The executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law and running the day-to-day affairs of the government or state. The de facto most senior figure in an executive is referred to as the head of government. The executive may be referred to as the administration, in presidential systems, or simply as the government, in parliamentary systems.

In some constitutional monarchies, such as the United Kingdom, the monarch, who is the Head of State, is the de jure and theoretical head of the executive, and the Prime Minister, whom he or she technically appoints, is the head of the monarch's government (i.e. "Her Majesty's Government"). In practice, however, a symbolic or figurehead Head of State does not actively exercise executive power, though decisions may be formally made in his or her name.

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Weekly Address: President Obama Extends Condolences to the Fort Hood Community
The White House Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, President Barack Obama expressed his sadness for the tragedy at Fort Hood and praised the selfless valor of those who came to the aid of the wounded. While we mourn the heartbreaking violence, we should honor the heroism of the soldiers and civilians who rushed to help their comrades. That is the heroism which makes the U.S. military the finest in the world.  The audio and video will be available at 6:00am Saturday, November 7, 2009 at www.whitehouse.gov. Remarks of President Barack Obama As Prepared for Delivery Weekly Address Saturday, November 7, 2009 I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes today about the tragedy that took place at Ft. Hood. This past Thursday, on a clear Texas afternoon, an Army psychiatrist walked into the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, and began shooting his fellow soldiers. It is an act of violence that would have been heartbreaking had it occurred anyplace in America. It is a crime that would have horrified us had its victims been Americans of any background. But it’s all the more heartbreaking and all the more despicable because of the place where it occurred and the patriots who were its victims. The SRP is where our men and women in uniform go before getting deployed. It’s where they get their teeth checked and their medical records updated and make sure everything is in order before getting shipped out. It was in this place, on a base where our soldiers ought to feel most safe, where those brave Americans who are preparing to risk their lives in defense of our nation, lost their lives in a crime against our nation. Soldiers stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world called and emailed loved ones at Ft. Hood, all expressing the same stunned reaction: I’m supposed to be the one in harm’s way, not you. Thursday’s shooting was one of the most devastating ever committed on an American military base. And yet, even as we saw the worst of human nature on full display, we also saw the best of America. We saw soldiers and civilians alike rushing to aid fallen comrades; tearing off bullet-riddled clothes to treat the injured; using blouses as tourniquets; taking down the shooter even as they bore wounds themselves. We saw soldiers bringing to bear on our own soil the skills they had been trained to use abroad; skills that been honed through years of determined effort for one purpose and one purpose only: to protect and defend the United States of America. We saw the valor, selflessness, and unity of purpose that make our servicemen and women the finest fighting force on Earth; that make the United States military the best the world has ever known; and that make all of us proud to be Americans. On Friday, I met with FBI Director Mueller, Defense Secretary Gates, and representatives of the relevant agencies to discuss their ongoing investigation into what led to this terrible crime. And I’ll continue to be in close contact with them as new information comes in. We cannot fully know what leads a man to do such a thing. But what we do know is that our thoughts are with every single one of the men and women who were injured at Ft. Hood. Our thoughts are with all the families who’ve lost a loved one in this national tragedy. And our thoughts are with all the Americans who wear – or who’ve worn – the proud uniform of the United States of America; our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coast guardsmen, and the military families who love and support them. In tribute to those who fell at Ft. Hood, I’ve ordered flags flying over the White House, and other federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff from now until Veterans Day next Wednesday. Veterans Day is our chance to honor those Americans who’ve served on battlefields from Lexington to Antietam, Normandy to Manila, Inchon to Khe Sanh, Ramadi to Kandahar. They are Americans of every race, faith, and station. They are Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. They are descendents of immigrants and immigrants themselves. They reflect the diversity that makes this America. But what they share is a patriotism like no other. What they share is a commitment to country that has been tested and proved worthy. What they share is the same unflinching courage, unblinking compassion, and uncommon camaraderie that the soldiers and civilians of Ft. Hood showed America and showed the world. These are the men and women we honor today. These are the men and women we’ll honor on Veterans Day. And these are the men and women we shall honor every day, in times of war and times of peace, so long as our nation endures.
Bills Signed Into Law by the President, 11/06/09
The White House Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:36:00 -0000
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                                                                              November 6, 2009 On Friday, November 6, 2009, the President signed into law: H.J.Res. 26, which proclaims Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously; H.R. 1209, the “Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009,” which requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861; H.R. 3548, the “Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009,” which provides an additional 14 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) in all States and six additional weeks of EUC in very high unemployment States; extends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act surtax through June 30, 2011; extends the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit through April 30, 2010, and provides a $6,500 credit to certain other homebuyers through April 30, 2010; increases from two to five preceding years the period for which businesses can offset net operation losses in 2008 and 2009 against income; and makes certain other changes to Federal unemployment programs and tax laws; H.R. 3606, the “Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009,” which amends the Truth in Lending Act to make a technical correction to an amendment made by the Credit CARD Act of 2009; S. 832, which grants a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America; and S. 1694, which allows funding for the Commerce Department’s Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program to remain available for an additional two years through FY 2012.
