Barack Obama

BURLINGTON, October 9 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:

“President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the non-Western world and stress diplomacy.

“Americans should be extremely proud that we now have a president who is restoring respect and admiration for our country around the globe. At a time when our planet faces so many serious problems the United States must play a leadership role in bringing the international community together against our common enemies of war, terrorism, poverty, AIDS and global warming.    » read more »

October 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill made the following statement today after hearing that President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.    » read more »

10/09/2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement aftertheannouncement that President Obama had been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize:

“I congratulate President Obama on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This is an honor of the highest magnitude and all Americans should be proud of this recognition.

"Since his inauguration, President Obama has taken great strides to elevate America’s standing in the world. Under President Obama, America has returned to its true spirit and core values – global engagement, alliance-building, and respect for international human rights and treaties.    » read more »

October 9, 2009 -- Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson released the following statement upon hearing news that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee has awarded President Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009:

“In their unanimous decision, the Committee has cited the President’s efforts toward international diplomacy and cooperation, as well as his goals to address global climate change and working towards a world without nuclear weapons.    » read more »

October 9, 2009 -- Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement in response to the announcement that President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:

“Today at the White House I had the privilege of personally congratulating President Obama for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

"I believe the Nobel Committee's decision reflects the fact that the United States has restored its credibility with the international community. It signifies that the goals articulated by President Obama have resounded with the rest of the world."

Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein

October 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris made the following statement today after the announcement of President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:

“I send my congratulations to President Obama for being awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize and applaud the Nobel Committee for their selection.

"Throughout the course of his presidency, President Obama has a struck a new tone of cooperation with the international community and has improved America’s role throughout the world.

"While there are many challenges President Obama still faces, I am confident that his calls for diplomacy and international cooperation will continue to resonate throughout the United States, and the world.”

Source: Senator Roland W. Burris

October 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

* David Huebner, Ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa
* David D. Nelson, Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay

President Obama said, "I am confident that these individuals will represent our nation well in these important roles. I am grateful for their service and look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals today:
David Huebner, Nominee for Ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa    » read more »

Congressional Agenda Would Complement President’s Plan to Save the Bay

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 8, 2009) -- A report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council compiles the numerous threats facing the Chesapeake Bay and examines federal solutions to save this national treasure. This analysis comes on the heels of reports commissioned by President Obama to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and a draft bill circulated by Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD.).

“It’s no secret the Chesapeake Bay has been struggling for decades to recover from a variety of threats to its health,” said Nancy Stoner, Co-Director of NRDC’s Water Program and co-author of the report. “What is less well known is that there are solutions -- many of which are finally underway.”    » read more »

October 6, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced more than $24 million in federal stimulus funds will go to schools, colleges, tribes and other agencies to improve energy efficiency all over New Mexico. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has awarded funding to 28 projects selected through a competitive process.    » read more »

Governor sets aside $20 million in ARRA funds to keep firefighters employed

FALL RIVER – October 7, 2009 – Moving to help municipal fire departments impacted by budget cuts that have forced layoffs and vacancies resulting from attrition, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced he will release $8.1 million in federal stimulus funds to 13 municipal fire departments in the Commonwealth. The funds will be used to rehire 127 firefighters who were laid off because of budget reductions.    » read more »

Federal Recovery-funded projects help create jobs, improve infrastructure

October 6, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver has announced that nine highway infrastructure projects statewide, worth more than $5.7 million, have been let by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

These projects are funded in total or part through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Acceptance of the low-bid proposals and awarding of contracts are contingent upon final approval by the respective city or county governments.    » read more »

National Telecommunications And Information Administration Awards $1.2 M. To Vermont

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, Oct. 6) – U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Congressman Peter Welch and Governor Jim Douglas Tuesday welcomed the announcement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, that Vermont has been awarded Vermont a $1.2 million broadband mapping grant. Vermont’s grant is one of the first four American Recovery and Reinvestment Act broadband grants to reach the states for broadband mapping, aggregation and infrastructure.    » read more »

Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on the Constitution

October 6, 2009 -- As Prepared for Delivery

“I think it is fair to acknowledge that there has been a lot of discussion about the Obama administration’s appointment of so-called czars to various positions in the White House and other departments or agencies. I called this hearing today because I think this is a serious issue that deserves serious study.    » read more »

Grants will be used to lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution and create green jobs

October 4, 2009 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy through its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, has released $14.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to New Jersey. The State will use the funds to implement programs and projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, expand renewable energy generation, decrease energy use, and improve energy efficiency at the state and local level.    » read more »

October 5, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Demonstrating a commitment to lead by example, President Obama signed an Executive Order (attached) today that sets sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focuses on making improvements in their environmental, energy and economic performance.

The Executive Order requires Federal agencies to set a 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target within 90 days; increase energy efficiency; reduce fleet petroleum consumption; conserve water; reduce waste; support sustainable communities; and leverage Federal purchasing power to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies.    » read more »