President Obama Nominates Dr. Donald Berwick for Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Categories: Office of the Press Secretary, Statements and Releases, The President Tags:
Executive Order– Establishing the President’s Management Advisory Board
EXECUTIVE ORDER
ESTABLISHING THE PRESIDENT'S MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment. There is established within the General Services Administration (GSA) the President's Management Advisory Board (PMAB).
Sec. 2. Mission. (a) The PMAB shall provide the President and the President's Management Council (PMC) advice and recommendations on effective strategies for the implementation of best business practices on matters related to Federal Government management and operation, with a particular focus on productivity, the application of technology, and customer service.
(b) The functions of the PMAB shall be advisory only.
Sec. 3. Membership. (a) The PMAB shall consist of not more than 18 members, one of whom shall be the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget (DDM). The remaining 17 members shall be appointed by the President from among distinguished citizens from outside the Federal Government who are qualified on the basis of a proven record of sound judgment in leading or governing large, complex, or innovative private sector corporations or entities and a wealth of top-level business experience in the areas of executive management, audit and finance, human resources and compensation, customer service, streamlining operations, and technology. Each of these 17 members may serve as a representative of his or her industry, trade group, public interest group, or other organization or group. The composition of the PMAB shall reflect the views of diverse stakeholders.
(b) The DDM shall serve as Chair of the PMAB. The Chair shall convene and preside at meetings of the PMAB, determine its agenda, and direct its work.
(c) Members appointed by the President shall serve for a term of 2 years and shall be eligible for reappointment. Members may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until the appointment of a successor.
Sec. 4. Administration. (a) The General Services Administration shall provide funding and administrative support for the PMAB to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations.
(b) All executive departments, agencies, and offices shall provide information and assistance to the PMAB as the Chair may request for purposes of carrying out the PMAB's functions, to the extent permitted by law.
(c) The PMAB shall have a staff headed by an Executive Director, who shall be a full-time or permanent part-time Federal employee appointed by the Chair. The Executive Director shall serve as the Designated Federal Officer in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (FACA).
(d) Members of the PMAB shall serve without compensation, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707), consistent with the availability of funds.
Sec. 5. Termination. The PMAB shall terminate 2 years after the date of this order unless extended by the President.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Insofar as the FACA may apply to the PMAB, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Administrator of General Services in accordance with the guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 19, 2010
Categories: Executive Orders, Office of the Press Secretary, The President Tags:
Statement by the President on Travel to Poland
"I spoke with acting President Komorowski and told him that I regret that I will not be able to make it to Poland due to the volcanic ash that is disrupting air travel over Europe. Michelle and I continue to have the Polish people in our thoughts and prayers, and will support them in any way I can as they recover from this terrible tragedy. President Kaczynski was a patriot and close friend and ally of the United States, as were those who died alongside him, and the American people will never forget the lives they led."
Categories: Foreign Policy, Office of the Press Secretary, Statements and Releases, The President Tags:
WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Obama Says We Must Move Forward on Wall Street Reform
WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama said that in the wake of the economic crisis Wall Street reform is too important an issue for inaction. The plan moving through Congress will end bailouts, hold Wall Street accountable, and protect consumers, taxpayers and the economy from the kind of abuses that helped bring about the economic crisis. Every day without reform, those abuses, and the system which allowed them, remain in place. It is time to move forward with real reforms for Wall Street.
The audio and video will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 am ET, Saturday, April 17, 2010.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
The White House
April 17, 2010
There were many causes of the turmoil that ripped through our economy over the past two years. But above all, this crisis was caused by failures in the financial industry. What is clear is that this crisis could have been avoided if Wall Street firms were more accountable, if financial dealings were more transparent, and if consumers and shareholders were given more information and authority to make decisions.
But that did not happen. And that’s because special interests have waged a relentless campaign to thwart even basic, common-sense rules – rules to prevent abuse and protect consumers. In fact, the financial industry and its powerful lobby have opposed modest safeguards against the kinds of reckless risks and bad practices that led to this very crisis.
The consequences of this failure of responsibility – from Wall Street to Washington – are all around us: 8 million jobs lost, trillions in savings erased, countless dreams diminished or denied. I believe we have to do everything we can to ensure that no crisis like this ever happens again. That’s why I’m fighting so hard to pass a set of Wall Street reforms and consumer protections. A plan for reform is currently moving through Congress.
