• President Obama speaks about the tragic loss of four of our fellow Americans who were serving in our diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya. These Americans represented the best of our country; without people like them, we could not sustain our freedoms or security, or provide the leadership that the entire world depends on. During this time of turmoil in many different countries, the President makes it clear that the United States has a profound respect for people of all faiths, but as Commander in Chief, he will never tolerate efforts to harm our fellow Americans and will ensure that those who attack our people find no escape from justice. Now, we must carry on the work of our fallen heroes by making our country stronger, our citizens safer, and the world a better and more hopeful place.

  • Here's a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

    Fallen Diplomats in Benghazi, Libya: On Tuesday, four Americans lost their lives after an attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya. Today, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary Clinton went to Andrews Air Force Base for the Transfer of Remains Ceremony, which marked the return to the United States of the four brave Americans who were killed in the attack.

    At the solemn ceremony that honored the fallen diplomats—Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith and Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens—President Obama paid tribute to four patriots who served their country and share a “fundamental American belief that we can leave this world a little better than before.”

    Earlier this week, President Obama, with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton standing alongside, condemned the attack, which he called "outrageous and shocking" in a statement from the Rose Garden.

    "We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats," he said. "I've also directed my Administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people."

    Afterward, President Obama and Secretary Clinton visited the State Department, where the President reiterated again his solidarity with America's diplomats stationed around the world.

  • On Friday afternoon, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary Clinton were at Andrews Air Force Base for the Transfer of Remains Ceremony which marked the return to the United States of the remains of the four brave Americans who were killed this week in Benghazi, Libya.

    At the solemn ceremony that honored the fallen diplomats - Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith and Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens -- President Obama paid tribute to four patriots who served their country and shared a “fundamental American belief that we can leave this world a little better than before.”

    The President promised the families and colleagues of the fallen heroes that their sacrifice would never be forgotten. He also noted the outpouring of sympathy from the people of Libya, who called Ambassador Stevens a friend: 

    That’s the message these four patriots sent. That’s the message that each of you sends every day -- civilians, military -- to people in every corner of the world, that America is a friend, and that we care not just about our own country, not just about our own interests, but about theirs; that even as voices of suspicion and mistrust seek to divide countries and cultures from one another, the United States of America will never retreat from the world.  We will never stop working for the dignity and freedom that every person deserves, whatever their creed, whatever their faith. 

    That’s the essence of American leadership. That’s the spirit that sets us apart from other nations. This was their work in Benghazi, and this is the work we will carry on. 

  • President Barack Obama delivers remarks to the 2012 United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams

    President Barack Obama, with Vice President Joe Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama, delivers remarks to the 2012 United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams on the South Lawn of the White House, Sept. 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

    Today, the President and First Lady welcomed the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House to honor their participation and success in this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. 

    At an event on the South Lawn, Mrs. Obama told the athletes that she was impressed not only by the 200-plus medals they brought home, but also by their dedication and hard work leading up to the games.

    I want you to know how inspired we are by all of you -- your passion, your dedication, your courage. This summer, people across the country -- including some of the young people with us today -- watched you compete and thought to themselves, you know what, if they can set a goal and work hard to reach it, maybe I can too, and maybe I can go a little farther and do a little better than people think I can. They saw all of you out there giving 100 percent, overcoming all kinds of obstacles, representing our country with such determination and pride. 

  • Congress is currently considering a plan that would help millions of responsible homeowners save hundreds of dollars each month by refinancing their mortgages.

    The plan to expand access to refinancing is simple: make it easier for millions of responsible homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to take advantage of historically low interest rates, even if they are underwater, as long as they are current on their payments. The proposal would establish a quick and hassle-free process—no more tax forms, and no more appraisals—just a lower interest rate, and lower payments each month.

    We’ve put together an infographic that shows how many people stand to benefit from this new plan and explains some of the details behind it. Learn more here

  • Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President and his administration commemorated the 11th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and addressed the attack on the American  embassy in Libya. We also took the Rhodes Traveled for a look back at the meaning of honoring 9/11. That's September 7th to September 13th or "Eleven."

    Tuesday, September 11th:

    • Dr. Biden made an early visit to Fire Station #206 in Alexandria, VA, to thank the First Responders on the scene in the aftermath of the attacks on the Pentagon 11 years ago.
    • White House staff were joined by President Obama and the First Lady for a moment of silence on the South Lawn at 8:46 am, the moment American Airlines Flight #11 struck the North Tower on September 11, 2001.
    • The President and the First Lady traveled to the Pentagon for a wreath-laying ceremony with members of the military and Americans who lost a loved one in the attack on the Pentagon.
    • The President and First Lady also visited Section 60, the area of Arlington National Cemetery, where fallen soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are laid to rest.
    • Vice President Biden was joined by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in Shanksville, PA, at the Flight 93 National Memorial, to honor the heroes of United Flight 93.
    • The Vice President also met with family members of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, and joined them at the impact site for a moment of remembrance.
    • Dr. Biden stopped by the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to wish World War II Veteran, Alyce Dixon one of the first women and one of the few African-American women to serve overseas in the European theatre, a happy 105th Birthday.

