President Bush

Our concerns are based on our commitment to universal respect for human rights. We are particularly concerned by the potential for further violence and repression during the coming days, especially around the anniversary of the Islamic Republic's founding on 11 February. We call on the Government of Iran to live up to its international human rights obligations, to end its abuses against its own people, to hold accountable those who have committed the abuses and to release those who are exercising their rights.

10:26 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, DNC. Everybody have a seat -- have a seat. Thank you. Oh, it is good to see you -- good to be among friends so committed to the future of this party and this country that they’re willing to brave a blizzard. (Laughter.) Snowmageddon here in D.C. (Laughter.) I noticed somebody had Californians for Obama” and I was thinking -- (applause) -- you guys are not used to this. (Laughter.)

I’ve got some special thanks to the folks here. First of all I want to thank Eleanor Holmes Norton for fighting the good fight here in the District of Colombia. (Applause.) Ray Buckley, Our DNC vice chair from New Hampshire. (Applause.) Alice Germond, DNC secretary. Andy Tobias, DNC treasurer. Thanks for the great work that you guys do.

I want to thank Tim Kaine, who’s not only an outstanding former governor, but an outstanding leader of this party –- (applause) -- busy building the best online and in-field grassroots organization we’ve ever had. Give Tim Kaine a big round of applause. (Applause.)

And if I'm not mistaken we’ve got a couple of terrific members of Congress here, Mike Honda, congressman and DNC vice chair -- Mike, are you here? He’s on his way; he’s still shoveling. (Laughter.) And how about Barbara Lee, is Barbara here? Well, we love her anyway. So give Barbara and Mike a big round of applause. (Applause.)

I want to thank the governors, the legislators, the mayors from across this country for working to move their states and local communities forward in extraordinarily challenging times. They’ve done heroic work. I want to thank the DNC members, state party leaders and, most of all, I want to thank the millions of Americans who’ve taken up the cause of change at the grassroots level in all 50 states.

Now, Tim alluded to this, but I just want to remind everybody -- we knew from the beginning that this would not be easy. Change never is. But that’s especially true in these times, when we face an array of challenges as tough as any we have seen in generations. President Kennedy once said: When we got into office, the thing that surprised me most was to find that things were just as bad as we’d been saying they were.” (Laughter.) Truth was things were worse.

We took office facing a financial crisis that was something we hadn’t seen since the Great Depression, an economy that we now know was bleeding 750,000 jobs a month, a $1.3 trillion deficit, and two wars that were costly in every sense of the word. From the specter of terrorism to the impacts of globalization, we face tremendous new challenges in this young century. And all of this comes on top of one of the toughest decades our middle class had ever faced -- a decade where jobs grew more slowly than during any prior expansion; where the income of the average American household actually declined; where the costs of everything seemed to keep going up.

Everything we’ve done over the past year has been not only to right our economy, to break the back of this recession, but also to restore some of the security middle-class families have felt slipping away for over a decade now. Some of the steps we took were done without the help of the other party, which made a political decision all too often to jump in the backseat, let us do the driving and then critique whether we were taking the right turns. That's okay. That's part of what it means to govern.

And all the steps we took were necessary. None of us wanted to throw a lifeline to the banks. But the outrage shouldn’t be that we did –- because it had to happen in order to prevent millions more from losing their jobs, millions of businesses and homes foreclosed. The real outrage is that we had to do it in the first place in order to fend off the collapse of the financial system. That's the outrage. (Applause.)

Then we passed almost $300 billion in tax relief -- tax cuts for small businesses; tax cuts for 95 percent of working Americans. We put Americans to work building the infrastructure of tomorrow -- doing the work America needs done. We passed a Credit Card Bill of Rights to protect consumers from getting ripped off by credit card companies. (Applause.) We put the law behind the principle of equal pay for equal work. (Applause.) We extended the promise of health care to 4 million more children of working families, we protected every child from being targeted from tobacco companies. (Applause.)

We passed a service bill named for Ted Kennedy –- (applause) -- that gives young folks and old folks new ways to give back to their communities. We appointed Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. (Applause.) And we’ve begun working with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country that they love because of who they are. (Applause.)

Overseas -- overseas we’ve begun a new era of engagement. We’re working with our partners to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and to seek a world free of nuclear weapons. We banned torture. We have begun to leave Iraq to its own people. We’ve charted a new way forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and made good progress in taking the fight to al Qaeda across the globe. I went to Cairo on behalf of America to begin a new dialogue with the Muslim world. And we are living up to a moment that demands American leadership by standing side-by-side with the people of Haiti. (Applause.)

So if you look at a tally of the things we said we would do –- even in the midst of this extraordinarily challenging economy –- we’ve kept our promises. We’ve kept our commitments. We have moved forward on behalf of a more prosperous and more secure future for the American people.

But for all our efforts, we have to acknowledge change can’t come fast enough for many Americans. In recent weeks, I’ve visited Allentown, Pennsylvania; Elyria, Ohio; Tampa, Florida; Nashua, New Hampshire; talking with workers in factories, and families in diners. And they want to know, how are they going to find a job when they only know one trade in their life. Or how are they going to afford to send their kids to college. How are they going to pay their medical bills when they get sick. How can they retire with their 401(k) so banged up. And most of all, they’re wondering if anyone can or will do anything about it -- especially here in Washington.

Now, I understand their frustration –- you understand it as well. I was talking to Michelle the other day –- Michelle is always a good barometer –- and, you know, the front page was, oh, what’s Obama going to do to get his poll numbers up, and, are the Democrats all in a tizzy and this and that. And she said, you know, listen, if you're the average family, if I'm a mom out there and I'm working and my husband is working but we’re worried about losing our jobs, our hours have been cut back, the cost of our health care premium just went up 30 percent, the credit card company just jacked up our interest rates 39 percent, and our home value has gone down by $100,000, our 401(k) is all banged up –- and suddenly somebody calls up and says, so, how do you think President Obama is doing right now? (Laughter.) What are they going to say? What are they going to say? (Applause.)

Of course people are frustrated. And they have every right to be. And I know that during the course of this gathering, you know, some of the press have been running around, well, what do you think we should be doing and this and that and the other, you know, what’s the strategy.

Look, when unemployment is 9.7 percent, when we are still digging ourselves out of an extraordinary recession -– people are going to be frustrated. And they’re going to be looking to the party in power to try to fix it. And when you’ve got another party that says, we don’t want to do anything about it –- of course people are going to be frustrated.

Folks are out there working hard every day, trying to meet their responsibilities. But all around them during this last, lost” decade, what they’ve seen is a wave of irresponsibility from Wall Street to Washington –- they see a capital city where every day is treated like Election Day, and every act, every comment, every gesture passes through a political filter. They’ve seen the outsized influence of lobbyists and special interests, who too often hijack the agenda by leveraging campaign money and connections. Of course they wonder if their leaders can muster the will to overcome all of that and confront the real problems that touch their lives.

But here's what everybody here has to remember: That's why I ran for President. That's why you worked so hard to elect a Democratic Congress. (Applause.) We knew this stuff was tough. But we stepped up because we decided we were going to take the responsibility of changing it. And it may not be easy, but change is coming. (Applause.)

I believe so strongly, I believe so strongly if we're going to deal with the great challenges of our time; if we're going to secure a better future just as past generations did for us; then we're going to have to change the prevailing politics in this town, and it's not going to be easy. We're going to have to care less about scoring points and more about solving problems that are holding us back. (Applause.) At this defining moment, that's never been more important.

We can continue, for example, to be consumed by the politics of energy. But we know that the nation that leads the clean energy revolution will lead the 21st century global economy. We know that a failure to act will put our planet in deeper peril. We know that China isn't waiting and India isn't waiting and Germany isn't waiting to seize that future. And America can't afford to wait, either. (Applause.) And I don't intend to spend all my time taking polls to figure out whether we're going to seize that future or not.

We can continue to spin our wheels with the old education debates; pitting teachers' unions against reformers, and meanwhile our kids keep trailing their counterparts from South Korea to Singapore. But we know that the countries that out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow. (Applause.) We know that kids who are consigned to failing schools today will be condemned to lifetimes of lower wages and unfulfilled dreams. America can't afford to wait. And I'm not going to take a poll to figure out whether or not we're going to tackle education.

We can continue to allow the same special interests who stacked the deck in favor of financial speculators in the last decade to block reform again in this decade. But if we've learned anything from the devastating recession, it's that we know that wise regulation actually can enhance the market and make it more stable and make our economy work better. We can't return to the dereliction of duty that helped deliver this recession. We know that to do so would be to put at risk our jobs, our families, our businesses, and our future. America can't afford to wait, and we can't look backwards.

And, yes, we could continue to ignore the growing burden of runaway costs of health care. The easiest thing to do right now would be to just say this is too hard; let's just regroup and lick our wounds and try to hang on. We've had a long and difficult debate on health care. And there are some, maybe even the majority in this town, who say perhaps it's time to walk away.

But here's the thing, Democrats. If we walk away, we know what will happen. We know that premiums and out-of-pocket expenses will skyrocket this decade, and the decade after that, and the decade after that, just as they did in the past decade. More small businesses will be priced out of coverage; more big businesses will be unable to compete internationally; more workers will take home less pay and fewer raises. We know that millions more Americans will lose their coverage; we know that our deficits will inexorably continue to grow because health care costs are the single biggest driver.

So just in case there's any confusion out there, let me be clear. I am not going to walk away from health insurance reform. (Applause.) I'm not going to walk away from the American people. I'm not going to walk away on this challenge. I'm not going to walk away on any challenge. We're moving forward. (Applause.) We are moving forward. (Applause.) Sometimes – sometimes we may be moving forward against the prevailing winds. Sometimes it may be against a blizzard. (Laughter.) But we're going to live up to our responsibility to lead.

And I'm confident that if we stay steady, if we stay focused on all the people that we meet each and every day who are out there struggling, if we’ve got them in mind and we are working to deliver on their behalf, that in the end that'll be good politics as well as good policy. It'll be good for America, not just good for Democrats.

But in order to get any of these battles done, we're going to have to change the way that Washington works. Now, we may not get a lot of attention for it, but we've actually already begun to do that. We've reined in the power of the special interests with the toughest ethics and transparency rules of any administration in the modern era. We're the first White House ever to post our visitors online. We've excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions. I've called on Congress to make all earmark requests public on one central website before they come up for a vote so that you know how the money is spent. We have -- we're going to have to confront the gaping loophole that the Supreme Court recently opened in our campaign finance laws –- (applause) --that allows special interests to spend without limit to influence American elections.

We also said that as we worked to change the ways of Washington, we'd also change the way we do things as a party. This committee is the first to ban contributions from political action committees and lobbyists. And I'm pleased to see the recommendations submitted by the Change Commission aimed at improving our nominating process -- because I believe that the more Americans that get involved in this party, the stronger this party will be. (Applause.)

And, yes, we need to change the way we work with the other party as well. Now, I'm proud to be a Democrat. I'm proud to be a leader of this great party. But I also know that we can't solve all of our problems alone. So we need to extend our hands to the other side -- we've been working on it -- (laughter) -- because if we're going to change the ways of Washington, we're going to have to change its tone.

Now, as a step in that direction, I went and visited with the House Republican Caucus last Friday. (Laughter and applause.) And we had a good –- we had a good discussion about the challenges -- we had a good discussion about the challenges facing the American people and our ideas to solve them. It was good for the country to see a robust debate. I had fun. (Laughter.)

And we have to acknowledge there are going to be some issues that Democrats and Republicans just don't see eye to eye on, and that's how it should be. That's how our democracy works. But there have to be some issues on which we can find some common ground. It's one thing to disagree out of principle; it's another to simply stand in the way because of politics.

Now is not the time for sitting on the sidelines, or blocking progress, or pointing figures, or assigning blame. Now is not the time to do just what's right for your party or your poll numbers. Now is the time to do what's right for the country. Now is the time to do what's necessary to see us through these difficult times. Now is the time to do everything in our power to keep the American Dream alive for the next generation.

And that's our mission, Democrats.

I know we've gone through a tough year. But we've gone through tougher years. We're the party of Thomas Jefferson, who declared that all men are created equal. And we had to work long and hard to ensure that those words meant something.

We're the party of Franklin Roosevelt, who, in the midst of depression, said all we had to fear was fear itself; who saved freedom and democracy from being extinguished here on Earth. And that was hard because the natural impulse was to fear. But we as a party helped to lead the country out of that fear.

We're the party of John F. Kennedy, who summoned us to serve; who called us to pay any price and bear any burden.

And we're the party of Edward M. Kennedy, whose cause endures; who said that here, in the United States of America, the promise of health care should not be a privilege, but a fundamental right.

That is who we are, Democrats. (Applause.) That's who we've got to be today. For all the stories we've heard, after all the campaigns we've waged, after all the promises we've made, this is our best chance to deliver change that the American people need. (Applause.)

And if we do that -- if we speak to the hopes of the American people instead of their fears; if we inspire them instead of divide them; if we respond to their challenges with the same sense of urgency they feel in their own lives -- we're not just going to win elections -- elections will take care of themselves -- we will once again be the party that turns around the economy and moves this country forward, and secures the American Dream for another generation. (Applause.)

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

END
10:48 A.M. EST

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

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

Even though our economy is growing again, these are still tough times for America. Too many businesses are still shuttered. Too many families can’t make ends meet. And while yesterday, we learned that the unemployment rate has dropped below ten percent for the first time since summer, it is still unacceptably high – and too many Americans still can’t find work.

But what we must remember at a time like this is that we are not helpless in the face of our difficulties. As Americans, we make our own destiny. We forge our own path. And I am confident that if we come together and put aside the politics that keeps holding us back, we can do that again. We can rebuild this economy on a new, stronger foundation that leads to more jobs and greater prosperity.

I believe a key part of that foundation is America’s small businesses – the places where most new jobs begin.

These companies represent the essence of the American spirit – the promise that anyone can succeed in this country if you have a good idea and the determination to see it through. And every once in awhile, these ideas don’t just lead to a new business and new jobs, but a new American product that forever changes the world. After all, Hewlett Packard began in a garage. Google began as a simple research project.

Government can’t create these businesses, but it can give entrepreneurs the support they need to open their doors, expand, or hire more workers. And that’s what we’ve always done in this country. The folks at Southwest Windpower in Flagstaff, Arizona started their company in a small home. Since getting a loan from the Small Business Administration, they’ve sold 160,000 wind turbines to about 90 different countries, and are hiring even more workers today. When Sam Ko walked into one of the SBA’s small business development centers in Illinois, he didn’t have any business experience at all – just a patent for a new metal manufacturing technology. He was given a loan and a business plan, and today his company is still growing, with offices all over the Midwest.

Last year, the steps we took supported over 47,000 loans to small businesses and delivered billions in tax relief to small business owners, which helped companies keep their doors open, make payroll, and hire workers. But we can and must do more. That’s why I’ve proposed a series of steps this week to support small business owners and the jobs they create – to provide more access to credit, more incentives to hire, and more opportunities to grow and sell products all over the world.

Because financing remains difficult for good, credit-worthy small businesses across the country, I’ve proposed that we take $30 billion from the TARP fund originally used for Wall Street and create a new Small Business Lending Fund that will provide capital for community banks on Main Street. These are the small, local banks that will be able to give our small business owners more of the credit they need to stay afloat. We should also continue to waive fees, increase guarantees, and expand the size of SBA-backed loans for small businesses. And yesterday, I proposed making it easier for small business owners to refinance their mortgages during these tough times.

