Pics: President Obama & 1st Lady
Host First Black-Tie Dinner at White House

(Also WHITE HOUSE Report)

The President and First Lady welcomed the National Governors Association to the White House on Sunday for the 2009 Governors’ Dinner. “The White House is the place where our bond as Americans is strengthened,” said Desiree Rogers, White House Social Secretary. “We look forward to welcoming the nation’s governors to celebrate our democratic ideals, our diversity, our shared values and the best of the American spirit.”





WHITE HOUSE Press Pool report:
One quick additional detail elaborating on the first report -- POTUS's
tie was a bowtie, not a necktie as he's worn for some formal events.

From the way the East Room was set up for the musical portion of the
dinner with the governors, it seemed like the White House intended
their guests to dance, not talk politics. The six tables in the room
were already filled by staff and other non-gubernatorial types before
the dinner guests walked down the main hall for the musical
entertainment -- leaving the governors and their spouses nowhere to go
except onto the dance floor. POTUS and FLOTUS led the short walk from
one end of the building to the other, with the governors trailing.
POTUS waved at your pool, called out, "Hey guys," and immediately
started mingling with the guests in the room. It wasn't immediately
clear who all of them were, but they hadn't been in the dinner; Phil
Schiliro, the head of the White House legislative affairs department,
was chatting with FLOTUS at one point.

POTUS made no remarks, at least not while your pool was in the room. A
small combo from the Marine Corps Band played a 10-minute set -- a
cover of "Down at the Twist and Shout," by former D.C. local music
scene standout Mary Chapin Carpenter; a medley of ragtime-sounding
George Gershwin tunes; and a cover of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the
U.S.A." The band had two acoustic guitars, a fiddle and an acoustic
bass. Throughout the set, POTUS and FLOTUS mingled separately, and
when the music stopped, POTUS walked up onto the stage to greet each
musician individually. Very few governors seemed to be dancing to the
Marine's set.

That looked like it might be about to change, though, by the time
Earth, Wind & Fire took the stage, about five minutes later. The band
opened its set with "Boogie Wonderland," which had various elected
officials nodding their heads. The band was lively; a percussionist
waved his drumsticks at the crowd, trying to get them dancing. POTUS
and FLOTUS were at the front of the crowd on the dance floor, smiling
and talking with guests. Your pool was ushered out of the room after
about three minutes, and with the TV cameras gone, the lights were
lowered. As we walked through the crowd and out the front door, Earth,
Wind & Fire was starting to play "September

B4B

President Obama Selects Former Secret Service Investigator To Oversee Stimulus Funds

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to announce Monday a former Secret Service agent who helped expose lobbyists' corruption at the Interior Department as his pick to oversee the $787 billion economic stimulus plan.

Obama is set to name Earl Devaney as chairman of the new Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board, an administration official said Sunday. Vice President Joe Biden also will be given a role coordinating oversight of stimulus spending.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the White House had not made public the announcement.

Devaney, the inspector general of the Interior Department, helped turn up disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff's dealings at the department. The department's No. 2 official, Steven Griles, pleaded guilty to charges he lied during congressional testimony based in part on Devaney's investigation.

Italia Federici, co-founder of the Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy, and former Interior Department official Roger Stillwell also pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the Interior investigation.

Obama has pledged the Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board to be an at-large body to oversee how the government spends billions allocated to help the flailing U.S. economy. But with dozens of agencies and departments involved, Obama wanted a central group to independently monitor where those funds are going.

Obama also planned to tap Biden to meet regularly with Cabinet members, governors and mayors to make sure their efforts were quick and effective. His reports to Obama are expected to be posted at the administration Web site devoted to the bill, Recovery.gov.

Obama was set to announce Devaney during a Monday meeting with governors, who have largely supported the economic stimulus package because it will direct billions to their states for schools, roads and technology.

In addition to the Abramoff investigation, Devaney led a separate investigation into workers at the Minerals Management Service, part of the Interior Department. His review found a "culture of substance abuse and promiscuity" at the Denver and Washington offices of the service.