    Wednesday, September 12th:

    • The President and Secretary Clinton spoke about the tragic deaths of US Embassy staff in Benghazi, Libya.
    • The President sat down with Steve Kroft of 60 minutes in the Blue Room, for an in-depth interview that will air later this month.
    • Ben Rhodes hosted us for a look back at 9/11, for our latest installment of "The Rhodes Traveled."

  • Earlier this summer, First Lady Michelle Obama led the American delegation to London, representing our country and cheering on our athletes. Tomorrow, she and President Obama will welcome the  2012 Olympic and Paralympic teams -- the men and women who amazed us with their athletic abilities, and made Americans proud --  to the White House to honor their participation and success in London.

    Tune-in live on Friday September 14, 2012 at WhiteHouse.gov/live at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to watch the ceremony on the South Lawn.       

    First Lady Michelle Obama Watches the Swimming Finals

    First Lady Michelle Obama watches the swimming finals and medal ceremonies at the Olympic Park Aquatics Center during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England, July 28, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

    For more information:

  • At sundown this Sunday, the Jewish community here in the United States and all over the world will celebrate the start of the new year. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mark a time of prayer and self-reflection, and offers Americans of all faiths an opportunity to focus on what unites us instead of what divides us, to work together to make this a more perfect union and to continue the work of repairing the world.

  • Ed. note: This is cross-posted from NASA.gov.

    Today marks the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's "Address at Rice University on the Nation's Space Effort," when the young president shifted our efforts in space from low to high gear. In proclaiming, "We choose to go to the moon," Kennedy propelled our space program to the forefront of American culture and consciousness, galvanizing an historic effort on which we continue to build today.

    Accomplishing Kennedy's goals, both tangible and intangible, we have taken on his vision to create new challenges and now reach toward new capabilities and destinations. Neil Armstrong first left humanity's footprint on the moon, and more importantly helped raise the "banner of freedom and peace," fulfilling Kennedy's vow to "not see [space] governed by a hostile flag of conquest."

    And we now stand on Armstrong's shoulders to create a sustainable vision for the future exploration of space. Much like those aboard the Apollo 7, 8, 9, and 10 missions cleared the path for Apollo 11 and Armstrong to land on the moon, our Curiosity rover on Mars is clearing the path for humans – Americans – to land on Mars. Our space program has developed new technologies that made human expansion into the solar system a reality. It created a global enterprise, now spinning off into the private sector, which continues to advance our nation and our world.

  • Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at a naturalization ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia.

    We celebrated an extraordinary milestone for 26 individuals—U.S. citizenship.

    It was a day of celebration… and a day of remembrance.

    Eleven years ago yesterday, on a warm and bright and sunny fall morning, our country suffered one of its darkest moments.

    None of us will ever forget where we were when the attacks occurred.  I was watching the Today Show as my daughter got ready for school. After hearing the report that the first plane had hit the North Tower, my daughter and I sat together on her bed, holding hands, and stared in disbelief as Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower.

    In the days that followed, all Americans were profoundly moved by the incredible outpouring of sympathy and support from around the world for the devastation we suffered. 

    As we marked the anniversary of 9/11, we remember those that were lost. We remember the 2,753 killed in New York, 184 killed at the Pentagon, and 40 killed on Flight 93.

    We remembered the heroism of the first responders who courageously, without a moment’s hesitation, rushed into the Twin Towers to help.

    We are so grateful for our servicemen and women who have fought for years to keepour country safe and protect our cherished freedoms, including those who have sacrificed their lives defending us.

  • Today’s report shows that while we have made progress digging our way out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, too many families are still struggling and Congress must act on the policies President Obama has put forward to strengthen the middle class and those trying to get into it.

    Real median income declined by $777 to $50,054 in 2011. This decline in income is another example of why it was so important for Congress to pass the President’s payroll tax cut - which put $1,000 in the pocket of approximately 160 million working Americans last year, thus providing an important cushion for families that saw their pre-tax incomes decrease in 2011. More recent data available for 2012, including data on job growth, unemployment and wages, indicate that real median income is growing this year. In addition, data from the government’s Current Population Survey analyzed by Sentier Research indicate that median household income has grown $1,176 in the last 12 months; although these data are not as reliable as the comprehensive Census estimates, they are an indicator of more recent trends in income.

