, have a part to play in bending the arc in America’s story upward in the 21st century.

I’m proud of the extraordinary women -- and the extraordinary Americans -- I’ve appointed to help take up this task.  In addition to our outstanding Secretary of State, we’ve got Hilda Solis serving where the first female Cabinet Secretary, Frances Perkins, once served, at the Labor Department.  (Applause.)  We’ve got Kathleen Sebelius leading our Health and Human Services Department; Janet Napolitano running the Department of Homeland Security.  Susan Rice is our ambassador to the United Nations.  The chair of my Council of Economic Advisors is Christy Romer.  We got Lisa Jackson, who’s doing great work at the EPA.

We have just extraordinary talent all across this administration.  And from health insurance reform, to climate and energy, to matters of domestic policy, I’m seeking the counsel of brilliant women.  And that list doesn’t include, by the way, the Justice I appointed to the Supreme Court –- Ms. Sonia Sotomayor.  (Applause.)

So, yes, I’m very proud to have appointed so many brilliant women to so many essential posts in our government.  But I’m even prouder of what each of them is doing –- and what all of us are doing –- to make life better in America and around the world, because lifting up the prospects of our daughters will require all of us doing our part.  And that’s why we’ve established a new White House Council on Women and Girls, chaired by my friend and senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett, that will help make sure that every part of our government is working to address the challenges faced by women and girls.

At a time when women are on the verge of making up the majority of America’s workforce, the very first bill I signed into law -– a bill named after Lilly Ledbetter -– was designed to help keep America’s promise:  If you do the same work as a man, you ought to be paid the same wage as a man.  (Applause.)  To help parents balance work and family, we’re offering states more support for quality, affordable child care and paid family leave.

At a time when we are waging two wars and fighting a global network of hatred and violence, we need the service of all those patriotic Americans who are willing to do their part.  And that’s why Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mullen and top Navy officers decided to end an old barrier against women, so our skilled and brave Navy women, as well as men, can serve on submarines.

At a time when it’s still legal for health insurance companies to discriminate against the victims of domestic violence in eight states plus the District of Columbia, we’re seeking health insurance reforms that would finally rein in the worst practices of the insurance industry.  And I’m also proud to note that I’ve appointed the first White House Advisor on Violence against Women, Lynn Rosenthal.  (Applause.)

At a time when the jobs of tomorrow will go to workers with the knowledge and skills to do them, we’re ramping up efforts to educate our young people in science and technology, engineering and math, and we’re making a special effort to recruit women to those fields -– because I want to see more teenage astronomers like Caroline Moore.  In fact, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has launched a new partnership with Spelman College to train women engineers and help put them to work rebuilding our highways and our infrastructure.

And since today happens to be International Women’s Day, it’s also worth mentioning what Secretary Clinton, and Ambassador Rice, and this administration are doing on behalf of women around the globe.  We lifted what’s called the global gag rule that restricted women’s access to family planning services abroad.  (Applause.)

We’re pursuing a global health strategy that makes important investments in child and maternal health.  We sponsored a U.N. resolution to increase protection for women and girls in conflict-torn countries –- to help make it possible for more women like Mozhdah, who traveled from Afghanistan to join us here today -- to reach for their dreams.  We created the first Office of Global Women’s Issues at the State Department, and appointed Ambassador Melanne Verveer to run it.  (Applause.)  We’re investing $18 million -- we’re investing $18 million to combat the unconscionable cruelties being committed against girls and women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  And next month, I’ll host an entrepreneurship summit to help fulfill a commitment I made in Cairo; a summit that will focus, in part, on the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Muslim communities around the world.

We’re doing all of this not only because promoting women’s empowerment is one of the best ways to promote economic development and economic success.  We are doing it because it’s the right thing to do.  I say that not only as a President, but also as the father of two daughters, as a son and a grandson, and as a husband.

Growing up, I saw my mother dedicate most of her life to promoting the rights and well-being of women overseas; to empowering them to take more control over their economic lives and be able to empower their families as well.  I saw my grandmother work her way up to become vice president at a bank in Hawaii, starting as a secretary, never had more than a high school education.  But I also saw how she hit a glass ceiling, and had to watch as men, no more qualified than she was, rise up the corporate ladder.

Before we got to the White House, where we are grateful for the extraordinary support that we receive from the White House staff, I’d see the challenges Michelle faced as a working mom.  And as usual, she handled it with grace and skill, but she’d be the first one to tell you it wasn’t always easy balancing the responsibilities of being a hospital executive with those of being a mother, and sometimes worrying about the girls when she was at work, and sometimes worrying about work when she was with the girls.

And today, as I see Sasha and Malia getting older, I think about the world that they -– and all of America’s daughters -– will inherit.  And I think about all of the opportunities that are still beyond reach for too many young women and too many of our brothers and sisters -- too many of our sisters and mothers and aunts -- all of the glass ceilings that have yet to be shattered.

We have so much more work to do, and that’s why we’re here today.  I think about this because it reminds me of why I’m here.  I didn’t run for President so that the dreams of our daughters could be deferred or denied.  I didn’t run for President to see inequality and injustice persist in our time.  I ran for President to put the same rights, the same opportunities, the same dreams within the reach for our daughters and our sons alike.  I ran for President to put the American Dream within the reach of all of our people, no matter what their gender, or race, or faith, or station.

If we can stay true to that cause, if we can stay true to our founding ideals, then I’m absolutely confident that the line that runs through America’s story will, in the future, as it has in the past, be drawn with an upward curve.  And I’m especially pleased that these young ladies are here today because they’re the ones who are going to help bend that curve towards justice and equality.

Thank you very much, everybody.  God bless you.  God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

END
5:11 P.M. EST

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:

Philip D. Moeller, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Commissioner Philip D. Moeller was nominated by President Bush to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and sworn into office on July 24, 2006, by Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, for a term expiring June 30, 2010. From 1997 through 2000, Mr. Moeller served as an energy policy advisor to U.S. Senator Slade Gorton (R-Washington) where he worked on electricity policy, electric system reliability, hydropower, energy efficiency, nuclear waste, energy and water appropriations and other energy legislation. Prior to joining Senator Gorton’s staff, he served as the Staff Coordinator for the Washington State Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, where he was responsible for a wide range of policy areas that included energy, telecommunications, conservation, water, and nuclear waste. Before becoming a Commissioner, Mr. Moeller headed the Washington, D.C., office of Alliant Energy Corporation. Prior to Alliant Energy, Mr. Moeller worked in the Washington office of Calpine Corporation. Mr. Moeller was born in Chicago, and grew up on a ranch near Spokane, Washington. He received a B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University.

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

President Obama said, “I am grateful that these distinguished individuals have chosen to join my administration as we work to solve the problems our nation faces. Their dedication and skill will serve the American people well, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

Cheryl A. LaFleur, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Cheryl A. LaFleur has more than 20 years experience as a leader in the electric and gas industry. She retired in 2007 as Executive Vice President and acting CEO of National Grid USA responsible for the delivery of electricity to 3.4 million customers in the Northeast.  Her previous positions at National Grid USA and its predecessor New England Electric System included Chief Operating Officer, President of the New England distribution companies, General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Retail Marketing, and Vice President of Demand-Side Management.  She helped lead the company through several regulatory and corporate transformations including the deregulation of energy supply, the transition to performance-based ratemaking, and mergers with National Grid, EUA, Niagara Mohawk, and KeySpan.  She has been an active leader in the growth of energy efficiency and demand response programs for customers, the introduction of competitive energy markets, and efforts to strengthen service reliability and employee and public safety.  Since retiring from National Grid, LaFleur has been active as a nonprofit board member and leader.  She serves or has served on the boards of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and numerous other organizations.  During 2008, she served as President and CEO of the Steppingstone Foundation, an educational nonprofit in Boston. Before joining National Grid in 1986, LaFleur was a lawyer at Ropes and Gray in Boston from 1978 to 1986. She has an A.B. with high honors from Princeton University and a J.D. with honors from Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., Nominee for Member, National Museum and Library Sciences Board
Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr. is President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a multi-media facility housing exhibitions of historical events from post-World War I racial segregation to present-day racial progress. Dr. Pijeaux is a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Board, Alabama Tourism Department Advisory Board, the Executive Committee of the Greater Alabama Council Boy Scouts of America, the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel Advisory Board, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham. He holds a doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s in Teaching from Tulane University, and bachelor’s degree from Southern University.

Oval Office

3:56 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Hello, everybody.  I want to welcome President Funes and the First Lady of El Salvador to the United States.  Bienvenido.  We are very grateful and honored by his visit.  I’ve been following the President since his election nine months ago and have been very favorably impressed by the steps that he’s taking to try to break down political divisions within the country and move it forward with a spirit of progress and focusing on prosperity at every level of Salvadorian society.

Obviously the friendship between our two countries in part is the result of the 2 million Salvadorians who are here in the United States working, sending remittances back to El Salvador.  Those ties provide an outstanding foundation for continuing cooperation in our two countries.

That cooperation has to be based on mutual interest and mutual respect.  We’ve discussed ways that we can continue to improve our trading relationship.  Over half of El Salvador’s exports go to the United States and over one-third of its imports come from the United States, so we already have strong economic ties there. But I very much applaud the President’s vision that growth in El Salvador has to be balanced and reach all aspects of Salvadorian society; that it has to be socially inclusive.  And we want to assist in any way we can in making sure that there’s adequate credit and infrastructure and other tools that can bring about the long-term prosperity within El Salvador.