Declaraciones del Presidente en el Jardín de Rosas
The White House Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:19:59 -0000
English THE WHITE HOUSE Oficina del Secretario de Prensa ________________________________________________________________ Para publicación inmediata                                                   6 de noviembre, 2009  Declaraciones del Presidente en el Jardín de Rosas    11:33 A.M. EST      EL PRESIDENTE: Buenos días. Quiero empezar por ofrecerles un informe actualizado de la tragedia ocurrida ayer en Fort Hood.      Esta mañana, me reuní con el Director de la FBI Mueller y las agencias correspondientes para conversar sobre la investigación que están llevando a cabo para determinar qué motivó que una persona atacara a sus colegas, hombres y mujeres al servicio de las fuerzas armadas. Aún no tenemos todas las respuestas, y les pediría cautela antes de apresurarse a llegar a conclusiones sin tener todos los hechos.      Lo que sí sabemos es que están de luto familiares, amigos y una nación entera por los valientes hombres y mujeres que sufrieron el ataque de ayer en uno de los peores tiroteos masivos jamás ocurridos en una base militar estadounidense. Por lo tanto, he ordenado banderas a media asta desde hoy hasta el Día de los Veteranos en la Casa Blanca y otros edificios federales. Éste es un modesto homenaje a quienes perdieron la vida precisamente cuando muchos se estaban preparando para arriesgar la vida por su país. Y también es un reconocimiento a los hombres y mujeres que arriesgan la vida todos los días para proteger nuestra seguridad y defender nuestros valores. Honramos sus servicios, admiramos sus sacrificios y oramos por la seguridad de quienes luchan y por los familiares de los caídos. Y en los próximos días y semanas, a medida que recibamos más información sobre lo ocurrido en Fort Hood, este gobierno seguirá proporcionándoles informes actualizados.      Ahora, también me gustaría anunciar que acabo de promulgar una ley que contribuirá al crecimiento de nuestra economía, preservará y generará nuevos empleos, y otorgará ayuda a las familias y empresas que están pasando apuros. El informe sobre el empleo que recibimos esta mañana demuestra claramente la necesidad de esta medida. A pesar de que perdimos menos empleos en comparación con el mes pasado, nuestra tasa de desempleo alcanzó el 10 por ciento, un número que pone de manifiesto la severidad de los desafíos económicos que tenemos por delante.      Cuando asumí la presidencia, nuestro objetivo inmediato fue detener la caída en picada de nuestra economía, que estaba decayendo a una velocidad alarmante. Hemos tenido éxito en lograr esa meta, pues nuestra economía creció el trimestre pasado por primera vez en un año. Pero históricamente, la generación de empleo siempre demora un poco más que el crecimiento económico, por lo que tenemos que seguir poniendo en vigor medidas que generen nuevos empleos. Y les puedo prometer que no cejaré hasta que los estadounidenses que deseen encontrar un trabajo lo encuentren, y hasta que todos los estadounidenses puedan ganar lo suficiente para mantener a su familia y mantener a flote sus negocios.      La ley que promulgué hoy ayudará a la gente a hacer eso y a la vez hará que nuestra economía siga creciendo. Es una ley que extiende los beneficios por desempleo hasta por 20 semanas más, y en los estados más afectados, la extensión será la máxima. Estos beneficios ya han ayudado a 16 millones de estadounidenses desempleados, y ahora que he promulgado esta ley, 700,000 estadounidenses más que todavía siguen buscando trabajo podrán solicitar una extensión inmediata de esos beneficios.      Aunque la extensión ayudará a más de 1 millón de estadounidenses, no sólo pondrá dinero en los bolsillos de las personas que recibirán los beneficios. Los economistas sostienen que cuando esos beneficios se gastan en comida, ropa o alquiler, en realidad se robustece nuestra economía y genera nuevos empleos.      Además, esta ley también reducirá los impuestos de empresas en apuros, y habrá recortes tributarios incluso mayores para las pequeñas empresas, lo que significa que miles de empresarios obtendrán el efectivo que necesitan para evitar despedir a sus empleados o cerrar sus puertas, y extenderá el crédito tributario para todos los compradores de vivienda hasta abril del próximo año a la vez que lo fortalece con medidas más seguras contra el fraude.      La recuperación del mercado de vivienda fue uno de los factores que más contribuyó al crecimiento de la economía en el último trimestre y llevó a cientos de miles de familias al mercado inmobiliario. Queremos darles incluso a más familias la oportunidad de ser dueños de su propia casa.      Asimismo, es importante recalcar que la ley que promulgué no aumentará nuestro déficit. Está totalmente pagada y es fiscalmente responsable. Continúa los esfuerzos de la Ley para la Recuperación que ya ha preservado o generado mas de 100… más de un millón de empleos y generará muchos más en las próximas semanas y meses.      También continuaremos los esfuerzos de la ley que promulgué hoy con medidas que contribuyan aun más al crecimiento de nuestra economía en el futuro. Con ese fin, mi equipo económico está buscando ideas como inversiones adicionales en nuestras carreteras y puentes que requieren arreglos, incentivos para alentar a las familias y empresas para que arreglen edificios para que consuman energía más eficientemente, recortes tributarios adicionales para que las empresas generen empleo, medidas adicionales para aumentar el flujo de crédito a pequeñas empresas y un plan enérgico para promover las exportaciones y ayudar a los fabricantes estadounidenses a vender sus productos alrededor del mundo.     Entonces, aunque se requerirá de tiempo y paciencia, tengo confianza en que nuestra economía se recuperará. Y tengo confianza en que vamos en la dirección correcta. Y prometo que no descansaré hasta que Estados Unidos vuelva nuevamente a la prosperidad.     Gracias a todos.                                                         FIN                                       11:38 A.M. EST ###
Presidential Delegation to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
The White House Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0000
On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, President Barack Obama extends his congratulations to the people of Germany – and the people of Europe.   On November 9, 1989, Germans from both sides of the wall joined together, moving freely between East and West – something that had been denied them for over a generation.  This year, we commemorate and recognize their decision, and the decisions of the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe in 1989 to choose freedom over oppression, liberty over captivity, and hope over despair.  President Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Berlin, Germany to attend the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 2009. The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, will lead the delegation. Members of the Presidential Delegation: The Honorable Philip D. Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.), President, The Scowcroft Group and former National Security Advisor to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Counselor and Trustee, Center for Strategic & International Studies and former National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter Mr. Craig Kennedy, President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States  
Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 11/6/09
The White House Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:44:00 -0000
12:15 P.M. EST MR. GIBBS: Good afternoon. Let me -- I'm going to start with a couple of things. I was going to do a week ahead but, as you might imagine, the week ahead prior to leaving for Asia is a bit in flux. As that gets filled in throughout the rest of today, we will endeavor to provide better guidance to the exact events that will happen over the course of those several days prior to us leaving for Asia. Secondly, I'm just going to say that I'm happy -- I know there will be many questions and I'm happy to try to the best of my ability and the knowledge that we have right now to answer those questions, understanding that this is an investigation right now being conducted by the Department of Defense and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. So there -- I'm going to push you on some of these questions to speak directly to them about details and facts as we learn more. So, Mr. Feller. Q Okay. I'm going to try. A few questions on Fort Hood, Robert. We just heard the President's words of caution about jumping to conclusions, so let me ask you this. What can you tell us about what you learned about the shooter's motivation? MR. GIBBS: Well, I think we don't yet know that answer and I think the best update on that will likely come from the FBI. Q So it's a matter at this point of it's not known as opposed to it's known but it would be imprudent to share? MR. GIBBS: Well, I would point you to the FBI for the latest information. Q From the White House perspective, from what you've learned so far is it clear whether anybody missed any signs that could have prevented this? MR. GIBBS: We are right now focused on -- with the Department of Defense and the FBI -- on what happened and this will be thoroughly reviewed. Q What about the possibility, or is it under consideration the President will go to either Texas or to Dover? MR. GIBBS: I think it is -- one of the things, obviously, that's most in flux about the week ahead is -- would be a visit to Texas. When a service is scheduled, the President will attend. Fort Hood is, as you all know, the largest military institution in this country. We will -- the memorial service would be scheduled for the convenience of the families that suffered the tragic losses yesterday. Just to give you some background, in the facility where the incident happened were troops representing more than a dozen different units throughout the country. So because of the dispersed nature of where individuals were, I'm told that not all of the notifications have yet been completed. When that is done, and there's -- we have an understanding of when it is best for the families, the President will work his schedule around what's best for those families. Yes, sir. Q The President in the Rose Garden said that the unexpectedly big jump in unemployment past the 10 percent mark was sobering, and he also listed some ideas that he said his economic team was considering for further job creation. The question that some economists are asking is, is this really enough? And some say it's not, but there needs to be a second stimulus program of some sort. Is there any consideration going to be given to a second stimulus package, or is the President ruling that out? MR. GIBBS: Well, I don't think today's news changes what we have said for quite some time on this, Matt, and that is, we know, first of all, that the recovery plan, as signed into law in February, continues to make investments and create and save jobs here in this country. We saw that we've had positive economic growth for the first quarter in more than a year, and that before we can have job growth we're going to have to have economic growth. So our focus obviously continues to be on ensuring that that money gets out as quickly as it is prescribed. The President and his team for some time have been evaluating other ideas. Advisors were here earlier in the week to go through some of their ideas that the President and the team will look at and decide if they make the most sense. Q The Democrats lost two state houses earlier this week, and polls showed that voters were particularly unhappy about the economic situation. Is there any concern that -- in terms of 2010 coming up, that the -- these concerns might -- joblessness in particular might have impact? MR. GIBBS: I'm just going to put a little of the exit polling on this, and I was reminded of this because I saw it up on the television screen before I came out here. The exit polling question was, "Are you worried about the economy?" Okay? Had the President been a voter in Virginia or New Jersey and been asked by an exit poller if he was worried about the economy, the answer would have been yes. I think the numbers in Virginia were 90 -- one of the states was 90 [percent] and one was 84 [percent]. We'd all be anxious to meet that 10-16 percent that don't seem to be worried about the economy. I'm not entirely sure who those people are. So, look, the President is focused on getting our economy back, understanding, Matt, where we started from, right. In January we had a loss of 741,000 -- 741,000 jobs. As the President mentioned, we are seeing those numbers slowly decrease, and that is part of the good news. We saw unemployment claims drop slightly into their lowest level in several months yesterday, but the President won't be satisfied until those that are out of work and want to work can find a job. Yes, sir. Q It's kind of a theoretical question, but what -- at what point does an attack become considered a terrorist attack, even if it's a domestic terrorist attack? MR. GIBBS: I don't know that I would have the theoretical background to answer that. I would pose that to somebody at the FBI. But again, Jake, I don't know that we're at a point yet where we fully understand the motive. Q Okay. In terms of the House health care reform bills, right now one of the big logjams, as you know, has to do with abortion language and also has to do with whether or not illegal immigrants, undocumented workers, can have access to the health insurance exchanges. Those are both issues that you have said from this podium, I think, that should have been settled theoretically, because you said that the bill the President signs will not fund abortions, I believe. MR. GIBBS: The President said that. Q The President said that. And you said that the bill the President signs will not -- illegal immigrants will not have access to health care -- to health insurance exchanges. So why are they still debating this on Capitol Hill if the President has made his position as to what he's going to sign clear? MR. GIBBS: Congress obviously is working through a process that will ultimately, we