He has served as the inspector general — or in-house auditor — of the Interior Department since 1999.

Devaney worked as a senior official with the Secret Service, retiring in 1991. He then worked as head of criminal enforcement at the Environmental Protection Agency.

A native of Massachusetts, Devaney earned a degree from Franklin and Marshall College.

B4B Note: There's A New Sheriff In Town !

B4B

It's A New Day !
Earth, Wind & Fire,
Stevie Wonder To Rock White House

From RollingStoneMag

Washington, DC has a hot new music venue, and it’s Barack Obama’s White House. Stevie Wonder will be honored with performances by Will.i.am, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall and many more in the presidential mansion’s East Room for “Stevie Wonder in Performance at the White House: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize.” Obama himself will present Wonder with the Gershwin Award on February 25th. The one-hour special will air on PBS channels nationwide the following day, Billboard.com reports.

“If I had one musical hero, it would have to be Stevie Wonder,” Obama told Rolling Stone during a June 2008 interview. “When I was at that point where you start getting involved in music, Stevie had that run with Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Fulfillingness’ First Finale and Innervisions, and then Songs in the Key of Life. Those are as brilliant a set of five albums as we’ve ever seen.”

Another of Obama’s favorite artists will also play the White House’s East Room on February 22nd when Earth, Wind and Fire perform for U.S. Governors and guests in an event hosted by the Obamas. “I have pretty eclectic tastes. I grew up in the Seventies, so a lot of Seventies rhythm & blues and pop were staples for me: Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, Elton John, Rolling Stones,” Obama said in the same interview.

Additionally, the Library of Congress offered Wonder a musical commission, which Wonder will perform at a recital on February 23rd at the Library’s Coolidge Auditorium. Stevie Wonder is the second recipient to receive the Gershwin Award, following Paul Simon getting the honor in 2007.

Click B4B if Earth,Wind video does not appear

President Obama Makes Pledge To Katrina Victims

New commitment to the Gulf Coast

"We must ensure that the failures of the past are never repeated," President Obama said in a statement today, announcing the extension of the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding and his decision to send two cabinet members to the region.

Homeland Security Secretrary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan are heading to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans in early March to evaluate firsthand the progress that's been made and assess the region's needs.

"The residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast who are helping rebuild are heroes who believe in their communities and they are succeeding despite the fact that they have not always received the support they deserve from the Federal government," the President said. "This executive order is a first step of a sustained commitment by my Administration to rebuild now, stronger than ever."

Some important facts:

• This August will mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
• Mardi Gras is this Tuesday, Feb. 24.
• New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin was among 85 mayors gathered this morning at the White House

More at NOLA.com.

B4B

It's A New Day !

VIDEO:
Hip-Hoppers Now Using Word 'President'
Instead of 'N' Word !

B4B Note: A group in Harlem, New York called President Please has started a new fast spreading campaign to stop the use of the 'N' word and replace it with the respectful word 'President'. First saw this video news clip on Jack and Jill Politics. Absolutely love it ! Watch/Share.
Yes ! It IS a New Day !

If video does not appear click B4B

Cleveland, Ohio Mayor Frank Jackson
(Home of B4B)

President Obama Meets With Nation's Mayors

The nation's mayors met with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House Friday morning.

More than 60 mayors, along with the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, are participating in the event.

The group also will meet with Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and White House senior staff.

After the White House meeting, the mayors will gather at the Capitol Hilton to meet with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Program Director Gil Sperling and U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office Acting Director Tim Quinn.

USCM said the nation's mayors will commend President Obama and Congress for passage of the stimulus bill. Carlos Vogel, a USCM spokesman, said the mayors will talk with Obama about implementation of the plan.

B4B

Republican Louisiana Congressman

Faces Recall Petition For Stimulus Vote

"People are starving and Cao needs to represent the people"

Congressman Joseph “Anh”Cao, a Republican, who defeated William “Bill” Jefferson is facing a recall petition because of his vote on the Barack Obama stimulus package. The recall has been initiated by a group of ministers.

