What Government Did Today

Release Time:  For Immediate Release Death of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the Last Surviving american Veteran of World War I – - – - – - – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION      As a mark of respect for the memory of Army Corporal Frank W

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Presidential Proclamation–Death of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the Last Surviving American Veteran of World War I

Release Time:  For Immediate Release WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION During Women's History Month, we reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of women and honor their role in shaping the course of our Nation's history.  Today, women have reached heights their mothers and grandmothers might only have imagined.  Women now comprise nearly half of our workforce and the majority of students in our colleges and universities.  They scale the skies as astronauts, expand our economy as entrepreneurs and business leaders, and serve our country at the highest levels of government and our Armed Forces.  In honor of the pioneering women who came before us, and in recognition of those who will come after us, this month, we recommit to erasing the remaining inequities facing women in our day. This year, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, a global celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future.  International Women's Day is a chance to pay tribute to ordinary women throughout the world and is rooted in women's centuries-old struggle to participate in society on an equal footing with men.  This day reminds us that, while enormous progress has been made, there is still work to be done before women achieve true parity. My Administration has elevated the rights of women and girls abroad as a critical aspect of our foreign and national security policy.  Empowering women across the globe is not simply the right thing to do, it is also smart foreign policy.  This knowledge is reflected in the National Security Strategy of the United States, which recognizes that countries are more peaceful and prosperous when their female citizens enjoy equal rights, equal voices, and equal opportunities.  Today, we are integrating a focus on women and girls in all our diplomatic efforts, and incorporating gender considerations in every aspect of our development assistance.  We are working to build the participation of women into all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution, and we are continuing to lead in combating the scourge of conflict related sexual violence, both bilaterally and at the United Nations

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Presidential Proclamation–Women’s History Month, 2011

Release Time:  For Immediate Release 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In 1961, President John F.

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Presidential Proclamation–50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

Release Time:  For Immediate Release The President spoke with Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada today and underscored their common purpose in responding to the situation in Libya.  They agreed on the need to deter additional acts of violence by the Qadhafi regime, protect those who might be the targets of such violence, establish accountability for human rights violations, and provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.  The President expressed appreciation for Canada’s joining the United States in imposing tough unilateral sanctions against the Libyan government.  The leaders agreed to coordinate closely in expanding the humanitarian effort in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, and in consideration of other options should they become necessary.  The Leaders also expressed a commitment to work together to help Egypt and Tunisia achieve successful, peaceful democratic transitions, and to work with other countries in the region to achieve meaningful reform.

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Readout of President Obama’s Call with Canadian Prime Minister Harper

Release Time:  For Immediate Release MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES SUBJECT:  Administrative Flexibility, Lower Costs, and Better Results for State, Local, and Tribal Governments Over the last 2 years, my Administration has worked with State, local, and tribal governments through the Recovery Act and other means to create jobs, build infrastructure, and protect critical programs and services in the face of declining revenues.  But through smarter government we can do even more to improve outcomes and lower costs for the American taxpayer. Federal program requirements over the past several decades have sometimes been onerous, and they have not always contributed to better outcomes.  With input from our State, local, and tribal partners, we can, consistent with law, reduce unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens and redirect resources to services that are essential to achieving better outcomes at lower cost.  This is especially urgent at a time when State, local, and tribal governments face large budget shortfalls and American taxpayers deserve to know that their funds are being spent wisely. On January 18, 2011, I signed Executive Order 13563, which, among other things, calls for careful analysis of regulations by executive departments and agencies (agencies), including consideration of costs and benefits.  Executive Order 13563 also requires retrospective analysis of existing significant rules and greater coordination across agencies to simplify and harmonize redundant, inconsistent, or overlapping requirements, thus reducing costs

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Presidential Memorandum–Administrative Flexibility

