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The most current news items on the White House website.

President Bush Meets with G7 Finance Ministers to Discuss World Economy President Bush on Saturday said, "I'm confident that the world's major economies can overcome the challenges we face. There have been moments of crisis in the past when powerful nations turned their energies against each other, or sought to wall themselves off from the world. This time is different. The leaders gathered in Washington this weekend are all working toward the same goals. We will stand together in addressing this threat to our prosperity. We will do what it takes to resolve this crisis. And the world's economy will emerge stronger as a result." President's Radio Address In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "Here's what the American people need to know: The United States government is acting -- and will continue to act -- to resolve this crisis and restore stability to our markets. The Federal government has a comprehensive strategy and the tools necessary to address the challenges in our economy." President Bush Discusses the Economy President Bush on Friday said, "Over the past few days, we have witnessed a startling drop in the stock market -- much of it driven by uncertainty and fear. This has been a deeply unsettling period for the American people. Many of our citizens have serious concerns about their retirement accounts, their investments, and their economic well-being. Here's what the American people need to know: that the United States government is acting; we will continue to act to resolve this crisis and restore stability to our markets. We are a prosperous nation with immense resources and a wide range of tools at our disposal. We're using these tools aggressively." President Bush Meets with Cuban American Community Leaders President Bush on Friday said, "It's so sad that right off the shores of our great, you know, nation that believes in human rights and human dignity exists this dungeon. But someday Cuba will be free. Someday the people who are there will realize the blessing of freedom. And I want to thank the people around this table for working to see that day come." Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino On Friday, October 10, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 2963, H.R. 3480, S. 1492, S. 1582, S. 2162, S. 2816, S. 3023, S. 3128, and S. 3606. National School Lunch Week, 2008 During National School Lunch Week, we underscore the importance of providing America's children with access to nutritious meals and helping them develop good eating habits through the National School Lunch Program. General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2008 On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we celebrate General Casimir Pulaski's selfless dedication to the cause of freedom during the American Revolution. Columbus Day, 2008 Christopher Columbus' bold voyage across the Atlantic changed the world forever. On Columbus Day, we remember this Italian explorer's courage in traveling to the unknown and celebrate his landmark achievements and lasting legacy. Statement by Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Karl Zinsmeister on Sanctity of Marriage President Bush has always believed that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. President Bush Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month President Bush on Thursday said, "And so today we celebrate the many contributions that generations of Hispanics have made to the American Dream. Their creativity and determination help our country to live up to its promise of opportunity and prosperity and freedom for all our citizens. During Hispanic Heritage Month we give thanks for these blessings and we ask for God's continued blessings on you and your families, y los Estados Unidos." President Bush Meets with President Gasparovic of the Slovak Republic President Bush on Thursday said, "It is my honor to welcome the President of Slovakia to the Oval Office. Slovakia is an ally and friend of the United States. And in my time as President, I have come to admire this President. He's an easy man to talk to. He's got good, strong opinions, and I appreciate his values." President Bush Signs H.R. 2851 and S. 2840 Into Law On Thursday, October 9, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 2851 and S. 2840. Executive Order: Facilitation of a Presidential Transition By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7301 of title 5, United States Code, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458) (IRTPA), and in order to further the purposes of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, and to assist the presidential transition, it is hereby ordered as follows: Memorandum for the Secretary of State Pursuant to the authority and conditions contained in section 634(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Division J, Public Law 110-161), as carried forward by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2009 (Division A, Public Law 110-329), I hereby determine and certify that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive the provisions of section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987, Public Law 100-204. Personnel Announcement President George W. Bush today announced his intention to designate Patrick A. Gorman to serve in his Administration. Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Kentucky The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe wind storm associated with Tropical Depression Ike on September 14, 2008. Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Oklahoma The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of September 12-16, 2008. Setting the Record Straight: Six Years of Unheeded Warnings for GSE Reform Today, the Washington Times incorrectly accused the White House of ignoring warnings of trouble ahead for government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) and neglecting to "adopt any reform until this summer," when it was too late. "Neither the White House nor Congress heeded the warnings, Fannie and Freddie retained strong bipartisan support during the 1990s and early part of this decade." (Editorial, "Hear, See And Speak No Evil About Fannie And Freddie," The Washington Times, 10/9/08) President Bush Signs H.R. 7081, the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act President Bush on Wednesday said, "This agreement sends a signal to the world: Nations that follow the path of democracy and responsible behavior will find a friend in the United States of America. The American people are proud of our strong relationship with India. And I am confident that the friendship between our two nations will grow even closer in the years ahead." President Bush to Deliver Keynote Speech at White House Summit on International Development: Sustaining the New Era The President will deliver the keynote speech at the White House Summit on International Development: Sustaining the New Era, which will be held on October 21st in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Secretary Rice will also give opening remarks. Statement by the President on the Occasion of Signing H.R. 7081 I am pleased today to sign into law the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act, which approves the U.S.