believe, before the end of the year get a bill to the President's desk. I think there are still discussions going on, on both of these two issues up on Capitol Hill. While the President would like it, tomorrow will not be the final vote on a bill coming to his desk. But he sees tomorrow as an important step forward. He'll go to Capitol Hill tomorrow to advocate for continuing that progress and passing in the House of Representatives a bill. Q Well, I guess the question is the people who are -- have the Democrats who are urging a different position from the one that you and the President have stated about what the President will sign, have they not gotten the message? Has the President not conveyed to them what he wants in the bill sufficiently? MR. GIBBS: Look, as you mentioned, the President has been clear about what he said and I think those that have a different viewpoint than what the President might have on either side of the aisle are best to speak to their motives. Q Robert, could you clarify something? The President was supposed to go to the Hill today. Now you're saying he's going to go tomorrow. Hoyer is saying that the vote might not happen until Sunday or even next week. Is it -- is he going tomorrow or is he going -- MR. GIBBS: The schedule as of now has him going tomorrow. Obviously the events of the past few hours have changed schedules, and the President preferred to go slightly closer to the vote, which put it at tomorrow. Q So he's going tomorrow either way? MR. GIBBS: That's -- as of right now, that's what's on the schedule. Q Why was he waved off today? MR. GIBBS: Again, just what I said -- schedules have changed a bit based on the events that have happened over the past -- regrettably over the past 24 hours, and the President wanted to go a little closer to the vote. Yes, sir. Q It's been reported that the alleged shooter did not want to go -- be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, and I'm wondering if the President has commented about this at all? MR. GIBBS: I have not heard him say anything on that, and I think the best place to get information about where a soldier might or might not have been headed is over at the Department of Defense. Q Are there any additional war council meetings planned? MR. GIBBS: Again, the schedule is a bit in flux. There will be one next week before the President departs for Asia. Q On Afghanistan? MR. GIBBS: Afghanistan and Pakistan, yes. Q And does the President -- where is the President in terms of his thinking -- all the information that he's been trying to gather? Has he given any indication at all that "I'm almost there, I'm 90 percent there" in terms of making that troop decision? MR. GIBBS: I've described the process as coming to a conclusion. Q Anything more specific than that? MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, no. Q One other question on the Asia trip. He's making several stops. But when the President comes back, is there anything at all that he wants to come back with? Is there an issue -- MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think that the President is going to have an opportunity over the course of this trip to meet with important -- important leaders. Obviously, we start in Japan. We will go to APEC. We will visit China before going to South Korea and home. You can understand what I think the President will be discussing -- I should mention, at APEC, there will likely be some important bilateral meetings. I think what will be on the docket will obviously be the health of the world economy. We will discuss, obviously, North Korea. I anticipate Iran will come up in meetings. Nonproliferation obviously will be something that is discussed, certainly as it relates to those two previous countries that I mentioned. And, finally, energy and climate change will also be part of what's discussed. I know we delayed a briefing call on this. It was originally supposed to be today. We'll probably do that likely some time early on Monday. Q But are you looking to get anything at all, reassurance from one of these leaders about any one of these issues? Anything in particular that you're looking -- MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I'll wait for the call to go through exactly what we see as part of each day on this. Again, I think you've got a very important part of the world to our economy and to the economies that we're going to see. I think obviously economic health and well-being and jobs will be a significant part of this. Yes, sir. Q On Fort Hood, you said that when a service is scheduled, he will attend? MR. GIBBS: Yes. Q Did I understand that -- you mean, before or after the Asia trip? MR. GIBBS: I anticipate -- we will attend a memorial service at Fort Hood when it is scheduled. I anticipate that that will likely happen prior to Asia. But again, this is, again, somewhat in flux based on the scheduling of this -- there are families that would have to come in from all over the United States, and our schedule is -- will be formed around that. Q And they're not building the schedule around his schedule, I take it, for memorial services, as far as you know. MR. GIBBS: We have communicated with the Department of Defense that our schedule is built around the families that suffered tragic losses yesterday. Q Well, if they were to delay it until Tuesday or Wednesday or something like that, he could end up changing his schedule on the Asia trip. MR. GIBBS: We anticipate going to Asia, and we anticipate -- we will got to a memorial service. I hate to get into hypotheticals -- Q Right, but you're not ruling out the possibility of changing the departure. MR. GIBBS: I'm not ruling -- I'd prefer to talk about the schedule when we have a better sense of its formation. Q Okay. What is -- could you give us an idea of what the President is doing and can do from here, with regard to Fort Hood? How much of his time is he spending on it? What can a President do in this situation? MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously the President is receiving regular briefings from John Brennan. The President's daily briefing was expanded this morning in both scope and time to include a fairly lengthy briefing from Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, Director Mueller from the FBI. There was a meeting last evening in the Oval Office, about 6:20 p.m., with the same -- that same group of people. Again, the President gets regular updates as to the incident and to the investigation. Q And is he only receiving information, or is he also in a position to direct resources, to give orders in some sort -- MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously he talked with -- he talked yesterday afternoon with -- obviously by phone with Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen to get an update as to what has happened. He talked with Lieutenant -- I'm having a hard time today -- Lieutenant General Cone, the base commander at Fort Hood, and obviously has offered whatever resources any of those -- any of those individuals might need. I think the FBI was on the location fairly quickly and is working on this investigation jointly with the Department of