Cao had indicated that he would be voting in favor of the controversial legislation but instead voted against it.

Papers have been filed with the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State which started the process requiring sufficient signatures to force a recall election for the office held by Representative Cao.

Cao represents a majority African American community many who were outraged by Cao’s vote. Cao made national news with his victory over Bill Jefferson.

One elected official, State Representative Juan A. LaFonta, Democrat of District 96 told Bayoubuzz that he does not know about the existence of the petition but that he would sign it.

“We don’t need Cao to be Steve Scalise”, said LaFonta. Scalise is a Republican who represents a neighboring conservative Congressional District. “People are starving and Cao needs to represent the people of the district”, LaFonta said.

Cao is Vietnamese and has been hailed by many in the media as a new face of the Republican Party.

The group of ministers who filed the petition want to make sure that he faces a recall which could be a very daunting act, if not impossible act in Louisiana based upon the state’s history. (HuffPost)

B4B NOTE: Maybe this is the start of a new movement....
Vote No...MUST GO !

B4B

How The New York Post's
Monkey Cartoon Should've Looked

By Lee Camp

B4B

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_________________________________________________________________

February 19, 2009

President Barack Obama Announces

Key White House Posts

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, President Barack Obama announced the following White House posts: Adolfo Carrion (top photo), White House Director of Urban Affairs and Derek Douglas, Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs.

President Barack Obama said, “I look forward to working with these talented leaders to bring long overdue attention to the urban areas where 80 percent of the American people live and work. Vibrant cities spawn innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment; the Urban Affairs office will focus on wise investments and development in our urban areas that will create employment and housing opportunities and make our country more competitive, prosperous, and strong.”

President Obama and Vice President Biden created the White House Office of Urban Affairs to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs. The Director of Urban Affairs will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs.

The following announcements were made today:

Adolfo Carrion, White House Director of Urban Affairs- Carrion has served two terms as Bronx Borough President and one term as the President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). As Bronx Borough President, Carrion oversaw the creation of 40,000 new units of housing in seven years, 50 new schools, $7 billion in capital and infrastructure expenditures, and over $400 million in new parks and parkland renovation. Prior to his service as Bronx Borough President, Carrion represented the 14th City Council District on the New York City Council and also served as an urban planner at the NYC Department of City Planning and a teacher in the New York City Public Schools. Carrion received his bachelors in World Religions and Philosophy from King’s College in 1985 and his Masters in Urban Planning from Hunter College in 1990.

Derek Douglas, Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs Douglas has served as Washington Counsel to New York Governor David A. Paterson and Director of Governor Paterson's Washington , D.C. Office. In this capacity, Douglas served as the Governor’s chief architect for federal policy and oversaw federal policy development and advocacy on domestic, economic, and urban policy issues for the State of New York . Prior to his appointment in 2007, Douglas served as Associate Director of Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress where he founded and served as Director of the Economic Mobility Program. Prior to joining the Center, Douglas was a Counsel at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and an Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educa­tional Fund, Inc (LDF). Douglas graduated from the University of Michigan with Highest Honors in Economics and from the Yale Law School .

###

B4B

President Obama Makes

First Foreign Trip as President

OTTAWA — Canadians greeted a presidential visit from George W. Bush with 8,000 protesters. For President Barack Obama? They're selling T-shirts, and the conservative government is happy to see him.

"They want to bask in the same glory," said Nelson Wiseman, an associate professor at the University of Toronto. "Nobody would have gone to Ottawa to try to get a glimpse of Bush except to demonstrate against him."

Obama goes to Canada on Thursday for his first foreign visit as president. It will be short, about six hours long. He is not staying for dinner.

But he will meet with Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a working lunch and a joint news conference. He will also meet briefly with Liberal opposition leader Michael Ignatieff at the airport before he leaves.

"If he's here five hours or five minutes he's welcome on Canadian territory," Ignatieff said. "We hope this is the first of many visits."

