What Government Did Today

President Obama was briefed this morning via phone by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on the preparations for potential impacts of Hurricane Earl on the East Coast and New England. A Hurricane Watch is currently in place for portions of the North Carolina and Virginia coastlines.  Administrator Fugate discussed FEMA’s close coordination with state and local officials in potentially affected states from North Carolina to Maine.

Read more here: 
Readout of President Obama’s Briefing Call with FEMA Administrator Fugate on the Preparations Being Made in Advance of Hurricane Earl

A PROCLAMATION Although its mortality rate has steadily fallen in the last decade, prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States.  This year alone, nearly 218,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 32,000 men will die from this disease.  National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to fight this disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat it. The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, but awareness can help men make more informed choices about their health.  Researchers have identified several factors that may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, race, and family history.  According to the National Cancer Institute, avoiding smoking, losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising may all help prevent certain cancers.  We must ensure that more men are informed about all aspects of this disease, including early detection and possible treatment.  I encourage men to talk with their doctors about risk factors, prevention, and preventative screenings.  And I invite all Americans to visit Cancer.gov for more information and resources about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate and other cancers

More: 
Presidential Proclamation–National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

A PROCLAMATION For centuries, the American spirit of exploration and discovery has led us to experience the majesty of our Nation’s wilderness.  From raging rivers to serene prairies, from mountain peaks slicing the skyline to forests teeming with life, our Nation’s landscapes have provided wonder, inspiration, and strength to all Americans.  Many sites continue to hold historical, cultural, and religious significance for Indian tribes, the original stewards of this continent.  We must continue to preserve and protect these scenic places and the life that inhabits them so they may be rediscovered and appreciated by generations to come.

Go here to see the original:
Presidential Proclamation–National Wilderness Month

EXECUTIVE ORDER BLOCKING PROPERTY OF CERTAIN PERSONS WITH RESPECT TO NORTH KOREA By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.

Read more from the original source:
Executive Order from the President — Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to North Korea

Four Appointees Have Waited an Average of 303 Days for Senate Confirmation WASHINGTON – President Obama announced today his intent to recess appoint four nominees to fill key administration posts that have been left vacant for an extended period of time.   “At a time when our nation faces so many pressing challenges, I urge members of the Senate to stop playing politics with our highly qualified nominees, and fulfill their responsibilities of advice and consent,” President Obama said. “Until they do, I reserve the right to act within my authority to do what is best for the American people.” The President announced his intent to recess appoint the following nominees:   Maria del Carmen Aponte, Nominee for Chief of Mission, Republic of El Salvador Maria del Carmen Aponte is currently an attorney and independent consultant with Aponte Consulting and serves on the Board of Directors of Oriental Financial Group.

Here is the original: 
President Obama Announces Recess Appointments to Key Administration Posts

 WASHINGTON — Vice President Biden today announced 94 Recovery Act investments in broadband projects that will create jobs and expand economic opportunities within 37 states.  These investments in high-speed Internet infrastructure will help bridge the technological divide in communities that are being left in the 20th century economy and support improvements in education, healthcare, and public safety

The rest is here:
Vice President Biden Announces Recovery Act Investments in Broadband Projects to Bring Jobs, Economic Opportunity to Communities Nationwide

We congratulate the people of Rwanda on their national election on August 9. We note reports from the National Electoral Commission that official results have been tallied and President Paul Kagame won reelection with roughly 93% of the vote.

Read the rest here:
Statement on the National Elections in Rwanda

Today, Secretary Gates advanced our effort to invest in the defense capabilities that we need in the 21st century, while being responsible and accountable in spending taxpayer dollars.   I have long said that we need to change the way that Washington works so that it works better for the American people. That’s why we undertook the Accountable Government Initiative — to make government more open and responsive to the American public, and to cut waste and inefficiencies that squander the people’s hard-earned money

Excerpt from: 
Statement of President Barack Obama on Secretary Gates Reform Agenda

Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Carol Browner, White House Counsel Robert Bauer, and National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, joined by other senior administration officials, met with BP executives Bob Dudley and Lamar McKay this afternoon to discuss a range of issues regarding the ongoing clean up and recovery efforts in the Gulf. They impressed upon BP the importance of living up to their commitment to long term recovery, and underscored that the Administration will remain vigilant in ensuring that promise is met.

Go here to read the rest: 
Statement by the Press Secretary on Senior Administration Officials Meeting with BP Executives Today

On Friday, August 6, 2010, the President signed into law: H.R. 4684, the “National September 11 Memorial & Museum Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2010,” which requires the Treasury to strike medals in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center and S. 1053, which extends the authority of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct the National Law Enforcement Museum on Federal lands in the District of Columbia

Read more from the original source:
Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 4684 and S.1053