Here’s what this plan would do. First, it would enact the strongest consumer financial protections ever. It would put consumers back in the driver’s seat by forcing big banks and credit card companies to provide clear, understandable information so that Americans can make financial decisions that work best for them.
Next, these reforms would bring new transparency to financial dealings. Part of what led to this crisis was firms like AIG and others making huge and risky bets – using things like derivatives – without accountability. Warren Buffett himself once described derivatives bought and sold with little oversight as “financial weapons of mass destruction.” That’s why through reform we’d help ensure that these kinds of complicated financial transactions take place on an open market. Because, ultimately, it is a marketplace that is open, free, and fair that will allow our economy to flourish.
We would also close loopholes to stop the kind of recklessness and irresponsibility we’ve seen. It’s these loopholes that allowed executives to take risks that not only endangered their companies, but also our entire economy. And we’re going to put in place new rules so that big banks and financial institutions will pay for the bad decisions they make – not taxpayers. Simply put, this means no more taxpayer bailouts. Never again will taxpayers be on the hook because a financial company is deemed “too big to fail.”
Finally, these reforms hold Wall Street accountable by giving shareholders new power in the financial system. They’ll get a say on pay: a vote on the salaries and bonuses awarded to top executives. And the SEC will ensure that shareholders have more power in corporate elections, so that investors and pension holders have a stronger voice in determining what happens with their life savings.
Now, unsurprisingly, these reforms have not exactly been welcomed by the people who profit from the status quo – as well their allies in Washington. This is probably why the special interests have spent a lot of time and money lobbying to kill or weaken the bill. Just the other day, in fact, the Leader of the Senate Republicans and the Chair of the Republican Senate campaign committee met with two dozen top Wall Street executives to talk about how to block progress on this issue.
Lo and behold, when he returned to Washington, the Senate Republican Leader came out against the common-sense reforms we’ve proposed. In doing so, he made the cynical and deceptive assertion that reform would somehow enable future bailouts – when he knows that it would do just the opposite. Every day we don’t act, the same system that led to bailouts remains in place – with the exact same loopholes and the exact same liabilities. And if we don’t change what led to the crisis, we’ll doom ourselves to repeat it. That’s the truth. Opposing reform will leave taxpayers on the hook if a crisis like this ever happens again.
So my hope is that we can put this kind of politics aside. My hope is that Democrats and Republicans can find common ground and move forward together. But this is certain: one way or another, we will move forward. This issue is too important. The costs of inaction are too great. We will hold Wall Street accountable. We will protect and empower consumers in our financial system. That’s what reform is all about. That’s what we’re fighting for. And that’s exactly what we’re going to achieve.
Thank you.
Categories: Economy, Office of the Press Secretary, Statements and Releases, The President Tags:
Presidential Proclamation-National Volunteer Week
A PROCLAMATION
Since the founding of our Nation, we have met our greatest challenges through the dedication of countless Americans who have given generously of themselves, asking for nothing in return. The American story is a story of volunteers -- of patriots who fought for our founding ideals, of people who marched for justice, of firefighters who rushed into burning towers, and of ordinary citizens who lifted up struggling communities. All were volunteers, and their work changed our country. This week, we recognize their enduring contributions and encourage more Americans, especially our youth, to join their ranks.
Today's vast challenges require a renewed commitment to service, and Americans are answering that call. From mentoring a student and feeding the homeless, to rebuilding after a natural disaster, volunteers are touching lives every day. Social entrepreneurs are pioneering innovative approaches to community service, and technology is providing us with new ways to connect with one another. Public-private partnerships are also expanding the scope and effectiveness of volunteerism.
My Administration is committed to ushering in a new era of service and responsibility. We launched United We Serve, a nationwide initiative to encourage all Americans to make service a part of their daily lives. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which I signed last year, has expanded and updated programs at the Corporation for National and Community Service, harnessing the energy of millions to meet our most pressing national challenges. We are also investing in social innovation and volunteer management to give community groups the capacity to tackle local concerns.
During National Volunteer Week, we honor the ordinary people who give of themselves to accomplish extraordinary things, and we encourage more Americans to strengthen our country by volunteering. Visit Serve.gov to find volunteer opportunities across America and resources to start your own project. This website highlights volunteer opportunities for Americans of all ages, and I especially hope our young people will be inspired to chart a course of service.
