Congress, Politics, Books
and American History

Following last week's passage of payroll tax cut legislation by Congress, President Obama held a White House event to elaborate on the legislation. The President thanked Congress for passing the legislation, but said "Don't stop here and go further." The President urged Congress to build on the success of the agreement by taking additional steps to create jobs, grow the economy and help the middle class.

More Info »

American History TV visited the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History for a look at the newly opened First Ladies exhibit. See inaugural and evening gowns, including those worn by Dolley Madison, Mary Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Pat Nixon and Michelle Obama. Curator Lisa Kathleen Graddy explains what these gowns have to tell us about the unofficial yet influential role first ladies play in presidential administrations – and about the politics and culture of their times.

More Info »

President Obama told supporters that it will take more than a single term in office to make changes in government that he first called for as a candidate in 2008. He made these remarks at a campaign fundraiser at the Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco. About 2,900 people attended this event, which featured a musical performance by Chris Cornell.

More Info »

Pres. Obama concluded his three day tour with a stop at the Boeing Company in Everett, Washington where he delivered remarks on jobs, the economy and U.S. manufacturing. He said Boeing is an example of an American company helping the economy by doing business overseas and called on Congress to continue financing a national export credit agency, which is critical to his goal of boosting exports. He also announced that he will take steps to offer financing to U.S. companies to match the help that their competitors get from overseas.

More Info »

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called on Congress to keep working together following an agreement on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance. He defended the President’s 2013 budget request before the House Budget Committee, while admitting that the proposal does not address long term budget deficits caused primarily by health care costs.

More Info »

Following up on yesterday's Senate appearance, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta detailed his department's proposed 2013 budget. Joining the Secretary before the House Armed Services Committee was Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff.

More Info »

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified before the Senate Finance Committee on the President’s 2013 budget request. The request includes $76.4 billion for the department. That’s a $300 million increase over 2012. Despite the increase, Secretary Sebelius says

More Info »

The Chinese Vice President’s visit to the U.S. dominated discussion in this White House Briefing.  Press Secretary Jay Carney says President Obama and the Chinese leader had a long and good meeting earlier where they discussed a wide range of issues.

More Info »

Acting White House Budget Director Jeffrey Zients defended President Obama’s 2013 budget request before the Senate Budget Committee. Republicans on the panel accused the White House of failing to acknowledge the actual amount of federal spending in the budget plan.  

More Info »

Defense Sec. Leon Panetta told lawmakers that the $525 billion budget for fiscal year 2013 did come with some risks. Though, he labeled the cuts as "acceptable risks."  He was joined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey.

More Info »