The politics of a new consumer protection agency
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood (at podium) speaks in the White House briefing room Wednesday as (left to right) Maryland Attorney General Douglas Ganlser, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Copper and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff listen.
December 7th, 2011
04:04 PM ET
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The politics of a new consumer protection agency

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The White House (CNN)–The showdown between the White House and Senate Republicans over a new consumer protection bureau continued Wednesday as attorneys general from four states came to the White House to press for a vote on the nominee to head the agency. 

Republicans have said they will prevent a vote on Richard Cordray's nomination to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau not because they oppose Cordray, but because they want changes made to strengthen congressional oversight of the new panel.

President Obama Tuesday threatened to veto any effort by congressional Republicans to "delay, defund or dismantle" the new consumer protection panel by blocking the confirmation of Cordray.   FULL POST
Topics: Congress • President Obama
A date which will live in infamy
December 7th, 2011
10:33 AM ET
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A date which will live in infamy

On December 7th, 1941 Japan attacked the United States Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor.  On December 8th the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II.

This morning The White House released a statement remembering the day.

Seventy years ago today, a bright Sunday morning was darkened by the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, Michelle and I join the American people in honoring the memory of the more than 2,400 American patriots—military and civilian, men, women and children—who gave their lives in our first battle of the Second World War. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families for whom this day is deeply personal—the spouses, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters who have known seven decades without a loved one but who have kept their legacy alive for future generations.

We salute the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who inspire us still. Despite overwhelming odds, they fought back heroically, inspiring our nation and putting us on the path to victory. They are members of that Greatest Generation who overcame the Depression, crossed oceans and stormed the beaches to defeat fascism, and turned adversaries into our closest allies. When the guns fell silent, they came home, went to school on the G.I. Bill, and built the largest middle class in history and the strongest economy in the world. They remind us that no challenge is too great when Americans stand as one. All of us owe these men and women a profound debt of gratitude for the freedoms and standard of living we enjoy today.

On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to carrying on their work—to keeping the country we love strong, free and prosperous. And as today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end and we welcome home our 9/11 Generation, we resolve to always take care of our troops, veterans and military families as well as they’ve taken care of us. On this solemn anniversary, there can be no higher tribute to the Americans who served and sacrificed seventy years ago today.
Topics: The News
Morning Briefing: Dec 7
December 7th, 2011
09:51 AM ET
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Morning Briefing: Dec 7

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The 1600 Report's daily roundup of what the White House is reading this morning online and in the papers:

*Obama: New income inequality rhetoric, old policies (CNNMoney)

 *GOP won't go down without a tax fight  (Politico)

*Pakistan president in Dubai for treatment as coup rumours intensify (Guardian)

*U.S. officials quietly cajole European leaders on debt crisis (WashPost)

*Syria, under siege inside and out, does not budge  (NYT)

*Why Newt's surge is for real (Politico)

 
Topics: Daily Schedule
The White House schedule Wednesday December 7, 2011
December 7th, 2011
09:00 AM ET
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The White House schedule Wednesday December 7, 2011

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President Obama will welcome out northern neighbor, Canadian Prime minister Stephen Harper to the White House later today.     Topics of disccusion are expected to include boarder security and TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline.

 

9:30AM          Pool Call Time

9:45AM          THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Senate Democratic Leadership

                          Oval Office   Closed Press

2:15PM           THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Harper of Canada

                        Oval Office    Closed Press

3:00PM           THE PRESIDENT and Prime Minister Harper of Canada deliver statements

                        South Court Auditorium   Open Press

4:35PM           THE PRESIDENT attends a campaign event

                        The Jefferson Hotel, Washington, DC   Closed Press           

Briefing Schedule

10:30AM        Press Secretary Jay Carney and Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin will hold an off-camera gaggle in the Brady Press Briefing Room to discuss the need for Congress to confirm Richard Cordray as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Topics: Daily Schedule • White House