    Still, too many Americans are feeling the effects of the crisis, which is why the President believes Congress must vote this month to extend the middle class tax cuts to ensure that 98 percent of Americans do not see a significant tax hike at the end of the year. If Congress fails to act, the typical middle class family will face a $2,200 tax increase. Middle class families need economic certainty and Republicans in Congress should not hold these middle class tax cuts hostage simply to preserve massive tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires.  Moreover, if Congress is truly concerned about income levels, it should act this month to pass job creation proposals in the President’s American Jobs Act – which independent economists believe would create 1 million jobs and has been before Congress for over a year. 

    Today’s report also shows that thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act, 1.3 million fewer people were uninsured in 2011. Today’s report also shows that thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act, 3.6 million more people were covered by health insurance in 2011 and the percentage of the population without insurance declined from 16.3 percent in 2010 to 15.7 percent in 2011. In addition, the rate of private insurance coverage was essentially unchanged in 2011 for the first time in a decade.

  • President Barack Obama, with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, delivers a statement regarding the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya (September 12, 2012)

    President Barack Obama, with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, delivers a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House, Sept. 12, 2012, regarding the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

    Yesterday, four Americans lost their lives after an attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya. Ambassador Chris Stevens and Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith were among those killed.

    This morning, President Obama condemned that attack, which he called "outrageous and shocking" in a statement from the Rose Garden.

    "We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats," he said. "I've also directed my Administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people."

    Ambassador Stevens had a history of dedicated service in Libya, and as he spoke to reporters, the President described the work to which Stevens devoted his.

    "At the height of the Libyan revolution, Chris led our diplomatic post in Benghazi," President Obama said. "With characteristic skill, courage, and resolve, he built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries, and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya. When the Qaddafi regime came to an end, Chris was there to serve as our ambassador to the new Libya, and he worked tirelessly to support this young democracy, and I think both Secretary Clinton and I relied deeply on his knowledge of the situation on the ground there."

  • Ed. note: This is cross-posted from Healthcare.gov.

    The Affordable Care Act holds insurance companies accountable and puts more money back into the pockets of Americans across the country. According to a new report, consumers saved over $2 billion because of new rules that protect people from insurance industry abuses.

    As a former Insurance Commissioner, I’m familiar with how alone consumers can feel when dealing with their insurance companies.  Under the health care law, insurers are finally being held accountable to their policyholders. For the first time ever, new rate review rules in the health care law prevent insurance companies in all states from raising rates with no accountability or transparency. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have received $160 million in grants to increase their oversight of premium hikes. 

    Some states, like Nevada, are using the funds to better educate consumers about the resources available to them. Others – like Mississippi and South Dakota – have used the money to add new consumer protections. In these states, officials can not only review rate hikes, but can also reject those hikes that are not justified. 

  • President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, stand during the playing of Taps (September 11, 2012)

    President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stand during the playing of Taps during the September 11th Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Va., Sept. 11, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

    Today, President Obama and the First Lady marked the eleventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

    They began the day at the White House, observing a moment of silence on the South Lawn just after 8:45 a.m., around the time the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. Afterward, they traveled to the Pentagon, where the President spoke at a memorial service in honor of those who died there, as well as in New York and Pennsylvania.

    This anniversary allows us to renew our faith that even the darkest night gives way to a brighter dawn. Today, we can come here to the Pentagon, and touch these names and kneel beside a building where a single stone still bears the scars of that fire. We can visit the field of honor in Pennsylvania and remember the heroes who made it sacred.  We can see water cascading into the footprints of the Twin Towers, and gaze up at a new tower rising above the New York skyline. 

    And even though we may never be able to fully lift the burden carried by those left behind, we know that somewhere, a son is growing up with his father’s eyes, and a daughter has her mother’s laugh -- living reminders that those who died are with us still.

  • September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

    Today, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and commemorate them with a national day of service and remembrance. This day is an opportunity for everyone, no matter who you are, to serve others. We've put together some videos from our archives that feature the First Family, the Vice President and Dr. Biden, as well as some of our White House guests, participating in service projects. Take a look:

    A Day of Service and Remembrance with the First Lady

  • Ed. note: This is cross-posted from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

    No one who was working at the Department of Transportation 11 years ago will forget the morning of September 11, 2001. Whether it was the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic controllers, who helped bring every aircraft in U.S. airspace safely to ground, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's midshipmen, who went into the chaos of Lower Manhattan to support the maritime evacuation of Wall Street workers, 9/11 is permanently etched into the Department's memory.

