http://www.whitehouse.gov/news The most current news items on the White House website. en No copyright Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:13:50 EDT http://www.whitehouse.gov/images/wh-podcast.jpg http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080820-3.html President Bush on Wednesday said, "Over the past seven years, we've seen liberty on the march, seen citizens in Afghanistan and Iraq establish representative governments after decades of tyranny. We've seen the people of Lebanon take to the streets and demand their independence. We've seen citizens of the former Soviet republic -- republics stand up for their right for free and fair elections." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080820-3.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819-3.html Laura and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa. President Mwanawasa was a champion of democracy in his own country and throughout Africa. As President of Zambia, President Mwanawasa launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign and dedicated himself to improving the welfare of all Zambians. As Chairman of the Southern African Development Community, President Mwanawasa worked tirelessly to uphold the values of good governance, speaking out against human rights abuses and threats to democracy when many others were silent. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819-3.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819.html By the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby assign to you the function of the President under sections 1001(a) and (b) of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110-69). http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819-1.html President George W. Bush today announced that The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor, will now serve as Head of Delegation of the Presidential Delegation attending the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing, China on August 24, 2008. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819-1.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819-5.html President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual and designate one individual to serve in his Administration. The President intends to nominate James X. Dempsey, of California, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for an initial five-year term expiring 01/29/13. The President intends to designate James A. Williams, of Virginia, to be Acting Administrator of the General Services Administration. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080819-5.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080816-1.html President Bush on Saturday said, "We will continue to stand behind Georgia's democracy; we will continue to insist that Georgia's sovereignty and independence and territorial integrity be respected." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080816-1.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080816-3.html SECRETARY RICE: I think everybody understands that Russia had a choice to make over the last several years, and it was a choice that should have been opened to Russia, which was a choice to act in a 21st-century way, fully integrate into the international institutions. I think it's very much worthwhile to have given Russia that chance. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080816-3.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815.html President Bush on Friday said, "With its actions in recent days Russia has damaged its credibility and its relations with the nations of the free world. Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century. Only Russia can decide whether it will now put itself back on the path of responsible nations, or continue to pursue a policy that promises only confrontation and isolation. To begin to repair its relations with the United States and Europe and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must respect the freedom of its neighbors." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-2.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 severe storms, a tornado, and flooding on July 18, 2008. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-2.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-4.html President George W. Bush today announced his intention to designate one individual and appoint five individuals to serve in his Administration: Santanu "Sandy" K. Baruah, Rick Gaffney, William H. Gibbons-Fly, Paul M. Krampe, Jane C. Luxton, and Peter Young. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-4.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-3.html Pursuant to the authority vested in me by section 1012 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2291-4), I hereby certify, with respect to Colombia, that (1) interdiction of aircraft reasonably suspected to be primarily engaged in illicit drug trafficking in that country's airspace is necessary because of the extraordinary threat posed by illicit drug trafficking to the national security of that country; and (2) that country has appropriate procedures in place to protect against innocent loss of life in the air and on the ground in connection with such interdiction, which shall at a minimum include effective means to identify and warn an aircraft before the use of force is directed against the aircraft. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-3.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-5.html In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "The United States and our allies stand with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government. We insist that Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected. And Moscow must honor its pledge to withdraw its invading forces from all Georgian territory." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815-5.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080814-2.html President Bush on Thursday said, "We also had a couple of briefings, one on the war on terror and the other on the situation in Georgia. Got a lot of folks, smart folks analyzing the situation on the ground and, of course, briefing us on different possibilities that could develop in the area and the region." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080814-2.html Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080814.html On Thursday, August 14, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 4040, H.R. 4137, and H.R. 6432 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080814.html Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080814-5.html The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on July 26, 2008, and continuing. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080814-5.html Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813.html President Bush on Wednesday said, "The United States of America stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia. We insist that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813.html Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813-2.html The Wall Street Journal Inaccurately Claims The Administration Was Slow To Respond To The Conflict Between Georgia And Russia http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813-2.html Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812-2.html President Bush on Tuesday said, "One of the things that came out in this discussion was there's a lot of folks in our country who understand we could be doing something about the high price of gasoline and we're not. Obviously we need to be wise about conservation, but we've got to be wise about increasing the supply of oil here in America. If you're concerned about the price of gasoline, one way to affect that price of gasoline is to increase oil supplies." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812-2.