Harper will be want to be seen as close to Obama, unlike with Bush, said David Biette, director of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars in Washington.

"Most Canadians found George W. Bush radioactive," Biette said. "Canadians love Obama, so Harper has a much freer range to make motions toward the United States."

Ronald Reagan, Bush's father, and Bill Clinton made Canada their first stop, but Bush went to Mexico. Canadians felt snubbed.

When Bush visited in 2004, about 8,000 Canadians protested largely because of America's actions in Iraq.

This time, "we anticipate that the crowds will be very enthusiastic," Ottawa Police Supt. Charles Bordeleau said.

Jessica Franklanv, an employee of Bang-on T-shirts, said they've sold hundreds of Obama T-shirts.

"People are really excited that he's coming up here so soon after the election," Franklanv said. "I think everybody would like the chance to see him."

B4B

A Look at President Obama's

"Homeowner Affordability and Stability" Plan

Help for homeowners

President Barack Obama has put together the "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan." Take a look and see how the plan might affect you.

The President’s strategy for economic recovery is a stool with several legs, as he’s said, and one of them is solving the foreclosure crisis.

"We must stem the spread of foreclosures and falling home values for all Americans, and do everything we can to help responsible homeowners stay in their homes," he said yesterday as he signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.

Though communities across the country have been affected by the crisis, Arizona has been hit particularly hard -- in 2008, only two states had more foreclosures.

And President Obama is there today, in Phoenix, to unveil his "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan," which will help bring relief to homeowners and bring some order to the housing market.

The President will talk more about his plan a little later today. In the meantime, we’re sure you have a lot of questions, like, Am I eligible for assistance? Might I be able to modify my loan? When do I apply? We've put together an example sheet that will show you what options might be available to you, depending on the circumstances of your mortgage, as well as answers to some common questions (below).

Questions and Answers for Borrowers about the
Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking:

• What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?

Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

• I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

• How do I know if I am eligible?

Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

• I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

• Will refinancing lower my payments?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a "Good Faith Estimate" that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

• What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

• Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?

No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

• How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?

To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

• When can I apply?

Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

• What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:

• information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• your most recent income tax return
• information about any second mortgage on the house
• payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
• payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:

• What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

• Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?

No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

• How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.

• I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

• I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?

Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

• I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?

Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.

• I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?

The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.

• I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?

Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

• How much will a modification cost me?

There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.

• Is my lender required to modify my loan?

No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

• I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

• How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

• What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes

• information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• your most recent income tax return
• information about any second mortgage on the house
• payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
• payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.


• My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?

Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility. We support this effort.

B4B

As a new feature Blacks4Barack will share with you occasional press conference/gaggle (answering of questions) transcripts and updates directly from The White House to inform of the goings-on in our political system.
Below is our 1st release.

From THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of The Press Secretary
February 17, 2009

PRESS GAGGLE

BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS

Aboard Air Force One

En Route Phoenix , Arizona

3:06 P.M. PST

MR. GIBBS: Before I take a few questions let me follow up on a question that you asked me earlier on the U.S. attorneys. The Department of Justice asked those that were in place to stay and continue to serve. Some left before the previous administration ended. Fifty-one U.S. attorneys continue to serve now out of the 93. So, just as a follow-up to your previous question.

All right, anything on your minds?

Q What should the American people expect in terms of casualties and time line coming out of this Afghanistan announcement?

MR. GIBBS: Time line in terms of?

Q How long we're going to be there. And will there be an increase in casualties? I mean, is that something we should expect if we're increasing our involvement?

MR. GIBBS: Let me -- I'll leave tactics and things like that to the Department of Defense. But let me just sort of give you a broader overview. That administration, as you all know, has started a 60-day review of our policy in the region, headed by Bruce Riedel. The situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating for quite some time. And in order to stem that, the President has ordered the additional troops. That does not prejudge the outcome of the review process, but allows us instead to -- allows us instead to meet an urgent need for more troops in a deteriorating security situation in advance of the traditional Taliban offensives in the spring, and also leading up to ensuring secure elections later in the year.