To give these companies greater incentives to grow and create jobs, I’ve proposed a new tax credit for more than one million small businesses that hire new workers or raise wages, as well as the elimination of all capital gains taxes on small business investment.

Finally, we should provide targeted support to the most innovative small businesses – the ones with the greatest potential to export new goods and products all over the world. A lot of these companies – like the wind turbine manufacturer I mentioned – are the foundation on which we can rebuild our economy to compete in the 21st century. They just need a little help securing the financing they need to get off the ground. We have every incentive to help them do that.

Next week, Congress will start debating many of these proposals. And if anyone has additional ideas to support small businesses and create jobs, I’m happy to consider them. My door is always open. But I urge members of both parties: do not oppose good ideas just because it’s good politics to do so. The proposals I’ve outlined are not Democratic or Republican; liberal or conservative. They are pro-business, they are pro-growth, and they are pro-job. Leaders in both parties have supported similar ideas in the past. So let’s come together and pass these measures without delay. Let’s put more Americans back to work, and let’s give our small business owners the support to do what they’ve always done: the freedom to pursue their dreams and build our country’s future. Thanks for listening.

President Obama said, I am proud that these distinguished individuals will serve in my Administration. The arts and the humanities enhance the vibrancy of our society, inspire us and strengthen our democracy. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead.”

President Obama announced today his intent to nominate the following individuals:

Chuck Close, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Chuck Close is a visual artist noted for his highly inventive techniques used to paint the human face, and is best known for his large-scale, photo based portrait paintings. He is also an accomplished printmaker and photographer whose work has been the subject of more than 200 solo exhibitions in more than 20 countries, including major retrospective exhibitions at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and most recently at The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2000, Mr. Close was presented with the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Clinton. Close is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and has served on the boards of many arts organizations.

Fred Goldring, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Fred Goldring co-founded the prominent California-based entertainment law firm Goldring, Hertz and Lichtenstein which represents numerous global superstar recording and performing artists, and is also co-founder of entertainment strategic consultancy, MemBrain, which works with Fortune 500 companies and new media and technology enterprises regarding entertainment marketing strategy. Mr. Goldring is also the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rock The Vote, and has been the co-recipient of an Emmy Award, a Clio Award, a Global Media Award and an NAACP Image Award.

Sheila Johnson, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Sheila Johnson is the founder and CEO of Salamander Hospitality; co-founder of Black Entertainment Television; a documentary film producer; and the only African-American woman to co-own three professional sports teams. A classically trained violinist who began her career as a music teacher, Ms. Johnson is a long time advocate for the arts. She serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of Parsons The New School for Design and several boards including Americans for the Arts.

Pamela Joyner, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Pamela Joyner is the Founder of Avid Partners, LLC. Her other business experiences include holding senior positions at Bowman Capital, LLC and Capital Guardian Trust Company. Ms Joyner is a former Co-Chair and current Trustee Emeritus of the San Francisco Ballet. She is a Trustee of The MacDowell Colony, The School of American Ballet and Dartmouth College. Ms. Joyner also serves a Director of The California Healthcare Foundation and an Advisory Board Member of First Republic Bank.

Jhumpa Lahiri, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Jhumpa Lahiri is a fiction writer whose debut collection of stories, Interpreter of Maladies, received the Pulitzer Prize, the PEN/Hemingway Award, the Addison M. Metcalf Award, and the New Yorker magazine's Debut of the Year. Her novel, The Namesake, was a New York Times Notable Book, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and was selected as one of the best books of the year by USA Today and Entertainment Weekly. Her latest story collection, Unaccustomed Earth, won the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award and the Vallombrosa-Gregor von Rezzori Prize.

Ken Solomon, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Ken Solomon is chairman of Ovation TV, a national cable and satellite network focused on bringing art, culture and personal creativity to all Americans. He is also chairman and CEO of Tennis Channel, the only 24-hour network dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle. With more than 25 years of television and multimedia experience, Mr. Solomon has held top posts with the Walt Disney Corp., Universal Television, DreamWorks, News Corp. and Scripps. He is currently vice chairman of the Young Presidents Organization Bel-Air (YPO) and has been named Humanitarian of the Year” by H.E.L.P. Group, one of the largest and most influential children’s charities in the United States, for which he serves on the Circle of Friends advisory board.

The President will also greet First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland at the White House on March 17 and discuss their progress toward meeting their shared commitments.

President Obama spoke of the country’s gratitude to the families. Everything you instilled in them -- the virtues of service and decency and duty -- were on display that December day. That is what you gave them. That is what you gave to America. And our nation will be forever in your debt.” He told CIA officers that their seven heroes” were at the vanguard of a mission vital to national security. Let their sacrifice be a summons. To carry on their work. To complete this mission. To win this war, and to keep our country safe.”

CIA Director Leon E. Panetta paid tribute to the talent and accomplishments of the fallen, telling their loved ones that Agency officers simply cannot do these jobs—we can’t do these jobs—without the love and support of our families.” He called the seven genuine patriots” who lived up to our highest principles,” and pledged that CIA would strive to be worthy of them. Panetta added: As they worked to protect lives, they sacrificed their own. For this, we honor them—now and always…We will carry this fight to the enemy. Our resolve is unbroken, our energy undiminished, and our dedication to each other and to our nation, unshakable.”

***

Remarks by The President at Memorial for CIA Officers
CIA Headquarters
Langley, Virginia

THE PRESIDENT: America’s intelligence agencies are a community, and the CIA is a family. That is how we gather here today. I speak as a grateful Commander-in-Chief who relies on you. There are members of Congress here who support you. Leaders -- Leon Panetta, Steve Kappes -- who guide you. And most of all, family, friends and colleagues who love you and grieve with you.

For more than 60 years, the security of our nation has demanded that the work of this agency remain largely unknown. But today, our gratitude as citizens demands that we speak of seven American patriots who loved their country and gave their lives to defend it:

[Names redacted.]

They came from different corners of our country -- men and women -- and each walked their own path to that rugged base in the mountains. Some had come to this work after a lifetime of protecting others -- in law enforcement, in the military; one was just a few years out of college.

Some had devoted years, decades, even, to unraveling the dark web of terrorists that threatened us; others, like so many of you, joined these ranks when 9/11 called a new generation to service. Some had spent years on dangerous tours around the globe; others had just arrived in harm’s way.

But there, at the remote outpost, they were bound by a common spirit. They heard their country’s call and answered it. They served in the shadows and took pride in it. They were doing their job and they loved it. They saw the danger and accepted it. They knew that the price of freedom is high and, in an awful instant, they paid that price.

There are no words that can ease the ache in your hearts. But to their colleagues and all who served with them -- those here today, those still recovering, those watching around the world -- I say: Let their sacrifice be a summons. To carry on their work. To complete this mission. To win this war, and to keep our country safe.

To their parents -- it is against the natural order of life for parents to lay their children to rest. Yet these weeks of solemn tribute have revealed for all to see -- that you raised remarkable sons and daughters. Everything you instilled in them -- the virtues of service and decency and duty -- were on display that December day. That is what you gave them. That is what you gave to America. And our nation will be forever in your debt.

To the spouses -- your husbands and wives raised their hand and took an oath to protect and defend the country that they loved. They fulfilled that oath with their life. But they also took your hand and made a vow to you. And that bond of love endures, from this world to the next. Amidst grief that is sometimes unbearable, may you find some comfort in our vow to you -- that this agency, and this country, will stand with you and support you always.

And to the beautiful children -- I know that this must be so hard and confusing, but please always remember this. It wasn’t always easy for your mom or dad to leave home. But they went to another country to defend our country. And they gave their lives to protect yours. And as you grow, the best way to keep their memory alive and the highest tribute you can pay to them is to live as they lived, with honor and dignity and integrity.

They served in secrecy, but today every American can see their legacy. For the record of their service -- and of this generation of intelligence professionals -- is written all around us. It’s written in the extremists who no longer threaten our country -- because you eliminated them. It’s written in the attacks that never occurred -- because you thwarted them. And it’s written in the Americans, across this country and around the world, who are alive today -- because you saved them.

And should anyone here ever wonder whether your fellow citizens truly appreciate that service, you need only remember the extraordinary tributes of recent weeks: the thousands of Americans who have sat down at their computers and posted messages to seven heroes they never knew; in the outpouring of generosity to the memorial foundation that will help support these proud families.

And along a funeral procession in Massachusetts, in the freezing cold, mile after mile, friends and total strangers paying their respects, small children holding signs saying thank you.” And a woman holding up a large American flag because, she said simply, He died for me and my family.”

As a nation, we pledge to be there for you and your families. We need you more than ever. In an ever-changing world where new dangers emerge suddenly, we need you to be one step ahead of nimble adversaries. In this information age, we need you to sift through vast universes of data to find intelligence that can be acted upon swiftly. And in an era of technology and unmanned systems, we still need men and women like these seven -- professionals of skill and talent and courage who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation.

Because of them, because of you, a child born in America today is welcomed into a country that is proud and confident, strong and hopeful -- just as Molly Roberson welcomed her daughter Piper this week, both of whom join us today. Piper will never know her dad, Scott. But thanks to Molly, she will know what her father stood for -- a man who served his country, who did his duty, and who gave his life to keep her safe.

And on some distant day, years from now, when she is grown, if Piper -- or any of these children -- seeks to understand for themselves, they’ll need only come here -- to Langley, through these doors, and stand before that proud Memorial Wall that honors the fallen.

And perhaps they’ll run their fingers over the stars that recall their parent’s service. Perhaps they’ll walk over to that Book of Honor, turn the pages, and see their parent’s names. And at that moment of quiet reflection, they will see what we all know today -- that our nation is blessed to have men and women such as these. That we are humbled by their service, that we give thanks for every day that you keep us safe.

May God bless these seven patriots, may he watch over their families. And may God bless the United States of America.

***

Excerpts from Remarks by CIA Director Leon E. Panetta
At Memorial Service Held at CIA Headquarters for Those Who Fell In The Line Of Duty In Afghanistan On December 30, 2009

Mr. President, Honored Guests, my colleagues from the CIA, Ladies and Gentlemen: Today we come together to honor seven courageous men and women. And to their loved ones, we come together to offer our comfort, our support, and our lasting gratitude.

As Director, I have never had a more difficult duty than to bid farewell to colleagues taken from us. From Dover, to the family services, to this memorial, it is tough to say good-bye. Within this Agency, they were more than co-workers or friends—they were part of our family. And as family, even knowing that God has a plan for each human life, it’s hard to accept the sudden loss of so many good and decent people.

Thank you, Mr. President, for being here–you honor us with your presence, and I thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker—you also honor us with your presence. We are also joined this morning by many senior officials—from the Intelligence Community, the White House, the Congress, the Pentagon, and many other places. You, too, are part of our family, because the responsibility to protect and defend the nation belongs to all of us. On behalf of the entire Agency, I thank you for your support, both public and private, during these difficult days. Your presence here is important to all of us.

The deepest grief, of course, is felt by those who knew our officers best and who loved them most—who called them husband and wife, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, brother.

Despite the pain and the grief, the families of our fallen have been pillars of strength. As tragic as this event has been, you are our inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us your loved ones—these extraordinary people. All they are and all they achieved is because of you. We simply cannot do these jobs—we can’t do these jobs—without the love and support of our families. We are forever grateful for the support and for the love. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices all of you made as they faithfully served our nation. We are honored to have you as part of the CIA family because, in a very real way, your love is what made them patriots. They gave their lives because they loved you—and they wanted all of us, and all of you—to have a safer nation.

Six decades ago, Adlai Stevenson famously described patriotism as the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” What he said next was equally important, and I quote: These are words that are easy to utter. But this is a mighty assignment. For it is easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.”

The men and women we remember today are genuine patriots. They took on that mighty assignment. They not only fought for this nation, they lived up to our highest principles. They understood that America is more than a place. It is the keeper of our ideal—that all people deserve to live in freedom and without fear.

Devotion to that ideal brought our colleagues to Khowst, that little known outpost in Afghanistan. Like others before them, they stepped forward to perform a very dangerous, but essential, mission. They collected intelligence—which was what they were trained to do—that simply cannot be obtained anywhere else. With courage and skill, they worked to defeat the most urgent threat of our time. And as they worked to protect lives, they sacrificed their own. For this, we honor them—now and always.

***************************************************

These remarkable men and women are the story of America. They are the heart and soul of this great country. Their devotion to duty is the foundation of our country. Throughout history, our nation’s strength has rested on the service and the sacrifice of individual Americans—brave warriors who believed that the life of the nation was worth their own lives. The officers killed and wounded on December 30th upheld that enduring truth.

In silent service to our country, they accepted great risks, and they bore heavy burdens. They can rest now in the knowledge that they did their duty: They helped to keep our nation safe.

In their name and in their honor, the men and women of CIA will carry on their noble mission. Each of their stars—stars that we see here—will be emblazoned on our Memorial Wall, and will forever be a reminder of their sacrifice—and will forever be an inspiration to carry on their mission. For this Agency—by virtue of its purpose and its people—we find strength in adversity. We are on the front lines. We will carry this fight to the enemy. Our resolve is unbroken, our energy undiminished, and our dedication to each other and to our nation, unshakable.

12:42 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. And I appreciate the warm welcome from Rick Cummings and Dennis Bean and all the folks at Oasis. Thank you so much. These guys are experts in heating and cooling systems -- though, having spent some time in Washington, I actually am already very familiar with hot air I have to say. (Laughter.)

That, by the way, does not apply to the head of the Small Business Administration, Karen Mills, who's here today. And Karen has focused like a laser on helping small businesses not only survive but to thrive amidst the economic storm of the past two years.

We're also joined here by Ruth Gresser, who's the owner and chef at Pizzeria Paradiso. And I'm a little upset with Ruth because she did not bring samples, but Reggie Love has testified that the pizza is outstanding -- she's got restaurants in Washington. And also, Will Polak, who's the owner and operator of the Potomac Riverboat Company in Alexandria, Virginia. There's Will.

These folks know, as every living soul in America does, that these have been a rough couple of years for our economy and for out country -- the deepest downturn since the Great Depression ripped through our economy, costing more than 8 million jobs and rocking businesses, large and small.

And that's why we took some very tough steps, in some cases some unpopular steps, when I took office to break the back of this recession. And today we received additional news suggesting that we are climbing out of the huge hole that we found ourselves in. Last January, the month I took office, almost 800,000 Americans lost their jobs. Today we learned the job losses for this January were 20,000. The unemployment rate dropped below 10 percent for the first time since the summer. Manufacturing employment grew last month for the first time in three years, led by increased activity in the production of cars and trucks and auto parts.

These numbers, while positive, are a cause for hope but not celebration, because far too many of our neighbors and friends and family are still out of work. We can't be satisfied when another 20,000 have joined their ranks and millions more Americans are under-employed, picking up what work they can.

It is encouraging the job loss in January was a small fraction of what it was a year ago and that the unemployment rate last month went down and not up. Understanding that these numbers will continue to fluctuate for months to come, these are welcome, if modest, signs of progress along the road to recovery.

Now, even as we take additional steps to hasten that recovery, we know that there are limits to what government can do to create jobs. The true engine of job creation will always be businesses. What government can do is fuel that engine by giving entrepreneurs and companies the support to open their doors and to expand and to hire more workers. That's exactly what this administration intends to do and what we've been doing working with the SBA and Karen Mills.

We're starting with small businesses because that's where most of the new jobs do. Over the past 15 years, small businesses have created roughly 65 percent of new jobs in America. These are companies formed around kitchen tables and family meetings; formed when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream; formed when a worker decides it's time she became her own boss. And it's worth remembering every once in a while, a small business becomes a big business, and then changes the world.