And there are some wonderful projects that we can do multilaterally.  For example, I know the United States, Brazil and El Salvador jointly are interested in pursuing additional measures that can expand biofuels and energy development that could be good for all three countries.

We also discussed security issues in the region.  I think that there has been progress within Central America, but we still have concerns, obviously, about drug trafficking, about gangs.  The security challenges obviously are connected to the economic challenges within the region and we want to be supportive not only in addressing the symptoms that we see in terms of crime, but also the root causes, and I know that’s something that the President cares deeply about as well.

And finally, I want to congratulate President Funes in the leadership that he’s already shown both regionally and internationally.  His pragmatic and wise approach to the situation in Honduras I think helped to contribute to a solution in that country that promises long-term stability and peace.  The generosity of the Salvadorian people towards Haiti in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake there I think is another example of his vision for a region that supports each other.

And so my main goal today is communicating how interested the United States is in continuing to be an equal partner with El Salvador and other countries in the region -- a relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect.  And I wish him all the best as he continues to pursue his goals for a more prosperous and secure El Salvador.

PRESIDENT FUNES:  (As translated.)  And to the press, I am extremely surprised about this excellent summary.  After 20 years of being a journalist, I thought that I could summarize our interview of more than an hour in a better way, but President Obama has surprised me in how he has summarized the meeting.

I would like to talk about two or three things.  I have spoken to President Obama about this, and I want to commend him because he shares the same democratic values, and his new vision of how he is dealing with the hemisphere and particularly in Central America.

Traditionally Central America has been seen as a migratory problem for the United States.  But Central America, and in particular El Salvador, needs to generate the opportunities of work in order to be able to keep people back in El Salvador.  And as they have a better job generation, and people have better health and education, people will be able to remain in countries and have a better life.

We have spoken with President Obama about how to make a strategic alliance and face common problems that we have in the nation, such as drug traffic and organized crime.  And the alliance that we wish to make is in order to combat poverty and to get people out of marginal situations and out of the exclusion.  This has to be a regional effort and we have to -- and they have social policies that we need to build together.

The U.S. needs to be a strategic -- or we hope it will be a strategic partner for our country.  And in this way, the people will have better social well-being and we will be able to combat drug traffic, organized crime, because they will not find -- as we have new policies, they will not find fertile grounds.

I’m not here to ask President Obama to do for us what we haven’t been able to do for such a long time.  We have a big challenge on our hands, and one of our challenges is to have better tax collection in order to have more resources for the use of our government.  This has been going on for many decades, but basically what we're looking for is funding for the poor and small and medium enterprises in order to be able to create a better economic situation in El Salvador.

We have to re-strengthen the productive network, and we have to have a different vision.  But we definitely cannot blame the United States for the situation that we are in.  And instead, we are looking for the United States to become a strategic partner, as President Obama so well said; not a bigger partner or a lesser partner but an equal partner and an efficient partner.

And as President Obama’s administration, we hope that there will be a good alliance and it will be a better world for us and for all -- and a better administration.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  All right, thank you, everybody.

END
4:12 P.M. EST

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Major General Robert A. Harding, United States Army (Retired), of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Edmund S. Hawley, resigned.

David K. Mineta, of California, to be Deputy Director for Demand Reduction, Office of National Drug Control Policy, vice Bertha K. Madras.

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms, flooding, and debris and mud flows during the period of January 17 to February 6, 2010.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms, flooding, and debris and mud flows in the counties of Calaveras, Imperial, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Siskiyou.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

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

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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

1:59 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody!  (Applause.)  Please, have a seat, have a seat.  Have a seat, Crimson Tide.  Go Tide.  (Laughter.)  Well, welcome to the White House, and congratulations on your 13th -- let me check that -- 13th National Championship –- the first in 17 years.  I think it's safe to say that the Tide is back. 

  I've got to tell you, everyone was really excited about this team coming today -– except for my Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs -- (laughter) -- because he was born and raised in Auburn.  He's hiding in his office right now.  (Laughter.)  But we do have some Tide fans here that are worth a little bit of acknowledgment. 

I want to start by thanking Robert Witt, the president of the University of Alabama.  I also want to acknowledge the mayor of Tuscaloosa, Walter Maddox.  You can give them a round of applause.  (Applause.)  I want to recognize Senator Shelby and Senator Sessions, who are here.  Stand up, please.  (Applause.)  And our terrific Surgeon General who’s an Alabama native, Regina Benjamin is in the house.  Where’s Regina?  There she is over there.  (Applause.) 

And to all those who make this program what it is -– the students and the trainers and the staff and the ticket takers, fans in Tuscaloosa and all across the country, you should all be very proud, and I want to congratulate you. 

Obviously I want to congratulate Coach Saban and thank him and his wife Terry for being with us today.  There's no question that this team is here in large part because of what Coach Saban has done.  There aren't too many coaches in the country who have the knowledge, the motivational skills, the program discipline to win two national championships in six years –- let alone at two different schools.  And I think it’s a testimony to his incredible skills as a coach.  (Applause.) 

I've got to congratulate Mark Ingram for becoming the first Heisman Trophy winner in Alabama history.  (Applause.)  Mark rushed for over 1,500 yards last season -- the most ever by a Crimson Tide running back.  And I know his selflessness and dedication has made his team and his family very, very proud.

I also want to recognize your captains -– Rolando McClain, Mike Johnson, and Javier Arenas –- and all the upperclassmen for their leadership on this team.  Congratulations to all of you.  (Applause.)  I especially want to congratulate Rolando for winning the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.  And I know that part of Rolando's talent comes from his intelligence and his judgment.  In fact one of his teammates was asked to describe him -- he said, "Just picture Coach Saban being huge and being able to play football."  (Laughter.) 

Now, one of the trademarks of this team has always been its unwavering focus on what's important.  And I know shortly after the 2008 season ended, Coach hung a picture of the Florida Gators winning the national championship in the locker room -- not too subtle what he was saying.  He asked his players if they wanted to work hard enough to beat their teammates in a drill, or if they wanted to work hard enough to be the best team in the country.  And it's pretty clear what choice they made.

That's the kind of tone this team sets, both on and off the field.  It's why these young men -- and this is something I’m very proud of -- had the second highest graduation rate of any team ranked in the top 25.  It shows that these guys have their priorities straight.  (Applause.)  Together, they contributed more than 3,500 hours of community service that Alabama students -- student athletes performed last year. 

And that spirit continued earlier today, when the team met with a group of kids from one of D.C.'s roughest neighborhoods, and helped teach them about the importance of staying in school and making healthy choices.  That's how champions act -– in football and in life.  As Coach Bryant once said, "I think the most important thing of all for any team is a winning attitude." I think this team would make him proud, because they’ve got that winning attitude.

So congratulations to all of you.  The best of luck next season.  I know spring practice starts on Friday -- woo, man.  (Laughter.)  Next Friday, huh?  So enjoy these last few days off. And congratulations to all of you for just an extraordinary season.  Roll Tide.  (Applause.)

END
2:05 P.M. EST

Arcadia University
Glenside, Pennsylvania

11:23 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Pennsylvania!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  This is a nice crowd.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Well, what a wonderful crowd.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  I love you!

THE PRESIDENT:  Love you back.  (Applause.)  I am -- I'm kind of fired up.  (Applause.)  I'm kind of fired up.  (Applause.)  So, listen, we -- this is just an extraordinary crowd and I --

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  (Applause.)  I want -- there's some people I want to point out who are here who've just been doing great work.  First of all, give Leslie a great round of applause for her wonderful introduction.  (Applause.)

Somebody who's been working tirelessly on your behalf, doing a great job -- the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius is in the house.  (Applause.)  One of the finest governors in the country, Ed Rendell is in the house.  (Applause.)  Everybody notice how good Ed is looking, by the way? He's been on that training program, eating egg whites and keeping his cholesterol down.  (Laughter.)

Your senior senator who has just been doing outstanding work in the Senate, Arlen Specter is in the house.  (Applause.)  One of my great friends, somebody who supported me when nobody could pronounce my name, Bob Casey is in the house.  (Applause.)  Your congressman, the person who gave me confidence that I could win even though nobody could pronounce my name -- Chaka Fattah is in the house.  (Applause.)  I figured if they could elect a "Chaka" -- (laughter) -- then they could elect a "Barack."  (Laughter.)

A couple other outstanding members of Congress -- first of all, from Pennsylvania, Allyson Schwartz is in the house.  (Applause.)  Somebody who rendered outstanding service to our nation before he was in Congress, Joe Sestak is in the house.  (Applause.)  One of the sharpest members of Congress -- technically not his state but he's just from right next door, New Jersey, so he's practically -- (applause.)  See, we've got some Jersey folks here.  (Applause.)  Rob Andrews is in the house.  (Applause.)  And the great mayor of Philadelphia, Mike Nutter.  (Applause.)

It's a little hot, I think.  (Applause.)  And to Arcadia University -- (applause) -- thank you, thank you guys for hosting us.  (Applause.)

I was asking about that castle on the way in, by the way.  (Applause.)  That's a -- I thought the White House was pretty nice, but that castle, that's -- (laughter.)