Defense. Q But are you aware of any action that he's actually taken, any affirmative action he's taken to order resources -- MR. GIBBS: I'm not aware of any requests -- Q -- or to tell somebody to go? MR. GIBBS: I'm not aware of any requests that have been made for the movement of resources. Q One question on health care. How do you respond to the piece from some conservative economist, Feldstein -- Feldstein -- I forget -- Martin Feldstein -- in the Washington Post today that the preexisting condition language in the Democrats' bills would basically encourage people to drop their health insurance. They would escape -- especially people who buy it directly themselves. If you're facing $10,000 in premiums for your family of four, that's a lot more than the penalty you would pay for not having insurance. And if somebody does get sick, because there is no ban on preexisting conditions, you can then just go in and get the insurance. So why drop it? MR. GIBBS: Understand in that scenario, if there is a scenario which you described, my sense is that would exceed the income threshold and there wouldn't be a penalty. Q No, he -- they said it worked quite well. Maybe there wouldn't be -- MR. GIBBS: I'm sure we estimated a series of events that could happen in the -- Q But, I mean, it just makes sense, though. Why would people not drop their health insurance if they can get it at any time as soon as they get sick because of the preexisting condition? MR. GIBBS: There's a setup where, based on certain income levels, you'd be required to have insurance, not unlike -- Q Or pay a penalty, which is much less than the premium. MR. GIBBS: Well, the President doesn't believe that people don't want insurance. We're seeking to make that insurance more affordable. Nobody here seems to subscribe to what several of those economists have come up with for the latest road bump on passing health care reform. What we see more likely are people that are dropping their coverage because they can't afford skyrocketing premiums. We see small businesses that are dropping their coverage because it's become -- despite the fact that they want to provide coverage -- it's become far too expensive for them to do that for their employees. And we've seen insurance companies abuse the system by taking somebody that gets sick and dropping their coverage. People losing their coverage is happening right now. Insurance companies dropping their coverage is happening right now. Somebody gets sick, they call their insurance for their coverage, they find out it's gone. That's going to be illegal when the President signs health care reform by the end of this year. Q A couple questions. First, the President said it's important we don't jump to conclusions. Is that a way of the President expressing some concern that people are reading too much into the shooter's religious beliefs, profile? I mean, is there -- MR. GIBBS: All that is simply to say, Chuck, that I think we've all seen that the situation is moving quickly, that what facts have been presented have changed, and it's early in this investigation to know all that we need to know. Q How much concern does the President have and does the White House have that because of some of the pieces of information that are out there about the shooter, that there is -- MR. GIBBS: Well, again, I think -- Q -- an uneasy reaction that some people are having? MR. GIBBS: Well, again, I think that's why -- Q And maybe the potential mistreatment of Muslim American soldiers. MR. GIBBS: I think that's why the President said what he said, in terms of let's figure out what we need to know and go from there. Q And is it -- do you guys believe it will -- it may end up being the role of the President to try to -- to deal with this issue if there is something that the Army -- this issue -- MR. GIBBS: I can tell you that the President and Secretary Gates talked about -- talked yesterday during their early evening meeting about morale in the military. Obviously that's something that's on their minds and on Admiral Mullen's mind, as well. Q Going to health care, what is the message -- Vice President Biden is making calls, we know some Cabinet secretaries are making calls to these -- to undecided Democrats. Can you summarize the message that they're -- MR. GIBBS: Pass health care. (Laughter.) Q Or else. (Laughter.) Q Or else. No, but what is the sales pitch? I mean, what is the sales pitch to these wavering Democrats, saying, you know what, maybe they're concerned about the political environment, maybe they're concerned about -- what is the sales pitch? MR. GIBBS: The sales pitch is simply that we're on the cusp of the type of health care reform that this country has been talking about for decades. We're on the cusp of making it -- health insurance more affordable for those that don't have it. We're on the cusp of making it more affordable for those that do have it. Q So don't stand in the way, do you want to be -- is it one of the these things, do you want to be on the side of not passing this or -- MR. GIBBS: No, I -- don't go with your answer to your question, go with my answer to your question. Q Fair enough. There isn't -- there isn't a sense of, you know, you got to do this for the party, you got to do this for the President? MR. GIBBS: -- you ask and answer the questions, and I'll just sort of nod. Q So, no? There isn't a -- there isn't a "do this for the party," "do this for the President" pitch? MR. GIBBS: Do this for the country. Do this for your constituents. Do this for the people that you represent, who as I said to Chip, are losing their health insurance every day, who are being discriminated against by insurance companies who are watching their businesses be unable to provide them health insurance. Q Quickly on the economy, during your economic briefings, is there a sense of how the America -- America's economic recovery compares to what's going on in Europe, compared to what's going on in Asia? And is there concern that it's -- America is recovering slower than other places? Are you guys looking to see how the U.S. recovery is going compared to the rest of the world? MR. GIBBS: I think that during some of this, we've heard different statistics when GDP is released in other countries. But I don't -- I can go back and see if there's been a fairly extensive conversation. But I don't recall one. Jonathon. Q The President, when he was talking about signing the unemployment insurance -- and other issues -- bill today, emphasized that it was revenue neutral, that it did not add to the deficit. Does that mean that at this point job creating bills like the -- or measures like the ones he was intimating later should be revenue-neutral, and not be -- that the emphasis is now going to be on targeting assistance without adding macroeconomic stimulus? MR. GIBBS: I'm not entirely sure I understood your -- Q I mean, in other words, not add -- not pumping more money into the economy, because you're going to be off-setting it. MR. GIBBS: Oh, because of the neutrality of it? Oh, I see. Let me just simply leave it at the evaluation of what the President talked about, whether it's in additional investments in