Q There was a lot of talk over the weekend about the executive pay provisions in the stimulus package and whether or not the White House would take some kind of steps, either through regulation or some other way, to fashion them more closely to what the President wanted. What will you be doing about that?

MR. GIBBS: As you all know, the bill is now the law of the land, after the President signed it today. I want to underscore the incredible amount of agreement in both Congress and in the administration in ensuring that executive compensation and bonuses, particularly in companies that are receiving TARP funding, isn't completely out of balance with any degree of common sense.

The proposal that passed Congress shares a lot in common with what the President outlines by way of shareholder say and CEO pay, in ensuring regulations on luxury expenses, and in ensuring -- just in the overall ensuring that pay is not excessive. We are going to work with Congress to ensure that what the President proposed and what is now law works to share the goal of ensuring that pay isn't excessive for CEOs and, at the same time, make sure it doesn't dissuade particularly smaller community banks from taking the lending capital that is so important to stabilize the system and ensure that credit flows to businesses and families.

Q Are you talking about additional legislation?

MR. GIBBS: Pardon?

Q Are you talking about additional legislation, or how are you going to work with Congress to ensure this?

MR. GIBBS: Well, I -- obviously, like every provision in the bill, it's -- we have to figure out -- a process has to be figured out as to exactly how to implement that. But again, what I want to underscore is, there's tremendous agreement that what we've seen happen with CEOs and major players in financial institutions that have received assistance from TARP, there's a great common agreement that executive compensation has to be and must be reined in.

Q Robert, can you address the notion that lawmakers needed this extra or more stiff language so they can get cover when you folks ask for more TARP money?

MR. GIBBS: I don't -- I don't have any basis by which to render an opinion on that. I haven't heard that from anybody. I think you've seen the President take swift action in ensuring that excessive pay comes to an end in his administration, particularly with those, as I said, that have received extraordinary help from the Treasury and the taxpayers.

Q Is it wrong to say that you're going to be altering the language in some way? You said you're going to work with Congress in getting a response --

MR. GIBBS: I don't want to get into -- I think the bill is now, what, two hours old? So let's -- I know, we're all -- we're on to the second stimulus before the ink dries on the first one. So let's -- I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

Q Have you had a chance to look at the affidavit that Senator Burris filed and the President's reaction to it? Should the --

MR. GIBBS: I have not, and I don't believe he has.

Q Where's the shovel-ready projects? Do you know of what might be the absolute first project to benefit from this?

MR. GIBBS: Well, and I'll get a longer review of this, but I know there are -- I mean, obviously there's a number of things in the legislation that -- there are -- money that will go, for instance, to state departments of transportation to fund highway and bridge and road construction projects that are ready to go. There are --

Q Ready to go or ongoing?

MR. GIBBS: I will check. Some of them -- well, for instance, the project that the President visited last week, phases three and four have yet to be completed; phases one and two have. Some of those projects may be ongoing, but phases that have not yet fully been funded can now be through states -- Virginia , again, being that example.

Some of the funding, obviously, in this bill will come through tax cuts, which can get into people's pockets quite quickly. Some will come through existing programs like unemployment insurance, which will happen also quite quickly -- extended benefits. Some of the business tax cuts in the bill are retroactive to the first of the year. So I would assume that some businesses will begin quickly operating under the notion that those -- that they have the ability to go back at least several weeks on those.

So I think there's -- different parts of the bill are funded through different mechanisms, in terms of whether they're existing programs. Obviously I think state legislatures will understand that increased Medicaid funding is coming; increased funding for education to prevent the layoff of teachers or more cops funding to ensure that police officers don't get laid off. There was an example the President made mention of today.

So there are several different mechanisms by which the programs are funded that will talk about how quickly the money gets out.

Q So it's fair to say that as we sit here, some of this money is rolling right now?

MR. GIBBS: I don't -- I will double-check on that. I know our hope is to get this out as quickly as possible; that the President argued throughout the last month that urgency should carry the day. And we believe that's true certainly in implementing the bill equally as it was in ensuring its passage.