Well, it is great to be back here in the Keystone State.  It's even better to be out of Washington, D.C.  (Laughter.)  First of all, the people of D.C. are wonderful.  They're nice people, they're good people; love the city, the monuments, everything.  But when you’re in Washington, folks respond to every issue, every decision, every debate, no matter how important it is, with the same question:  What does this mean for the next election?  (Laughter.)  What does it mean for your poll numbers?  Is this good for the Democrats or good for the Republicans?  Who won the news cycle?

That’s just how Washington is.  They can’t help it.  They’re obsessed with the sport of politics.  And so that’s the environment in which elected officials are operating.  And you’ve seen all the pundits pontificating and talking over each other on the cable shows, and they’re yelling and shouting.  They can’t help themselves.  That’s what they do.

But out here, and all across America, folks are worried about bigger things.  They’re worried about how to make payroll. They’re worried about how to make ends meet.  They’re worried about what the future will hold for their families and for our country.  They’re not worrying about the next election.  We just had an election.  (Applause.)  They’re worried about the next paycheck, or the next tuition payment that’s due.  (Applause.) They’re thinking about retirement.

You want people in Washington to spend a little less time worrying about our jobs, a little more time worrying about your jobs.  (Applause.)

Despite all the challenges we face -- two wars, the aftermath of a terrible recession -- I want to tell everybody here today I am absolutely confident that America will prevail; that we will shape our destiny as past generations have done.  (Applause.)  That’s who we are.  We don’t give up.  We don’t quit.  Sometimes we take our lumps, but we just keep on going.  That’s who we are.  But that only happens when we’re meeting our challenges squarely and honestly.  And I have to tell you, that’s why we are fighting so hard to deal with the health care crisis in this country; health care costs that are growing every single day.

I want to spend some time talking about this.  The price of health care is one of the most punishing costs for families and for businesses and for our government.  (Applause.)  It’s forcing people to cut back or go without health insurance.  It forces small businesses to choose between hiring or health care.  It’s plunging the federal government deeper and deeper and deeper into debt.

The young people who are here, you’ve heard stories -- some of you guys still have health care while you’re in school, some of you may still be on your parents’ plans, but some of the highest uninsurance rates are among young people.  And it’s getting harder and harder to find a job that’s going to provide you with health care.  And a lot of you right now feel like you’re invincible so you don’t worry about it.  (Laughter.)  But let me tell you, when you hit 48 -- (laughter) -- you start realizing, things start breaking down a little bit.  (Laughter.)

And the insurance companies continue to ration health care based on who’s sick and who’s healthy; on who can pay and who can’t pay.  That’s the status quo in America, and it is a status quo that is unsustainable for this country.  We can’t have a system that works better for the insurance companies than it does for the American people.  (Applause.)  We need to give families and businesses more control over their own health insurance. And that’s why we need to pass health care reform -- not next year, not five years from now, not 10 years from now, but now.  (Applause.)

Now, since we took this issue on a year ago, there have been plenty of folks in Washington who’ve said that the politics is just too hard.  They’ve warned us we may not win.  They’ve argued now is not the time for reform.  It’s going to hurt your poll numbers.  How is it going to affect Democrats in November?  Don’t do it now.

My question to them is:  When is the right time?  (Applause.)  If not now, when?  If not us, who?

Think about it.  We've been talking about health care for nearly a century.  I’m reading a biography of Teddy Roosevelt right now.  He was talking about it.  Teddy Roosevelt.  We have failed to meet this challenge during periods of prosperity and also during periods of decline.  Some people say, well, don't do it right now because the economy is weak.  When the economy was strong, we didn’t do it.  We’ve talked about it during Democratic administrations and Republican administrations.  I got all my Republican colleagues out there saying, well, no, no, no, we want to focus on things like cost.  You had 10 years.  What happened? What were you doing?  (Applause.)

Every year, the problem gets worse.  Every year, insurance companies deny more people coverage because they’ve got preexisting conditions.  Every year, they drop more people’s coverage when they get sick right when they need it most.  Every year, they raise premiums higher and higher and higher.

Just last month, Anthem Blue Cross in California tried to jack up rates by nearly 40 percent -- 40 percent.  Anybody’s paycheck gone up 40 percent?

AUDIENCE:  Nooo --

THE PRESIDENT:  I mean, why is it that we think this is normal?  In my home state of Illinois, rates are going up by as much as 60 percent.  You just heard Leslie, who was hit with more than a hundred percent increase -- 100 percent.  One letter from her insurance company and her premiums doubled.  Just like that. And because so many of these markets are so concentrated, it’s not like you can go shopping.  You’re stuck.  So you’ve got a choice:  Either no health insurance, in which case you’re taking a chance if somebody in your family gets sick that you will go bankrupt and lose your home and lose everything you’ve had -- or you keep on ponying up money that you can’t afford.

See, these insurance companies have made a calculation.  Listen to this.  The other day, there was a conference call that was organized by Goldman Sachs.  You know Goldman Sachs.  You’ve been hearing about them, right?  (Laughter.)  So they organized a conference call in which an insurance broker was telling Wall Street investors how he expected things to be playing out over the next several years, and this broker said that insurance companies know they will lose customers if they keep on raising premiums, but because there’s so little competition in the insurance industry, they’re okay with people being priced out of the insurance market because, first of all, a lot of folks are going to be stuck, and even if some people drop out, they’ll still make more money by raising premiums on customers that they keep.

And they will keep on doing this for as long as they can get away with it.  This is no secret.  They’re telling their investors this:  We are in the money; we are going to keep on making big profits even though a lot of folks are going to be put under hardship.

So how much higher do premiums have to rise until we do something about it?  How many more Americans have to lose their health insurance?  How many more businesses have to drop coverage?  All those young people out here, after you graduate you’re going to be looking for a job.  Think about the environment that’s going to be out there when a whole bunch of potential employers just tell you, you know what, we just can’t afford it.  Or, you know what, we’re going to have to take thousands of dollars out of your paycheck because the insurance company just jacked up our rates.

How many years -- how many more years can the federal budget handle the crushing costs of Medicare and Medicaid?  That’s the debt you’re going to have to pay, young people.  When is the right time for health insurance reform?

AUDIENCE:  Now!

THE PRESIDENT:  Is it a year from now or two years from now or five years from now or 10 years from now?

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  I think it’s right now.  And that’s why you’re here today.  (Applause.)

Leslie is a single mom -- just like my mom was a single mom -- trying to put her daughter through college.  She knows that the time for reform is now. 

Natoma Canfield -- self-employed cancer survivor from Ohio  -- she wrote us a letter.  Last year her insurance company charged her over $6,000 in premiums; paid about $900 worth of care.  Now they’ve decided to jack up her rates 40 percent next year.  So she’s had to drop her insurance, even though it may cost her the house that her parents built.  Natoma knows it’s time for reform.

Laura Klitzka -- this is a friend of mine, somebody I met when I was campaigning in Wisconsin -- Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She’s a young mother; she’s got two kids.  She thought she had beaten her breast cancer but later discovered it had spread to her bones.  She and her husband had insurance, but their medical bills still landed them with tens of thousands of dollars worth of debt.  And now she spends her time worrying about that debt when all she wants to do is spend time with her children.  I just talked to Laura this past weekend, and let me tell you, she knows that the time for reform is right now.

So what should I tell these Americans?  That Washington is not sure how it will play in November?  That we should walk away from this fight, or do something -- do something like some on the other side of the aisle have suggested, well, we’ll do it incrementally; we’ll take baby steps; we’ll do --

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  So they want me to pretend to do something that doesn’t really help these folks.

We have debated health care in Washington for more than a year.  Every proposal has been put on the table.  Every argument has been made.  I know a lot of people view this as a partisan issue, but both parties have found areas where we agree.  What we’ve ended up with is a proposal that’s somewhere in the middle -- one that incorporates the best from Democrats and Republicans, best ideas.

Think about it along the spectrum of how we could approach health care.  On one side of the spectrum there were those at the beginning of this process who wanted to scrap our system of private insurance and replace it with a government-run health care system, like they have in some other countries.  (Applause.) Look, it works in places like Canada, but I didn’t think it was going to be practical or realistic to do it here.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who believe that the answer is just to loosen regulations on insurance companies.  This is what we heard at the health care summit.  They said, well, you know what, if we had fewer regulations on the insurance companies --

AUDIENCE:  Boo!

THE PRESIDENT:  -- whether it’s consumer protections or basic standards on what kind of insurance they sell, somehow market forces will make things better.  Well, we’ve tried that.  I’m concerned that would only give insurance companies more leeway to raise premiums and deny care.  (Applause.)

So the bottom line is I don’t believe we should give government or insurance companies more control over health care in America.  I believe it’s time to give you, the American people, more control over your own health insurance.  (Applause.)

And that’s why my proposal builds on the current system where most Americans get their health insurance from their employer.  If you like your plan, you can keep your plan.  If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.  But I can tell you, as the father of two young girls, I don’t want a plan that interferes with the relationship between a family and their doctor.  So we’re going to preserve that.

Essentially, my proposal would change three things about the current health care system.  Listen up.  First, it would end the worst practices of insurance companies.  Within the first year of signing health care reform, thousands of uninsured Americans with preexisting conditions would suddenly be able to purchase health insurance for the very first time in their lives, or the first time in a long time.  (Applause.)

This year, insurance companies will be banned forever from denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions.  (Applause.)  This year, they will be banned from dropping your coverage when you get sick.  (Applause.)  And they will no longer be able to arbitrarily and massively hike your premiums -- just like they did to Leslie or Natoma or millions of others Americans.  Those practices will end.  (Applause.)

