Friends,
Please find attached this week’s update from the White House Office of Public Engagement. This week FCC Chairman Julis Genekowski presided of over the investiture of new members of the Council of the Us Memorial Holocaust Museum. On December 4, five new members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council were sworn in by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.
The Council, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's governing body, consists of 55 presidential appointees, in addition to ten Congressional representatives and three ex-officio members from the Departments of Education, Interior, and State.
New Council members sworn in were, Nancy B. Gilbert (Boca Raton, FL), Roman R. Kent a Holocaust survivor (NY, NY), Marc R. Stanley (Dallas, TX), Howard D. Unger, son of a Holocaust survivor , (Briarcliff Manor, NY), and Rwandan genocide survivor Clemantine Wamariya (Kenilworth, IL). Museum Chairman Tom A. Bernstein, Museum Vice Chairman Joshua B. Bolten, Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield and Holocaust survivor and Museum volunteer Alfred Munzer also participated in the swearing-in ceremony.
White House Office of Public Engagement Weekly Update
President Obama began last week by hosting an EU Summit at the White House on Monday that focused on the global economy and touched on the political transformation in the Middle East, Iran's nuclear program, and steps necessary to ensure success in Afghanistan. On Tuesday, President Obama met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who reaffirmed his own government's commitment to keeping the euro intact.
On Wednesday, President Obama spoke at Scranton High School about the American Jobs Act and why passing the payroll tax cut for the middle class is so important. On Thursday, the Senate rejected an extension of the payroll tax cut that is set to expire at the end of the month. If Congress doesn’t act, taxes will go up on approximately 160 million Americans at the beginning of next year. Use the tax calculator on the White House webpage to figure out how much more you would have to pay.
President Obama continued to take executive actions this week because We Can’t Wait for Congress: On Monday the President issued a Presidential Memorandum to modernize government records management; and on Wednesday Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced a plan to accelerate the adoption of health information technology. Friday, President Obama announced nearly $4 billion of investment in energy upgrades to public and private buildings through the Better Buildings Challenge. These investments will accelerate progress toward the President's goal of making America's buildings 20 percent more efficient by 2020 and will also create tens of thousands of construction jobs.
On Thursday, President Obama marked World AIDS Day by speaking at an event called "The Beginning of the End of AIDS.” The President announced that he is directing $50 million in increased funding for domestic HIV/AIDS treatment and care -- an additional $15 million for the Ryan White program for HIV medical clinics across the country, and $35 million for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs.
On Friday, the President spoke to Native American tribal leaders from across the country at the Tribal Nations Conference which took place last week. Leaders from 565 federally recognized tribes the opportunity to interact directly with the President and representatives from the highest levels of his Administration. This was the third White House Tribal Nations Conference for the Obama Administration, and continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the nation to nation relationship with Indian Country. In conjunction with the Conference, the Office of Public Engagement hosted a special Champions of Change this week, honoring Native American youth leaders.
Blog Highlights
Vice President Biden: "In America, and in Iraq, the Tide of War Is Receding"
December 2, 2011
Speaking at an event in Baghdad to honor the shared sacrifice and commitment of American and Iraqi service members, Vice President Biden heralded a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and Iraq – one rooted in civilian cooperation as the remaining American troops prepare to return home by the end of this year. More than 200 U.S. and Iraqi service members attended the event at Al Faw Palace - a former palace of Saddam Hussein.
The Employment Situation in November
December 2, 2011
Friday’s employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to heal from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, but the pace of improvement is still not fast enough given the large job losses from the recession that began in December 2007.
West Wing Week: 12/2/11 or "Bo Meets Bo."
December 2, 2011
This week, as the President urged Republicans to join a Democratic effort to prevent a thousand dollar tax increase on the typical American family, the White House got spruced up for the holidays. The President also hosted the EU Summit, the Dutch Prime Minister, and announced a new commitment to fighting AIDS in America and around the world. He also lit the National Christmas Tree. That's November 25th to December 1st, or "Bo Meets Bo."
Small Business Owner Says Payroll Tax Cuts Are "Game Changers"
November 30, 2011
President Obama was in Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday to talk about the importance of extending the payroll tax cut for all working Americans and their families, and for the strength of the overall economy. These tax cuts will also have a tremendous impact on America's small businesses, 91.5 percent of which have fewer than 5 employees. The White House Business Council spoke to the owner of one such business in Knoxville, Tennessee who says the President's plan will help her business grow by freeing up her own capital, and that of her potential and existing clients as well. Learn more about her story here.
By the Numbers: $1,500
November 30, 2011
President Obama’s proposed payroll tax cut would put an extra $1,500 in the pockets of the typical American family that makes $50,000 a year. But if Congress doesn’t act soon, the same family could see their taxes go up by $1,000.
By the Numbers: 141,000
By the Numbers: 475 Million
By the Numbers: $335
From the Archives: Holidays at the White House
November 29, 2011
The holidays are a special time at the White House. The President and First Lady have made it their mission to open the “People’s House” to as many Americans as possible, and this is never more true than around the holidays. Wednesday, we began to look at the latest tidings and trimmings that make holidays at the White House so special, but to get in the mood now, check out these videos from last year’s festivities.
Raising Healthy, Active Kids
White House Champions of Change Program
The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities and nominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. That is why we are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.”
Last week, in honor of the National Native American Heritage Month, the White House honored eleven Native American Youth leaders as Champions of Change. These young people are Champions in their tribes and communities as they work to improve the lives of those around them through innovative programs that help others, raise awareness of important issues like suicide and bullying prevention, energy efficiency and healthy eating. Watch the video from the Champions of Change discussion with White House and Administration officials which focused on the great work that these young people do every day.
