Democratic Party

June 25, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - "I am deeply disturbed by the recent events in Zimbabwe and condemn the actions of President Robert Mugabe in the strongest possible terms. The United States and the international community must be united, clear and unequivocal: the Government of Zimbabwe is illegitimate and lacks any credibility.

I welcome yesterday's United Nations Security Council statement condemning the violence sweeping Zimbabwe, and underscoring that the Zimbabwean government's campaign of repression and brutality has made it impossible for the June 27 elections to be free and fair. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is absolutely right when he says that run-off elections under these circumstances would lack any legitimacy.    » read more »

June 23, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today announced his cosponsorship of the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008 (S. 3140), which would allow federal employees to use four weeks of paid leave, as well as any annual or sick leave, for the birth or adoption of a child under the Family and Medical Leave Act. This bill was introduced by Senator Jim Webb.    » read more »

June 20, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) joined members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today in sending a letter to the President in support of Governor Rod Blagojevich's request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for the 21 Illinois counties affected by severe flooding.

Illinois flooding, June 2008: Photo by Jim Simonson (CC)    » read more »

June 20, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the International Trade Commission (ITC) concluded that Chinese pipe producers have injured U.S. manufacturers for several years by dumping circular welded steel pipe exports into our market - a practice which has been enabled through Chinese pipe producers receiving illegal government subsidies.

"I appreciate and support the ITC determination. This is the first case in the history of U.S. trade agreement enforcement involving subsidies in China that has resulted in the imposition of countervailing duties by the U.S. Department of Commerce.    » read more »

June 23, 2008 -- DNC Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Women's Caucus Chair Mame Reiley today issued the following statement marking the 36th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX, which outlaws sex discrimination in educational programs. After the passage of Title IX in 1972, today more than 2.7 million girls participate in athletics in high school according to the U.S. Dept. of Education. [Feminist Majority Foundation Website, accessed 6/18/08]    » read more »

June 23, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement to commemorate the 36th Anniversary of Title IX.

"Thirty-six years ago today, America took a bold step forward on the long march toward justice and equality when Congress enacted Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, banning gender discrimination in all education programs that receive federal money.

Barack Obama in New Mexico: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)    » read more »

As President, Barack Obama will restore common-sense regulation to ease the impact of soaring gas prices

June 22, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Senator Barack Obama today announced his plan to crack down on excessive energy speculation and fully close the "Enron Loophole" to ease the impact skyrocketing gas prices.

California gas prices, June, 2008: Photo by .pie (CC)    » read more »

60 Second Ad "Country I Love" to Air in 18 States

June, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - The Barack Obama campaign recently announced the release of its first television advertisement for the general election. The sixty second ad, entitled "Country I Love," will begin airing in eighteen states across the country tomorrow to highlight how our shared values have shaped Senator Obama's life.

In the spot, Senator Obama speaks to voters about the core values this nation was founded on and how they have guided him to work hard for his education, to bypass jobs on Wall Street to work as a community organizer, and to lead the fight for America's families and veterans as an Illinois and United States Senator.    » read more »

Holding McCain Responsible For His Do As I Say, Not As I Do Campaign

June 17, 2008 -- The Democratic National Committee today announced that it will file a suit with the U.S. District Court in D.C. next week to compel the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to investigate John McCain's decision to unilaterally withdraw from the FEC's matching funds program despite using the program to financially benefit his campaign, which is clearly against the law.

John McCain's "Straight Talk Express": Photo by Rich McGervey (CC)    » read more »

June 17, 2008 -- Chicago, IL -- Below is a statement from Barack Obama on disturbing reports that 'mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are being recruited for government tests on pharmaceutical drugs linked to suicide and other violent side effects.' Full story follows.

"It is outrageous and unacceptable that our government would irresponsibly endanger veterans who have already sacrificed so much for our country. Our veterans - particularly those suffering from mental health injuries - should have the very best health care and support in the world, they should never be needlessly exposed to drugs without proper notification of the dangers involved or effective monitoring of the side effects.    » read more »

Bill would establish a national stillbirth registry and promote prevention

June 17, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today introduced the Preventing Stillbirth and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Act of 2008, which will enhance public health activities related to understanding and preventing stillbirth and sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID).

Senator Barack Obama: Photo by Jackie (CC)    » read more »

June 16, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on Luol Deng being selected as the 2008 recipient of the UN Refugee Agency's Humanitarian of the Year Award:

"I want to congratulate Luol Deng on being honored with this award. In a world rife with conflict, one of our most important obligations is to look after the innocent victims of war, including those who are forced to flee their homes as refugees - and few understand this better than Luol.

"His dedication to bringing hope to millions of children living as refugees in Sudan and around the world is an inspiration, as is Luol's own life itself. Both on and off the court, Luol sets a standard of excellence and service that all Americans can look to for inspiration."    » read more »

June 14, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C.- Late last night, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) sent a letter to the President in support of Governor Rod Blagojevich's request for direct federal assistance to help Illinois communities to respond to and recover from flooding.    » read more »

Obama will present his plans to turn the page so that America can compete in the global economy

Chicago, IL - On Monday, June 16, 2008, United States Senator Barack Obama will kick off the second week of his "Change that Works for You" tour by presenting his comprehensive national competitiveness strategy that will turn the page on the failed policies of the past so that America can create millions of new jobs and succeed in the 21st century's global economy.    » read more »

16 June 2008 -- Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama said Monday he will visit Iraq and Afghanistan sometime before the November election. Obama made the comment after a phone conversation with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who is visiting the United States.

Barack Obama with Al Gore in Michigan: Photo by joscrei (CC)

Campaigning in Michigan, Senator Obama told reporters he would visit Iraq and Afghanistan sometime before the election, but did not give any specifics.    » read more »