If this reform becomes law, all new insurance plans will be required to offer free preventive care to their customers starting this year -- free check-ups so that we can catch preventable illnesses on the front end.  (Applause.)  Starting this year, there will be no more lifetime or restrictive annual limits on the amount of care that you can receive from your insurance companies.  There’s a lot of fine print in there that can end up costing people hundreds of thousands of dollars because they hit a limit.

If you’re a young adult, which many of you are, you’ll be able to stay on your parents’ insurance policy until you’re 26 years old.  (Applause.)  And there will be a new, independent appeals process for anybody who feels they were unfairly denied a claim by their insurance company.  So you'll have recourse if you're being taken advantage of.  (Applause.)  So that’s the first thing that would change and it would change fast –- insurance companies would finally be held accountable to the American people.  That's number one.

Number two, second thing that would change about the current system is this:  For the first time in their lives -- or oftentimes, in a very long time -- uninsured individuals and small business owners will have the same kind of choice of private health insurance that members of Congress get for themselves.  (Applause.)  If it’s good enough for Congress, it should be good enough for the people paying Congress its salary  -- that's you.  (Applause.)

Now, the idea is very simple here, and it's one -- (audience interruption) -- I'm sorry, go ahead.  (Applause.)  Let me explain how this would work, because it's an idea that a lot of Republicans have embraced in the past.  What my proposal says is that if you aren’t part of a big group, if you don't work for a big company, you can be part of a pool which gives you bargaining power over insurance companies.  It's very straightforward.  Suddenly, just like the federal employees -- there are millions of them so they can drive a harder bargain with insurance companies -- you, as an individual or a small business owner, could be part of this pool, which would give you more negotiating power with the insurance companies for lower rates and a better deal.  (Applause.)  Right?

Now, if you still can’t afford the insurance that's offered -- even though it's a better deal than you can get on your own, but you still just can't get it, then what we're going to do is give you a tax credit to do so.  And these tax credits add up to the largest middle-class tax cut for health care in history.  (Applause.)  Because the wealthiest among us, they can already afford to buy the best insurance there is; the least well off are already covered through Medicaid.  It’s the middle class that gets squeezed.  That's who we need to help with these tax credits.  (Applause.)  That’s what we intend to do.  (Applause.)

Now, I want to be honest.  Let’s be clear.  This will cost some money.  It’s going to cost about $100 billion per year.  Most of this comes from the nearly $2.5 trillion a year that America already spends on health care.  It’s just that right now a lot of that money is being wasted or it’s being spent badly.  So with this plan, we’re going to make sure that the dollars we spend go to making insurance more affordable and more secure.

So I'll give you an example.  We’re going to eliminate wasteful taxpayer subsidies that currently go to insurance and pharmaceutical companies.  (Applause.)  They are getting billions of dollars a year from the government, from taxpayers, when they’re making a big profit.  I'd rather see that money going to people who need it.  (Applause.)

We’ll set a new fee on insurance companies that stand to gain as millions of Americans are able to buy insurance.  They’re going to have 30 million new customers; there’s nothing wrong with them paying a little bit of the freight.  And we’ll make sure that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share of Medicare, just like everybody else does.  (Applause.)

So the bottom line is this:  Our proposal is paid for.  All the new money generated in this plan goes back to small business owners and individuals in the middle class who right now are having trouble getting insurance.  It would lower prescription drug prices for seniors.  (Applause.)  It would help train new doctors and nurses to provide care for American families and physicians assistants and therapists.  I know there are -- got great programs here at Arcadia.  (Applause.)  I was hearing about the terrific programs you have at Arcadia in the health care field.  Well, you know what, we’re going to need more health care professionals of the sorts that are being trained here, and we want to help you get that training.  And that’s in this bill.  (Applause.)

So I’ve mentioned two things now:  insurance reform and making sure the people who don't have health insurance are able to get it.

Finally, my proposal would bring down the cost of health care for millions -– families, businesses, and the federal government.  (Applause.)  As I said, you keep on hearing from critics and some of the Republicans on these Sunday shows say, well, we want to do more about cost.  We have now incorporated almost every single serious idea from across the political spectrum about how to contain the rising cost of health care –- ideas that go after waste and abuse in our system, including in programs like Medicare.  But we do this while protecting Medicare benefits, and we extend the financial stability of the program by nearly a decade.

Our cost-cutting measures mirror most of the proposals in the current Senate bill, which reduces most people’s premiums and brings down our deficit by up to $1 trillion over the next decade because we’re spending our health care dollars more wisely.  (Applause.)  Those aren’t my numbers.  Those aren’t my numbers --they are the savings determined by the Congressional Budget Office, which is the nonpartisan, independent referee of Congress for what things cost.

So that’s our proposal:  insurance reform; making sure that you can have choices in the marketplace for health insurance, and making it affordable for people; and reducing costs.  (Applause.)

Now, think about it.  I think -- how many people would like a proposal that holds insurance companies more accountable?  (Applause.)  How many people would like to give Americans the same insurance choices that members of Congress get?  (Applause.) And how many would like a proposal that brings down costs for everyone?  (Applause.)  That’s our proposal.  And it is paid for, and it’s a proposal whose time has come.  (Applause.)

The United States Congress owes the American people a final, up or down vote on health care.  (Applause.)  It’s time to make a decision.  The time for talk is over.  We need to see where people stand.  And we need all of you to help us win that vote.  So I need you to knock on doors.  Talk to your neighbors.  Pick up the phone.  When you hear an argument by the water cooler and somebody is saying this or that about it, say, no, no, no, no, hold on a second.  And we need you to make your voices heard all the way in Washington, D.C.  (Applause.)

They need to hear your voices because right now the Washington echo chamber is in full throttle.  It is as deafening as it’s ever been.  And as we come to that final vote, that echo chamber is telling members of Congress, wait, think about the politics -- instead of thinking about doing the right thing.

That’s what Mitch McConnell said this weekend.  His main argument was, well, this is going to be really bad for Democrats politically.  Now, first of all, I generally wouldn’t take advice about what’s good for Democrats.  (Laughter.)  But setting aside that, that’s not the issue here.  The issue here is not the politics of it.

But that’s what people -- that’s what members of Congress are hearing right now on the cable shows and in the -- sort of the gossip columns in Washington.  It’s telling Congress comprehensive reform has failed before -- remember what happened to Clinton -- it may just be too politically hard.

Yes, it’s hard.  It is hard.  That’s because health care is complicated.  Health care is a hard issue.  It’s easily misrepresented.  It’s easily misunderstood.  So it’s hard for some members of Congress to make this vote.  There’s no doubt about that.  But you know what else is hard?  What Leslie and her family are going through -- that’s hard.  (Applause.)  The possibility that Natoma Canfield might lose her house because she’s about to lose her health insurance -- that’s hard.  (Applause.)  Laura Klitzka in Green Bay having to worry about her cancer and her debt at the same time, trying to explain that to her kids -- that’s hard.  (Applause.)  What’s hard is what millions of families and small businesses are going through because we allow the insurance industry to run wild in this country.  (Applause.)

So let me remind everybody:  Those of us in public office were not sent to Washington to do what’s easy.  We weren’t sent there because of the big fancy title.  We weren’t sent there to  -- because of a big fancy office.  We weren’t sent there just so everybody can say how wonderful we are.  We were sent there to do what was hard.  (Applause.)  We were sent there to take on the tough issues.  We were sent there to solve the big challenges.  And that’s why we’re there.  (Applause.)

And at this moment -- at this moment, we are being called upon to fulfill our duty to the citizens of this nation and to future generations.  (Applause.)

So I’ll be honest with you.  I don’t know how passing health care will play politically, but I do know that it’s the right thing to do.  (Applause.)  It’s right for our families.  It’s right for our businesses.  It’s right for the United States of America.  And if you share that belief, I want you to stand with me and fight with me.  (Applause.)  And I ask you to help us get us over the finish line these next few weeks.  (Applause.)  The need is great.  The opportunity is here.  Let’s seize reform.  It’s within our grasp.  (Applause.)

Thank you very much, everybody.  God bless.  (Applause.)

END
12:00 P.M. EST

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Major General Robert A. Harding, U.S. Army (Retired), as Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

President Obama said, “I am confident that Bob’s talent and expertise will make him a tremendous asset in our ongoing efforts to bolster security and screening measures at our airports. I can think of no one more qualified than Bob to take on this important job, and I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:

Robert A. Harding, Nominee for Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration)
Major General (Retired) Robert A. Harding has spent over 35 years working in the Intelligence Community, as a leader in both the military and the private sectors.  General Harding served as CEO of Harding Security Associates (HSA), a company he founded in 2003 and sold in July 2009.  HSA’s workforce, of more than 400 professionals, provide subject matter expertise and strategic security solutions to U.S. government agencies in the Intelligence and Defense communities.