And that's why, last week, I proposed a new small business tax credit -- $5,000 for every new employee you hire this year. And a couple of these folks here, small business owners who I talked to, said they'd be interested in using that tax credit.

This week I proposed a new small business lending fund that would take $30 billion of the fund originally used to rescue big banks on Wall Street, and use it to provide lending capital to community banks on Main Street. And I know that we've got Capital One Bank here that's been a lender to Oasis and --

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Capital Bank --

THE PRESIDENT: Capital Bank -- excuse me -- and we appreciate the good work that you've done supporting this company.

Under Karen Mills, SBA has increased loan guarantees and reduced fees, steps that have increased SBA lending by 86 percent. And we've called for legislation to increase SBA loan limits to allow us to guarantee loans of up to $5 million compared with $2 million now.

And today I'm taking yet another step to assist small business owners get the capital that they need to grow and to hire. I'm proposing legislation that allows firms to refinance their commercial real estate loans, their mortgages under the SBA.

Right now even companies with great credit histories are facing challenges refinancing at what are historically low rates. Property values have fallen and lending has dropped. As a result, many businesses that would otherwise survive this downturn are at risk of defaulting, which in turn will lead to even lower property values and less lending, not to mention lost jobs.

In addition, I'm also proposing that we increase the limits for SBA loans used for lines of credit and working capital, something that I know could benefit Ruth's business and countless others.

The truth is the economy can be growing like gangbusters for years on end and it's still not easy to run a small business. It's not easy to stay ahead of your competitors; it's not easy to keep your costs down, to do right by your employees, to constantly innovate and adapt in a changing world. Talking to Ruth, she reminds me it's not easy keeping up with health care costs, and so Ruth is very anxious to see health reform passed so that small businesses can pick up the cost for their employees.

And in this deep and lasting recession, a hard job has been that much harder because for much of last year people weren't buying and customers weren't calling and banks were not lending. But even in the face of these obstacles, even in these tough times, all across the country there are people like Rick and Dennis and Ruth and Will who haven't given up. You guys wake up every day and seek a way to safely navigate these troubled waters to fulfill your obligations to your families and to your employees and your customers. And in that determination, that resolve, you embody what's best in America and you keep making America stronger.

Next week, Congress will start debating many of the jobs proposals I've outlined today and in recent days, many of the proposals to benefit small business, many of the proposals to spur hiring. If there are additional ideas from either party, I'm happy to consider them, as well. But what I hope -- what I strongly urge -- is that we work quickly and we work together to get this done. America's small businesses are counting on us.

So thank you very much, everybody. And thank you, guys.

END
12:50 P.M. EST

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 snowstorm in the counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem.

In addition, assistance is available to State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.

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 Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. 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.

WASHINGTON – Today in Lanham, Maryland, President Obama proposed the expansion of two critical Small Business Administration (SBA) lending programs, aimed at allowing small businesses to refinance and increasing limits for working capital. These are both legislative proposals designed to help small businesses through what continues to be a difficult period in credit markets.

President Obama said, The true engine of job creation will always be businesses. What government can do is fuel that engine: by giving entrepreneurs and companies the support to open their doors, expand, and hire more workers. Today, we're taking another step towards assisting small business owners get the capital they need to grow and hire.”

SBA Administrator Karen Mills said, These proposals will provide us with two effective tools to help small businesses meet specific challenges brought on by the recession. First, in the tight credit market of the last two years, lines of credits have been cut for small firms. Raising the limit on SBA Express loans to $1 million will mean more small business owners will have quicker access to this source of capital to help restock inventories and support larger revenue sales, and literally take that next step to grow their business and create new jobs. Second, thousands of good, creditworthy businesses find themselves caught by declining real estate values as a result of this recession. With many of them now facing mortgages coming due in the next few years, the ability to refinance into SBA’s 504 loan will give them the chance to lock in long-term, stable financing, as well as protect jobs by protecting small businesses from foreclosure.”

Details of the President’s new small business initiatives are below:

1. Expand SBA’s existing program to temporarily support refinancing for owner-occupied commercial real estate loans:

The Administration is proposing legislation to temporarily allow for the refinancing of owner-occupied commercial real estate (CRE) loans under the SBA’s 504 program, which provides guarantees on loans for the development of real estate and other fixed assets. Currently, 504 loans cannot be used for the refinancing of maturing debt. This change would respond to the difficulties many current, solvent borrowers face in refinancing existing commercial real estate loans.

Businesses with a loan maturing in the next year who are current on all loan payments will be eligible. Lenders that are refinancing mortgages for existing customers will make a loan for up to 70 percent of the current property value; and SBA will help finance the remaining 20 percent. For new lenders taking on a refinancing project, SBA will take on a greater share of financing, up to 40 percent. SBA’s proposal for a temporary, zero-subsidy CRE refinancing program would be funded through additional fees for refinancing projects, not through a Congressional appropriation. This proposal will help refinance up to $18.7 billion each year in commercial real estate that might otherwise be foreclosed and liquidated.

2. Temporarily increase the cap on SBA Express loans from $350,000 to $1 million:

The President is proposing to temporarily increase the maximum SBA Express loan size to $1 million, which would expand the program’s ability to help a broad range of small businesses through a streamlined approval process. Unlike traditional 7(a) loans, lenders can use their own paperwork for SBA Express loans, which can be structured as revolving lines of credit. Currently, these Express loans are capped at $350,000 and carry a 50 percent guarantee. Fees would cover virtually all of the added costs of this proposal.

These proposals complement the President’s broader small business agenda - a key part of his overall jobs plan. The other elements of the small business agenda include:

On the Employment Situation in January

Posted by Christina Romer on February 05, 2010 at 09:30 AM EST

While unemployment remains a severe problem, today’s employment report contains encouraging signs of gradual labor market healing. The unemployment rate fell three-tenths of a percentage point and employment rose in a number of industries, though overall employment fell slightly.

The unemployment rate declined from 10.0 percent to 9.7 percent. This decline occurred despite a modest rise in the labor force. The broadest measure of the unemployment rate, which includes all persons marginally attached to the labor force and workers working part time for economic reasons, fell almost a full percentage point. Obviously, the unemployment rate remains unacceptably high, and is even worse for certain demographic groups such as teenagers and black or African American workers.

Overall payroll employment declined 20,000 in December. This total reflects substantial variation across industries. Employment in manufacturing rose for the first time since January 2007, led by an increase in employment in motor vehicles and parts. Employment also rose in retail trade and in temporary help employment. Employment fell, however, in construction and state and local government.

Even as today’s numbers contain signs of the beginning of recovery, they are also a reminder of how far we still have to go to return the economy to robust health and full employment. Indeed, with the benchmark revision announced today, we now know that the total job loss over the recession was more than 1 million larger than previously estimated. That is why at the same time that he released a plan for reining in the budget deficit over the medium and long run, the President has called on Congress to enact responsible, targeted actions to jump-start job creation. His proposals for a small business jobs and wages tax cut and a new program to encourage small business lending are important steps to help the businesses that are essential to robust job creation. Today’s numbers showing continued decline in construction and state and local government employment emphasize the importance of two other of the President’s priorities—continued infrastructure investment and additional aid for strapped state and local governments.

There will likely be bumps in the road ahead. The monthly employment and unemployment numbers are volatile and subject to substantial revision. Therefore, it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report, positive or negative. It is essential that we continue our efforts to move in the right direction and replace job losses with robust job gains.

Christina Romer is Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers

8:05 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! Thank you! Thank you! Please, everybody, have a seat. Especially Tom McMullen and Dikembe Mutombo. (Laughter.) Every time I stand next to them I look like a little kid. (Laughter.)

I want to thank three people who are just extraordinarily important to the project of rebuilding our country and have just been great friends of mine, great friends of the Democratic Party. You already heard from one -- please give it up for Governor Tim Kaine. (Applause.) Our DNC finance chair, Jane Stetson, who's racking up a lot of frequent flier miles. (Applause.) And Andy Tobias, our DNC treasurer -- hey, Andy. (Applause.)

It is great to see all of you here tonight, wonderful to see so many good friends, many of you who were there from the beginning of this campaign. And I want you to all know that I appreciate everything that you've done -- not just for the campaign, but also what you've done for the country and what you've done for the party.

Many of you were invested in this campaign at the very beginning when nobody could pronounce my name. (Laughter.) And you’d tell your friends, there's this young guy, I really think he's got something. What's his name? Barack Obama? (Laughter.) Yeah. So you had to confront a lot of skepticism, a lot of confusion. Some of you were involved in a campaign for the first time, and some of you got involved for the very first time in a very long time -– because you believed that we were in a defining moment in our history and that your voice could make a difference.

Not a single day goes by where I don’t think about all the time and the energy, the money, the commitment, the unyielding faith that you put into our campaign -- because it wasn’t just about winning an election; it was about changing a country.

Last year, we asked you to take on something new. We asked you to help us keep the promises that we made in the campaign -- help to bring about the changes that we had talked about together. And a lot of you have worked hard to do that. You've continued to be engaged in education policy, in foreign policy, and helping us at a grassroots level, and continuing to finance our ability to get our message out. And it matters. It's made the successes of the last year possible.

Sometimes I think we got so many things done so quick that people forgot. But let's just think about this. We upheld the principle of equal pay for equal work. (Applause.) We lifted the ban on stem cell research and restored science to its rightful place in America. (Applause.) We provided health care to 4 million children who now have it who didn’t have it before. (Applause.) We passed the strongest veterans budget in decades. We protected families from getting ripped off by credit card companies, and children from being targeted by big tobacco, and helped consumers deal with the twin plagues of mortgage fraud and predatory lending.

We appointed Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. (Applause.) We passed a service bill named for Ted Kennedy that’s giving young and old a chance to serve their country and their communities. (Applause.) We're working with Congress to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. (Applause.)

Oh, and by the way, and in the meantime, we prevented the worst financial crisis from getting even worse -- (applause) -- turned the economy from contraction to expansion; made the largest investment in clean energy in history; the largest investment in education in decades. (Applause.) Expanded the Pell Grant program; dealt with a H1N1 virus on the side.

That’s what your support has helped us do at home. Abroad, we’ve begun a new era of engagement. We’re working with our partners to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, seeking a world free of them. We’re working with other nations to confront climate change. We are now a leader and not a follower in that critical mission. (Applause.) We banned torture. We’re rebuilding our military. We're reaffirming our alliances. We've begun to leave Iraq to its own people, as I committed to doing in the campaign. (Applause.) And we’ve charted a new way forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We’re making progress every single day in taking the fight to al Qaeda and across the globe.

And I went to Cairo on behalf of the American people to begin a new dialogue with the Muslim world. (Applause.) We're living up to our obligations as a wealthy nation, helping to promote food security around the world, helping to deal with diseases around the world. We're living up to a moment that demands American leadership by standing with the people of Haiti as we speak. (Applause.)

So in ways large and small, we've begun to deliver on the change that we talked about, the change that you believed in and that you campaigned hard for. But the reason that you and I are here tonight is because we're not done. We've got a lot more work to do.

As I said, the day we took office we confronted a financial system on the verge of collapse; we were losing 700,000 jobs per month; a $1.3 trillion deficit; two wars that, frankly, had not been paid for and were costly in every sense of the word. A lot of the solutions we proposed, the decisions we took, they weren’t quick, they weren’t easy, and they weren’t popular. But we decided we were going to go govern. We were going to put politicking on hold to get this country out of the mess it was in.

I mentioned this to a group I spoke to earlier. You know, pundits act surprised about the fact that we spent so much political capital. Well, you know, I didn't get elected to play it safe. And I didn't govern, and I don't govern by checking the polls every few days. I know that's the habit in Washington, but that's not the obligation I owe the American people; that's not the promise I made to you. And because we took bold and swift and coordinated action, we can stand here today and say we averted another depression. We broke the back of the recession. The economy is growing again.

So the worst of the storm has passed. But, as all of you know, the devastation remains. We've got 10 percent unemployment. Many of you watching at home, as you go around the country and your individual communities, you see the stores shuttered and the foreclosed businesses; friends and neighbors, family members who still can’t find work. This is on top of a decade that had been tough for middle-class families all across the country. They hadn't seen their incomes go up in years. Their costs skyrocketing at the same time as their wages were stagnant.

For two years I heard stories, all across the country, everywhere I go. I heard stories about people trying their best to hold on; a family sitting around the kitchen table wondering if they were going to be able to retire on schedule; if they were going to be able to finance a college education for their kids; wondering when would health care costs stop climbing, when would their premiums start stabilizing. People started expressing doubts about whether the dream that generations built and defended -- the American Dream -- was slipping away.

That's the reason I ran for President. That's the reason you supported me. And that's why we are going to continue to do everything we can to create an economy that hasn’t just recovered back to the status quo, but an economy where hard work is valued and responsibility is rewarded; and where businesses are hiring and wages are rising; and where our middle class is getting stronger and more secure.

Now, our most urgent task is job creation –- that was our number-one priority last year and our number-one priority this year. And the first task was to make sure the economy is growing. It is growing. But we've got to do more. So we're going to give tax breaks and loans to small businesses to help them hire new workers, and raise wages, and invest in new plants and equipment. We’re going to put even more Americans to work on clean energy facilities and upgrading our infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

We’re going to create incentives for consumers to make their homes more energy-efficient, creating jobs and saving families money. And we're going to look at our tax code, because it's time we ended practices like giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas instead of investing in companies that are creating jobs right here in the United States of America.

But the truth is, these steps alone won’t make up for 7 million jobs that have been lost over the last two years. They're not going to, alone, provide the economic security that's been dwindling for middle-class families over the last decade. The only way we do that is to lay a strong foundation for growth, over the long term. And the things that we talked about during the campaign are the things that still need to be done. They've been put off by Washington for too long.

And this is where change gets hard. Change is easy if you're just talking about tinkering around the edges. Change is harder when you actually dig in and try to deal with the structural problems that have impeded our progress for too long. This is where we run headlong into the lobbyists and the special interests, and the bitterness and misinformation that characterizes so much of our politics -- which means that some of you may be feeling discouraged, because it feels like things have taken longer than you might have expected.

Well, don’t be discouraged. I'm not discouraged. I knew this was going to take a long time, but I knew the fight was worth it. And we've got to keep up on this fight. The forces of the status quo, they may not give an inch, but I don't give an inch either. And you shouldn't give an inch either. (Applause.) We didn’t come this far to put things off, or to play it safe, or to take the easy road. That wasn’t why we were elected. We came here to solve problems -- for the next generation, not for the next election.

That means opening up this government to the people. That's why we post all our visitors online. That's why we've excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs and seats on boards and commissions. That's why I’ve called on Congress to put their earmark online so everybody can see what's going on. That's part of the change that we promised.

We've got to change the tone of government and politics here in Washington and all across America. I'm not going to give up on that either. You know, the American people are right to be frustrated about a Washington where every day is Election Day -- and the basic theory is, If you lose I win. Where we're not measuring success by what we're doing for the American people, but how we look in the latest Gallup. No wonder people are frustrated.

That’s why I went to the House Republican caucus the other day. We had a good discussion -- (laughter) -- about the challenges that are facing the American people, our ideas to solve them. That was good for the country. It's good for our democracy. I had fun.

Now, there are some issues that Democrats and Republicans aren’t going to agree on, and that’s okay. Vigorous debate is healthy. We’re going to tussle from time to time. And you know what -- there may be some issues that we do agree on, or at least we say we agree on. And we have to test whether or not people are serious. So I told my Republican friends I want to work together with them where I can -- and I meant it. Because I don't want to just score political points. I've got time to campaign down the road. In the meantime, there's a lot of work that we've got to get done together. And we can get a lot done together.

