September 6, 2013 President Obama Travels to St. Petersburg for the G-20 On Thursday, President Obama traveled to St.

Petersburg to take part in the G-20 Summit. The summit brings together leaders of twenty of the worlds major economies, is President Obamas seventh. Upon arriving in Russia, President Obama held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe of Japan focusing on a range of issues ranging from economic interests and security to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Prior to the meeting, President Obama said: The U.S.-Japan alliance is one of the cornerstones not just of Japans and Americas security, but also a cornerstone for peace and security around the world Here at the G20, our primary purpose is to focus on the economy and how we can improve the worlds prospects for jobs and growth and stability. And I know that Prime Minister Abe has taken some very bold steps to boost growth and jobs and demand in Japan. Following the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe, President Obama took part in the first G-20 working session on growth and the global economy followed by a working dinner on sustainable development. The summit continued on Friday with President Obama attending the G-20 session on investing in growth and jobs, a working lunch on growth and trade, and a press conference. Read more about the President Obamas G-20 trip here.

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Former President Bill Clinton on the Affordable Care Act On Wednesday, former President Clinton spoke from his presidential library in Little Rock, Arkansas about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. President Clinton said: Weve got to do this. The studies show that we are No. 1 by a country mile in the percentage of our income that we devote to healthcare costs, and rank no better than 25th to 33rd in the healthcare outcomes we get. This is the country that pioneered innovation in every other area of our national life; you cannot make me believe that we have to tolerate this from now until the end of eternity. Along with specifics for the implementation of the law, President Clinton also called out Republicans who have been resisting the law since it was passed in 2010, saying: "I think we should all work together to implement this law, whether we supported it or not," he said. "It is the law." Instead of fighting against it, President Clinton called on those who disagree with the law to help improve and implement the Affordable Care Act. Clinton repeatedly emphasized the importance of a bipartisan approach for the good of the American people, saying: We all get paid to show up for work and we need all hands on deck here, he said. The health of our people, the security and stability of our families, and the strength of our economy are all riding on getting healthcare reform right and doing it well. That means we have to do it together. Watch the video of President Clintons speech here.

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President Obama Visits Sweden On Wednesday, President Obama traveled to Sweden before this weekends G-20 Summit in St. Petersburg. The historic trip marked the very first bilateral visit to Sweden by a U.S. President. The meeting and a joint press conference were conducted with Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt. President Obama highlighted the democracybased governments of the U.S. and Sweden as common ground for the two countries. President Obama said: As free peoples, we recognize that democracy is the most effective form of government ever devised for delivering progress and opportunity and prosperity and freedom to people. And as two of the most innovative economies on Earth, we cherish that freedom that allows us to innovate and create, which is why were leaders in science and research and development -- those things that pioneers new industries and broaden our horizons. We share a belief in the dignity and equality of every human being; that our daughters deserve the same opportunities as our sons; that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters must be treated equally under the law; that our societies are strengthened and not weakened by diversity. And we stand up for universal human rights, not only in America and in Europe, but beyond, because we believe that when these rights are respected, nations are more successful and our world is safer and more just. President Obama also addressed Syria, saying: The Prime Minister and I are in agreement that in the face of such barbarism the international community cannot be silent, and that failing to respond to this attack would only increase the risk of more attacks and the possibility that other countries would use these weapons as well. While in Sweden President Obama also participated in an event at the Great Synagogue honoring the life of Raoul Wallenberg. Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat and honorary U.S. citizen who saved countless lives while serving as Swedens special envoy to Budapest during World War II. President Obama called Wallenbergs life a challenge to us all to live those virtues of empathy and compassion, even when its hard, even when it involves great risk. Later that day, President Obama visited the Royal Institute of Technology where he had a chance to tour an exposition of the latest clean energy technologies being developed in Sweden. The United States and Sweden stand united in our shared interest in promoting clean energy and taking action to confront the challenge of global climate change.

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DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultzs Celebrates Rosh Hashanah Wednesday evening marked the beginning of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement in recognition of that occasion: When the sun sets today we will begin the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. As summer comes to an end, this season brings a time to reflect on the past, both the good and the bad, and look towards the future. Most of all, it is a chance to gather with our family and friends in the spirit of prayer, fellowship and understanding. We think about what the coming year will bring, and what we can do to make a difference, for each other and for the world. As we head back to Washington for the fall session, I plan to bring these values of Rosh Hashanah with me. As we tackle the serious challenges facing our county, I hope we can similarly come together and work towards positive change. From my family to yours, I wish you and your loved ones lshana tovah umetuka a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.