Before entering the private sector, General Harding completed 33 years in the US Army, where he served in progressively challenging command and staff assignments.  He retired as the Army’s Deputy G2 (Intelligence) in 2001.  From 1996-2000, he was the Director for Operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).  There, he was the Department of Defense’s senior Human Intelligence (HUMINT) officer, managed over $1 billion in intelligence collection program requirements and supervised and provided security to the Department of Defense’s Defense Attaches in more than 200 embassies/offices around the world.  From 1995-1996, General Harding served as the Director for Intelligence for the Army’s U.S. Southern Command where he planned and executed operations designed to increase regional cooperation and exchanges in Latin America.  He also coordinated efforts between the DIA, DEA, FBI, CIA, and Customs on sensitive interagency counter-drug operations.  From 1969-1995, General Harding served in a variety of other command and staff positions around the world.  He commanded a HUMINT and Counterintelligence Battalion in Korea, and the Army’s premier Counterintelligence Group, the 902d, at Fort Meade.  His staff assignments included intelligence positions in U.S. Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Army Europe, U.S. Army PERSCOM, and the Army Staff.

Major General Harding currently serves on the board of directors of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO).  He has served on the National Counterintelligence Review Group, on DNI’s Diversity Senior Advisory Panel, and as a member of the Obama Administrations Presidential Transition Team, where he focused on the Intelligence community.

Major General Harding’s civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bowie State University, a Master of Science in Business from Salve Regina University, and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategy from the U.S. Naval War College.  His military education includes the Armed Forces Staff College and the U.S. Naval War College.  General Harding was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters.

Aboard Air Force One
En Route Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

10:25 A.M. EST

MR. BURTON:  Thank you all for coming.  I know you were up late watching the Oscars.  A couple of facts about the event when we hit the ground -- everybody up rolling?  A couple details about the event:  1,800 folks will be in attendance.  The event was free and open to the public, but tickets were required.  They were mostly handed out by the school, and then also a small number to local groups and officials.

The President will be introduced by a woman named Leslie Banks, who wrote the President recently about issues that she's been having with health care, specifically rate increases.  And then after the event, we will head back to Washington, D.C.  And with that --

Q    Will he take questions at the event?

MR. BURTON:  No, he won't take questions.  We're just going to get back on the plane and come back to Washington.

Q    Can you talk about what he hopes to accomplish in these trips that he's taking today and on Wednesday?  There's so little time before he goes on his trip overseas and he wants to get a bill by then.  What does he hope to accomplish in this short time?

MR. BURTON:  Well, the President is trying to make the stakes of this issue very clear to the American people.  In Washington, the event -- the issues are all about who's up, who's down, what impact is this going to have on the elections, what is it going to do to help people politically or not.  But out in the country, like in Philadelphia, as you'll hear today, people are being punished by these rising health care costs.  It's hurting businesses; it's hurting our government.

So the President is going to talk about the urgency of getting something done right now and hopefully get across what a lot of us have known for a long time, which is that health insurance companies have made the decision that even with rising health care costs and pricing people out of health care, they can still make more money by increasing their rates than they can by keeping people on the rolls.

So it's an unfortunate situation and brings real urgency to the situation with this.

Q    Bill, is there any strategic significance or political significance to choosing Pennsylvania or Missouri?  In other words, is he going to specific congressional House districts to make a point or encourage grassroots support for the bill?

MR. BURTON:  I wouldn't say that this is about any specific targeting in that sense.  I mean, if you look at where we're going, it doesn't really have an impact on a particular member.  But Philadelphia is a place where they are seeing these rising costs really crush their -- crush families and businesses and local government.  So that's really why the President is going to Pennsylvania and Missouri.

Q    Just to follow, can you talk to us a bit about the President's meeting later today in the Oval Office with Senator Schumer and Graham on immigration?

MR. BURTON:  It's as simple as getting an update from them on efforts to create bipartisan immigration legislation.

Q    In their meeting tomorrow, what will Obama tell the Greek Prime Minister the U.S. can do to help, and how concerned is the U.S. about the spreading, about problems in Greece spreading to other countries?

MR. BURTON:  Let me get back to you on that.  I don't want to get ahead of what the President is going to say to the Prime Minister.

Q    Okay.  And any update on Federal Reserve appointees to the board?

MR. BURTON:  No new update.  As we've said, the goal is to make sure that there is an appointment before June and we're confident that we're going to be able to meet that deadline.  But no decisions have been made.

Q    Any idea of when an announcement will be made?

MR. BURTON:  Before June.

Q    On Pakistan, what has the President been updated on in terms of this American that's been detained there?

MR. BURTON:  Well, we haven't confirmed any detainments, and I would refer you to the Pakistani government for information about individuals that they've detained.

Q    Has he been getting updates, though, on these reports that it could have been Gadahn and now they've backed off that?

MR. BURTON:  I assure you that the President gets regular updates about what intelligence there is about people who are detained and what's happening in the fight against extremists all over the world.

Q    And then back to health care quickly.  Is this tour going to continue next week?  Should we expect more stops around the country on health care?

MR. BURTON:  Stay tuned.

Q    Just a follow-up on the Fed.  The goal is to get a nominee before Kohn leaves.  Is that --

MR. BURTON:  Yes.

Q    Okay.  And then on health care, he's been talking a lot about the premiums.  Is that the main focus now, is how it affects people and their premiums?  Or is he going to move to a different topic on Wednesday, a different aspect of this?

MR. BURTON:  You'll see the President talk about a lot of the different aspects of this issue.  It's a problem for Americans for a variety of issues -- from the rising cost of premiums, to the fact that people are getting priced out of health care, to the insurance reforms that are so desperately needed because people with preexisting conditions can't get health insurance, people who get sick are getting kicked off their health insurance.  So you'll see the President talk about some of the different elements.

This Goldman report obviously brings a real illustration of the kinds of business decisions that are being made that are really hurting the American people.

Q    Can you say anything about this meeting tomorrow with the Greek Prime Minister?  I mean, why is he coming; what are they going to talk about -- just any background.

MR. BURTON:  We will have more on this later today.  You know, it is Greek Independence Day this week.  Obviously this is a key ally.  We share a lot of issues of mutual concern and we have a long history with the Greek people, and obviously there's a lot to talk about.

Q    Is there concern that the economy, I mean, particularly in Greece?  That's got to be the major --

MR. BURTON:  Well, I mean, of course, economic issues will be an important part of the discussion, but I'm not going to get ahead of their conversation.

Q    Bill, really quick, does the White House thinks it's appropriate for the RNC to use images of the President as a Joker from Batman to raise money?

MR. BURTON:  Well, look, I understand that the individual who put this presentation together is under a lot of pressure to raise a lot of money.  I mean, he has raise half a million dollars just to make his own payroll.  So I think that you see things happening in the political season all the time.  But whether or not Michael Steele and the rest of Republican leadership thinks it's appropriate is a question for them.

I saw that Mitch McConnell distanced himself from it yesterday and I think we may have really found an issue where the President and Mitch McConnell agree.

Q    Do you think the RNC needs to come out a little -- more strongly in terms of what it -- whether they think it's appropriate?

MR. BURTON:  I mean, what Michael Steele decides to do with that individual and what the members of the RNC decide to do is really up to them.

Q    Thank you.

MR. BURTON:  Thanks.

END
10:31 A.M. EST

On Monday morning, the President will remarks on health insurance reform at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The President will be introduced by Leslie Banks of Philadelphia who recently wrote an e-mail expressing her frustration with the cost of health insurance (details below).

The President will be accompanied on Air Force One by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Senator Arlen Specter, Senator Bob Casey, Rep. Chaka Fattah, and Rep. Bob Andrews.

The President will be greeted on arrival by Governor Ed Rendell, Mayor Michael Nutter, Rep. Alyson Schwartz, and Rep. Bob Brady.

ELECTED OFFICALS EXPECTED TO ATTEND

U.S. Senator Bob Casey
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter
U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah
U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz
U.S. Representative Bob Brady
U.S. Representative Joe Sestak
U.S. Representative Rob Andrews
Mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter
Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario
House Majority Leader Todd Eachus
State Senator LeAnna Washington
State Senator Vincent Hughes
State Representative Lawrence Curry
State Representative Josh Shapiro
State Representative Dwight Evans
Vice-Chair Montgomery County Commissioners Joseph Hoeffel
Abington Commissioner Steven Kline

STAGE PARTICIPANTS

Gregory Turner will deliver the Invocation.
Gregory Turner is a member of the 2010 Physical Therapy Class. He received the Jill Sisenwine Berger Physical Therapy Award because he exemplifies the core values of the physical therapy profession. 

Dr. Jan Tecklin will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Jan Tecklin is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy known internationally for his expertise in Cystic Fibrosis. He received the Arcadia University Professor of the Year Award in 2005.

Donte Turner, Sarah Thermora, Cherelle Bullock and Tanesha Waid will sing the National Anthem.
Donte Turner is a 21-year-old former foster youth born and raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is currently a senior at Arcadia University with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Music. He loves to sing and is the director of Arcadia's own Nation of Zion gospel choir.

Sarah Thermora is a sophomore from Queens Village, NY.  She is majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Music.

Cherelle Bullock is a junior from Philadelphia, PA. She is studying Sociology and has a great passion for people. Her ultimate goal is to open a facility for battered women in the inner city.

Tanesha Waid is a first-year student from Harrisburg, Pa. She is an English major with a concentration in secondary education. After graduation, she hopes to teach in an urban environment and hopefully be a part of Teach for America.