Release Time:  For Immediate Release Today, President Obama issued a memorandum to Executive Departments and Agencies to work with State, Tribal, and local governments to reduce unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens in order to focus resources on achieving better outcomes at lower cost. Over the last two years, the Administration has worked with States as well as Tribal and local governments through the Recovery Act and other means to create jobs, build infrastructure, and protect critical programs and services in the face of declining revenues.  Still, through smarter government, we can do even more to help States, improve program outcomes, and lower costs for the American taxpayer.  This is especially urgent at a time when many governments face large budget shortfalls.   This memorandum builds on the Executive Order issued on January 18 outlining the President’s regulatory strategy.  Having heard from States, Tribes, and territories that the array of rules and regulations issued by various Federal programs and agencies may sometimes impede their efforts to modernize and integrate program delivery, the President is committed to continuing to cut this red tape while continuing to protect human health and safety

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FACT SHEET: A Win for States and Taxpayers: President Obama’s Plan to Cut Red Tape, Give States Flexibility, and Save Money

Release Time:  For Immediate Release IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Our diverse Nation has been shaped by the sacrifices and successes of those who crossed both land and sea in pursuit of a common dream.  For millions of Americans, this journey began in Ireland.  In the wake of the Great Hunger, many sons and daughters of Erin came to our shores seeking a brighter day, with only courage and the enduring values of faith and family to sustain them.  Alongside many others who sought a better life in a new Nation, these intrepid immigrants built strong communities and helped forge our country's future.  During Irish-American Heritage Month, we honor the contributions Irish Americans have made, and celebrate the nearly 40 million among us who proudly trace their roots back to Ireland. From the earliest days of our Republic, the Irish have overcome discrimination and carved out a place for themselves in the American story.  Through hard work, perseverance, and patriotism, women and men of Irish descent have given their brawn, brains, and blood to make and remake this Nation — pulling it westward, pushing it skyward, and moving it forward.  Half a century ago, John F. Kennedy became our first Irish-American Catholic President and summoned an expectant citizenry to greatness.  This year, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's inauguration, we recognize our 35th President and the countless other Irish Americans whose leadership and service have steered the course of our Nation.

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Presidential Proclamation–Irish-American Heritage Month, 2011

Release Time:  For Immediate Release AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH, 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION For over a century, the American Red Cross has harnessed the generosity of the American people, mobilizing us to offer assistance in the wake of disaster.  Whether aiding towns fighting rising floodwaters or nations struggling with starvation and disease, the American Red Cross and its international partners have served during crises across the United States and around the world.  During American Red Cross Month, we celebrate our Nation's humanitarian spirit, and we recommit to providing relief and hope in times of crisis. The American Red Cross has a long history of partnering with Presidents of the United States to confront the world's most pressing challenges.  During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson called on our citizens to help the American Red Cross "respond effectively and universally to the needs of humanity under stress of war."  This relationship continued in 1943, when President Franklin D.

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Presidential Proclamation–American Red Cross Month, 2011

Release Time:  For Immediate Release Location:  State Dining Room 11:16 A.M. EST      THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  I’m Joe Biden — I’ll Jill Biden’s husband — (laughter) — which is how I’m getting to be known around here.  You’re about to — we decided to bring in the second team now to talk to you all.  (Laughter.)    Folks, welcome back to the White House.  And for those of you who — this is your first visit as governor, welcome and congratulations on your elections.

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Remarks by the President and the Vice President to the National Governors Association

Release Time:  For Immediate Release Michelle and I were inspired by the service and life story of former Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I and the oldest known World War I era veteran in the world, who passed away yesterday at the age of 110.  A decorated soldier in the Great War, he also survived more than three years in Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War.   Frank Buckles lived the American Century.  Like so many veterans, he returned home, continued his education, began a career, and along with his late wife Audrey, raised their daughter Susannah.  And just as Frank continued to serve America until his passing, as the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation, our nation has a sacred obligation to always serve our veterans and their families as well as they’ve served us.  We join Susannah and all those who knew and loved her father in celebrating a remarkable life that reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans

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Statement by the President on the Passing of Frank W. Buckles