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812.html On Tuesday, August 12, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 2245, H.R. 4210, H.R. 4918, H.R. 5477, H.R. 5483, H.R. 5631, H.R. 6061, H.R. 6085, H.R. 6150, H.R. 6340, S. 3294 and S. 3295 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812-1.html SECRETARY RICE: Good afternoon. I have just finished a meeting with the President at which I was able to brief him on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Georgia. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812-1.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812-3.html President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate eight individuals and appoint nineteen individuals to serve in his Administration: Elizabeth Ann Bryan, Robert C. Granger, Caroline M. Hoxby, Douglas J. Besharov, Lynn S. Fuchs, Paul E. Peterson, John L. Winn, Patrick J. Wolf, Elsa A. Murano, Jean N. Case, Raymond G. Chambers, Evern Cooper Epps, Bo Derek, Evern Cooper Epps, Janine L. Gauntt, Kasey K. Kahne, Mary Beth King, Mary J. Myers, Michelle Nunn, Kelly Perdew, Corinne B. Roberts, Michael W. Smith, Jordin Sparks, Wendy M. Spencer, Roxanne Spillett, Hope Taft, Daniel C. Wuerffel, and Mark G. Yudof http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080812-3.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080811-1.html President Bush on Monday said, "Russia's actions this week have raised serious questions about its intentions in Georgia and the region. These actions have substantially damaged Russia's standing in the world. And these actions jeopardize Russians' relations -- Russia's relations with the United States and Europe. It is time for Russia to be true to its word and to act to end this crisis." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080811-1.html Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080811.html THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I think the Chinese are being great hosts. The venues are fantastic. And our team is fired up -- and so am I. I'm excited to be here. It's -- it's such a thrill to watch our men and women compete. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080811.html Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080811-3.html The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Hampshire and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornado, and flooding on July 24, 2008. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080811-3.html Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810-3.html President Bush on Sunday said, "...Every time I come to China I have memorable experiences. I enjoy our conversations that we have. As you know, our relationship is constructive and it's important and it's also very candid, and I thank you for that." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810-3.html Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810-5.html President Bush on Sunday said, "I thank you for the warm hospitality. The opening day celebration was unbelievable. And I appreciate the beautiful venues, and I'm looking forward to seeing some of our teams compete." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810-5.html Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810-6.html President Bush on Sunday said, "Thank you for your hospitality. It's been a wonderful experience being here." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810-6.html Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810.html President Bush on Sunday said, "...Laura and I just had the great joy and privilege of worshiping here in Beijing, China. You know, it just goes to show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080810.html Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080809-2.html President Bush on Saturday said, "I'm deeply concerned about the situation in Georgia. The United States takes this matter very seriously. The attacks are occurring in regions of Georgia far from the zone of conflict in South Ossetia. They mark a dangerous escalation in the crisis. The violence is endangering regional peace. Civilian lives have been lost, and others are endangered." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080809-2.html Sat, 9 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080809.html In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "My trips to Asia as President have brought many uplifting moments. One of the most moving came this week in Seoul, when I spoke to American troops at the Yongsan Garrison. These men and women are carrying the burdens of military life far from home. Yet in their faces you can see a quiet pride that comes from having an important job, and doing it right. These brave Americans are preserving peace, and they're sending a broader message about our approach toward Asia. Now, and always, the United States will keep our word to our friends. We will stand confidently for liberty. And we will advance our Nation's interests and ideals by staying engaged in this pivotal part of the world." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080809.html Sat, 9 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080808-1.html President Bush on Friday said, "The relationship between our nations is constructive and cooperative and candid. We'll continue to be candid about our mutual global responsibilities. We must work together to protect the environment and help people in the developing world; continue to be candid about our belief that all people should have the freedom to say what they think and worship as they choose. We strongly believe societies which allow the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080808-1.html Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080808.html President George W. Bush announced today the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Asunción, Paraguay to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Fernando Lugo, President of the Republic of Paraguay on August 15, 2008. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080808.html Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080808-3.html President Bush on Friday said, "We appreciate all the hard work you've put in to get to this spot. It's got to be really exciting -- thinking about marching in that stadium and representing our country. So I guess all I've got to say is, go for it, give it all you've got, and may God bless you." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080808-3.html Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-8.html President Bush on Thursday said, "The values of freedom and openness that gave birth to our alliance have sustained it through the centuries. American troops and Royal Thai Armed Forces have stood united from Korea and Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq. Our free market economies have surged forward on a rising tide of trade and investment. Tourism has boomed, as more people have discovered this beautiful and ancient land. And some 200,000 Thai Americans now enrich my nation with their enterprise, and their culture, and their faith." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-8.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-7.html President Bush on Thursday said, "I want you to know, and I want the people of your country to know, the American people care deeply about the people of Burma, and we pray for the day in which the people will be free. And part of my reason for asking you for lunch is not only to hear your own stories -- hear your stories, but for you to give me advice about what you think America ought to be doing." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-7.