Whether through the workplace or a house of worship, in our own neighborhoods or in another state or country, service binds us together as Americans in a way nothing else can. It defines us as a people, and it is essential to achieving our national priorities. Together, let us answer the call, take hold of our shared future, and meet the challenges of our new century.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 2010, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and ledging to make service a part of their daily lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Categories: Office of the Press Secretary, Proclamations, The President Tags:
Presidential Proclamation-National Crime Victims Week
A PROCLAMATION
Millions of Americans fall prey to criminal behavior every year, and still more suffer the physical, emotional, and psychological pain of past offenses. This week, we renew our commitment to supporting crime victims and preventing crimes that threaten our families and our communities.
Our Nation's prosperity depends on the safety and security of all Americans. Though crime rates have declined in recent years, crime and its devastating effects still require our constant vigilance and attention. To help protect our citizens and make our neighborhoods safer, last year's landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included funding for crime prevention programs, criminal justice initiatives, and services for victims. Dedicated individuals, organizations, and agencies across our Nation are also aiding this effort, caring for the survivors of crime by providing shelter, counseling, and other types of assistance.
While any person or community may experience crime, some groups are disproportionately affected. Nearly half of all murder victims are African Americans, and Native American women suffer one of the highest rates of sexual assault of any ethnic group. These disparities are an affront to all Americans, and we must address them with innovative policing strategies and greater community involvement.
Beyond violent crime and property crime, we must also fight white-collar crime and protect its victims, including those recovering from financial fraud. Through my Administration's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force and other initiatives, we are cracking down on mortgage fraud and predatory lending practices. Programs for victims of these crimes can help restore economic security after a family loses its life savings or home due to cruel deception.
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm our support for victims and survivors of crime, and we recommit to strengthening the Federal, State, and local partnerships that are reducing criminal activity. Together, we will build a safer, more secure America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 2010, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with events and activities that raise awareness of victims' rights, and by volunteering to serve their fellow citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Categories: Office of the Press Secretary, Proclamations, The President Tags:
President Obama Signs New York Disaster Declaration
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of March 13-15, 2010.
Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Nassau, Orange, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Albert Lewis as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.
Categories: Office of the Press Secretary, Statements and Releases, The President Tags:
Remarks by the President at a Meeting with the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board
Roosevelt Room
1:38 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. All right -- don’t break anything. (Laughter.) You guys all set? All right.
Well, thank you all for coming. We have a few topics to discuss today and I’m eager to hear from all of you about how the economy looks from your perspective and your forecast for the next few months. We’re particularly interested, obviously, in the issuing of hiring and how we’re putting Americans back to work. And I’m also going to be focused on hearing from you your recommendations in terms of how we can increase exports in the years to come -- because we know that if we are selling products overseas and not just purchasing products and services, then that is going to directly benefit the growth of our economy.
I do want to say a few words quickly about the issue of Wall Street reform. I know that some of you have worked in the financial industry or been leading financial regulators. Many of you have been advocates of reform for some time -- Paul and Bill, in particular, have been active in this area for more years than they probably care to remember.
As I’ve said before, we need a strong and healthy financial sector to grow jobs and our economy. And it’s exactly because of the centrality and importance of the financial sector that we have to act. The devastating recession that we just went through offered a very painful lesson in what happens when we don’t have adequate accountability and transparency and consumer protection.
We can’t allow history to repeat itself. Never again should American taxpayers be forced to step in and pay the price for the responsibility of speculators on Wall Street who made risky bets with the expectation that taxpayers would be there to break their fall. And we can’t leave in place a tattered set of rules that will allow another crisis to develop without the tools to deal with it. And that’s why I expect that we are going to have a strong reform proposal that demands new accountability from Wall Street and provides new protections for consumers.
This is reform that will force banks and financial institutions to pay for bad decisions that they make, and not have taxpayers pay for those bad decisions. And that means no more bailouts.
This reform would also bring new transparency and accountability to the derivatives market, and this is something that Paul Volcker spoke publicly about just the other week. The derivatives market is where a lot of the big, risky financial bets by companies like AIG took place. There are literally trillions of dollars sloshing around this market that basically changes hands under the cover of darkness. When things go wrong, as they did in AIG, they can bring down the entire economy, and that’s why we’ve got to bring more transparency and oversight when it comes to derivatives and bring them into a framework in which everybody knows exactly what’s going on, because we can’t afford another AIG.