Q Can you talk a little bit about the housing bill tomorrow?

MR. GIBBS: No. (Laughter.)

Q Is it going to be an intra-subsidy program?

MR. GIBBS: Say again?

Q Is it going to be an intra-subsidy program?

MR. GIBBS: Let me see what I can get you guys without getting myself in hot water with the boss.

Q Can you say how detailed it's going to be?

MR. GIBBS: Are you thinking about applying for a new loan?

Q No. (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: I think it will be quite detailed.

Q How many people do you expect to help?

MR. GIBBS: Let me -- that I can probably get you a number on a little bit later.

Q Can you also talk about the Canada trip on Thursday? Will the President be looking to reopen NAFTA negotiations?

MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President, in an interview today with CBC, talked about the notion that we value Canada as a trading partner, we value it as a partner in meeting our energy needs, and that we -- he hopes to start a relationship to continue that strong partnership.

I imagine that the President and the Prime Minister will discuss trade, and also I anticipate the President will continue to have the same position he had during the campaign, which was that it's important that we strongly enforce labor and environmental provisions.

Q Are we going to hear any more about the latest on the auto industry tonight? Are you going to give any more readout?

MR. GIBBS: I think honestly, as I understand it -- the last I checked we had not yet received the reports. And I think they wanted to wait for a statement regarding that, until we got that. I know there are also talks that are ongoing and we didn't want to prejudge those.

Q -- they were reporting agreement, UAW and Chrysler -- Chrysler, wasn't it?

Q I thought it was all three.

MR. GIBBS: Let me check when we land. I did not get that email yet.

Q Robert, was that a yes or a no on reopening NAFTA negotiations?

MR. GIBBS: I'd refer you to the transcript. I think my answer was pretty clear.

Q Can you explain the breakdown on the 17,000 troops? What portion of them are support troops and what portion are combat troops?

MR. GIBBS: Let me double-check my notes. I believe the answer is there's 12,000 troops and 5,000 support. Let me --

Q So the 5,000 are support troops, right? Or they're enlisted?

MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, obviously they're all troops, but they're -- obviously in order to put combat troops into the field there are a number of troops that ultimately have to support that mission, but aren't necessarily or might not necessarily be on the front line doing what either a Marine expedition force or special forces might do. Let me check those notes, though --

Q -- 12,000 combat and 5,000 support?

MR. GIBBS: Let me double-check that to make sure. I'm pretty sure that's it, but before I get way out on this limb --

Q Can you talk about what the goal for those troops is? I know the review is still ongoing, but can you say why the President -- I mean, you talked a little bit about the spring offensive, but what is --

MR. GIBBS: Look, I think you all well know that General McKiernan has had -- and the President's statement makes mention of the fact that General McKiernan has had a request in for quite some time to approve additional forces to ensure security and stability in a country where, as we all painfully remember, was the launching ground for the 9/11 attacks.

Obviously the situation continues to get worse. And the President believes even before the review is complete on a policy that will make use of all of the assets we have in our national power -- including diplomatic and things like construction and reconstruction -- that in order to provide us the maximum amount of flexibility during that review, that we stabilize the situation in that country by providing additional security forces.

All right. Let me check on -- give me two minutes and I'll check on those numbers -- on the troops. And then I will see what clearance I can get on the -- yes.

END 3:20 P.M. PST

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President Obama's Statement on the signing of
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

Today I have signed into law H.R. 1, the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009." The Act provides a direct fiscal boost to help lift our Nation from the greatest economic crisis in our lifetimes and lay the foundation for further growth. This recovery plan will help to save or create as many as three to four million jobs by the end of 2010, the vast majority of them in the private sector. It will make the most significant investment in America 's roads, bridges, mass transit, and other infrastructure since the construction of the interstate highway system. It will make investments to foster reform in education, double renewable energy while fostering efficiency in the use of our energy, and improve quality while bringing down costs in healthcare. Middle-class families will get tax cuts and the most vulnerable will get the largest increase in assistance in decades.