And I told then I will also call them out if they say they want to work on something and then when I offer a hand I get nothing in return. The American people have to understand that. The old playbook of just blocking everything -- I understand that's easier than actually doing something, and sometimes it may be more politically effective. But that's not what's going to move our country forward.

That’s why I’m here. That’s why you joined our campaign. That’s what you’ve helped deliver over the last year. That’s why I need your help now. That's why Tim and everybody in the party needs your help now. Because you know as well as anyone that change doesn’t come without a fight. We’ve got some fights to wage. We've got some fights to make sure that we're sparking innovation and igniting a clean energy sector where American workers are making solar panels and wind towers and cutting-edge batteries for the new plug-in hybrid, that leads on clean energy -- because the economy that leads on clean energy I believe is going to lead the global economy. And I want America to be that nation. (Applause.)

We’re going to keep fighting to make sure that America has the best education possible for every child. And we're going to reward success through our Race to the Top program. We want every child to meet their potential, and that's why we're going to make sure that young people all across America can afford college without going broke. (Applause.) That's a priority. We can do that. And we can do it this year.

We’re going to keep fighting for common-sense rules of the road for Wall Street. I want to be clear -- there's a lot of talk about Wall Street, Main Street -- we need a financial sector that works. That's a priority. We need businesses that are thriving, and they've got to raise capital; that will help them hire workers. So there's no separation between our financial system and the real economy. That's part of what this crisis has reminded us. But we've got to ensure that our economy isn't brought to its knees by outdated and antiquated financial rules and the irresponsibility of a few.

And that's why I expect Democrats and Republicans to want to make sure that we don't find ourselves in this same situation again. That's why we have to have financial regulatory reform. And, yes, that is why we're going to fix the health care system -- (applause) -- a health care system that too often works for insurance companies better than it does for individual Americans.

And again, I didn’t take this on because it was easy. I got David Axelrod -- he does all the polls. He whispers in my ear, man, this health care thing is hard. (Laughter.) I am a amateur historian, so I know that seven Presidents starting with Teddy Roosevelt couldn't get this done. We understood this was going to be hard.

But I took it on not for its political value; I took it on because families are dealing with skyrocketing premiums and skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs, and insurance companies that routinely deny coverage because of preexisting conditions -– or drop people altogether when they get sick. We took it on because the costs were killing small businesses, and creating an uneven playing field for our international companies, and it was eating into workers’ take-home pay and canceling raises. And we took it on because it’s the single best way -- in fact, the only way -- that we are actually going to get control of our federal budget.

So when I hear deficit hawks out there who say they want to control the federal budget and aren’t willing to do a darn thing about the skyrocketing costs of health care, I get a sense they're not entirely on the level. Because our proposal for health care reform, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would bring it down by $1 trillion over the next two decades. And even in Washington that's a lot of money. (Applause.)

I took it on because every single day, 15,000 Americans join the tens of millions who don’t have health insurance -- and 18 million -- 18,000 Americans die because of the lack of health insurance.

That's what we campaigned on. That's what we're working to get it done -– with Democrats and with independents and with Republicans. We want to bring down costs and end the worst insurance practices, and finally give every American a chance to have the security of quality, affordable health care.

I am not going to walk away from those fights. And I don't expect you will either. You've come this far. The odds were a lot less that I'd ever be standing here than they are that we can solve some of these big problems. I mean, think about it. Tim was -- (applause) -- when Tim endorsed me in Richmond, first endorsement I got outside of Illinois of any elected official -- here he is, newly minted governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia -- there was one thing that was clear, and that is he was term-limited. (Laughter.)

But don't you guys -- you remember this. Nobody gave us a chance. This campaign was declared dead -- what -- 10 times. (Laughter.) You know, the same folks who are now writing about what next, and what's happened to the Obama -- these are the same folks who were writing about how he doesn’t stand a chance; how after New Hampshire, that was it. After Pennsylvania, that was it. Right? We went through this. And they were saying your faith was misplaced and you set your sights to high, and your hope is naïve, and Washington won't change. And now all of them are feeling like, see, we told you, Washington doesn’t change. And they're feeling kind of self-satisfied about the fact that we haven’t yet gotten health care done.

Well, let me tell you something. You didn’t listen to those voices then. Your voice proved them wrong. You proved that nothing can stop the power of millions of people who want to see an America that's living up to its values and its ideals. That’s what you did. And that’s what I’m asking you to do again. (Applause.)

This is an extraordinary moment. I want to remind you we don't quit. And I don't quit. (Applause.) And we are going to bring about the changes that you believe in and I believe in, and that ultimately will help our children and grandchildren believe as they grow up -- an America in which everybody has got a decent shot at life; in which we're leading in innovation; in which we're proud of our foreign policy.

That's what we were fighting for then. That's what we're fighting for now. We’ve taken some good steps. We got many miles to go on this journey. I hope you join me.

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

END
8:27 P.M. EST

Capital Hilton
Washington, D.C.

6:15 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! Thank you. Well --

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yes we can!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. It is wonderful to see so many good friends. First of all, I want to thank Michele for the wonderful introduction and great story that she told. I want to thank Tim Kaine, who has been not only an outstanding leader for us but one of the best governors Virginia has ever had. Give Tim Kaine a big round of applause. (Applause.)

I understand we've got thousands of people online, so I just want to say to all the folks online, thank you for joining us. We appreciate it. And I want all of you to know right off the bat how much I appreciate what each and every one of you has done -- not just for me but for the country.

Many of you were on the front lines in our campaign -- some of you from the very beginning, making phone calls and knocking on doors and trudging through the frozen fields of Iowa. (Applause.) You didn't know the snow was moving this way. (Laughter.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We can handle it!

THE PRESIDENT: We can handle it. You staked your reputation on some guy that nobody had ever heard of -- couldn't pronounce my name. Some of you got involved in a campaign for the very first time. In some cases, you just got involved for the first time in a very long time, because you believed that we were at a defining moment in our nation's history; that your voice could make a difference. And not a single day goes by when I don't think of the time, the energy, the money, the undying faith that you put into a campaign that wasn't just about winning an election -- it was about changing a country.

Last year, we asked you to take on something new. We asked you to help us make the promise of the campaign a reality. And I know how hard many of you have worked in your communities to do that, either as part of Organizing For America or simply by talking to your friends and neighbors, your coworkers. What you do matters. It's made the successes of the last year possible.

It's because of you that we were able to uphold the principle of equal pay for equal work. (Applause.) It's because of you that we lifted the ban on stem cell research and began restoring science to its rightful place in America. (Applause.) It's because of you that we extended the promise of health care to 4 million children who didn't have it. (Applause.) It's because of you that we passed the strongest veterans budget in decades. (Applause.) It's because of you that we protected families from getting ripped off by credit card companies, and children from being targeted by big tobacco, and responsible consumers from the twin plagues of mortgage fraud and predatory lending. (Applause.)

We appointed Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. (Applause.) We passed a service bill named for Ted Kennedy that's giving young people and not-so-young people new ways to give back to their community. We've begun working with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country that they love because of who they are. (Applause.)

That's what your support has helped us do here at home. Abroad, we've begun a new era of engagement. We're working with our partners to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and seek a world free of them. We're working with other nations to confront climate change. We banned torture. (Applause.) We're rebuilding our military and reaffirming our alliances. We've begun to leave Iraq to its own people. (Applause.) We've charted a new way forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan. And we've made progress in taking the fight to al Qaeda across the globe. I went to Cairo on behalf of America to begin a new dialogue with the Muslim world. (Applause.) And we are living up to a moment that demands American leadership by standing tall alongside the people of Haiti. (Applause.)

So in ways large and small, we've begun to deliver on the change that you believed in. But the reason you and I are here tonight is because there's so much more work to be done.

On the day I took office, we confronted a financial system on the brink of collapse, an economy bleeding 700,000 jobs per month, a $1.3 trillion deficit, and two wars that were costly in every sense of the word.

The solutions to these challenges wouldn't be quick or easy, and sometimes they wouldn't be popular. We knew that. But we decided that we were going to govern. We decided that we were going to lead. We didn't have our finger out to the wind. We weren't reading the polls every minute. We decided that we would begin a long and difficult journey to get this country back where it needs to be. (Applause.)

Because of the bold, swift, and coordinated action we took, we can stand here today and say we prevented another depression. We broke the back of the recession. The economy that was shrinking by 6 percent a year ago is now growing by 6 percent. (Applause.)

So the worst of the storm has passed, but all of you -- from what you see in your own lives, what you see in your neighborhoods, what you see on the job -- is that a lot of devastation remains. Many of you are seeing it in your own communities -- shuttered businesses; foreclosed homes; friends, neighbors, family members who still can't find work. And on top of all this, you've got the underlying challenges that middle-class families were dealing with for decades.

For two years, I traveled this country with you, and everywhere I went, I heard stories of folks who were trying their best to hold it all together while working harder and harder for less money. We heard families sitting around the kitchen table wondering if a secure retirement was even possible; if a college education was still achievable; if the climb of health care costs would ever stop. We heard people wondering if the dream that generations of Americans had built and defended was slowly slipping away.

Those are the stories that caused me to run for President of the United States. Those are the stories that led you to support me. Those are the stories that lead us to do every single thing that we can to create an economy that hasn't just recovered but where hard work is valued and responsibility is rewarded; where businesses are hiring and wages are rising; where our middle class is getting stronger and feeling more secure.

Now, our most urgent task is job creation -– that was our number one priority last year; it's our number one priority this year. So we'll give tax breaks and loans to small business to help them hire new workers and raise wages and invest in new plants and equipment. We'll put even more Americans to work constructing clean energy facilities and upgrading our infrastructure for the future. We'll create incentives for consumers to make their homes more energy efficient, creating jobs and saving families money. And it's time that we put an end to tax breaks for companies that are shipping jobs overseas -- (applause) -- we need to give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America. (Applause.)

But the truth is, these steps alone won't make up for the 7 million jobs that we've lost over the last two years. Those steps alone won't make up for the economic security -- insecurity that middle-class families have lost over the past decade. The only way to do that is to lay a new foundation for long-term economic growth. The only way to do that is to finally confront the problems that Washington has put off for too long, and that we've been talking about for decades.

Now, here's the deal, though, folks. This is where change gets hard, when you start going after the real hard things that have been holding us back for so long. This is where we start running headlong into the lobbyists and the special interests; this is where the bitterness and misinformation that has come to characterize so much of our politics starts rearing its ugly head. I know some of you might feel discouraged because changing the ways of Washington is hard; it's harder than a lot of you thought it might be. Sometimes it may make you feel like -- that it's not possible. You might want to give up.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We believe in you! (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Don't give up. (Applause.) I don't want you to feel discouraged. I want you to understand that it just means we got to push that much harder. (Applause.) It means that we've got to keep up the fight. The forces of the status quo may not give an inch, but we will not give an inch. (Applause.) Because we didn't come this far to put things off; we didn't come here to play it safe; we didn't do all this work to take the easy road to get through the next election. That's not why you elected me. You came here to solve problems -- once and for all -- for the next generation. (Applause.)

That begins by opening this government up to the people. We were the first White House ever to post all our visitors online. (Applause.) We excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions. (Applause.) I've called on Congress to make all earmark requests public on one central Web site before they come up for a vote so that you can see how your money is spent.

And even as we open up government, we also have to change its tone. And I won't give up on that, either. (Applause.) The American people are right to be frustrated by a Washington where every single day is Election Day -– it's a place so absorbed with how each party is doing that it loses sight of how the American people are doing.

And that's why I went and visited with the House Republican caucus last Friday. (Applause.) We had a good exchange, a good discussion about the challenges facing the American people, our ideas to solve them. We think it was good for the country. I had fun. (Laughter and applause.)

Now, look, obviously there's some issues where we don't agree. That's okay. Vigorous debate is healthy. We'll tussle from time to time. That's what democracy is all about. But there's some issues we do agree on. So I told my Republican friends I want to work together when we can -- and I meant it. I believe that if we put a focus on solving problems instead of scoring political points, we can get a lot done together. (Applause.) I also made clear that I'm going to call them out if what they're offering are political talking points that won't solve problems. (Applause.) And I had to insist that we have to throw out that tired old playbook that says blocking everything is easier than actually delivering for the American people. Otherwise, we won't move this country forward. (Applause.)

And ultimately, that's why I'm here. That's why you're here. That's why you joined this campaign. That's why you've helped this past year. That's why I need your help now. Because you know as well as anyone that change never comes without a fight. And we've got -- we've got some fights to wage.

We're going to keep fighting to spark innovation and ignite a clean energy sector where American workers are making solar panels and wind towers and cutting-edge batteries -- (applause) -- because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. (Applause.)

We're going to keep fighting to give every American the best education possible. (Applause.) That's why we launched the Race to the Top program, to make sure every school lives up to its potential so that every child lives up to their potential. That's why we're strengthening our community colleges. (Applause.) That's why we're making higher education more affordable -- because nobody should go broke because they chose to go to college. (Applause.)

That's why we're going to keep fighting for common-sense rules of the road for Wall Street. Look, let me be clear: We need a strong financial sector. I want our banks to thrive in loaning money to businesses who are hiring workers and investing in plants and equipment and making things. Without a stable, strong financial sector, businesses can't get the capital they need to grow and create jobs, and families can't finance a home loan or education.

And the truth is, is that not every person on Wall Street was engaging in shenanigans. (Laughter.) Not all of them. And the truth is, is that the -- I want to hear ideas about how we can strengthen the financial sector in a responsible way. But surely we can all agree that we have to ensure our economy is never again brought to its knees by outdated and inadequate financial rules or by the irresponsibility of the few. So we're going to keep on fighting for that. (Applause.)

I would think this is going to be a bipartisan effort -- I would think -- because everybody has been harmed by what's happened. And every voter out there -- Democrat, Republican, independent -- is furious about what happened. My hope would be that Washington would respond.

And, yes, we are going to keep fighting to fix a health system that too often works better for the insurance industry than it does for the American people. (Applause.) Now, I -- you heard me at the State of the Union -- I didn't take this on because it was good politics. I love how the pundits on these cable shows, they all announce, Oh, boy, this was really tough politically for the President. Well, I've got my own pollsters, I know -- (laughter) -- I knew this was hard. I knew seven Presidents had failed. I knew seven Congresses hadn't gotten it done. You don't think I got warnings, Don't try to take this on ? I got those back in December of last year.

So, yes, we knew this was hard. But I took it on because families were at the mercy of skyrocketing premiums, soaring out-of-pocket costs, insurance companies that routinely deny coverage because of preexisting conditions, or see their insurance dropped altogether because they get sick.

We took it on because costs were closing small businesses. They were keeping larger ones from competing on a level playing field. They were eating into workers' take-home pay. They were canceling raises. We took it on because it's the single best way to bring down our deficits. (Applause.) By the way, nobody has disputed that. When I was before the Republican caucus, it was very clear. I said, look, you say you're concerned about deficit reduction? Nobody can dispute the fact that if we don't tackle surging health care costs, that we can't get control of our budget. And by the way, the approach that we put forward would reduce our deficit by as much as a trillion dollars over the next two decades.

We took it on because every single day, 15,000 Americans join the tens of millions who don't have health insurance -- and every single year, 18,000 Americans die because of it.