Now, let’s be honest. Some in the industry are not happy with the prospect of these reforms. We’ve seen the usual army of lobbyists dispatched up on Capitol Hill. They have found some willing allies on the other side of the aisle in Congress who have been trying to carve out a lot of exceptions and special loopholes so that folks on Wall Street can keep making these risky bets without any oversight.
I hope that we can pass a bipartisan bill. Bipartisanship cannot mean simply allowing lobbyist-driven loopholes that put American taxpayers at risk. That would not be real reform.
So in the coming weeks, every member of Congress is going to have to make a decision: Are they going to side with the special interests and the status quo, or are they going to side with the American people? And anyone who opposes this reform is going to be leaving taxpayers on the hook if a crisis like the one that we’ve just seen ever happens again. And I consider that unacceptable.
My hope and belief is that all of us, Democrats and Republicans, are going to be able to find some common ground on this issue and move it forward. It is too important to become bogged down in the same partisan gridlock and politics that we’ve seen. It’s time that we demanded accountability from Wall Street and protections for consumers so that we don’t find ourselves in this same mess again.
All right. So with that, we’re going to officially convene the meeting, which will be live-streamed. So let’s clear out the room a little bit.
All right. Everybody was much better behaved than usual. (Laughter.)
CHAIRMAN VOLCKER: Well, I guess we’re making progress.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, obviously. Usually I get at least one shouted question. This time everybody was very well behaved, it was good.
PARTICIPANT: Friday afternoon.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, exactly. (Laughter.)
Q Well, Mr. President, can I ask you -- (laughter) --
PARTICIPANT: You took the bait.
THE PRESIDENT: Go ahead. Go ahead.
Q -- if you would veto legislation if the derivatives language isn’t as strong as what Senator Dodd has?
THE PRESIDENT: You know, I want to see what emerges, but I will veto legislation that does not bring the derivatives market under control and some sort of regulatory framework that assures that we don’t have the same kind of crises that we’ve seen in the past.
Okay. All right. With that, I’m going to turn it over to our Chairman, Mr. Paul Volcker.
END
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Presidential Proclamation–National Park Week
NATIONAL PARK WEEK, 2010
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a Nation, we have a responsibility to protect America's natural resources and noteworthy landmarks. During National Park Week, we celebrate the diversity, beauty, and history found in our National Park System.
For nearly 100 years, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service (NPS) to care for the places that fuel our spirit and define our character. By safeguarding our Nation's historical parks, sites, and monuments, NPS in turn preserves our rich culture and heritage. From the first glimpses of hope at the Statue of Liberty to the harrowing Battle of Gettysburg and the quest for freedom on the Underground Railroad, countless American stories are enshrined in these sites. By visiting them, we can reflect on our shared history and vision for the future.
Our National Park System also includes millions of acres that support educational and recreational opportunities for all Americans. Every day, NPS employees and volunteers dedicate their time and energy to upholding the beauty and integrity of these lands for future generations. Only by conserving our natural treasures -- from the verdant forests of the Great Smoky Mountains to the geysers of Yellowstone and the granite walls of Yosemite -- can we share their wonder with our children and grandchildren.
Our national parks provide safe and affordable opportunities for families and communities to reconnect with nature and have fun together. Our Nation's historical parks, sites, and monuments also enhance quality of life and bolster community vitality in many of America's urban areas. In the spirit of Let's Move, the First Lady's nationwide campaign to tackle childhood obesity, I encourage all Americans to visit our national parks and take part in outdoor activities.
While most national parks are free throughout the year, none will charge admission during National Park Week, ensuring these treasures are open and accessible to all. As we acknowledge the wealth of our National Park System, let us also recommit to responsible stewardship that will sustain our parks for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 17 through April 25, 2010, as National Park Week. I encourage all Americans to visit their national parks and be reminded of these unique blessings that we share as a Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
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President Obama Signs Pennsylvania Disaster Declaration
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered Federal aid to supplement the Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms and snowstorms during the period of February 5-11, 2010.
Federal funding is available to the Commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms and snowstorms in the counties of Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Philadelphia, Somerset, Westmoreland, and York.
In addition, assistance is available to the Commonwealth and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in the counties of Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Philadelphia, Somerset, Westmoreland, and York and for a continuous 72-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Delaware County.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in the counties of Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Philadelphia, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland, and York.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Regis Leo Phelan as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.
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