The situation we face could not be more serious. We have inherited an economic crisis as deep and as dire as any since the Great Depression. Economists from across the spectrum have warned that failure to act quickly would lead to the disappearance of millions of more jobs and national unemployment rates that could be in the double digits. I want to thank the Congress for coming together around this hard-fought compromise. No one policy or program will solve the challenges we face right now, nor will this crisis recede in a short period of time. However, with this Act we begin the process of restoring the economy and making America a stronger and more prosperous Nation.

My Administration will initiate new, far-reaching measures to help ensure that every dollar spent in this historic legislation is spent wisely and for its intended purpose. The Federal Government will be held to new standards of transparency and accountability. The legislation includes no earmarks. An oversight board will be charged with monitoring our progress as part of an unprecedented effort to root out waste and inefficiency. This board will be advised by experts -- not just Government experts, not just politicians, but also citizens with years of expertise in management, economics, and accounting.

So much depends on what we do at this moment. This is not about the future of my Administration. This effort is about the future of our families and communities, our economy and our country. We are going to move forward carefully and transparently and as effectively as possible because so much is on the line. That is what we have already begun to do -- drafting this plan with a level of openness for which the American people have asked and that this situation demands.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,

February 17, 2009.

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Experts: U.S. 'War On Terror'

Eroded Rights Worldwide

GENEVA (Reuters) – Washington's "war on terror" after the September 11 attacks has eroded human rights worldwide, creating lingering cynicism that the United Nations must now combat, international law experts said on Monday.

Mary Robinson, who was the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights when al Qaeda militants flew hijacked planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001, said the United States caused harm with some of the ways it responded.

"Seven years after 9/11 it is time to take stock and repeal abusive laws and policies," the former Irish president said, warning that harsh U.S. detentions and interrogations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba gave a dangerous signal to other countries that could easily follow suit.

While new U.S. President Barack Obama has announced he will close Guantanamo to break from the practices of his predecessor George W. Bush, Robinson said sweeping changes needed to take place to ensure Washington abandons its "war paradigm."

"There has been severe damage and it needs to be addressed," she told a news conference in Geneva. "We are not more secure. We are more divided, and people are more cynical about the operation of laws."

Arthur Chaskalson, former chief justice of South Africa, said that the United States should launch an inquiry into its counter-terrorism practices, including acts of torture by individual security and intelligence agents.

Although counter-terrorism issues have faded from the front pages since the change of government in Washington, Chaskalson said such practices have shifted around the world and could keep restricting liberties if they are not confronted head-on.

"We all have less rights today than we had five or 10 years ago, and if nothing happens, we will have even less," he told a Geneva briefing to launch an International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) report on counter-terrorism and human rights.

ABUSE MONITORING

The report found that many undemocratic states have referred to U.S. counter-terrorism practices to justify their own abuses, a trend Robinson said was particularly alarming.

She called on the U.N. Security Council and Human Rights Council to step up their abuse monitoring and to assist poorer nations with police training to better target rights violators.

Counter-terrorism policies worldwide should also be put under the microscope, according to Robinson. "It could warrant a special session of the Human Rights Council," she said.

The 47-member-state body has previously had special sessions on Israel and the Palestinians, Sudan's Darfur region, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and high food prices, and will assess the global financial crisis on Friday.

Robinson also questioned the effectiveness of the Council's universal periodic review, under which every U.N. member has its rights record assessed on a regular rotation.

"We have looked at some of the universal periodic reviews of countries that we know from our hearings have severely abused human rights in their counter-terrorism measures, and it is a soft review, there is no accountability," she said. "There is a necessity now for leadership at the United Nations."

Countries recently reviewed by the Council include China, Russia, Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. Hearings for the ICJ report took place in Bogota, Nairobi, Sydney, Belfast, London, Rabat, Washington, Buenos Aires, Jakarta, Moscow, Delhi, Islamabad, Toronto, Ottawa, Jerusalem, Cairo, and Brussels.

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