I got a letter -- I got a note today from one of my staff -- they forwarded it to me -- from a woman in St. Louis who had been part of our campaign, very active, who had passed away from breast cancer. She didn't have insurance. She couldn't afford it, so she had put off having the kind of exams that she needed. And she had fought a tough battle for four years. All through the campaign she was fighting it, but finally she succumbed to it. And she insisted she's going to be buried in an Obama t-shirt. (Laughter.)

But think about this: She was fighting that whole time not just to get me elected, not even to get herself health insurance, but because she understood that there were others coming behind her who were going to find themselves in the same situation and she didn't want somebody else going through that same thing. (Applause.) How can I say to her, You know what? We're giving up ? How can I say to her family, This is too hard ? How can Democrats on the Hill say, This is politically too risky ? How can Republicans on the Hill say, We're better off just blocking anything from happening ?

That can't be the message that the American people are delivering. Yes, they're nervous, they're anxious, they're in a tough time right now. The thing they want most are jobs. They really don't like the process in Washington, the sausage-making. That part I understand. But I know that they don't -- but I know they don't want to just offer nothing to the millions of people in America who are in the situation that that woman was in. That's what we campaigned on. And we are going to keep on working to get it done -– with Democrats and I hope with Republicans and everybody else in between -– to bring down costs, to end the worst practices of the insurance industry, to finally give every American the chance to choose quality, affordable health care. We are going to keep on working to get it done. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!

THE PRESIDENT: I am not going to walk away from these fights. And I know you won't -– because you didn't before. You didn't when folks were slamming doors in your faces -- Barama who? (Laughter.) You didn't quit when you heard voices saying we should scale back and throttle down and accept less. You remember that. When folks were saying our sights were set too high; that our faith in this country was misplaced; that our hope was naïve; that you couldn't change Washington; that you had to accommodate yourself to the political realities. You've all heard that. You didn't listen to those voices then -– your voice proved them wrong. You proved that nothing can withstand the power of millions of voices that are calling for change.

That is what you did. That's what I'm asking you to do again now. And it's even tougher now than it was, because governing, delivering for the American people, is harder than campaigning. It's going to -- and you guys –

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We need campaign finance reform!

THE PRESIDENT: I heard you the first time, sister. (Laughter.) We're fighting for that, too.

You guys, I just want to remind you, this is an extraordinary moment in our history. We have been given the opportunity to change our country for the better. That change begins with each of you in this room and all of you watching all across America. It begins when you refuse to settle for the status quo; when you reject the cynicism and the skepticism that we can no longer do big things in America; when you believe that people who love their country can change it -- that's how we're going to finish what we started, because we do not back down, we don't quit, I don't quit. (Applause.) I'm still fired up. I'm still ready to go. And it's because of you. (Applause.)

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

AUDIENCE: We don't quit! We don't quit! We don't quit!

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, hello, hello. Hello. Hello. Now, my understanding -- everybody know Mitch?

AUDIENCE: Yes!

THE PRESIDENT: Mitch has I believe four questions that he has drawn from the list of questions that were sent from all across the country, and I'm going to try to answer them. So with that -- Mitch.

MR. STEWART: Thank you, sir. Our first question comes, Mr. President, from one of OFA's dedicated community organizers, Dream Gunther in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's a question that's on a lot of folks' minds within OFA and I think across the country: How can we help pass health care reform, and what is the strategy to move it forward? (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: It is a good question. We are closer to a health care reform system that works for all Americans than we have ever been. Never before have you seen a bill pass through the House and then a bill pass through the Senate and where 90 percent of those bills -- those two bills overlap. Democrats in the House and the Senate have been in discussions over the last several weeks to finalize a package that represents the best ideas of both the House and the Senate.

Here's what we know will be in it: It provides coverage to at least 30 million Americans who don't have it. Many of those are small business owners or workers for small businesses. It creates an exchange, a marketplace, where people who don't have health insurance or small businesses that want to get a better deal can pool their purchasing power and then negotiate with insurance companies to drive down costs and drive down premiums -- the same way, by the way, that federal workers and members of Congress, by the way, and people who work for big companies are able to get a better deal because they're part of a bigger pool.

It has insurance reforms that benefit everybody potentially who has health insurance or currently doesn't have health insurance so that we put an end to, for example, the practice of not being able to get health insurance because of a preexisting condition. (Applause.) We make sure that they can't just drop you when you get sick and you need insurance the most.

And we've got a whole series of measures for cost reductions in the health care system over the long term, by reducing waste and unnecessary tests that are duplicative and end up wasting money, by ensuring that there's strong prevention funding so that children are getting regular checkups and they can go to see a doctor instead of going to the emergency room.

So -- and by the way, all of it is paid for, and not only is it deficit-neutral but the Congressional Budget Office, which is the bipartisan office that's the scorekeeper for how much things cost in Congress, says it's going to reduce our costs by a trillion dollars.

Now, those two bills weren't identical, so it was important for folks in both the House and the Senate to sit down and figure out what's the final bill that the Democrats believe in and want to move forward. The next step is what I announced at the State of the Union, which is to call on our Republican friends to present their ideas. What I'd like to do is have a meeting whereby I'm sitting with the Republicans, sitting with the Democrats, sitting with health care experts, and let's just go through these bills -- their ideas, our ideas -- let's walk through them in a methodical way so that the American people can see and compare what makes the most sense.

And then I think that we've got to go ahead and move forward on a vote. We've got to move forward on a vote. (Applause.) But as I said at the State of the Union, I think we should be very deliberate, take our time. We're going to be moving a jobs package forward over the next several weeks; that's the thing that's most urgent right now in the minds of Americans all across the country. And that will allow everybody to get the real facts, both about the health care crisis that we face, why it's so important for deficit reduction, why it's so important for families all across the country. It allows us to see are there, in fact, some better ideas out there?

When I was at the Republican caucus somebody told me they had an idea to provide universal coverage and it wouldn't cost anything. (Laughter.) Which -- I thought, that's great; I want to see that. Now, I did say I want to make sure that's there are some independent health care experts and economists and doctors who would confirm this. But if they can confirm it, why wouldn't I want to take that -- I wish I'd thought of that before. (Laughter.)

But here's the key, is to not let the moment slip away. (Applause.) And I have to say -- I have to say part of what makes health care so hard, and why we are the only advanced nation on Earth that doesn't have some form of universal health care, is because even when the system doesn't work people still want to kind of cling on to the devil they know because they're worried about the devil they don't. It's very easy to scare folks. I mean, if you go out there right now and you ask the average person -- and some of you have done this, talked to your friends, talked to your neighbors -- they're certain that they would have to go into a government plan, which isn't true, but that's still a perception a lot of people have. They're still pretty sure that they'd have to give up their doctor. They're still pretty sure that if they're happy with their health care plan that it's bad for them. They're still positive that this is going to add to the deficit.

So there's a lot of information out there that people understandably are concerned about. And that's why I think it's very important for us to have a methodical, open process over the next several weeks, and then let's go ahead and make a decision. And it may be that -- you know, if Congress decides -- if Congress decides we're not going to do it, even after all the facts are laid out, all the options are clear, then the American people can make a judgment as to whether this Congress has done the right thing for them or not. And that's how democracy works. There will be elections coming up and they'll be able to make a determination and register their concerns one way or the other during election time. All right? (Applause.)

MR. STEWART: Mr. President, the second question comes to us via email from El Paso, Texas. Rebecca Harris writes, What can be done to get money to small businesses? I keep hearing that banks are still not loaning because of lack of confidence. Do smaller banks have the ability to get money with the stipulation that they loan it out so that we can get the economy moving again?

THE PRESIDENT: This is a really important question. I've been traveling a lot lately doing town hall meetings and then talking to small business owners as I'm traveling around the country. And everywhere I go, I hear the same thing, which is, We feel like the economy is starting to improve and we're starting to get orders again. We want to expand, or we need to replenish our inventory, or we are interested in maybe hiring another two or three workers because we can't just keep on putting all our current workers on overtime. So they're on the brink of wanting to expand, move, hire, but what they're saying is, we still can't get financing.

Now, credit is now available for the biggest companies, and they are actually starting to make investments. Every indicator out there is that the economy, across the board, including in manufacturing, is starting to make investments again.

But the big companies may be able to get credit; small companies still can't. And when you talk to the smaller banks what they'll say is, well, on the one hand the regulators are looking over our shoulder. They used to say it was fine for us to make these loans. Now, they're saying we shouldn't.

So that's one concern, and another concern is some of them still have pretty tough liabilities on their books because a lot of them lent into commercial real estate or other loans that they're not sure are going to get repaid.

So what we've done is twofold. One is we've said how can we get some money directly out there through the Small Business Administration, and we've ramped up lending through the Small Business Administration by 70 percent and we have eliminated fees and we have increased guarantees -- (applause) -- so that you're seeing a huge increase in the volume of small business loans.

The problem is the SBA can't cover all the need out there. And there are 30,000 community banks out there that are serving their communities and small businesses, so we've got to get money to them. That's why what we've said is, let's get $30 billion that's been repaid as a consequence of the big banks getting well and having to repay their TARP money -- let's take that money and set up a fund whereby we can start lending that money through small banks.

Now, the last thing I'd say is -- I was asked is there a way of stipulating that this will go to particular loans. We don't want the government to be in the business of saying you have to give this loan or deny that loan, because we're not on the ground and we can't review each and every one of those loans. But we are very confident that the most efficient way for us to get money to small businesses is to make sure that the community banks are getting these financing facilities that allow them to get money out. And if they do, we think that that's going to be a major job creator right now. (Applause.)

MR. STEWART: Mr. President, as you might know, Gen44 is the newest program at the DNC aimed at empowering young leadership across this country. A Gen44 member, Eric Casher (phonetic), sent along our third question: As young people, we've always been taught that America leads the world, both by the strength of our ideals and the might of our economy. We're frustrated and worried, though, that other nations -- in particular, China -- are moving ahead of the U.S. in investing in new industries to create the jobs of the 21st century. What are you doing, and what can we do, to make sure we're not left behind?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I had lunch with some corporate CEOs -- big companies -- we want to increase exports, we want to start selling overseas. We've been an economy that just is consuming -- that's not good for our long-term economic growth. We want to produce and sell. So I talked to them about this, and every one of them was concerned about us falling behind in some key areas relative not just to China, but countries like South Korea and other Asian countries; in some cases, in some sectors, European countries.

Number one, we have to revamp our education system. That's why I'm so proud of what we've done with -- (applause) -- that's why I'm so proud with what we've done with Race to the Top. We want to reward excellence.

Now, the federal government doesn't provide the majority of funding for schools. Mostly it comes from local school districts. But the money that we do give, let's make sure we're incentivizing best practices, getting the best teachers in front of the classroom, making sure that we've got the best data on how to improve school performance, making sure that we're targeting some of those low-performing schools, because we can't just look at the schools that are in the middle -- we've got to bring schools that are at the bottom up to snuff because that's going to be our future workforce. So that's number one.

That includes, by the way, making sure that we meet our 2020 goal of once again having the highest rate of college graduation in the world. (Applause.) We used to be number one. We're not number one any longer. We've got to produce more math and science graduates. Those are all going to be top priorities.

The second thing: Everybody sees energy as a prime source of growth in the future, and we're already slipping behind. We're slipping behind in some traditional industries like the nuclear industry. That I think is a mistake. If you care about greenhouse gases, we've got to look at a safe and secure nuclear industry.

But we have to look at new, alternative energy sources of the future. And I'm proud that the Recovery Act gave the biggest investment of clean energy -- made the biggest investment of clean energy both in research and development but also actual construction and commercial application in history. (Applause.)

And we've got to build on that investment from last year. We've got to push hard this year so that we are once again the leaders in solar and wind and high-efficiency batteries that can lead to the plug-in automobiles of the future.

We've got to finally set up an infrastructure that spurs on that kind of long-term growth. And that means having a smart electricity grid that can take all that good energy from solar and wind and take it from a place like South Dakota down to Chicago, into a garage, where somebody is then plugging in that plug-in hybrid that's getting 150 miles per gallon of gas, which will lead us to energy independence; it will lead to jobs right here in the United States of America. (Applause.) But it requires leadership and it requires us to build for the future and not just look backwards.

And the most important thing right now I think for our economic growth is for the American people to feel confident about our future. You know, we've gone through these periods before. Some of you are old enough -- not all of you -- but remember back in the '80s how everybody was saying, oh, Japan is taking over and they're buying everything here and we're on decline? This happens periodically, every 30, 40 years or so, maybe every 25. Suddenly everybody announces, oh, America is on decline, and there's some new competitor out there. It was Japan; now it's China.

We have the best workers in the world, we got the best universities in the world -- (applause) -- we've got the most dynamic economy in the world, but we can't be afraid of the future. And we've got to have a government, a political system, that works -- not as an impediment to business, but one that works to lay the conditions for business success. That's how we grew in the past. We built an interstate railroad system that was not just done on its own. We built an Interstate Highway System; that wasn't -- that didn't just happen overnight. The Internet didn't just, you know, suddenly appear.

Those were all investments in which government helped to seed and catalyze growth, and then it moved forward. And that's what we've got to do today. (Applause.)

All right, last question.

MR. STEWART: Last question, sir, comes from an OFA community organizer, Brandon Furry (phonetic), in southern California. Brandon writes: I'm a 28-year-old volunteer with OFA. Even with a full-tuition scholarship I had to work three part-time jobs. I barely could afford food and had little time to study. As my grades started to drop I decided to drop out rather than ruin my hopes of doing well in school. I would like to go back to school full-time. How are you going to help people like me to make it easier to go back to school and make a lasting contribution to our country?

THE PRESIDENT: Here's what we've already done: We've significantly increased Pell grants, made them more accessible to more people, and increased the level so that they would actually pay for a community college education or a four-year college education. The next step is to relieve the burden that so many young people are feeling in terms of the amount of debt that they're taking out just to go to school.

So what we've said is this -- and there's legislation pending right now that we want to get passed this year that says to every young person in America, you go to college, you will not have to pay more than 10 percent of your income in repaying student loans. So you are assured not to go broke -- (applause) -- you will not go broke when you choose to go to college. Not only that, after 20 years -- assuming you've been making regular payments -- your debt is forgiven. (Applause.) And if you go into public service, if you're a teacher or a firefighter or some other -- or you're working for NASA or any other -- any other public service out there, then we will see your loans forgiven after 10 years -- (applause) -- because you're probably not going to be making as much money.

Not only is the legislation pending, but we know how it can be paid for, which is to stop providing subsidies to banks and financial institutions that are serving as middlemen on student loans. (Applause.) Let's have those loans go directly to the students. That will save us billions of dollars; that will pay for every single dime of the program that I just talked about. That's the kind of change you can believe in. That's what we've got to do, but I'm going to need all of you to work.

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

END
7:01 P.M. EST

President Obama announced today his intent to nominate the following individuals:

Myles Watts, Member of the Board of Directors, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
Myles Watts is a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics at Montana State University. After receiving a Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska, he joined the Montana State faculty in 1978. He served as Department Head for 17 years, and his current responsibilities include classroom teaching, research, and outreach education. Dr. Watts has served in various editorial capacities for the Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. He has also received multiple honors and awards from professional associations including the Distinguished Scholar Award from the Western Agricultural Economics Association. His family still owns and operates the cattle and wheat ranch where he was raised in southeastern Montana.