infrastructure, tax incentives for businesses that create jobs. I don't know that the full evaluation on that has been done to know quite honestly what the answer ultimately would be. Q Would those additional measures that he's talking about, would those be something that he would like to see done in the near future, maybe this year, or is this something that he would be including in his budget in February? MR. GIBBS: I don't think that we would preclude -- I don't think that we would -- let me figure out how to phrase this. I don't think that the President is asking that the evaluation be done for next year if the economic team comes up with ideas that they think can create jobs this year. Q And you're getting a lot of heat today from Republicans and some Democrats on the Hill who really want, who really believe that the focus of policymaking right now should be on jobs, not on -- MR. GIBBS: It is. It is. Q Do you think that the health care bill is a jobs bill? MR. GIBBS: I think there are -- I think -- do I think health care is part of economic concerns? Absolutely. I think if you have a job and you lose your health care, it's an economic concern. I think people that are sitting down each month to pay their premiums or see how much they pay for their premiums, yes, I think when that's reflected in your paycheck, those tend to be economic concerns. Absolutely. Mark. Q Robert, it wasn't clear to me in the Rose Garden statement if the President and his advisors believe the unemployment rate has topped out or whether it's still going to get higher before it starts to go down. MR. GIBBS: My sense is that we -- if you look at the graph of job loss from January until now, we are -- Q Monthly job losses? MR. GIBBS: Right, I'm sorry, monthly job loss, we've gone from roughly 700,000 down to less than 200,000. I think if you look at -- almost a stair-step in terms of bracketing three- and four-month periods together. You've heard me say for months that we believed that 10 percent was going to come. I think we are heartened by the decrease in unemployment -- weekly unemployment claims, monthly unemployment claims, and in increases in productivity and economic growth as part of GDP. But I believe and I think most would tell you that the rate is more likely than not to get a little worse before it gets better. Q Back to health care. If the Democrats don't have the votes, would the President cancel his trip to the Hill? MR. GIBBS: We'll have scheduling information updates for you as they're warranted. Q Is the trip to the Hill fixed? I mean, he's definitely going, you just don't know when? MR. GIBBS: No, I started the briefing by telling you -- and clarifying for those in the back that it was on Saturday. Q And there's no chance he'll cancel? MR. GIBBS: I'm going to start taping these and sort of just referring back to earlier questions. I think I've said now on maybe multiple occasions that if we have scheduling updates you will be among the first few hundred to hear. Q Just one more, just a housekeeping thing. Should we expect he'll make remarks to the pool at Walter Reed later this afternoon? MR. GIBBS: I doubt it. We haven't done that usually in the past. The President looks at these as generally private affairs. Yes, sir. Q Robert, you said the message on the phone calls to the Hill is to pass health care, correct? MR. GIBBS: Yes. You were listening. Q Yes, I was. (Laughter.) And so that message is about a bill that the President has yet to endorse -- am I still correct on that? MR. GIBBS: The President supports the passage of the bill. Q So he does endorse it? MR. GIBBS: Support/endorse -- Q Okay. Because getting back to what Jake was asking about earlier, there are still some unresolved issues, so I'm just curious if the President supports it in its unresolved -- MR. GIBBS: The President wants the -- Q -- form or it's resolved form? MR. GIBBS: The President wants the House to pass it. The President wants the House to pass health care reform. Q On August 7th, the President said, "The worst may be behind us" -- MR. GIBBS: I'm glad we got to -- I'm glad it took, like, six questions to get to the fact that the President would travel from here to the House to say, "Pass the bill." Q Well, when I asked him yesterday, he didn't say it, and neither did you. So I'm just trying to nail it down. MR. GIBBS: I don't think it -- I hope it wasn't news that we were going up there to have them pass the bill. Apparently, it was. Q On August 7th the President said, "The worst may be behind us. Today we're pointed in the right direction … that's why we're turning this economy around. I am convinced that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel." Was he correct on August 7th? MR. GIBBS: Yes. Q Based on what we've seen is happening since then? And there's nothing about that, that you wouldn't want to revise? MR. GIBBS: As I've said here and I think you'll hear economists of all political stripes say, Major, you're not going to have economic growth -- I'm sorry, you're not going to have job growth without economic growth, right? The figures that were released recently denote that we have for the first time in more than a year seen positive economic growth. We see figures like unemployment claims, as I mentioned, go down, productivity go up. I think the President would believe that we're on the right path, yes. Is he satisfied? Of course not. Q But the worst is behind us? MR. GIBBS: I believe that's the case, yes. Q Two publications, The Guardian and The Weekly Standard, are both reporting about IAEA possession of documents that suggest Iran has tested what they called a advanced nuclear warhead, or a two-point implosion device, and has brought this to the attention of the Iranians in the most recent conversations, not only about -- trying to find out if they're in favor or not in favor of the low-enriched uranium transfer to Russia, but about this apparent new technology breakthrough. And also, they suggest that the intelligence committees on the House and the Senate have been briefed about this. I'm curious, is the White House aware of this? Is it concerned about it in any way, shape or form? MR. GIBBS: Let me check with the NSC on that. I don't have anything on that part. Q Quickly, you had said earlier you weren't sure -- you didn't know enough about the motive yet, or whether or not to characterize it as an act of domestic terrorism. Is John Brennan the person that would normally be briefing the President on an issue, on a situation like this? MR. GIBBS: Well, John obviously is here as developments warrant as they have in the past 24 hours. Director Mueller, Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen will also, I assume communicate over and speak with the President. Before we went to talk to the President at one point yesterday, John was outside the Oval Office on the phone with Director Mueller. So I assume that that will continue. Q Robert, also on Fort Hood, following on Chuck's question, the President in his speech in Cairo talked about reaching out to the Muslim world, and presumably, though, he also wants, within our own country, to reach out. I'm wondering, is he concerned at all