    To commemorate that day, the FAA's Washington Metroplex Team has named two arrival sequences to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to honor those who died that day and those who have served our country from that day forward. Each arrival sequence is part of our new NextGen descents, which use satellite-based information to make more efficient arrivals and departures at airports. The sequences contain a series of five-letter waypoints – points in the sky through which an aircraft must fly to remain on course – and together, they spell out messages of support and remembrance for 9/11. 

    Aircraft flying the Freedom route to National from the northwest pass through waypoints named “WEEEE,” “WLLLL,” “NEVVR,” “FORGT” and “SEP11.” Those flying the Troops route from the southwest pass through waypoints named “USAAY,” “WEEDU,” “SUPRT,” “OOURR” and “TRUPS.” Depending on the runway configuration, aircraft might also pass through waypoints named “STAND” and “TOGETHER” or “LETZZ,” “RLLLL,” “VCTRY” and “HEROO."

    Freedom/Troops Satellite Navigation Waypoints

    Freedom/Troop Satellite Navigation Waypoints (Photo Credit by U.S. Department of Transportation)

     

  • President Barack Obama and daughter Malia Obama participate in a service project at DC Kitchen

    President Barack Obama and daughter Malia Obama participate in a service project to commemorate the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance at DC Central Kitchen near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Sept. 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

    In today's Weekly Address, President Obama talks about one of the legacies of September 11, 2001.

    "Instead of turning inward with grief," he said, "we’ve honored the memory of those we lost by giving back to our communities, serving those in need, and reaffirming the values at the heart of who we are as a people."

    That’s why we mark each September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance -- an act that Congress made official in 2009 and which President Obama signed into law.

    The Corporation for National and Community Service is charged with overseeing that effort, and this year, they hope to make it one of the largest days of charitable service in U.S. history.

    Last year, for the 10th anniversary -- the First Family, President Obama, the First Lady, Malia, and Sasha -- all pitched in at the DC Central kitchen, preparing meals for those in need.

    This year, you can sign up for a service opportunity near you at Serve.gov.

    As President Obama says, "We are one American family. And we look out for each other – not just on the difficult days, but every day."

  • President Obama marks the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks by remembering the innocent lives lost, and honoring the first responders and men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed to keep our country safe.

    In the difficult years following the attacks, the United States has come back stronger as a nation, decimated the leadership of al-Qaeda, ensured that Osama bin Laden will never attack America again, and strengthened our alliances across the world.

    The President has signed a proclamation making Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 9, 2012 National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.

    To join that commemoration, you can sign up for a service opportunity near you at Serve.gov.

    Transcript | Download mp4 | Download mp3

  • Here's a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

    President Obama Speaks to Troops at Fort Bliss: Last Friday, two years after his visit to Fort Bliss that marked the end of the combat mission in Iraq, President Obama returned to speak to the troops.

    Now, when I was here last, I made you a pledge. I said that, as President, I will insist that America serves you and your families as well as you've served us. And there again, I meant what I said. Because part of ending wars responsibly is caring for those who fought in it. That’s why I wanted to come back to Bliss on this anniversary to reaffirm our solemn obligations to you and your families. You see, we may be turning a page on a decade of war, but America's responsibilities to you have only just begun.

  • At the Yemen Donor Conference in Riyadh, which I attended on September 4, I was impressed by how far Yemen has come in the past year. But I think what really made this conference stand out is that we focused on what happens after the conference, and how key “quick impact” programs will benefit from the commitments made and deliver the greatest impact to the most critical challenges facing Yemen.  

    Last year, Yemen negotiated a political solution that allowed the country to pull itself from the brink of conflict and begin implementing long-overdue political, military, and economic reforms. Yet Yemen is embarking on this promising path under the shadow of significant challenges, including nearly 40 percent unemployment and a dire humanitarian crisis in which ten million people – nearly half of Yemen’s population – go to bed hungry every night. And, Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, could potentially run out of water in a decade.

    The Yemeni government’s “Transitional Program for Stabilization and Development” – which was presented at the conference – describes plans to rebuild the economy, advance the political transition, enhance security and the rule of law, and significantly improve the welfare of the Yemeni population. At the conference, Yemen agreed to a “Mutual Accountability Framework,” which outlines the relationship between Yemeni goals to restore political, security and economic stability and the supporting role of donor countries.  

    Yemen cannot carry out its ambitious agenda without significant international support. The Donor Conference, hosted in Riyadh by Saudi Arabia, the World Bank and the Yemeni government, was critical to rallying this support and strengthening donor coordination. During the conference, partner countries pledged nearly 6 billion dollars and I had the opportunity to emphasize the strong commitment of the United States as a friend and partner to Yemen during this incredibly important time. 

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