President Obama said, I am pleased that these Governors of exceptional experience have agreed to join the Council of Governors. This bipartisan team strengthens the partnership between our State Governments and the Federal Government when it comes to ensuring our national preparedness and homeland defense. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”

President Obama announced today his intent to appoint the following individuals:

Governor James H. Douglas, Appointee for Co-Chair, Council of Governors
James H. Douglas was first elected Governor of Vermont in 2002 and is now in his fourth term. He serves as Chair of the National Governors Association and is past president of the Council of State Governments. As Governor of Vermont, Governor Douglas established Vermont’s Homeland Security Advisory Council to assess Vermont’s overall homeland security preparedness, policies, and communications and to advise the governor on strategies to improve the current system. Prior to being elected governor, he was elected State Treasurer and served as president of the National Association of State Treasurers. Governor Douglas has also served as a state legislator and Secretary of State. He graduated from Middlebury College.

Governor Chris Gregoire, Appointee for Co-Chair, Council of Governors
Chris Gregoire is the Governor of the State of Washington. She was first elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. She sits on the National Governors Association Executive Committee, Economic Development and Commerce Committee, as well as the Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. From 1993 – 2005, Governor Gregoire was a three-term Washington State Attorney General. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and sociology, and received her law degree from Gonzaga University.

Governor Janice K. Brewer, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Janice K. Brewer became the 22nd Governor of Arizona taking the oath of office on January 21, 2009. She serves on the National Governors Association Health and Human Services Committee. Governor Brewer was first elected as the Secretary of State in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. She served as an appointee on the Governor's Military Task Force dealing with base closure issues. Prior to becoming Secreatry of State she served as Maricopa County Supervisor, and as a member of both houses of the Arizona Legislature.

Governor Luis G. Fortuño, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Luis G. Fortuño is the current governor of Puerto Rico. He was elected in 2008. He sits on the National Governors Association Economic Development and Commerce Committee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004. In 1994, he became Puerto Rico's first secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. Governor Fortuño earned a bachelor's degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Virginia Law School.

Governor Brad Henry, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Brad Henry is currently serving his second term as governor of Oklahoma. Governor Henry is a member of the National Governors Association Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee. Originally elected in 2002, Governor Henry was re-elected in 2006. Before his election as governor, he served ten years in the Oklahoma State Senate. Governor Henry attended the University of Oklahoma as a President's Leadership Scholar and earned a bachelor's degree in economics He was awarded his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

Governor Robert F. McDonnell, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Robert F. McDonnell was elected in 2009, and is the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor McDonnell serves on the National Governors Association Health and Human Services Committee. He began his career in public service as a prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. In November 1991, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He served 14 years in the Virginia House of Delegates from Virginia Beach. Previously, he served as Attorney General of Virginia. Governor McDonnell served as a medical supply officer in the United States Army for four years and in the U.S. Army Reserve for 16 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. McDonnell attended the University of Notre Dame on a ROTC scholarship, graduating with a BBA in Management. McDonnell received a MSBA from Boston University and a MA/JD from the Regent University School of Law.

Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Jeremiah W. Nixon was elected as Missouri’s 55th governor in 2008. Governor Nixon serves on the National Governors Association Health and Human Services Committee. He is responsible for operating Missouri’s innovative fusion center, the Missouri Information Analysis Center. Governor Nixon has also served four terms as the state attorney general and was first elected Missouri Attorney General in 1992. Governor Nixon received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri and after practicing law for several years, he was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 1986.

Governor Martin O’Malley, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Martin O’Malley is the Governor of Maryland. He was first elected in 2006. Governor O’Malley sits on the National Governors Association Committee on Education, Early Childhood, and Workforce and co-chairs the National Governors Association Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. He has been a leader in the area of national security, releasing the first comprehensive inventory of any state's cyber security assets. Before being elected governor, he served as the Mayor of Baltimore City for seven years. He has also served on the Baltimore City Council. Governor O’Malley graduated from Catholic University and received a law degree from the University of Maryland.

Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
Beverly Eaves Perdue was elected Governor of North Carolina in 2008. She sits on the National Governors Association Committee on Economic Development and Commerce and Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety, and is a Lead Governor on the National Guard. Governor Perdue has a long history of public service, including her tenure as Lt. Governor from 2000 -2008 as well three years in the North Carolina House of Representatives and nine years in the State Senate. As Lt. Governor she led North Carolina’s response during the 2005 round of the Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Prior to running for office she worked as a public school teacher and as director of geriatric services at a community hospital. Perdue holds a Ph.D. in Education Administration.

Governor M. Michael Rounds, Appointee for Member, Council of Governors
M. Michael Rounds was sworn-in as South Dakota’s 31st governor in 2003, and re-elected in 2006. Governor Rounds is Chair of the National Governors Association Health and Human Services Committee. He formerly chaired the Western Governors Association. From 1991 to 2000, he served five terms in the South Dakota State Senate. In 1995, he was chosen by his peers to serve as senate majority leader, a post he held for six years. Governor Rounds graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in political science.

President Obama said, I am happy that these outstanding individuals have agreed to serve in my Administration as we work to address the challenges facing our Nation. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

President Obama announced today his intent to nominate the following individuals:

Richard M. Lobo, Nominee for Director, International Broadcasting Bureau
Richard M. Lobo is currently serving as chairman of the Florida Public Broadcasting Service Inc. Mr. Lobo is president and chief executive officer of WEDU (PBS)Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota. He previously was president and general manager of WTVJ in Miami, station manager for WNBC-TV in New York, and vice president and general manager of NBC stations in Chicago and Cleveland. Early in his TV career his interview subjects included Fidel Castro, Robert Kennedy, Mickey Mantle, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Barbra Streisand and The Beatles. He also served as Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting in the United States Information Agency from 1994-1995. A graduate of the University of Miami, Mr. Lobo is a member of the Tampa Bay chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Leadership Council of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. He is on the board of the Florida Association of Broadcasters and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Suncoast chapter. He earned the Leadership Award from the Chicago Latino Committee on the Media. He will be inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame in March. Mr. Lobo is a Captain (Retired) in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Lowell Junkins, Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
Lowell Junkins is the current Acting Chairman of the Board of FarmerMac. Mr. Junkins has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation since June 13, 1996, Vice Chairman of the Board since December 5, 2002 and Acting Chairman of the Board since September 15, 2008. He serves as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Executive Committee and is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Public Policy Committee. Mr. Junkins works as a public affairs consultant for his companies Integrated Energy of Montrose, Iowa and Lowell Junkins & Associates in Des Moines, Iowa. From 1974 through 1986, Mr. Junkins served as an Iowa State Senator, including as Minority Leader from 1981 to 1983 and Majority Leader from 1983 to 1985. He owns and operates Hillcrest Farms in Montrose, Iowa, where he served as Mayor from 1971 to 1972.

Sara L. Faivre-Davis, Member of the Board of Directors, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
Since 2005, Sara L. Faivre-Davis has been Owner and Managing Partner at Wild Type Ranch, a purebred cattle ranch and direct-sale Natural Angus Beef program. From 2006-2008, Dr. Faivre-Davis was a Board Member of the Texas Red Angus Association. Before starting Wild Type Ranch, Dr. Faivre-Davis founded ViaGen, Inc, a livestock genetic improvement company, where she served in several capacities, including President, from 2001-2006. During that time, Dr.. Faivre-Davis also sat on the Scientific Review Board of Exeter Life Sciences, a human, plant, and animal biotech investment holding company. Dr. Faivre-Davis was Vice President of Bioinformatics and Vice President of Swine Business Development at GenomicFX, a livestock genomics company from 2000-2001. Prior to 2000, Dr. Faivre-Davis was an academic in genetics and animal science. She holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Animal Science from Iowa State University.

Q We want Bill! We want Bill!

Q Bill! Bill!

MR. GIBBS: Hey, I'm all for it, man. (Laughter.) I've got a -- I've got a couple margaritas getting warm right now anyway, so I'm happy to -- that's actually --

Q That's how you prep?

Q That's how you do it?

MR. GIBBS: Yes, actually -- same as you guys, right?

Q What? (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: That's just a joke, Mom. We're not doing that at work. All right, so, take us away. Sorry.

Q There's been some criticism from Democrats on the Hill, particularly Sherrod Brown, that the President has been even less involved in negotiations on health care since the Massachusetts elections. Is it true? Is that a strategy? Or are you taking that criticism seriously?

MR. GIBBS: Well, look, obviously, as the President has said in the State of the Union and you heard the President say yesterday, obviously the problem exists. It continues -- the problem that did exist on high costs, small businesses struggling, that was the case before Massachusetts; it was the case after Massachusetts. I still think that a process is working its way through Capitol Hill to figure out the best way forward.

Q But has the President been less involved than he was even last year?

MR. GIBBS: I didn't believe that the President was less involved last year since we wouldn't have gotten to where we were if the President hadn't been involved.

Q What would be making people like Sherrod Brown say this then? There's got to be some reason.

MR. GIBBS: That's a better question for him.

Q And is there any details you can share on the meeting this afternoon with Democratic leadership?

MR. GIBBS: I know the meeting was rescheduled, I think until 3:45 p.m. It's a meeting to go through the legislative agenda for 2010. First and foremost, there will be a discussion on jobs and the economy. Financial regulatory reform will also be a topic. They will talk about energy and health care.

Many of the topics that the President discussed in the State of the Union will be discussed in the meeting. And then, as you all know, next week, next Tuesday, will begin the President's bipartisan leadership meetings, also something he called for in the State of the Union.

Q The Chinese are dismissing the President's comments on China about exchange rates and trade yesterday, and I'm wondering, is the administration concerned that by pressuring the Chinese, you're running the risk of disrupting currency markets, antagonizing a very important creditor and thereby driving up borrowing costs that could hurt the U.S. economy?

MR. GIBBS: No, Matt, because there's nothing -- there's nothing that -- I know there's been a flurry of stories about our relationship with China, whether it's issues surrounding our meeting with the Dalai Lama or issues surrounding currency or trade. None of these issues that have been written or discussed about in the last two weeks weren't discussed face to face between President Obama and President Hu when they met in Beijing. I cannot remember a time in which the President came out of a meeting with President Hu and those topics hadn't come up.

So as I said here a few days ago, there are -- we envision this relationship as one where we can work together on issues of mutual concern. We've worked together on stabilizing the world economy. We've worked together on issues of proliferation, particularly around North Korea. I think it's safe to assume that only through the important cooperation that we received with the Chinese that we were able to get some very strict sanctions through the United Nations Security Council on a unanimous vote several months ago, based on the actions the North Koreans had taken late last spring.

There will be issues that we will disagree on, and we will disagree on them both in private and in public.

Q While the Chinese have been fulminating about the President's plan to meet with the Dalai Lama and also now this pressure about exchange rates, they were saying today that they don't want to talk about further sanctions on Iran, that that would be counterproductive. Is there any concern that the Chinese are becoming obstructionist in a kind of retaliation on other related -- on unrelated issues?

MR. GIBBS: There are issues that are of mutual concern and then there are issues that are of great concern to each of the individual countries. A nuclear Iran is not in the interest of the American government or the Chinese government. An arms race in the Middle East is not a good thing for us or for them. And a worldwide arms race and the destabilizing nature that that could have throughout the world is not a good thing for the American government or for the Chinese government.

I think that the Chinese will continue to work with us on the important next steps that we have to take relating to Iran because it's not just in our interest or in other's interest, it's quite clearly in their interest as well.

Q Robert, a quick follow?

MR. GIBBS: What's that?

Q A quick follow. Is the Dalai Lama still coming to meet with the President at the White House or not?

MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry?

Q If the Dalai Lama is still coming to meet with the President at the White House?

MR. GIBBS: He will be here later this month, yes. Again, just let me say, again, that we told President Hu in November in Beijing. The President told him that. The President discussed each of these issues -- Iranian sanctions, larger proliferation, and currency.

Q Just to follow on the earlier question about the meeting with the Dems, is the message or will the message also be from the President sort of can't we all get along, in light of the fact that we're hearing that there's disagreement and discontent on some of these issues, like health care?

MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think they will discuss a strategy moving forward to implement many of the ideas that are of concern to Democrats in the Senate and the House that are also on the policy agenda of the President of the United States. I also think, Dan, there's great overlap between what those interests are and what the American people want to see their Congress deal with -- first and foremost, a robust discussion on how to move forward on jobs and the economy.

Q The President has of late gone into the lion's den, taken questions from Republicans; he's taken questions from Democrats. He hasn't taken questions from the press in a prime-time forum since last summer, I believe in July. Why not?

MR. GIBBS: Look, the President has, as you mentioned, taken questions from members of Congress. He has taken questions at different press avails from a whole host of reporters. We've done countless numbers --

Q One or two.

MR. GIBBS: Right, one or two, several times. We have done countless number of interviews -- I think more interviews in the first year than any President certainly in recent memory. He enjoys the format, we just haven't done one in a while.

Q Anything soon?

MR. GIBBS: None that I'm aware of.

Q In the supplemental document Analytical Perspectives of the President's budget, unemployment figures that the administration is projecting are pretty bleak. It's 10 percent for the rest of this year, 9.2 percent next year, 8.2 percent in 2012. First of all, these are pretty bleak figures. I'm wondering if you have a response to these numbers. And then second of all, is this count factoring in a jobs bill or not?

MR. GIBBS: Let met ask specifically the second part of your question to OMB and CEA. Jake, they are sad and sobering numbers felt each and every day by the American people. We'll get new jobs numbers tomorrow. There will be a jobs revision, I'm told, tomorrow that's likely to show additional job loss at the first part of the recession that started in December 2007, making the hole that -- the hole of job loss that we've dealt with even deeper.

We didn't -- as I've said here countless times, we didn't get here overnight. We won't get out of that hole overnight. It will take a concerted effort by the President and Congress working together, both parties, to strengthen our foundation and to create jobs moving forward that's not predicated on risky lending or housing speculation or running up massive debt on credit cards. We've got to create jobs in the new industries of clean energy -- clean energy manufacturing so that we don't finish second place to the Chinese or the Indians in creating those new jobs.

Q Also, the numbers don't show the unemployment rate over the next decade going to even where they were in 2007 when the President announced he was running for this office, at all, ever. They stop at 5.2 percent but they never get down to below 5 percent, which is where they were when the President announced. Why -- I mean, this just seems an incredibly bleak outlook on the unemployment problems in this country.

MR. GIBBS: Well, again, Jake, we've lost -- before the statistic -- before any revisions tomorrow, the recession has cost us 7 million jobs. I'll bring an update, the graph that I've brought out here a few times that show the sheer depth of job loss over the many months of the recession.

Look, I think if you go back and look at -- there was an article I think around the Christmas holidays that demonstrated that roughly there had been very little to no job growth in the past decade.

So we've got to figure out how to create economic growth and ultimately create jobs in an economy that isn't dependent upon the examples that I used a minute ago -- easy credit that allows housing speculation for people that can get but shouldn't get loans to buy houses.

Q But these numbers are more bleak than other numbers you guys have put out before. I mean, these are much more pessimistic than previous predictions.

MR. GIBBS: Well, again, Jake, understand that when we walked in the beginning of the administration, no one presumed that 741,000 would be the number of jobs lost in January of 2009. And certainly if you average what happened in that first quarter of 2009, an average of about 700,000 jobs -- 700,000 jobs a month for each of the three months of that quarter -- understanding this, that the -- and I don't have the figures right in front of me, but the economic growth for that first quarter was -6.4 percent. The previous quarter was I believe -- and I'm doing this largely off the top of my head -- -5.5 percent. We hadn't had consecutive quarters of such economic retraction since the Great Depression.

So we've got a tremendous hole to fill in. And I think that's why the President spent a majority of his State of the Union speech asking that Congress, each party work together with the other to move forward on creating -- helping to create jobs, on assuring that stronger and new foundation. And I think that's most what the American people want to see out of their government right now.