about this shooting fostering anti-Muslim sentiment? And if so, what will he do as President to try to prevent that? MR. GIBBS: Well, Sheryl, let me -- that may be a good question to address a little bit later on. I just don't want to get ahead of the investigation and what we all know. Q But let's stick with this. Why is it getting ahead of the investigation? We do know that there's a suspect in custody, and we know from news reports and interviews that he is a devout Muslim, he prays at a mosque, was raised in this country as an American citizen. I mean, aren't these -- MR. GIBBS: He was born an American. So he wasn't raised here as an American citizen. Q Right. So aren't these -- aren't these issues that -- and it's a topic of debate -- aren't these issues that the President will want in some way to address? MR. GIBBS: And at some point, he -- when we know more, he may. Q And just one more on health care. Why does he want to go closer to the vote? What does he -- what does he think he will achieve by going closer to the vote? MR. GIBBS: To have a chance to talk to them closer to the point at which they're going to cast their votes to move health care reform. Q Robert, is the President confident that votes are there? Is he going there to prevent last-minute Democratic defections or to rally votes? MR. GIBBS: I anticipate that the President will lay out why he thinks health care reform is important. He'll talk about it as an economic issue. I assume he will rally the troops. I anticipate that he'd answer questions that people have, probably tell "fired up and ready to go," and do all those things. Q Is he making calls? MR. GIBBS: Probably, yes. I have not seen the latest call sheet, but I assume so, yes. Q I didn't hear you say he's confident the votes are there. MR. GIBBS: We're going to go up there to talk to the House about passing health care reform, and believe they will do so, yes. Q Mention Cousin Pookie, perhaps? (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: We're still trying to find Cousin Pookie from Tuesday. (Laughter.) Q When the President sits down to make his final decisions on Afghanistan, how does he incorporate in that decision his concern about American military, the stress on them, the stress of combat? How will Fort Hood play into his decisions on how to go forward? MR. GIBBS: Ann, the President, even back to being a senator, worked as part of the Veterans Committee on issues about PTSD and TBI -- traumatic brain injury -- and the effects that it had on the well-being of our force. Obviously part of the role of the Joint Chiefs in the process was to talk to the President about the health and the strength of the force, understanding that a lot has been asked of it over the past eight years. Q Did they? MR. GIBBS: Did they -- Q Talk to him about the strength -- MR. GIBBS: Absolutely. And there was discussions with the Army and the Marine Corps, who are both working to institute policies that allow those that are deployed overseas to have a certain amount of time at home before they are redeployed. I think that is certainly one of the things that the President -- one of the things the President will have to take into account in making any decision about resources in that region. Q When was the last time the President spoke to Speaker Pelosi, do you know? MR. GIBBS: I don't know the answer. I would assume some time this week, but I honestly -- I don't know the answer to that off the top of my head. Q Is he urging her to compromise on the abortion issue, seeing as that is where the holdout Democrats are? MR. GIBBS: I don't know when the last time they spoke so -- I know that there's discussions about that going on, on Capitol Hill. Q A follow-up on that? Does the President believe that the current language -- some Democrats have argued that the current language does bar federal funding of abortion because it would theoretically be (inaudible) funding. Does he believe that that language fulfills his pledge or -- MR. GIBBS: I'm not going to get involved in those -- Q He doesn't have a -- MR. GIBBS: I'm not going to do the negotiating here. Steve. Q Robert, the Pentagon is obviously focused on the Texas shooting and the aftermath of that. Does this impact the timetable on the Afghanistan decision? MR. GIBBS: I don't -- I've not gotten that indication from any of the participants that have been here for those meetings. Q Robert, I have one question and one clarification. First, the new TV series on ABC, "V," a lot of people are talking about how this show draws very strong -- MR. GIBBS: I got to tell you -- I'm going to start with this: I don't want to give anybody the impression I have time to watch anything other than what most of you all do each night. So I can't even tell you what that is or what it's about. If that makes me fairly un-cool, I tend to watch more "SpongeBob" than "V." Q There have been a lot of news stories about this -- MR. GIBBS: Makes me a hit with one six-year-old, and that really is all that counts. Q You haven't seen the news stories about how this show compares your administration to the alien invaders? (Laughter.) Seriously, really, you haven't heard about it? Q He couldn't admit it if he had. (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: Because there's a chip in the back of my head that requires me -- (laughter) -- I don't mean to -- I honestly -- I got to tell you, I spend -- I watch a little football on Saturday, a little football on Sunday, and a lot of news every other time. Q Get a life. (Laughter.) Q (Inaudible). MR. GIBBS: Pardon me? Q Fourteen million people watch it, and the show -- MR. GIBBS: And clearly, me not being one of them. Again, I -- [Cross-talk.] (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: Hold on. I'm not entirely sure who I'd check on since I don't watch the show. Q Well, check with the President, see if he has a reaction -- MR. GIBBS: I will assume that the President watches -- Q -- comparing him to a space alien. MR. GIBBS: What's the -- which would probably, like, be one of the least worst things he's been called today. Q One clarification from yesterday on the meeting with Clemente, it sounded to me like you were saying that Clemente requested the meeting. Can you -- MR. GIBBS: We both wanted to get together. April. Is "V" on -- what network? Q ABC. MR. GIBBS: Okay. Can I get a little briefing after this from the -- Q We'll send you a tape before the end of the day. MR. GIBBS: Excellent. Q He's serious. MR. GIBBS: All right, hold on. Settle down. April. Back to your corners. (Laughter.) Q Anyway, going back to what Ann was talking about, on the mental state of the troops, since this has happened and understanding that there have been studies on suicide rates and things of that nature with troops, has there been any kind of effort or push, extra push, since -- within the last 24 hours, to do more mental health wellness types of things among the troops? MR. GIBBS: Obviously, the President -- I want to break this question up just a little bit, April. Obviously, the President signed into law advance appropriations for the VA, and the amount of money appropriated for the VA this year is at a