Leslie Banks will Introduce the President.
On February 11th, Leslie wrote the President an e-mail expressing her frustration with the cost of health insurance. Leslie is a self-employed, single mother with type 2 diabetes, whose daughter is a sophomore in college at Temple University.  In January 2010, Leslie received a notice from her health insurance provider that her plan was being dropped. To keep the same benefits, the premiums for her and her daughter would more than double.  Leslie was told by the insurance company that there was an across the board premium hike and there was nothing she could do.  If she paid the same monthly premium amount as before, the deductible would increase from $500 to $5,000, and they would no longer have preventive care or prescription coverage.  Leslie is not eligible for the insurance company’s HMO due to her pre-existing condition.  Under health reform, Leslie and her daughter will have to access to affordable health insurance in the new health insurance exchange, including guaranteed benefits such as preventive care and prescription drugs as well as important consumer protections.  In addition, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and they will be held accountable to prevent insurance industry abuses.

3:09 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Today, the people of Iraq went to the polls to choose their leaders in Iraq’s second national election.  By any measure, this was an important milestone in Iraqi history.  Dozens of parties and coalitions fielded thousands of parliamentary candidates, men and women.  Ballots were cast at some 50,000 voting booths.  And in a strong turnout, millions of Iraqis exercised their right to vote, with enthusiasm and optimism.     

Today’s voting makes it clear that the future of Iraq belongs to the people of Iraq.  The election was organized and administered by Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission, with critical support from the United Nations.  Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis served as poll station workers and as observers.

As expected, there were some incidents of violence, as al Qaeda in Iraq and other extremists tried to disrupt Iraq’s progress by murdering innocent Iraqis who were exercising their democratic rights.  But overall, the level of security and the prevention of destabilizing attacks speaks to the growing capability and professionalism of Iraqi Security Forces, which took the lead in providing protection at the polls. 

I also want to express my admiration for the thousands of Americans on the ground in Iraq -- for our civilians and our men and women in uniform who continue to support our Iraqi partners. This election is also a tribute to all who have served and sacrificed in Iraq over the last seven years, including many who have given their lives. 

We are mindful, however, that today’s voting is the beginning and not the end of a long electoral and constitutional process.  The ballots must be counted.  Complaints must be heard, and Iraq -- with the support of the United Nations -- has a process in place to investigate and adjudicate any allegations of fraud.  A parliament must be seated, leaders must be chosen, and a new government must be formed.  All of these important steps will take time -- not weeks, but months. 

In this process, the United States does not support particular candidates or coalitions.  We support the right of the Iraqi people to choose their own leaders.  And I commend the Iraqi government for putting plans into place to ensure security and basic services for the Iraqi people during this time of transition. 

We know that there will be very difficult days ahead in Iraq -- there will probably be more violence.  But like any sovereign, independent nation, Iraq must be free to chart its own course.  No one should seek to influence, exploit, or disrupt this period of transition.  Now is the time for every neighbor and nation to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.    

A new Iraqi government will face important decisions about Iraq’s future.  But as today’s voting demonstrates, the Iraq people want disagreements to be debated and decided through a political process that provides security and prosperity for all Iraqis.  

And as they go forward, the Iraqi people must know that the United States will fulfill its obligations.  We will continue with the responsible removal of United States forces from Iraq. Indeed, for the first time in years, there are no -- now fewer than 100,000 American troops serving in Iraq.   By the end of August, our combat mission will end.  As I said last year when I announced our new strategy in Iraq, we will continue to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces, carry out targeted counterterrorism operations with our Iraqi partners, and protect our forces and civilians.  And by the end of next year, all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq.

In the weeks and months ahead, the United States will continue to work closely with the Iraqi people as we expand our broad-based partnership based on mutual interest and mutual respect.  And in that effort, I’m pleased that Vice President Biden will continue to play a leading role.

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the Iraqi people on their courage throughout this historic election.  Today, in the face of violence from those who would only destroy, Iraqis took a step forward in the hard work of building up their country.  The United States will continue to help them in that effort as we responsibly end this war, and support the Iraqi people as they take control of their future.

Thanks very much.

END
3:14 P.M. EST

Felicito al pueblo de Iraq por emitir sus votos en estas importantes elecciones parlamentarias. Tengo un gran respeto por los millones de iraquíes que se rehusaron a desistir debido a los actos de violencia y que ejercieron su derecho al voto hoy. Su participación demuestra que el pueblo iraquí ha optado por forjar su futuro por medio del proceso político.

Felicito al gobierno y a las Fuerzas de Seguridad de Irak por proporcionar seguridad en casi 50,000 casetas de votación en más de 8,000 recintos electorales en todo Irak. Sentimos mucho la trágica pérdida de vidas hoy y respetamos la valentía y resistencia del pueblo iraquí, que una vez más desafió las amenazas para promover la democracia. Cientos de miles de trabajadores electorales iraquíes contribuyeron al esfuerzo, como también observadores de partidos nacionales y de la sociedad civil. Ciudadanos iraquíes en todo el mundo también participaron en estas elecciones, entre ellos iraquíes que viven en Estados Unidos, quienes votaron en Arlington (VA), Chicago, Dallas, Dearborn, Nashville, Phoenix, San Diego y San Francisco.

La importante labor de la Alta Comisión Electoral Independiente de Irak continuará en los próximos días, cuando contará las boletas, tabulará los resultados e investigará reclamos. También aplaudimos la valiosa ayuda prestada por la Misión de Asistencia de las Naciones Unidas para Irak.
 

On this day, 45 years ago, hundreds of brave men and women gathered in the small town of Selma, Alabama to announce to the world that they, too, sang America. As they marched from Selma to Montgomery, fully aware of the danger that lay ahead, these heroes let their feet speak in a way that their voices alone could not.

Today, as we gather in this hallowed place on the anniversary of what would come to be known as “Bloody Sunday,” let us honor the memory of all those who were shoved and beaten within an inch of their lives because they believed in the simple truth that every American – regardless of race – had the right to cast a vote; had the right to live free; had the right to reach for their dreams.

It would take the marchers three tries to make it to Montgomery in March of 1965 – and even longer to secure the rights they fought so hard for. Along the way, leaders were born – men like John Lewis, who endured taunts and beatings with the same quiet grace and dignity and determination that so many of us admire today. For Congressman Lewis and so many like him, no sacrifice was too great to make in freedom’s cause.

The Movement also had a partner in the White House – a President who declared “we shall overcome,” and who understood that our nation could not move forward as long as any of its citizens were held back. President Johnson helped deliver on that promise by signing the Voting Rights Act in August of that year – a law that aligned this nation more closely with its founding ideals of justice and equality for all.

Today, we stand on the shoulders of all the Moses Generation that made the Voting Rights Act possible, that made the Civil Rights Act possible, that made the civil rights movement possible. Yet with all of the progress that has been made since that terrible day in Selma, we also know that there is still much work to be done, by us – the Joshua generation.

Since taking office, I have never forgotten that responsibility. That’s why the first bill I signed as President helped ensure that never again will someone be forced to do the same work for less pay simply because of their gender. That’s why we continue to give the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Holder, the tools to protect voting rights and defend fair practices across our nation. And that’s why last month, we sought final resolution with the nation’s black farmers who had suffered indignation for years because of the misguided actions of their government.

But we must also remember that the mission at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement was never simply about obtaining the right to sit at a lunch counter or ride on a bus. It was about giving Americans of every race, faith, and station, the right to fulfill their God-given potential. That’s why we are making unprecedented investments in the education of our children; in guaranteeing quality, affordable health care for every American; and in working to create good, well-paying jobs that will help build the economy of the 21st century.

So let us honor the men and women who marched into history so many years ago – both those who are with us today, and those who long ago gave their lives to perfect our union. Let us remember their courage in the face of danger, and recommit ourselves to the journey ahead. Because I am confident that if we stand together in the Joshua Generation as the Moses Generation did before us – then, in the words of a song we know so well, we will face the rising sun of a new day begun. Thank you.

I congratulate the people of Iraq for casting their ballots in this important parliamentary election. I have great respect for the millions of Iraqis who refused to be deterred by acts of violence, and who exercised their right to vote today. Their participation demonstrates that the Iraqi people have chosen to shape their future through the political process.

I commend the Iraqi government and Iraqi Security Forces for providing security at nearly 50,000 voting booths at more than 8,000 polling stations across Iraq. We mourn the tragic loss of life today, and honor the courage and resilience of the Iraqi people who once again defied threats to advance their democracy.  Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi poll workers contributed to the effort, as well as domestic party and civil society observers. Iraqi citizens around the world also participated in these elections, including Iraqis living in the U.S. who voted in Arlington (VA), Chicago, Dallas, Dearborn, Nashville, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco.

The important work of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) will continue in the days to come as it counts ballots, tabulates results and investigates complaints. We also salute the invaluable assistance provided by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

WASHINGTON – On April 15, President Barack Obama will visit Florida to host a White House Conference on the Administration’s new vision for America’s future in space, the White House today announced.

The President, along with top officials and other space leaders, will discuss the new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight.  Specifically, the conference will focus on the goals and strategies in this new vision, the next steps, and the new technologies, new jobs, and new industries it will create.   Conference topics will include the implications of the new strategy for Florida, the nation, and our ultimate activities in space.

Further logistical details will be announced as they become available.

After an independent review panel found that the previous program to return astronauts to the Moon was fundamentally un-executable, the President included an additional $6 billion for NASA in his FY2011 budget over the next five years. This funding will help us achieve our boldest aspirations in space.   The President’s ambitious new strategy pushes the frontiers of innovation to set NASA on a more dynamic, flexible, and sustainable trajectory that can propel us on a new journey of innovation and discovery.

