http://www.whitehouse.gov/news The most current news items on the White House website. en No copyright Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:52:06 EST http://www.whitehouse.gov/images/wh-podcast.jpg http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090119-1.html We are very pleased that Alan Lowe has been selected by the National Archives and Records Administration as the Director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Alan is a talented and experienced professional and will be an outstanding director of the Library. We look forward to working with him and the National Archives to build a world class presidential library and museum that will be an important resource for scholars and the general public. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090119-1.html Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090117.html In his final weekly radio address, President Bush said, " Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I spoke of "our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity." Next week, my term of service will come to an end -- but that story and that dream will continue." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090117.html Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116.html On the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, we recognize one of history's most consequential advocates for equality and civil rights, and we celebrate his powerful message of justice and hope. Our Nation is better because Dr. King was a man of courage and vision who understood that love and compassion will always triumph over bitterness and hatred. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-1.html By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 1104(a)(1), 3301, and 7301 of title 5, United States Code, and in order to simplify and streamline the system of Federal Government personnel investigative and adjudicative processes to make them more efficient and effective, it is hereby ordered as follows: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-1.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-3.html 1. On April 12, 2006, the United States entered into the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (the "Agreement"), and on June 24 and June 25, 2007, the Parties to the Agreement signed a protocol amending the Agreement. Congress approved the Agreement as amended in section 101(a) of the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (the "Implementation Act") (Public Law 110-138, 121 Stat. 1455) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note). http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-3.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-2.html By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., it is hereby ordered that: Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this memorandum, the following officials of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (POPIC), during any period in which the POPIC has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of POPIC, until such time as the POPIC is able to perform the functions and duties of that office: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-2.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-5.html By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., it is hereby ordered that: Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this memorandum, the following officials of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the Administrator of NASA (Administrator), during any period in which both the Administrator and Deputy Administrator of NASA (Deputy Administrator) have died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Administrator, until such time as the Administrator or Deputy Administrator is able to perform the functions and duties of that office: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-5.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-4.html The President signed into law S.J. Res. 3 . http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-4.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-7.html Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 503(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and section 3(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, I hereby find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Southern African Development Community will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-7.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-10.html President George W. Bush today announced his intention to designate one individual to serve in his Administration. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-10.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-8.html Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 671(b) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Division J, Public Law 110-161), I hereby: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-8.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-19.html In order to foster greater resolve to address trafficking in persons (TIP), specifically in punishing acts of trafficking and providing protections to the victims of these crimes, consistent with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (the "Act") (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), it is in the interests of the United States to restrict the international travel and to suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of certain senior government officials responsible for domestic law enforcement, justice, or labor affairs who have impeded their governments' antitrafficking efforts, have failed to implement their governments' antitrafficking laws and policies, or who otherwise bear responsibility for their governments' failures to take steps recognized internationally as appropriate to combat trafficking in persons, and whose governments have been ranked more than once as Tier 3 countries, which represent the worst anti-TIP performers, in the Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, and for which I have made a determination pursuant to section 110(d)(1)-(2) or (4) of the Act. The Act reflects international antitrafficking standards that guide efforts to eradicate this modern-day form of slavery around the world. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-19.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-21.html Laura and I deeply mourn the death of American painter, Andrew Wyeth. Mr. Wyeth captured America in his paintings of his native Pennsylvania and Maine. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090116-21.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-17.html President Bush on Thursday said, "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other - citizen of the United States of America. And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-17.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115.html President Bush on Thursday said, "I also acted on this timeless belief, to whom much is given, much is required. We have been given a lot in our country. And it's not only in our strategic interests that we deal with hunger and disease, it is in our moral interest that we do so, as well. In the Western Hemisphere, we expanded trade and helped our fellow democracies deliver prosperity and social justice to their people. And around the world, we built a coalition of more than 90 nations to fight terror and advance the cause of freedom in the great ideological struggle of our time. In short, we've made our alliances stronger, we've made our nation safer, and we have made the world freer." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-1.html All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-1.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-2.html Dear Mr. Chairman: (Dear Representative:) (Dear Senator:) Consistent with section 306(c)(2) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114) (the "Act"), I hereby determine and report to the Congress that suspension for 6 months beyond February 1, 2009, of the right to bring an action under title III of the Act is necessary to the national interests of the United States and will expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-2.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-3.html SUBJECT: Limited Waiver of Certain Sanctions Imposed by, and Delegation of Certain Authorities Pursuant to, the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-3.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-4.html SUBJECT: Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Arab Emirates Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-4.