record amount, understanding, as I said to Ann, that the tremendous stress that has been put on the force and the needs of more and more coming back from combat deployments overseas. That having been said, I would point you to DOD specifically on what you've asked about in terms of the last 24 hours, because like a series of other questions, I don't want to get ahead of what we know per the investigation. The President, again, in that meeting with the Joint Chiefs, had an opportunity to talk to the service heads about the stress that has been put on our active-duty force, the stress that's been put on the Guard and reserve as the individuals charged with having a ready, rested, and well-equipped force for our protection. Q Follow up on that, and one more question. Talking to some of the troops who have been in Iraq and Afghanistan who come back, is it a healthy thing for this White House to understand that some of the troops actually may not want to go back but understand that it is their duty that they have to? Is it healthy for that thought process from some of the troops who've been there and who -- MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry, let me make sure I understand. Healthy -- whose thought process? The thought process -- Q Some of the troops. MR. GIBBS: -- of returning troops -- Q Right, troops who know that they may have to go back into harm's way who dread it, but yet understand they have to go. Is that healthy to you? MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think it is -- I think, again, I'd encourage you to talk to the Department of Defense. Obviously the President and all of his team want to ensure that forces that are coming back are well treated, that they get the services that they need when they come out of an extraordinarily stressful environment. And quite frankly, one of the things that the President worked on as part of the Veterans Committee and what we talked about -- what we've talked about is ensuring that as those come home that more and more meet with professionals to assess and ensure that they're getting all that they need when they do come back. Q And on the unemployment numbers, the new numbers, black teen unemployment, male/female 16-19, 41.3 percent with this latest report. Is there a concern at this White House that the unemployment rate of teens in one group may be larger than that of adults, where some of -- many of these teens are living with families but at the same time some of them are helping to contribute to the -- MR. GIBBS: Sure. Well, look, I think obviously when you have numbers like we have, there are any number of groups that comprise that larger number that denote just how serious the economic crisis is. I boiled it all down just simply to say that the President obviously is deeply concerned, as you heard him talk about today, and he's working as hard as he can to find ways to create an environment for job creation for young people, for adults, for anybody in this country that wishes to find work and can't. David. Q Yesterday at the rally on Capitol Hill, Congressman Boehner said that he considers the health care bill to be "the greatest threat to freedom" he has ever seen. I just was wondering what your response is to that. MR. GIBBS: I think we could take up the better part of our afternoons and probably significantly into the weekend thinking of other conflicts that we've seen or read about throughout the history of the world that might be a greater threat to freedom than what Congressman Boehner was discussing. I will continue to say what I've said before. You hear -- in this debate you hear analogies, you hear references to, you see pictures about and depictions of individuals that are truly stunning. And you hear it all the time. People -- imagine five years ago somebody comparing health care reform to 9/11. Imagine just a few years ago had somebody walked around with images of Hitler. Hopefully we can get back to a discussion about the issues that are important in this country, that we can do without being personally disagreeable and set up comparisons to things that were so insidious in our history that anybody in any professional walk of life would be well advised to compare nothing to those atrocities. Thanks, guys. END 1:01 P.M. EST
Presidential Proclamation - Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas
The White House Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:40:00 -0000
Click here to download PDF THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                                                                              November 6, 2009 Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas - - - - - - - By The President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour. As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA

FEMA: News Releases

FEMA Engages Stakeholders To Discuss National Flood Insurance Program
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:03:39 -0400
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced a new avenue for the public to provide input regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)—launching a 30-day public comment period following a two-day listening session with NFIP stakeholders hosted by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on Nov. 5-6.
Hurry! Last Week For Georgia's Rebuilding Road Shows At Lowe's
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:44:28 -0400
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Saturday kicks off the final week for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists who've been making the rounds at local home-improvement stores to share disaster-resistance building tips.
FEMA Awards Gays Mills $733,205 Hazard Mitigation Grant
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:51:49 -0400
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $733,205 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Gays Mills, Wisc., for the acquisition and removal of 10 structures and the elevation of one structure repeatedly damaged by flooding.
Grant County Flood Risk Information Open House Is Nov. 17
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:47:56 -0400
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), will host a Flood Risk Information Open House for residents of Grant County at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at the UW-Extension Auditorium, 916 E. Elm St. in Lancaster.
Huron County Flood Risk Open House Is Set For November 17
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:36:57 -0400
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), will host a flood risk information open house for Huron County on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Huron County Soil & Water Conservation District, 8 Fair Road in Norwalk.
FEMA Announces Public Outreach Efforts And Comment Period Extension For PS-Prep
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:09:49 -0400
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today a series of public meetings that will be held to discuss the DHS Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep).

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