The President and the NASA Administrator both believe that we have to be forward thinking and aggressive in our pursuit of new technologies to take us beyond low-Earth orbit.  The President’s plan does this.

A foundational element of this new strategy is to invest in the development of a targeted set of inter-related technologies and capabilities that can help us travel from the Earth’s cradle to our nearby Solar System neighborhood in a more effective and affordable way, thus laying the foundation to support journeys to the Moon, asteroids, and eventually to Mars.     

After years of underinvestment in new technology and unrealistic budgeting, the President’s plan will unveil an ambitious plan for NASA that sets the agency on a reinvigorated path of space exploration.

WASHINGTON – En su mensaje semanal, el Presidente Barack Obama dijo que el Congreso le debe al país un simple voto por sí o por no sobre la reforma de salud, y explicó cómo las familias estadounidenses tendrán más control sobre su cuidado de salud este año luego de que se apruebe la reforma. La propuesta que el Presidente ha presentado incluye créditos tributarios para que pequeñas empresas puedan comprar cobertura, le hará posible a personas con condiciones preexistentes comprar cobertura, y entre otras reformas, prohibirá que las compañías aseguradoras impongan límites arbitarios anuales o de por vida sobre la cobertura que recibe la gente.

El audio y el video están disponibles por Internet en www.whitehouse.gov.

Declaraciones del Presidente Barack Obama
Mensaje semanal
Washington, DC
Sábado, 6 de marzo, 2010

Esta semana, le pedí al Congreso que programe un voto final sobre una reforma que le de a las familias y a las empresas más control sobre su cuidado de salud al hacer que las aseguradoras tengan que rendir cuentas por sus actos. Esto se da tras casi un año de debate, como también una cumbre de siete horas con demócratas y republicanos en la que tuvimos una conversación pública e importante sobre el cuidado de salud. Desde entonces, he dicho que estoy dispuesto a incorporar algunas de las ideas que ofrecieron los republicanos, y también estamos eliminando los tratos especiales que no tenían cabida en una reforma del cuidado de salud

Ahora, a pesar de todos los logros y mejoras que hemos alcanzado, los republicanos en el Congreso insisten en que el único curso aceptable de acción respecto al cuidado de salud es comenzar de cero. Pero, ¿saben qué? Las aseguradoras no están comenzando de cero. Acabo de reunirme con algunas de ellas el jueves, y no me pudieron dar una respuesta directa de por qué continúan aumentando tanto las primas de manera arbitraria: incrementos superiores a 60% en estados como Illinois. Si no actuamos ahora, continuarán haciéndolo. Continuarán cancelando el seguro de las personas cuando lo necesitan. Seguirán negando cobertura por enfermedades preexistentes. Estas prácticas continuarán.

Por eso debemos actuar ahora. Por eso el Congreso de Estados Unidos le debe a su pueblo un voto afirmativo o negativo sobre la reforma del seguro médico.

La propuesta que hemos presentado acabará con las peores prácticas del sector de seguros, reducirá los costos que pagan millones de estadounidenses y les dará a las pequeñas empresas y personas no aseguradas las mismas opciones de seguro médico privado que los miembros del Congreso obtienen para sí mismos. Y aunque la plena implementación de estas reformas tardará unos años, hay muchas medidas de protección y beneficios que comenzarán a entrar en vigor este año.

Este año, los dueños de pequeñas empresas recibirán créditos tributarios para comprar seguro médico.

Este año, miles de estadounidenses no asegurados y con enfermedades preexistentes finalmente podrán adquirir cobertura. Ya no se permitirá que las aseguradoras les nieguen cobertura a niños con enfermedades preexistentes. Ya no se permitirá que cuando ustedes se enfermen, les cancelen su cobertura. Este año, se requerirá que todos los nuevos planes de seguro ofrezcan atención preventiva gratuita a sus clientes, para que podamos comenzar a detectar enfermedades que se pueden prevenir desde un principio. Ya no podrán imponer límites de por vida o límites anuales que restringen la atención que reciben. Los adultos jóvenes podrán seguir siendo parte de la póliza de seguro de sus padres hasta que tengan 26 años.
 
Y habrá un nuevo proceso independiente de apelación para cualquier persona que piense que su aseguradora le negó injustamente un reclamo.

Finalmente, las personas mayores que caigan en la brecha de cobertura conocida como el agujero de dona recibirán $250 para ayudarlas a pagar sus medicamentos recetados. Lo que no cambiará al promulgar esta legislación es lo siguiente. Si a usted le gusta la póliza de seguro que tiene ahora, puede quedarse con ella. Si le gusta su doctor, puede seguir con el, por qué nada debe imponerse entre una familia y su doctor.

Si actuamos ahora, todo esto sucederá este año. Millones de vidas mejorarán. Se salvarán algunas. Muchas familias y dueños de pequeñas empresas tendrán seguro médico por primera vez en su vida. Médicos y pacientes tendrán más control de sus decisiones de cuidado de salud, y los burócratas de las aseguradoras tendrán menos. Este futuro está a nuestro alcance.

Pero también sabemos cuál será el futuro si no hacemos algo al respecto, si permitimos que se pierda esta oportunidad otro año, otra década u otra generación. Más estadounidenses perderán el seguro médico de su familia si cambian de empleo o lo pierden. Más pequeñas empresas se verán forzadas a escoger entre tener seguro médico o contratar empleados. Más aseguradoras aumentarán las primas y negarán cobertura. Y el costo cada vez más alto de Medicare y Medicaid hará que nuestro gobierno siga endeudándose más y más.

No acepto ese futuro para Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Sé que hasta ahora, el camino ha sido largo y difícil. Y aún no hemos concluido la travesía. Pero estamos cerca. Estamos muy cerca. Entonces, le pido al Congreso que concluya su labor. Le pido que les dé a los estadounidenses un simple voto por sí o por no. Y demostremos que aún es posible que Washington vele por los intereses y futuro de los ciudadanos. Gracias por escuchar.

WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama said that Congress owes the country an up-or-down vote on health reform and he described how more American families will have more control over their health care this year after health reform passes.  The proposal the President has put forward includes tax credits for small businesses to purchase coverage, making it possible for people with pre-existing conditions to purchase coverage, and stopping insurance companies from imposing lifetime caps or annual limits to the amount of care people receive, among other reforms.

The audio and video will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 am ET, Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
March 6, 2010

This week, I asked Congress to schedule a final vote on reform that will give families and businesses more control over their health care by holding insurance companies more accountable.  This comes after nearly a year of debate, as well as a seven hour summit with Democrats and Republicans where we had a public and substantive discussion on health care.  Since then, I’ve said that I’m willing to incorporate some ideas offered by Republicans, and we’re eliminating special provisions that had no place in health care reform.

Now, despite all the progress and improvements we’ve made, Republicans in Congress insist that the only acceptable course on health care is to start over.  But you know what?  The insurance companies aren’t starting over.  I just met with some of them on Thursday and they couldn’t give me a straight answer as to why they keep arbitrarily and massively raising premiums – by as much as 60% in states like Illinois.  If we do not act, they will continue to do this.  They will continue to drop people’s coverage when they need it.  They will continue to refuse coverage based on pre-existing conditions.  These practices will continue. 

That’s why we must act now.  That’s why the United States Congress owes the American people an up-or-down vote on health insurance reform. 

The proposal we’ve put forward would end the worst practices of the insurance industry, lower costs for millions of Americans, and give uninsured individuals and small businesses the same kind of choice of private health insurance that Members of Congress get for themselves.  And while it will take a few years to fully implement these reforms, there are numerous protections and benefits that would start to take effect this year. 

This year, small business owners will receive tax credits to purchase health insurance.

This year, thousands of uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions will finally be able to purchase coverage.  Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions.  And they will no longer be allowed to drop your coverage when you get sick. 
      
This year, all new insurance plans will be required to offer free preventive care to their customers – so that we can start catching preventable illnesses and diseases on the front end.  There will no longer be lifetime limits or restrictive annual limits on the amount of care you receive.  Young adults will be able to stay on their parents’ insurance policy until they’re 26 years old.  And there will be a new, independent appeals process for anyone who feels they were unfairly denied a claim by their insurance company. 

Finally, seniors who fall into the gap in coverage known as the donut hole will receive $250 to help them pay for their prescriptions.  

What won’t change when this bill is signed this:  if you like the insurance plan you have now, you can keep it.  If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.  Because nothing should get in the way of the relationship between a family and their doctor.  

If we act now, all of this will happen this year.  Millions of lives will improve.  Some will be saved.  Many families and small business owners will have health insurance for the very first time in their lives.  Doctors and patients will have more control over their health care decisions, and insurance company bureaucrats will have less.  This future is within our grasp.  

But we also know what the future will look like if we don’t act – if we let this opportunity pass for another year, or another decade, or another generation.   More Americans will lose their family’s health insurance if they switch jobs or lose their job.  More small businesses will be forced to choose between health care and hiring.  More insurance companies will raise premiums and deny coverage.  And the rising cost of Medicare and Medicaid will sink our government deeper and deeper into debt.

I don’t accept that future for the United States of America.  I know it has been a long and hard road to this point.  And we are not finished with our journey just yet.  But we are close.  We are very close.  And so I ask Congress to finish its work.  I ask them to give the American people an up or down vote.  And let’s show our citizens that it’s still possible for Washington to look out for their interests and their future.  Thanks for listening. 

