Statement by the President on Global Health Initiative

In the 21st century, disease flows freely across borders and oceans, and, in recent days, the 2009 H1N1 virus has reminded us of the urgent need for action. We cannot wall ourselves off from the world and hope for the best, nor ignore the public health challenges beyond our borders.

White House Announces National Finalists for the 2009 2010 Class of White House Fellows

The White House today announced that thirty outstanding men and women from across the country have been selected as National Finalists for the White House Fellows Program – the nation’s most prestigious program for leadership and public service. The National Finalists represent a diverse cross-section of professions, including business, medicine, law, non-profit sector, media, state government, finance, and education. Additionally, four branches of the military are represented among the National Finalists. A complete list of the National Finalists appears below

President Obama Announces Steps to Support Sustainable Energy Options

President Obama today announced steps to further his Administration’s commitment to advance biofuels research and commercialization. Specifically, he signed a Presidential Directive establishing a Biofuels Interagency Working Group, announced additional Recovery Act funds for renewable fuel projects, and also announced his Administration's notice of a Proposed Rulemaking on the Renewable Fuel Standard.

President Obama Fills New CPSC Posts

WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Inez Moore Tenenbaum as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Robert S. Adler as a new Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Furthermore, in the President’s budget, the CPSC receives $107 million, a 71 percent increase in resources since FY 2007. This is almost three quarters of the way to meeting the President's goal of doubling CPSC’s funding.

U.S. Presidential Delegation to South African Inauguration

The President has asked Ambassador Ron Kirk, the U.S. Trade Representative, to represent the United States at the inauguration of the President of South Africa on May 9th in Pretoria.

Presidential Nominations Sent To The Senate, 5-4-09

Readout of Presidents calls to Senators Hatch and Specter today

Following through on his commitment to reach out to Democrats and Republicans in the Senate as he searches for and appoints a nominee to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court, President Obama telephoned two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Vice President Biden Kicks Off $32 Million Renovation and Restoration of Wilmington Train Station

LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD: CURBING TAX HAVENS AND REMOVING TAX INCENTIVES FOR SHIFTING JOBS OVERSEAS

There is no higher economic priority for President Obama than creating new, well-paying jobs in the United States. Yet today, our tax code actually provides a competitive advantage to companies that invest and create jobs overseas compared to those that invest and create those same jobs in the U.S. In addition, our tax system is rife with opportunities to evade and avoid taxes through offshore tax havens:

Readout Of Phone Call Between Presidents Obama And Calderon

Presidents Obama and Calderon spoke for 20 minutes this afternoon to share information about each country's efforts to limit the spread of the 2009 H1N1 flu strain and the importance of close U.S.-Mexican cooperation.