Q And just a follow-up. I've asked you guys a few times what the President was referring to when he spoke to the Republican conference on Friday and he talked about stray cats and dogs getting into the health care reform legislation that would prevent patients from being able to choose their plan, choose their doctor, even though that had been a White House pledge. Have you guys made any progress on finding out what he was talking about?

MR. GIBBS: I don't know if Bill got that question yesterday. I'll have to look through it.

Q You didn't watch Bill, when he did his briefing?

MR. GIBBS: I did watch most of it. I couldn't -- I noticed when you watch it on TV you can't always hear the questions.

Q How did he do?

MR. GIBBS: Quite well. Quite well. What did you think?

Q I'm neutral on the issue. (Laughter.)

Q That's not what you told me.

MR. GIBBS: I was going to say, that's -- yes, that's --

Q I was actually surprised to see you -- well, anyway, no -- he did a good job, very good job.

Toyota -- yesterday Ray LaHood kind of stepped in it when he mistakenly said that people should stop driving them and then backtracked a little while later, caused quite a big hubbub. Has the President been in touch with him? Is the President personally involved in this issue? And is he satisfied with the job Ray LaHood is doing?

MR. GIBBS: Absolutely satisfied with the job Ray LaHood is doing, and I think it's important, understanding, Chip, after making a misstatement, he do what's -- did what's not done a lot in this town and said he made a misstatement and then corrected what he had said and was clear that if -- and if you go on certain Web sites, if you go on NHTSA's Web site -- nhtsa.gov -- or if you go on Toyota's Web site, you'll see which cars are impacted and affected by safety concerns. And has been said, if you're driving one of those cars, you should go see your dealer.

Q Is the President involved in any way, or has this not risen to his level?

MR. GIBBS: No, he's certainly seen reports and been briefed on what's going on, simply based on the breadth of what we're talking about.

Q There have been a number of reports that what's bad for Toyota is good for GM and Ford. Any thoughts on that?

MR. GIBBS: Well, what's bad for Toyota is bad for anybody that's driving a Toyota. And safety and security are the primary concerns of the National -- of NHTSA, the Department of Transportation, and the President of the United States.

Q What does all this mean for GM and Ford, which are both still at pretty precarious moments in their history?

MR. GIBBS: Well, Ford I think last quarter reported a profit. I think GM is taking steps to turn around from the bankruptcy that they went through earlier. But --

Q Do you expect them to aggressively try to take advantage of this weakness on Toyota's part? I mean, it's a cutthroat world out there in the car business.

MR. GIBBS: That's a good question for the men and women that run both of those car companies.

Q On the jobs bill, Harry Reid says he wants to bring it up on Monday and he is hoping for Republican support. If they structure this in a certain way they could almost assure themselves of getting some Republican support. Is the President going to insist on that, that there be Republican support?

MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President could not have been clearer in the State of the Union, in the -- in speaking to both Democrats and Republicans, that we have to work together to get our economy moving again. I think there are ideas in helping small business and cutting their taxes, in increasing our investment in infrastructure, several ideas that Republicans have supported at various points in the past and pointed to as ways to help the economy recover and hopefully over the medium to long term create jobs.

So our strong hope, Chip, is that Democrats and Republicans can and will work together to move this important issue forward and get something to his desk quickly.

Q But when he meets with them later today he could say, no ifs, ands or buts, I want this structured in a way that you get Republican support on this thing or I won't sign it.

MR. GIBBS: Look, Chip, he told that to Democrats and Republicans over the past week, that we should work together. But, Chip, this isn't just a question for the Democratic leadership or for a Democratic President. We also have to have, as I think you heard the President outline when he spoke with Republicans last Friday in Baltimore -- and I think this is true going back to your question -- I doubt that everybody has liked every word of every piece of legislation that the President has watched go through Congress and sign. And it's not likely that he liked every word in every one of those pieces of legislation.

But the key is do we have and share enough in common; are these ideas good ideas to get the economy moving again, to stop playing partisan political games and work on behalf of the American people. Given what the President outlined in cutting taxes for small businesses, in increasing investment in infrastructure -- both things that Republicans have talked about -- I have no doubt that there will be plenty in each -- plenty in any package that can and should garner support from the Democratic side as well as the Republican side.

Chuck.

Q Business leaders today giving the President advice on what should be on job creation. Did he take any?

MR. GIBBS: I have not gotten a readout from -- I think the lunch started at noon. You all should have gotten lists of who was there and we'll -- I'll try to glean some from the President at the conclusion of the lunch.

Q All right, back to health care and your answer on Sherrod Brown -- he's not alone. I mean, there's a lot of Democrats on Capitol Hill who regularly say the President -- the perception is the President hasn't pushed hard enough on this bill publicly, whatever it is, leaned his shoulder in more. If that's not true, why is that perception there?

MR. GIBBS: I would just say, Chuck --

Q -- these are not -- they're not bomb-throwers. Sherrod Brown is not a bomb-thrower.

MR. GIBBS: I would just say, Chuck, we've gone over the question of the President's involvement in health care for six months. I think as the President said last Friday, it's pretty clear he's not doing this for sheer political gain. I doubt that we would be continuing to do this if it weren't a key priority of his.

Q But it seems to be that where the message is getting lost there, apparently, he uses the word hope to get this done; that there isn't this idea that he's there, pulling an LBJ or something like that.

MR. GIBBS: Well, I think there's --

Q I'm not asking him to lift Bo by the ears. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: I was going to say -- (laughter) -- there were many possible answers that went through my head with --

Q But that's what these guys are talking about.

MR. GIBBS: Look, again, LBJ added seniors into those that were assured that they would always have the safety net of quality health care. We've not gotten -- we've added since LBJ different efforts -- in the Clinton administration we added additional efforts through kids. That effort was expanded under President Obama at the beginning of our administration. We've gotten farther than seven Presidents who've worked on this issue intently. We're close, the President remains very involved and engaged in this, and it's our strong hope to continue to get this done.

Q One last question. At 5:00 p.m. today you have 59 Democratic senators rather than 60. Does that change your legislative agenda?

MR. GIBBS: Well, I think it changes everybody's calculus as to taking responsibility for governing this country.

Q But it changes your -- changes the Republicans, changes --

MR. GIBBS: I think the President acknowledged as much during the State of the Union. No longer can one party alone, assuming that what is insisted upon is 60 votes in the United States Senate -- no longer can one party alone hold its members and make progress on important issues for the American people. That's why the President has asked again that Democrats and Republicans work together to make that progress.

Yes, ma'am.

Q On the jobs package in the Senate, it doesn't appear to include, at least initially, a $30 billion lending --

MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry, say this one more time.

Q The jobs package in the Senate doesn't appear to include initially the $30 billion lending provision through community banks for small businesses. How hard will the White House press on this? It's obviously the most controversial piece in the package as announced so far.

MR. GIBBS: Well, I don't think loaning money through community banks to small business is --

Q Well, for the Senate it's controversial.

MR. GIBBS: -- is controversial. I think there are thousands and thousands of small business people around this country, some of whom write the President and say even as the stock market grows, our access to capital to either continue our small business, meet a payroll, or expand our small business, is still hard to come by. The President outlined the specifics of this proposal just this week in New Hampshire and believes that in order to get our country moving again and creating jobs, the best way to do this is, one, through cutting taxes for those that hire additional employees and providing additional access to capital through money that has been given back from bigger banks through TARP, loaned through community banks to small businesses. That's -- this will be a priority --

Q So you're saying that lending is a vital part of this package for this White House?

MR. GIBBS: Lending is a vital part of this package and it is a extremely vital part of any business being successful. We have discussed --

Q Is there some flexibility on the use of TARP funds?

MR. GIBBS: I don't want to get into a legislative negotiation from here. I think what's important for -- any small businesses will tell you that access to capital is their lifeblood. We've spent quite a bit of time discussing the lending practices of banks, and certainly as it relates to economic growth the President is -- believes this has to be a key priority.

Q Okay. One more on the debt commission, Robert. Are you getting any Republican cooperation on that, and when will that commission be named?

MR. GIBBS: The President is working on some of the specifics of the executive order. I believe if the economic team hasn't already, it was discussed this morning making phone calls to Republican leaders about how this will be structured. It's our strong hope that Republicans would agree to participate in a commission that many of their members strongly advocate.

Granted, seven of their members had strongly advocated and then unadvocated for the creation of that commission when we were trying to do this legislatively. But I have not noticed in the intervening weeks anything less than pretty vociferous comments about our fiscal situation. I can't imagine that Republicans would at one minute say this is such an important issue, and then at the next minute say we can't participate in a commission to help solve what I said a minute ago was an extremely important issue. I think the American people are smart enough to understand that's Washington game playing; that's not problem solving.

Q So you're thinking maybe the next week or so?

MR. GIBBS: I think very shortly.

Q One follow-up on just a related issue, something the President said to Republicans last week. He repeated it when he spoke with Democratic senators, and he also repeated it when he spoke at the town halls in Florida and New Hampshire. He said that there were some members of either the House or the Senate Republican members that voted against the economic Recovery Act and then attended some ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Were there a lot of members? Do you know which members the President was referring to?

MR. GIBBS: I don't have the stuff with me, but I'll circulate to everybody as soon as I get out of here.

Q Great, thank you.

MR. GIBBS: Sure, absolutely.

Q On the same lines, Robert, did you look at the Republican comments, statements, news releases that have been made subsequent to the Friday meeting with the House GOP members? Do you see more of, well, to use the President's formulation, more of a hand of cooperation from them or a fist?

MR. GIBBS: Based on --

Q On their statements, news releases, comments on just the wide scope of issues -- jobs and health care and everything else.

MR. GIBBS: Look, I think as the President said on Friday, there will always be differences between the two parties, and that's an important part of our process. I think that when the rubber has to meet the road, when legislation comes before the Senate, hopefully next week, that begins to cut taxes for small business and increase our investment in infrastructure as a way of moving our economy forward, I think we'll get a chance to see whether not just the statements of any criticism but the statements of what this President should do are backed up by strong action.

A lot of people said after Massachusetts that the President had to act in a more bipartisan way. I think the President has been pretty clear about wanting to ensure that the two parties work together.

We'll get a chance to see whether working together is something that people are serious about doing or whether it's something that a pollster told them to say.

Q Well, beyond, say, the National Prayer Breakfast, have you seen any bipartisanship from the other side at all?

MR. GIBBS: Look, the games of Washington, unlike the Olympic Games, don't open and close. They happen on a continual basis. I think the American people will be watching what happens first and foremost on the floor of the Senate next week on getting our economy moving again.

Q Thank you for the Olympics plug. (Laughter.)

Q Not C-SPAN.

Q All the channels of NBC. (Laughter.)

Q Just to go back to the jobs revision stuff -- just avoid any confusion -- have you seen the revisions yet, or are you basing your assumptions on publicly available data?

MR. GIBBS: I read a news report, I think, on CNN.

Q You have not seen the January --

MR. GIBBS: I should preface for my mother again, I do not see this data before you do.

Q And then on this -- the report that Google is working with the National Security Agency on plugging any cyber-security holes -- any other companies have gone to the NSA on that?

MR. GIBBS: I would -- let me specifically point you to NSA on -- what's that?

Q That will do a lot of good. Gee, thanks. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: But I would say this, that as was noted by the President in discussing cyber-security, that we have -- we believe that information sharing and cooperation between the government and the private sector is important -- ensuring obviously that privacy and civil liberties are protected -- and have asked that if companies are dealing with what they perceive to be cyber-security threats, that they go and work with the authorities on that.

Q The Dalai Lama meeting that you said will be here at the White House, will that be in the Oval? Will that be in the Residence?

MR. GIBBS: I do not know where the location of the meeting will be.

Q Will cameras be allowed in, or will the pool be brought in?

MR. GIBBS: I don't have any coverage information on that right now.

Major.

Q Sixteenth and 17th for that?

MR. GIBBS: I don't have a date either.

Q You don't have a date? Okay. And just to go back to what Jake was talking about and this revision, are you talking about historical data that talks about the job losses during the course of this recession or something relative to the January numbers?

MR. GIBBS: The story I read -- the story I read -- there are typical revisions to data that comes out.

Q Sure.

MR. GIBBS: Take, for instance, I think GDP data is released and then revised at least twice. These are last year --

Q Certain numbers were revised downward twice.

MR. GIBBS: Right, right. Last year there were -- there was a several-decade-long revision of jobs figures. The story, again, I read this morning --

Q So that's what you're talking about, not something relative to what we're going to read and see tomorrow?

MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, no. This dates back from governing months from -- again, the story said I think April 2008 through March 2009.

Q Earlier you said 2007. Did you mean 2008?

MR. GIBBS: Well, no, no, I said that this governs the total job loss over the period that begins in December 2007 at the beginning of the recession.

Q So the additional job losses -- you expect the revision to show began 2007 not 2008.

MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, no. Again, I should just send you the story I read. The revisions --

Q Maybe the NSA can. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: The revisions -- they wrote it.

Q They already did.

MR. GIBBS: The recession began officially, as per the board, in December of 2007. The revisions, in the story I read, cover April of 2008 through March of 2009. Those months obviously are encompassed in what we broadly know as the time period during the recession.

Q You don't have to yell at me now. That's great. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: Yes, sir.

Q Okay, following up --

MR. GIBBS: I don't know if that counts as your time or Hans --

Q It counts as his time. I assure you --

Q It's fine. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: Wow. Now he's yelling at you, Hans. (Laughter.)

Q The President often talks, and you did a minute ago in talking to Jake, about the boom and bust cycles. Is one of the downsides, is one of the things the American public needs to appreciate, looking at these unemployment numbers that you projected out, is that it's a slower climb out when you have a scenario that the President wants to have, if he achieves it, of a non-boom-type recovery. Is that something the American people need to either prepare themselves for or be ready to expect, that this unemployment process is going to be a very slow heal.

MR. GIBBS: Major, I think many people that are dealing with the unemployment process have been dealing with it for quite some time. Long-term unemployment is at one of its highest points ever.

Q And let me ask the question, when is the turn, and are you -- one of the things you're trying to say is the turn is going to be slow?

MR. GIBBS: Well, what I'm saying is that this will take time, but most importantly, what the President has talked about, not just throughout the campaign and not just throughout his first year in office, is we have to create a new foundation for job creation for the future; that if what we do is go back to boom and bust economies where we're --

Q Right, I understand --

MR. GIBBS: Hold on, let me --

Q What I'm asking is --

MR. GIBBS: Can I reclaim some of my time? The boom and bust economies, what you're going to end up with is -- again, going back to what I talked about as what happened in the last decade -- you had times of job growth, you had times of job loss, but over the course of the decade you were basically flat. If we're going to continue to make progress economically, we have to put ourselves on a far different path.

Q Right, but as the numbers indicate, when it was flat, the unemployment rate was lower when the President decided to run for this office than he's projecting it will be at the end of the actuarial tables of his newest budget. And many Americans would agree it may have been flat, but at least it was a lot lower. And what I'm getting at is, in this process of averting a boom and bust economy, do you have a slower term?

MR. GIBBS: Major, what we've gone through is an economic downturn that we haven't seen since the Great Depression of the late 1920s and 1930s. Look, the American --

Q I'm not criticizing, I'm just asking you --

MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, I'm saying the American people understand. Many of them have been out of work for a long, long time. They understand that far before any board declared the beginning of a recession that they were working longer, they were working harder, they were increasing their productivity, yet at the same time their wages either were on that flat line or going down. They understood that their costs got more expensive. The cost of energy got more expensive. The cost of health care got more expensive. The cost of college got more expensive.