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm during the period of January 28-30, 2010.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in the counties of Alfalfa, Caddo, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Delaware, Dewey, Ellis, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Haskell, Hughes, Jackson, Kiowa, LeFlore, McClain, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, Seminole, Stephens, and Washita.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

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

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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

A PROCLAMATION

Every day, American consumers decide how and where to spend their money. Their decisions have far-reaching effects for both their financial well-being and our Nation's economic stability. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) gives all Americans an opportunity to become better-informed consumers.

This year, NCPW focuses on the importance of being a
careful consumer at every stage of life, from grade school to retirement. To help our children grow into financially responsible adults and avoid frauds and scams, we must help them understand the marketplace. Parents and educators can play a role by teaching them about advertising and marketing, smart financial practices, and keeping personal information safe and secure.

My Administration is committed to protecting American consumers. Last month, major reforms went into effect with the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009. This landmark legislation reins in deceptive tactics that unfairly penalize responsible consumers with unreasonable costs. However, consumers must also learn to avoid predatory practices and manage their financial resources more effectively. That is why I established the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability, which is looking for new ways to help individuals make informed financial decisions.

Still, our Government must do more to stand up for consumers. From excessive bank account overdraft fees to abusive mortgage lending practices, our broken financial system produces profits at the expense of American families. I support the creation of an independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency to safeguard ordinary Americans as they navigate the financial marketplace.

Giving Americans of all ages the resources they need to make wise buying decisions is the responsibility of Federal, State, and local consumer protection agencies, private sector organizations, and consumer advocacy groups. This week, I encourage all Americans to visit Consumer.gov/NCPW for informative and interactive resources to help them take full advantage of their consumer rights.

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 March 7 through March 13, 2010, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates across our Nation to share information about consumer protection; and I encourage all Americans to learn more about marketing and business, whether they are shopping at their local store or in the global online marketplace.

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

BARACK OBAMA

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint several individuals to serve on the Recovery Independent Advisory Panel. Their bios are below.

President Obama said, “These impressive individuals will be valued additions to our team as we work to confront the challenges facing our nation. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key administration post:

David K. Mineta, Nominee for Deputy Director for Demand Reduction, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President
David K. Mineta is currently serving as the Deputy Director of one of the nation’s largest behavioral health organizations specifically targeting the underserved Asian and Pacific Islander communities.  Asian American Recovery Services, Inc. (AARS) provides substance abuse prevention and treatment services to thousands of residents across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco Counties.  Mr. Mineta has worked for AARS since 1996.  Mr. Mineta is serving his third term on the Jefferson Union High School District’s Board of Trustees.  He has been a member of the board since 2000.  Mr. Mineta is also a Commissioner on San Mateo’s First Five Commission, a county commission overseeing the granting and oversight of early childhood education and health funds.  He has also served in various positions with Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, the Santa Clara County Alcohol and Drugs Department, and Asian Americans for Community Involvement.  He earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Jose State University in 1990 and his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986.

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to serve on the Recovery Independent Advisory Panel:

Steven Koch, Appointee for Member, Recovery Independent Advisory Panel
Steven Koch is a Vice Chairman and Co-Chairman of Credit Suisse's Mergers and Acquisitions Group.  He joined Credit Suisse in 1985.  Mr. Koch also teaches in the Director's Consortium, a semi-annual seminar he helped to organize, that is sponsored by the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford Law School.  He serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sinai Health System in Chicago and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, The Board of Trustees of the Francis W. Parker School and the Green Ribbon Committee of the Chicago Climate Action Plan.  Mr. Koch received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.A. from Hampshire College.

Chris Sale, Appointee for Member, Recovery Independent Advisory Panel
Chris Sale is Vice President for Development Finance at CHF International where she provides guidance and informs policy for the CHF International’s microenterprise, housing finance, and small to medium enterprise lending programs.  Ms. Sale has more than twenty years of experience in finance and development, having served as the Deputy Advisor for External Relations for the Inter-American Development Bank, Deputy to the Chairman and CFO of the FDIC, COO of the US Small Business Administration, among other positions.  She is currently a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and the Finance and Investment Chair for the National Partnership for Women and Families.  She received an MBA from American University and completed her undergraduate work at Boston University.

Malcolm K. Sparrow, Appointee for Member, Recovery Independent Advisory Panel
Malcolm K. Sparrow is a Professor of the Practice of Public Management at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where he has been teaching since 1988.  Before joining the Harvard University faculty, Dr. Sparrow served 10 years with the British Police Service, gaining extensive experience in criminal investigation and rising to the rank of Detective Chief Inspector.  At Harvard his research and teaching has focused on the distinctive challenges faced by regulatory and law enforcement agencies as they seek to control risks and threats of various kinds.  Dr. Sparrow has authored several books and worked closely with U.S. and overseas regulators on issues including crime, terrorism, corruption, fraud, environmental protection, safety management and regulatory compliance.   He holds a PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England, a MPA from the Kennedy School, and a MA in mathematics from Cambridge University.

Edward Tufte, Appointee for Member, Recovery Independent Advisory Panel
Edward Tufte is Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Statistics, and Computer Science at Yale University. He wrote, designed, and self-published The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Envisioning Information, Visual Explanations, and Beautiful Evidence, which have received 40 awards for content and design. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Guggenheim Foundation, the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, the Society for Technical Communication, and the American Statistical Association. He received his PhD in political Science from Yale University and BS and MS in statistics from Stanford University.

On Wednesday, March 10, President Obama will welcome Haitian President Rene Préval to the White House.  They will discuss relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in Haiti, including the important contributions made by the United States and the international community. 

The President will speak with President Préval about how the international community can best support the government of Haiti and the Haitian people as they rebuild and create a foundation for a brighter future.  A long and enduring relationship binds the United States and Haiti.  Haitians are neighbors in the Americas, and Haitian-Americans have made extraordinary contributions to our country.

The President looks forward to welcoming President Préval to the White House to underscore his pledge to the Haitian people that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America.

A PROCLAMATION

While many Americans are fortunate to have healthy eyes, millions are affected by low vision or blindness. Maintaining good vision requires early diagnosis and timely treatment of eye conditions. Save Your Vision Week is a time for all Americans to take action to protect their sight.

Vision loss affects everyone, from infants with genetic conditions, to teens and adults with refractive errors, to older individuals with cataracts and other age-related eye diseases. Through recent studies, scientists and clinicians have identified risk factors, early detection methods, and new treatments for many eye conditions, but individuals can also take steps to protect their own vision.

By getting regular eye examinations, Americans can take advantage of medical breakthroughs that allow early detection and treatment of vision loss. Doctors also recommend maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking, and wearing sunglasses or suitable eye protection when playing sports or performing household chores and yard work. This week, I encourage all Americans to visit the National Eye Institute website at www.NEI.NIH.gov to find eye care professionals in communities across our country and to access the latest eye health information.

To remind Americans about the importance of safeguarding their eyesight, the United States Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 138), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as "Save Your Vision Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 7 through March 13, 2010, as Save Your Vision Week. During this time, I invite eye care professionals, teachers, members of the media, and all organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of eye and vision health.

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

BARACK OBAMA

Forty years ago today, in the midst of a Cold War, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force, becoming the cornerstone of the world’s efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.  Today, the threat of global nuclear war has passed, but the danger of nuclear proliferation endures, making the basic bargain of the NPT more important than ever: nations with nuclear weapons will move toward disarmament, nations without nuclear weapons will forsake them, and all nations have an “inalienable right” to peaceful nuclear energy.

Each of these three pillars -- disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful uses -- are central to the vision that I outlined in Prague of stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and seeking a world without them.

To promote disarmament, the United States is working with Russia to complete negotiations on a new START Treaty that will significantly reduce our nuclear arsenals.  Our forthcoming Nuclear Posture Review will move beyond outdated Cold War thinking and reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, even as we maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.  In addition, we will seek to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and negotiate a treaty to end the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons.

To prevent proliferation, we will build on the historic resolution that we achieved at the United Nations Security Council last September by bringing together more than 40 nations at our Nuclear Security Summit next month with the goal of securing the world’s vulnerable nuclear materials in four years.  At this spring’s treaty review conference and beyond, we will continue to work with allies and partners to strengthen the NPT and to enforce the rights and responsibilities of every nation, because the world cannot afford additional proliferation or regional arms races.

Finally, to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the United States seeks a new framework for civil nuclear cooperation among nations, including an international fuel bank and the necessary resources and authority to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency.  For nations that uphold their responsibilities, peaceful nuclear energy can help unlock advances in medicine, agriculture and economic development.

It took years of focused effort among many nations to bring the NPT into force four decades ago and to sustain it as the most widely embraced nuclear agreement in history.  On this 40th anniversary, the United States reaffirms our resolve to strengthen the nonproliferation regime to meet the challenges of the 21st century as we pursue our ultimate vision of a world without nuclear weapons.

President Obama, together with the Department of State and the Department of Commerce, will host the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., on April 26 and 27.  Participants from over 40 countries on 5 continents have been invited to participate.  The Summit will highlight the role entrepreneurship can play in addressing common challenges while building partnerships that will lead to greater opportunity abroad and at home.

At his June 4, 2009, speech in Cairo, President Obama announced that the U.S. Government would host a Summit on Entrepreneurship to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.