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-11.html THE PRESIDENT: I am in Bangkok, and one of the reasons I've come is not only to pay my respects to the government and the people of Thailand, but also to be in a position to speak about freedom in Burma. I just had lunch with some people that are deeply concerned about the future of Burma, people that were involved in the student marches of '88, people involved with humanitarian assistance. I was regretful that my wife couldn't join us, because she's an articulate spokesman for the people of Burma, but she's on the border, on this mission of saying to the Burmese people, you have friends and you're not alone, and the United States cares about you. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-11.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807.html Today, President Bush will visit Bangkok, Thailand, and acknowledge the 175th anniversary of U.S-Thailand relations. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce was the first such agreement for the United States in Asia, making Thailand our oldest ally in the region. Since then, the United States and Thailand have cooperated to build ties in all areas, including economic and military ties. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-1.html Today, President Bush and Mrs. Bush are continuing their efforts to keep international attention on the ongoing humanitarian and human rights situation in Burma. In Bangkok, Mae La, and Mae Sot, they are meeting with activists and other leaders who are working to assist the people of Burma. President Bush is receiving a briefing on the United States' response to Cyclone Nargis, having lunch with Burmese freedom activists, and conducting a roundtable with media outlets to discuss Burma. Mrs. Bush is traveling to the Thai-Burma border to visit with refugees at the Mae La refugee camp and the Mae Tao Clinic. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-1.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-9.html Today marks the tenth anniversary of the al Qaida terrorist attacks against U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. In Dar es Salaam, the terrorists killed 11 people and wounded more than 85 others; the blast in Nairobi killed 218 people and injured approximately 5,000. We remember today those who lost their lives or were injured in the attacks, their families, and their loved ones. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-9.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-17.html President George W. Bush today announced that he has designated four individuals to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Fernando Lugo, President of the Republic of Paraguay on August 15, 2008: The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce, will lead the delegation; The Honorable Liliana Ayalde, U.S. Ambassador-designate to Paraguay; The Honorable Robert Mosbacher, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Overseas Private Investment Corporation; The Honorable Daniel Fisk, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, National Security Council. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-17.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-18.html President George W. Bush today announced that he has designated five individuals to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Leonel Antonio Fernández Reyna, President of the Dominican Republic, on August 16, 2008: The Honorable Robert J. Portman, Former Congressman, United States Trade Representative and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, will lead the delegation; The Honorable P. Robert Fannin, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic; Mr. Julio Franco, Former Major League Baseball Player; Mrs. Kathi Koll, Philanthropist; Mr. Omar Minaya, General Manager, New York Mets. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080807-18.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-7.html President Bush on Wednesday said, "The United States and Thailand are working to expand freedom with good governance. I want to thank you very much and congratulate the people of Thailand for restoring its democracy. Through the Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership, our nations are working together to strengthen democratic values and institutions throughout the region. As the Chair of ASEAN, we support your efforts to reduce trade barriers, and to expand economic opportunity, and help Southeast Asia grow in hope." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-7.html Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-5.html President Bush on Wednesday said, "Laura and I are delighted to be with you and Mrs. Kim again. Ours is a vital relationship. And our three meetings will only strengthen the relationship. I admire your forthrightness, your integrity, and your deep love for the people of Korea." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-5.html Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-3.html President Bush on Wednesday said, "It's important for the people of your great country to know how much Americans value our friendship and our relationship, and that we have a very important alliance, and that it is being transformed to make sure that it's modern and effective. It's -- alliances aren't stagnant; they've got to constantly reassess. And that's what we're doing in a way that will not only help defend the freedom here on the Peninsula, Korean Peninsula, but also will help us meet the challenges of a new century." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-3.html Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-4.html President Bush on Wednesday said, "We've worked with our allies to help build a free and prosperous country out of the rubbles of war. And America is better off for it. Because of the sacrifice of troops just like you, a part of the world that was ravaged by war is now a -- is now peaceful. And that enhances the security of the United States of America. We're bringing hope to people, and that's important, for people to have hope." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080806-4.html Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080805.html President George W. Bush today announced his intention to appoint one individual to serve in his Administration. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080805.html Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804-7.html President Bush on Monday said, "It is important for the United States of America never to forget the transformative power of liberty. I believe there's an Almighty, and I believe a gift of that Almighty to every man, woman, and child on the face of the Earth is freedom. And I know free societies yield the peace we all want. It's in our national interest to keep the pressure on the terrorists, to give them no safe haven, no place to hide, to keep them on the run." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804-7.html Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804.html Today, I signed the instrument of ratification for the International Convention Against Doping in Sport adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization on October 19, 2005. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804.html Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804-2.html On Monday, August 4, 2008, the President signed into law: S. 3370 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804-2.html Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080802.html In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "I know that high energy prices are making this a difficult time for many of our citizens, but it is important to remember that these high prices were not inevitable. They are partially the result of policy choices that have been made over the years by the United States Congress. Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage. By opening up new resources at home we can help bring energy costs down. And that will help ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080802.html Sat, 2 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500