-India 123 Agreement. The passage of this legislation by the Congress marks another major milestone in achieving the vision that Prime Minister Singh and I set forth on July 18, 2005, to transform the relationship between our two countries and to establish a strategic partnership. This Act will strengthen the relationship between the United States and India and deliver valuable benefits to both nations. Leif Erikson Day, 2008 On Leif Erikson Day, we remember that son of Iceland and grandson of Norway for his journey to North America, and we celebrate the influential role Nordic Americans have played in our society. Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino On Wednesday, October 8, 2008, the President signed into law: H.J.Res. 62, H.R. 1157, H.R. 1343, H.R. 3068, H.R. 3229, H.R. 4120, H.R. 5001, H.R. 5057, H.R. 5265, H.R. 5571, H.R. 5872, H.R. 6370, H.R. 6460, H.R. 6890, H.R. 6894, H.R. 6946, S. 496, S. 1046, S. 1382, S. 1810, S. 2482, S. 2606, S. 2932, S. 2982, S. 3560, and S. 3597. Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for North Carolina The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Hanna during the period of September 4-15, 2008. Statement on Additional Federal Disaster Assistance for Texas The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Texas affected by Hurricane Ike during the period of September 7 to October 2, 2008, by authorizing an extension of 100 percent Federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program. Statement on Additional Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisiana The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Ike beginning on September 11, 2008, and continuing, by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for debris removal and emergency measures under the Public Assistance program, including direct Federal assistance. Under the President's order today, the Federal share for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been increased to 100 percent Federal funding for a period of 44 days retroactive to the date of the major disaster declaration. President Bush Discusses Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 President Bush on Tuesday said, "There's no doubt that people from all walks of life and all aspects understand that we're having serious times. Families are squeezed by the high price of gasoline, and feeling the pinch of food prices and monthly mortgage payments. Workers are anxious about whether their paychecks will stretch. Some workers are anxious about whether or not they're going to keep their jobs. We also know that we're the most dynamic economy in the world, that we have been through tough times before, and that we're going to come through this time again. Our entrepreneurial system has delivered unparalleled levels of productivity and growth and prosperity. During my presidency, we have faced tough times after the terrorist attack of 9/11 and we came through strongly. And we're going to come through this. No question the times are tough, but no question America will emerge." President Bush Welcomes Members of the 2008 United States Summer Olympic and Paralympic Teams to the White House President Bush on Tuesday said, "Attending the Beijing Olympics was one of the great experiences of our lifetime. Laura and I had a fantastic experience. We will never forget the first night at the Bird's Nest for the spectacular Opening Ceremony. When the Team USA was announced, there was a notable increase in the cheers. And then came the greatest sight of... more than 500... of America's finest athletes marching behind our flag... It was an incredible sight, and I know it was a moment that all of our athletes looked forward to and it's a moment that we were so honored to share with you." Presidential Message: Yom Kippur, 5769 Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement and the most holy day in the Jewish faith. From the time the Kol Nidre is recited until the Shofar is sounded, Jews around the world will draw nearer to God through acts of atonement, fasting, and prayer. Jewish tradition teaches that on Yom Kippur, God remembers every name, listens to every petition, and offers forgiveness to the repentant. Fact Sheet: Taking Urgently Needed Action to Stabilize Our Markets Today, President Bush visited Guernsey Office Products in Chantilly, Virginia, and discussed the Emergency Economic Stabilization legislation he signed last week in response to the financial crisis. As our markets begin to stabilize over time, it will help calm markets overseas. Executive Order: Further Amendments to Executive Orders 12139 and 12949 in Light of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 104 and 303 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), as amended by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-261), it is hereby ordered as follows: Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino We are deeply concerned by, and strongly disagree with, today's decision by a federal district court ordering the release into the United States -- by this Friday morning -- of 17 Uighurs currently held at Guantanamo Bay. This decision, we believe, is contrary to our laws, including federal immigration statutes passed by Congress. The Department of Justice intends to seek emergency relief tonight to stay the court's order and to request a prompt reversal of the order by the Court of Appeals. The district court's ruling, if allowed to stand, could be used as precedent for other detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, including sworn enemies of the United States suspected of planning the attacks of 9/11, who may also seek release into our country. President Bush Signs H.R. 923, H.R. 1199, H.R. 5834, H.R. 5975, H.R. 6092, H.R. 6437, H.R. 6889, H.R. 6893, S. 3015, S. 3082 Into Law On Tuesday, October 7, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 923, H.R. 1199, H.R. 5834, H.R. 5975, H.R. 6092, H.R. 6437, H.R. 6889, H.R. 6893, S. 3015, S. 3082 President Bush Discusses Judicial Accomplishments and Philosophy President Bush on Monday said, "Our democracy requires us to come together and to get things done for the citizens of this great republic. I'm confident we can do that. And I'm grateful that there are dedicated people like you all who are working so hard to help us put good judges on the courts, and equally important, to help invest the American people in the process." President Bush Meets with Small Business Owners in Texas, Discusses Economy President Bush on Monday said, "And it's going to take a while. I signed the bill... last week, but it's going to take a while to get in place a program that, one, is effective; two, that doesn't waste taxpayers' money -- we don't want to rush into this situation and not have the program be effective. It's going to take a while to restore confidence in the financial system. But one thing people can be certain of is that the bill I signed is a big step toward solving this