So, look, there's no -- that was even before the official recession began and certainly before a series of excessive risk-taking by a few nearly dragged the economy back to a period of a great depression.

Q Right. And all I'm asking is, do the American people need to appreciate, as they look at the economic future, as charted by this administration, that it's going to be slower for unemployment to come down --

MR. GIBBS: Major, I think I started to say, I think the American people understand that because they've been dealing with this far longer than the -- than this administration occupying this White House.

Q On trade, the President has talked about it more aggressively lately. Gary Locke is giving a speech right now at the National Press Club. In that speech I didn't find any specific reference to a time for approving the pending South Korean, Colombian, or Panama trade agreements. For those nations who are now perhaps enthusiastic the President is talking about trade, what can you tell them about when the President and this White House is going to push those agreements and get them through Congress?

When I talked to the President about South Korea in Beijing he said, I want that done in 2010, either --

MR. GIBBS: Well, there you go. What are you asking me for?

Q Well, but nothing has happened. You can't find any --

MR. GIBBS: Well, it's only February, Major.

Q I know. But he said it was going to happen either early or late, which I interpreted meaning early in 2010 or after the midterm elections.

MR. GIBBS: Well --

Q So for those three deals --

MR. GIBBS: Let me say, it would not be good for my job security to go out right now and contradict the three answers you've just given me on behalf of your question that the President gave you in November.

Q Even better for Bill's. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: I would simply say that -- look, the President was very clear and specific in the State of the Union --

Q I'm not saying it's not happening. I'm trying to understand the explanation of him saying he'd prefer to have it happen and nothing being done.

MR. GIBBS: Well, Major, you just noted that a speech has been given where the Secretary -- where the Secretary of Commerce -- no, hold on -- where the Secretary of Commerce is laying out the President's vision for doubling exports in five years, okay? So though an individual FTA may not be mentioned in that speech, the President obviously envisions the increase of those exports through a whole host of things, including the free trade agreements that he outlined quite specifically in the State of the Union.

He did not outline and I don't have to outline a specific timeline for that, understanding that the President has laid out a very aggressive goal on increasing exports, partly through the trade agreements that you mentioned.

Q One last -- one question on security -- one question, it's important. Senator Bond wrote a letter to the President today about a conversation that we had here in the briefing room yesterday and Bill gave a couple of answers -- many answers, really -- on there was no political nature to the White House explanation of the dealing with Abdulmutallab. What Bond says in his letter is that the senators on the Intelligence Committee were briefed specifically earlier this week that the disclosure of Abdulmutallab's cooperation should not be revealed because it was -- he says in this letter -- Doing so would threaten ongoing efforts to stop operations the intelligence community thought were possibly happening against the United States. He writes in this letter, Distortion of the congressional notification process suggests that other considerations are taking precedence over keeping timely and sensitive information away from our enemies -- I know a charge you would fundamentally reject, but I want to get your response to that.

MR. GIBBS: Well, first and foremost, I don't want to speak for Senator Bond, who, if the timeline you outlined -- a Monday briefing for a Tuesday hearing -- why he would in his Tuesday hearing use the statement that the subject refused to cooperate after he was Mirandized.

So I don't want to speak for the senator who didn't certainly use any of that information to correct what he said in public in a hearing that happens a day after.

I would say this, having read the letter. During a hearing on Tuesday, information was released that clearly showed that Mr. Abdulmutallab was indeed talking again to interrogators. For those of you that participated in the background briefing, you know that was not something that was timed purposefully.

Q Were they not supposed to reveal it?

MR. GIBBS: It was not timed purposefully. Soon after that -- soon after that, media reported -- we felt it important to contextualize, because many of you were e-mailing us, what this testimony meant.

I would say, again, having read the letter, no briefing is done here or anywhere in this administration where classified information is used in a place where it shouldn't be. And I would suggest that somebody that alleges that when they know it doesn't happen owe people an apology.

Any briefing that's done here in order to ensure that the information that's in the public is correct is done in conjunction with many agencies and done so so that information that is classified and shouldn't be released isn't released. And in this case obviously it was not.

Q So Bond owes you an apology? Bond owes the President an apology?

MR. GIBBS: No, I don't think Bond is alleging that the President was in the briefing.

Q On the -- on the -- two questions.

MR. GIBBS: Hold on, hold on -- just hold on, just -- this is an important question, Lester.

Q Oh, sure, okay.

MR. GIBBS: The notion that somehow the White House, in conjunction with agencies involved in this interrogation, gave out classified information -- yes, I think an apology on that is owed because it's not true. And I think anybody that was involved in knowing in the Senate Intelligence Committee what was briefed and what was reported would know that that wasn't violated.

Again, Major, I don't want to speak for Senator Bond in why, if he was briefed on Monday, why on Tuesday, why does he say that Abdulmutallab -- the result of his refusal to cooperate after he was Mirandized? Why does Senator Bond continue to knowingly not have information curb what he's saying, or is this a bunch of politics?

Q So he owes an apology to whom?

MR. GIBBS: I think he owes an apology to the professionals in the law enforcement community and those that work in this building, not for Democrats and Republicans, but who work each and every day to keep the American people safe and would never, ever, ever knowingly release -- or unknowingly release -- classified information that could endanger an operation or an interrogation.

Again, I think that the reason that charge is made is only to play politics. I actually don't believe that that -- that he thinks that's a serious allegation. I think that is -- I think if you look at the letter, it's clearly -- this is about politics.

Michael.

Q What message does the President plan to deliver tonight at the two DNC fundraisers?

MR. GIBBS: I think he'll continue to talk about some of what he's talking to the leaders today, some of what he's talking to -- he's talked to Democrats and Republicans about: the need to continue to push forward on an agenda to get our economy moving again, to make our country safer. He will also take some questions at one of these events from folks from Organizing For America.

Q Is he going to suggest a best way forward on his agenda or just talk about the need for it?

MR. GIBBS: Well, the best way forward is to get it through the House and the Senate.

Jeff.

Q Robert, do you know if the President has submitted a statement on behalf of his aunt, who's in a deportation hearing for the second time today in a Boston courtroom?

MR. GIBBS: The President learned of this information, as you probably know, on the campaign trail I think in early November of 2008 when it came out. We said then and we would continue to say that everybody in this country should and must follow the law. We have not been involved at all in that hearing, and we'll let the law play out as it should. And I would refer you to ICE for any other comments on what happens with the hearing.

Q On that question, though, he did not submit a statement to --

MR. GIBBS: No, no. He has not -- this information came to light, again, I believe -- I don't have the exact date -- early November of 2008 -- he has not spoken with her.

Q Did he help at all with the -- with her legal representation or did anyone in his family help with --

MR. GIBBS: He did not.

Q Mrs. Obama or --

MR. GIBBS: He has -- he has not, the family has not. This is an issue -- this is a legal issue and the President strongly believes that the law must be followed by everyone.

Q Two real quick ones, Robert. Are we going to hear from the President tomorrow about jobs?

MR. GIBBS: Yes. I think I was supposed to announce that we are -- around noon tomorrow will travel to a small business in Maryland to talk about some of the issues that we've talked about relating to small business -- tax cuts, increased lending, getting our economy moving again -- and he'll make remarks there.

Q Robert, a question on jobs --

Q I'm sorry, can I --

MR. GIBBS: I'll get there, don't worry. I'm going to go twice as long as Bill. (Laughter.)

Q I want to come back to the Abdulmutallab issue. You spoke of the inadvertent release of the fact that the suspect was now cooperating. Is the President upset that that happened?

MR. GIBBS: I don't want to characterize information that --

Q Has he had any words with the people who were responsible for it having been disclosed?

MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, but I can check.

Ann.

Q The Dalai Lama is not a leader of a foreign power. What is the nature of his invitation here? Is he invited in as a personal guest?

MR. GIBBS: I can check with NSC. I don't -- the President meets with folks in the White House all the time that aren't foreign leaders.

Q -- whether it's an Oval Office visit or whether he stops --

MR. GIBBS: Yes, and I honestly -- I don't have any information on where the meeting will take place.

Mara.

Q I have a question about OFA. One of the striking features of all of the off-year elections we've had so far is the absence of the -- what you might call the Obama voters or emergent voters, all those people that he brought into the electorate in 2008 and that OFA was going to try to keep energized and active. I'm wondering what his message is going to be to them tonight.

MR. GIBBS: Look, I think he will talk about what we have at stake, what we -- the important progress that we have made in the first year and the steps that we must continue to take on a whole host of issues that he campaigned on for more than two years. In terms of specifics for OFA I'd point you over to the DNC.

Lester, let's take a crack.

Q Thank you so much. In his commendable concern for the unemployed, the President would be gratified if Katie Couric would share 14.5 of her widely reported $15 million salary to rescue those hundreds of CBS employees laid off, so she would still have an income similar to the President's, wouldn't he?

MR. GIBBS: Chip --

Q Oooh! (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: Chip is -- no. Look, Lester, Lester, I'm -- Lester, I'm happy to answer questions on policies that the government --

Q This is unemployment. This is unemployment.

MR. GIBBS: Lester, I don't think it's appropriate for me to get into the compensation of a network any more than it is for me to get into your compensation.

Q In this time of such financial problems, though, why does the President believe that all taxpayers should have to pay $420 million a year, or more than $8 million a week, to subsidize public broadcasting, whether or not they watch or listen?

MR. GIBBS: Public broadcasting provides a great service to people who, in times of economic downturn, don't listen to the radio or can't buy cable TV in order --

Q They all listen to the radio.

MR. GIBBS: I know you think that.

Yes, go ahead.

Q Just a clarification on the Abdulmutallab issue. Did the President know in advance Abdulmutallab would be Mirandized?

MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry?

Q Did the President know in advance that Abdulmutallab would be Mirandized?

MR. GIBBS: I'll go back and look at the timeline. Those decisions were made, as you know, by the Attorney General, by the FBI, and done so in conjunction and in accordance with agencies throughout the government.

Q I understand he was notified before they indicted him, but before the Mirandizing on Christmas Day was --

MR. GIBBS: The answer that I have is -- I don't have the timeline with me.

April.

Q Robert, on an issue that's been since --

MR. GIBBS: Don't worry, we're far afield on issues today. So fire away, my friend. (Laughter.)

Q On an issue from way back in the Clinton administration, the black farmers, President Obama put in for a settlement of $1.2 billion. We understand today that the White House has been informed that a settlement is very close for the black farmers, and the Justice Department is working it out. Does this end the whole dispute after all these years if this is approved?

MR. GIBBS: April, let me get information on where the settlement is before I talk on it.

Q But wait a minute, I want to ask one thing, though. The President did propose this for the 2010 budget. How important is this for this President to rectify this situation?

MR. GIBBS: Well, look, obviously -- clearly, April, it's something that's important to him. It's been an issue that, as you mentioned, has been worked on by the federal government now in several different administrations and dating back many years. Obviously ensuring that justice is done is important in this situation.

Bill.

Q Robert, following the loss of three American soldiers in Pakistan, can you tell us how many American troops are on the ground in Pakistan and what their mission is?

MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously there were those that were -- had been invited by the Pakistanis that, along with schoolchildren, were cowardly killed by terrorists in Pakistan.

Q Do you know the extent or the number of troops? And I guess if you add the increased drone flights and the American troops on the ground, is there a third war? Are we at war in Pakistan? If not, what do you call it?

MR. GIBBS: We provide assistance to the Pakistanis as they increase their efforts in regions of their country along the Afghanistan border that harbor those that seek to do ill to Pakistanis, Afghans, and Americans.

Sam.

Q Going back to Chuck's question, you said you were talking about a change in calculus because of the seating of Scott Brown. Can you expand on that? And particularly, can you address two nominees -- Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board, and Dawn Johnson to OLC -- who now seem to lack the 60 votes needed to cut off cloture? How do you see this playing out?

MR. GIBBS: I don't have specific information on each of those two nominees. I would simply point you to what the President said in the State of the Union about the change in number requiring that Democrats and Republicans work together. I think you've got nominees that have passed out of committee that deserve -- that deserve support. I think the Senate, if they haven't already, are going to vote on the head of the GSA, which has been held up since June, since she cleared the committee in June. The head of the GSA -- I mean, a completely non-controversial appointment held up for months because of the type of partisan political games that the American people continue to be tired of.

Q Well, do you want to see actual filibusters from the Republican Party, force them to actually talk through these filibusters that they're launching?

MR. GIBBS: What I'd like to see is that whether you agree or disagree with the nominee, that they receive an up or down vote so that they can begin to do the work of the American people on important jobs that can and should be done and filled quickly.

Q Regarding reports out of Romania today, that elements of an American defense shield might be placed there, what is your reaction to that? And also, there might be the inevitable negative reaction by Russia and other countries in that region regarding the presence of an American defense shield in Romania.

MR. GIBBS: The President outlined in September a new approach on missile defense that provided greater coverage to threats for Europe and for this country. We're pleased that Romania has agreed to participate in that defense shield that, again, will provide greater security for those that could be threatened there or here. What the President outlined was something that would -- that would work better, work faster, and provide greater levels of protection, and that's what we've seen in Romania's agreement today, and we're quite thankful.

Thanks, guys.

Q Could you correct your statement about public broadcasting? I'm sure you didn't mean to say it's for people who don't listen to the radio. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, I think I might be taking -- I said for people that might not listen to the radio --

Q Public broadcasting is on the radio.

MR. GIBBS: Well, right. I think -- right, okay.

Q It's paid for by the government.

MR. GIBBS: Let me say, if you listen to NPR on the radio, like my mother does, like I do, you could listen to that, you could watch public television --

Q Well, Lester needs a job.

MR. GIBBS: Thanks, guys.

END
1:42 P.M. EST

Statutory PAYGO would hold us to a simple but bedrock principle: Congress can only spend a dollar if it saves a dollar elsewhere. Mandatory spending increases and tax cuts must be paid for; they're not free, and borrowing to finance them is not a sustainable long-term policy.

It is no coincidence that when we last had statutory PAYGO, during the 1990s, we turned deficits into surpluses. The passage of statutory PAYGO today will help usher out an era of irresponsibility and begin putting the country back on a fiscally sustainable path.

Daryl J. Boness, of Maine, to be a Member of the Marine Mammal Commission for a term expiring May 13, 2013. (Reappointment)

Parker Loren Carl, of Kentucky, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky for the term of four years, vice Dennis Michael Klein.

David B. Fein, of Connecticut, to be United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut for the term of four years, vice Kevin J. O'Connor, resigned.

Elizabeth Erny Foote, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, vice Tucker L. Melancon, retired.

Kerry Joseph Forestal, of Indiana, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana for the term of four years, vice Peter Manson Swaim.

Mark A. Goldsmith, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice John Corbett O'Meara, retired.

Gerald Sidney Holt, of Virginia, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Virginia for the term of four years, vice G. Wayne Pike.

Clifton Timothy Massanelli, of Arkansas, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Arkansas for the term of four years, vice Robert Gideon Howard, Jr.

Scott Jerome Parker, of North Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years, vice Clyde R. Cook, Jr.

Timothy Q. Purdon, of North Dakota, to be United States Attorney for the District of North Dakota for the term of four years, vice Drew Howard Wrigley.

Larry Robinson, of Hawaii, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, vice William J. Brennan, resigned.

Marc T. Treadwell, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, vice Hugh Lawson, retired.

Josephine Staton Tucker, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, vice Alicemarie H. Stotler, retired.