CEA Chairmans Statement on the Employment Situation in August Jason Furman, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, issued the following statement on todays Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report for August, which shows that the private sector added 152,000 jobs last month and unemployment rate declined to 7.3 percent its lowest level since December 2008. August marks the 42nd month in a row the private sector has added jobs for a total of nearly 7.5 million. Over the last four years, weve cleared away the rubble from the financial crisis and begun to lay a new foundation for stronger, more durable economic growth. With continued solid job gains, todays employment report is another sign of progress, but we must continue to pursue policies that move our economy forward and restore middle class security. As the Administration stresses every month, the monthly employment and unemployment figures can be volatile, and payroll employment estimates can be subject to substantial revision. Therefore, it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report and it is informative to consider each report in the context of other data that are becoming available. Nevertheless, incoming economic data broadly suggest that the recovery continues to make progress. It is therefore essential that policymakers avoid self-inflicted wounds that could derail the recovery and stay focused on policies that will help sustain and boost the pace of job creation. You can view the statement HERE.

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Vice President Biden Swears in Secretary of Labor Tom Prez On Wednesday, Tom Prez was officially sworn in by Vice President Biden as the Obama Administrations new Secretary of Labor. Secretary Prez served as Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. The son of Dominican parents, Secretary Prez spoke about how he lived the American dream thanks to the constant encouragement from his family and mentors and an unwavering commitment to working hard. The Secretary shared his story of how he worked his way through Brown University and Harvard Law School as a garbage collector and warehouse worker. Secretary Prezs inspiring story reminds all of us that if you are willing to put in the work you should have a fair shot at success no matter who you are or where you come from. The Democratic Party is firmly committed to this principle and making it easier for more Americans to live their American Dream. Given his extensive experience in public service and his personal background, Secretary Prez will be a key advocate for Americas working men and women, including Latinos who comprise 15% of the U.S. labor force. Click HERE to read more about Secretary Prezs swearing in.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz Honors Labor Day On Monday, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement honoring Labor Day: The Labor Day holiday is an opportunity to honor those whose hard work is an expression of their patriotism and a demonstration of devotion to their families. It is an occasion to recognize all that the American labor movement has done to improve the pay, benefits and working conditions, not just for union members but for all who toil in the national economy. The fight on behalf of their families unites workers from different backgrounds, impressing upon them the interests they share, fostering a spirit of cooperation and solidarity that has become an enduring feature of the American character. In that spirit, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of progress on behalf of our nations workers, beginning with the goal of raising the minimum wage. President Obama urged Congress to increase the minimum wage during the State of the Union Address, and Democrats are ready to follow his lead. An honest days work deserves a livable wage. And those who offer their labor deserve not just to be treated with dignity and respect but to have a measure of comfort and financial stability. Today we will enjoy this national holiday. Tomorrow we will get back to work, compelled by a new sense of purpose.

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President Obamas Weekly Address: Commemorating Labor Day On Saturday, President Obama reflected on the contributions of Americas working men and women in his weekly address posted on the White House Blog. In his address, President Obama discussed the significance of Labor Day, saying: This Labor Day weekend, as we gather with family and friends, well also come together as a nation to honor some of our own the working men and women of America who, across the generations, built this country up and helped make us who we are today. On Monday, well celebrate that proud history. Well pay tribute to the values working Americans embody hard work; responsibility; sacrifice; looking out for one another. And well recommit ourselves to their cause; to securing for them a better bargain so that everyone who works hard in America has a chance to get ahead. See, over the past four and a half years, weve fought our way back from the worst recession of our lifetimes. And thanks to the grit and resilience of the American people, weve begun to lay a foundation for stronger, more durable economic growth. But as any working family will tell you, were not where we need to be. For over a decade, working Americans have seen their wages and incomes stagnate, even as corporate profits soar and the pay of a fortunate few explodes. For even longer than that, inequality has steadily risen; the journey of upward mobility has become harder. And in too many communities across this country, the shadow of poverty continues to cast a pall over our fellow citizens. Reversing that trend needs to be Washingtons highest priority. Its certainly mine. Thats why, over the past month, Ive traveled all across America, laying out my ideas for how we can build on the cornerstones of what it means to be middle class. A good job that pays a good wage. A good education. A home of your own. Health care when you get sick. A secure retirement even if youre not rich. And more chances for folks to earn their way into the middle class as long as theyre willing to work for it. The truth is, its not going to be easy to reverse the forces that have conspired for decades against working Americans. But if we take a few bold steps and if Washington is able to come together with common purpose and common resolve well get there. Our economy will keep getting stronger and more Americans will be able to join the ranks of the middle-class. So this Labor Day, while youre out there grilling in the backyard, or taking that final trip for the summer, I hope youll also take a moment to reflect on the many contributions of our working men and women. For generations, it was the great American middle class that made our economy the envy of the world. And as long as Im President, Im going to keep fighting to make sure that happens again. Watch President Obamas weekly address here.

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