problem." Memorandum for the Secretary of State By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 650(b) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Division J, Public Law 110-161) (the "Act"), as carried forward under section 1417 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252) (the "Supplemental"), I hereby certify that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive the provisions of section 650(a) of the Act, as carried forward under the Supplemental, in order to provide funds appropriated for fiscal year 2009 under the heading Economic Support Funds to the Palestinian Authority. Personnel Announcement President George W. Bush today announced his intention to designate one individual to serve in his Administration. President Bush Visits Midland, Texas President Bush on Saturday said, "So it's great to see our friends. You know, we got a couple more hard months to go, and obviously we've got to deal with this financial situation. Congress took a big step in the direction of at least giving us the tools necessary to bring some stability into the marketplace. Got to get credit flowing of course so that people feel... comfortable about conducting business. So there's a lot of work to be done. In the meantime it's good to come back here to where it all started for us." President's Radio Address In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This week, Congress passed a bipartisan rescue package to address the instability in America's financial system. This was a difficult vote for many members of the House and Senate, but voting for it was the right choice for America's economy and for taxpayers like you. I appreciate their efforts to help stop the crisis in our financial markets from spreading to our entire economy. And I appreciate their willingness to work across party lines in the midst of an election season." President Bush Discusses Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 President Bush on Friday said, "A short time ago, the House of Representatives passed a bill that is essential to helping America's economy weather the financial crisis. The Senate passed the same legislation on Wednesday night. And when Congress sends me the final bill, I'm going to sign it into law." President Bush Visits Department of the Treasury President Bush on Friday said, "And so I just went up to thank people. Sometimes people in government never get thanked enough for all the hours they keep. And I got a lot of confidence in you, Mr. Secretary, and your team. And I thank you for giving me a chance to come by, and looking forward to -- looking forward to getting this plan in place. I just told the people in the Rose Garden that, you know, it's complicated and we're going to make sure that whatever we do is done in a deliberate fashion and one that will be effective and be mindful of the taxpayers." Fact Sheet: Safeguarding the Financial Future of American Workers and Families The House of Representatives must pass the Senate financial rescue package immediately. We are in the midst of a serious financial crisis - the financial system is clogged, and credit is not available to many families and business owners who need it. Problems that originated in the credit markets - and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages - have spread throughout our financial system and are threatening Main Street. To protect the broader economy from the financial crisis, President Bush proposed legislation to remove troubled assets from the financial markets as the housing market recovers Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for New Hampshire 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 and flooding during the period of September 6-7, 2008. President Bush to Welcome Prime Minister Tillman Thomas of Grenada President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Tillman Thomas of Grenada to the White House on October 8, 2008. Grenada is an important friend of the United States. The President looks forward to discussing a range of issues with Prime Minister Thomas, including our common commitment to the expansion of economic opportunities and the strengthening of democracy in the region. This visit, the first to Washington since Prime Minister Thomas' election, underscores the strong spirit of cooperation and friendship between the United States and Grenada. Fire Prevention Week, 2008 Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to call attention to the importance of fire safety, especially in the home, and to honor our Nation's firefighters for their heroism. Memorandum for the Director of National Intelligence 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. Subject to the provisions of sections 2 and 3 of this memorandum, the following officers of the office of the Director of National Intelligence, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), during any period in which the DNI and the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence have died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of the DNI, until such time as the DNI or the Principal Deputy Director is able to perform the functions and duties of the office of DNI: Fact Sheet: Hunting, Wildlife, and Habitat Today, Vice President Cheney attended the White House Conference on North American Wildlife and reviewed the progress President Bush and his Administration have made on wildlife conservation over the past seven years. Due to economic events this week, President Bush decided to remain in Washington, D.C. Vice President Cheney attended the conference in his place. The Conference sessions provided hunters and other outdoor recreational enthusiasts from across the United States an opportunity to discuss a forthcoming 10-year Action Plan on recreational hunting and wildlife conservation. Since President Bush took office, the Administration has enhanced and increased wildlife habitats, enlarged wildlife populations and increased opportunities for hunting, and the Administration continues to add to these accomplishments. In August 2007, the President signed Executive Order 13443 to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat. President Bush Signs H.R. 1424 Into Law H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, and Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008, which authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Troubled Assets Relief Program to purchase troubled assets from financial institutions; provides Alternative Minimum Tax relief; extends expiring tax provisions and establishes energy tax incentives; and temporarily increases Federal Deposit Insurance limits. German-American Day, 2008 For generations, German Americans have contributed to our Nation's identity, culture, and prosperity. On German-American Day, we recognize the many Americans with German ancestry who helped make our country great, and we celebrate our strong friendship with Germany. Child Health Day, 2008 Americans have a duty to promote the health and safety of our children. On Child Health Day, we affirm that all children are a precious gift, and we underscore our commitment to helping them realize their full potential.