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-6.html I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Malta for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion With Respect to Taxes on Income, signed on August 8, 2008, at Valletta (the "proposed Convention"). I also transmit for the information of the Senate the report of the Department of State, which includes an Overview of the proposed Convention. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-6.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-7.html I am pleased to transmit the 2009 National Drug Control Strategy, consistent with the provisions of section 201 of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-7.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-8.html In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), I transmit herewith an Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Extending the Agreement Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Russian Federation on Mutual Fisheries Relations of May 31, 1988, with annex, as extended (the "Mutual Fisheries Agreement"). The present Agreement, which was effected by an exchange of notes in Moscow on March 28, 2008, and September 19, 2008, extends the Mutual Fisheries Agreement until December 31, 2013. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-8.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-10.html On January 23, 1995, by Executive Order 12947, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by grave acts of violence committed by foreign terrorists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process. On August 20, 1998, by Executive Order 13099, the President modified the Annex to Executive Order 12947 to identify four additional persons, including Usama bin Laden, who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-10.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-9.html Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the emergency declared with respect to foreign terrorists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process is to continue in effect beyond January 23, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-9.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-13.html On March 1, 1996, by Proclamation 6867, a national emergency was declared to address the disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations caused by the February 24, 1996, destruction by the Cuban government of two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in international airspace north of Cuba. In July 1996 and on subsequent occasions, the Cuban government stated its intent to forcefully defend its sovereignty against any U.S.-registered vessels or aircraft that might enter Cuban territorial waters or airspace while involved in a flotilla or peaceful protest. Since these events, the Cuban government has not demonstrated that it will refrain from the future use of reckless and excessive force against U.S. vessels or aircraft that may engage in memorial activities or peaceful protest north of Cuba. On February 26, 2004, by Proclamation 7757, the scope of the national emergency was expanded in order to deny monetary and material support to the repressive Cuban government, which had taken a series of steps to destabilize relations with the United States, including threatening to abrogate the Migration Accords with the United States and to close the United States Interests Section. Further, Cuba's most senior officials repeatedly asserted that the United States intended to invade Cuba, despite explicit denials from the U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense that such action is planned. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national emergency with respect to Cuba and the emergency authority relating to the regulation of the anchorage and movement of vessels set out in Proclamation 6867 as amended and expanded by Proclamation 7757. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-13.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-12.html Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal Register for publication, stating that the national emergency declared with respect to the Government of Cuba's destruction of two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in international airspace north of Cuba on February 24, 1996, as amended and expanded on February 26, 2004, is to continue in effect beyond March 1, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-12.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-14.html My Administration is coordinating with State and local officials to respond to this afternoon's plane crash in New York City. We continue to monitor the situation. Laura and I are inspired by the skill and heroism of the flight crew as well as the dedication and selflessness of the emergency responders and volunteers who rescued passengers from the icy waters of the Hudson. We send our thoughts and prayers to all involved in the accident. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-14.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090114-3.html The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Vermont and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by the severe winter storm during the period of December 11-18, 2008. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090114-3.html Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-1.html President Bush on Tuesday said, "I want to thank an extraordinary group of American citizens who have served our country as members of my Cabinet. Everybody around this table here could have taken the easy road and stayed home and worried about their own comforts, but instead they answered the call to service. And the country is lucky to have folks like this step up and serve." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-1.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-7.html President Bush on Tuesday said, "Each of these gentlemen we honor today has his own style and personality, and each has amassed distinctions and achievements that belong to him alone. Yet all of them have shown a firm adherence to the principles of freedom and democratic values, and a willingness to face problems squarely instead of passing them on to others." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-7.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-4.html President Bush on Tuesday said, "It has been a true pleasure to work with President Calderón. He's a man of conviction, he is a man of principle, and he is a man who's willing to take on tough challenges. I appreciate every meeting I've had with him." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-4.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-3.html As much of the world celebrates the dawning of a new year, Cuba marks 50 years of one of the cruelest dictatorships this hemisphere has witnessed. To those who yearn for liberty, all is not lost. The world has witnessed other instances of dictatorship but has ultimately seen those regimes fall and formerly enslaved countries embrace their birthright of freedom. One day, the people of Cuba will enjoy this same blessing. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-3.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-8.html Religious freedom is the foundation of a healthy and hopeful society. On Religious Freedom Day, we recognize the importance of the 1786 passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. We also celebrate the first liberties enshrined in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantee the free exercise of religion for all Americans and prohibit an establishment of religion. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-8.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-9.html The President today declared an emergency exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District's response efforts in support of the 56th Presidential Inauguration. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-9.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112.html President Bush on Monday said, "And so here at the last press conference, I'm interested in answering some of your questions. But mostly I'm interested in saying thank you for the job." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-2.html In your memorandum to me of August 1, 2008, you recommended that I approve pursuant to sections 123 and 144 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, an agreement for cooperation within the context of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as between the Government of the United States and the following seven new members of NATO: the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, Romania, the Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Slovenia, hereinafter the "New Parties." The subject agreement is the Agreement between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty for Co-operation Regarding Atomic Information, including a technical annex and security annex (hereinafter collectively referred to as the ATOMAL Agreement), which entered into force on March 12, 1965, with respect to the United States and the other members of NATO at that time. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-2.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-1.html I am pleased to transmit to the Congress, consistent with sections 123 and 144 b. of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153 and 2164(b)), the text of the Agreement between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty for Co-operation Regarding Atomic Information, including a technical annex and security annex (hereinafter collectively referred to as the ATOMAL Agreement), as a proposed agreement for cooperation within the context of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) between the United States of America and each of the following seven new members of NATO: the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, Romania, the Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Slovenia, hereinafter the "New Parties." I am also pleased to transmit my approval, authorization, and determination concerning the ATOMAL Agreement with respect to the New Parties, together with a copy of the memorandum of the Secretary of Defense with respect to the agreement. The ATOMAL Agreement entered into force on March 12, 1965, with respect to the United States and the other NATO members at that time. The Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Poland, and Spain subsequently became parties to the ATOMAL Agreement. The New Parties have signed this agreement and have indicated their willingness to be bound by it. The ATOMAL Agreement with respect to the New Parties meets the requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. While the ATOMAL Agreement continues in force with respect to the United States and the other current parties to it, it will not become effective as an agreement for cooperation authorizing the exchange of atomic information with respect to the New Parties until completion of procedures prescribed by sections 123 and 144 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-1.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-3.html This directive establishes the policy of the United States with respect to the Arctic region and directs related implementation actions. This directive supersedes Presidential Decision Directive/NSC-26 (PDD-26; issued 1994) with respect to Arctic policy but not Antarctic policy; PDD-26 remains in effect for Antarctic policy only. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-3.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-5.html President George W. Bush today announced his intention to appoint three individuals and designate one individual to serve in his Administration. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-5.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-7.html Consistent with section 115(a)(3) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-343) (the "Act"), I hereby transmit a report detailing the plan of the Secretary of the Treasury to exercise the authority under the Act. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090112-7.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090111-1.html THE PRESIDENT: You know, I've got mixed emotions. I'm going to miss being the Commander-in-Chief of the military. Earlier the past week I had the honor of having a military parade that said goodbye to the Commander-in-Chief and it was an emotional moment for me and Laura. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090111-1.html Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090111-2.html Laura and I send our deepest condolences to Pope Benedict XVI and all Catholics on the passing of Cardinal Pio Laghi. Cardinal Laghi was a friend who, in his more than 60 years of service to the Catholic Church, worked tirelessly for peace and justice in our world. As the Papal Nuncio to the United States during the final years of the Cold War, and in his many other assignments, Cardinal Laghi always strove to unite people of all religions and promote reconciliation, religious freedom, and tolerance. Cardinal Laghi holds an especially important place in the hearts of the American people, having served as the first Papal Nuncio to the United States, following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See in 1984. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090111-2.html Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090110-2.html President Bush on Saturday said, "This ship is a fitting tribute to a generation of men with whom my dad was privileged to serve. She's also a tribute to a new generation of American soldiers and sailors and Coast Guardsmen and women, airmen and Marines who have stepped forward to defend the United States America. Again our troops are facing down a brutal enemy. Again they are making America and the world safer. And again they will come home in victory." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090110-2.html Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090110.html In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This week, I gave my official farewell speech to the men and women of America's Armed Forces in a ceremony at Fort Myer, Virginia. For the past eight years, I have had no higher honor than serving as the Commander-in-Chief of these brave patriots. And when Laura and I depart for Texas later this month, we will take with us many inspiring memories of the valor that we have seen these brave Americans display time and again." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090110.html Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090110-1.html President Bush will welcome President Felipe Calderon of Mexico to the White House on January 13, 2009. This visit provides an opportunity to highlight our strong relationship with Mexico. The two leaders will discuss our partnership to confront criminal organizations and related violence that plague the region, including implementation of the Merida Initiative. The President will also use the meeting to again acknowledge President Calderon's courage and the people of Mexico's sacrifice in confronting the drug traffickers. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090110-1.html Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-4.html The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Maine and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and flooding during the period December 11-29, 2008. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-4.html Fri, 9 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-5.html Executive Order: Providing An Order of Succession Within the Department of Transportation http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-5.html Fri, 9 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-6.html Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that facilities that possess biological select agents and toxins have appropriate security and personnel assurance practices to protect against theft, misuse, or diversion to unlawful activity of such agents and toxins. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-6.html Fri, 9 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-2.html Executive Order: Amending the Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090109-2.html Fri, 9 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090108-2.html President Bush on Thursday said, "...I've come to herald the success of a good piece of legislation. I have come to talk to our citizens about the results that this reform has yielded. And I call upon those who can determine the fate of No Child Left Behind in the future to stay strong in the face of criticism, to not weaken the law -- because in weakening the law, you weaken the chance for a child to succeed in America -- but to strengthen the law for the sake of every child." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090108-2.html Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500