Politics. On Point.

The House and Senate finally approved to extend the payroll tax cut along with unemployment benefits for millions of Americans.  At least for two more months. "I am grateful that the voices of reason have prevailed and Speaker Boehner has agreed to pass the Senate’s bipartisan compromise", said Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Majority Leader . "Year-long extensions of the payroll tax cut, unemployment insurance and Medicare payments for physicians has always been our goal, and Democrats will not rest until we have passed them." The President, the House and the Senate.  Two days before the Christmas holiday  an agreement is made to extend tax cuts and unemployment benefits for Americans. Said President Obama, before leaving the White House to join his family in Hawaii for the Christmas holiday, "I said it was critical for Congress not to go home without preventing a tax increase on 160 million working Americans, and I'm pleased to say that they've got...

The Department of Justice today filed its largest residential fair lending settlement in history to resolve allegations that Countrywide Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries engaged in a widespread pattern or practice of discrimination against qualified African-American and Hispanic borrowers in their mortgage lending from 2004 through 2008.  More than 200,000 African-American and Hispanic borrowers who qualified for Loans were charged higher fees or placed into subprime loans.   The settlement provides $335 million in compensation for victims of Countrywide’s discrimination during a period when Countrywide originated millions of residential mortgage loans as one of the nation’s largest single-family mortgage lenders. The settlement, which is subject to court approval, was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in conjunction with the department’s complaint which alleges that Countrywide discriminated by charging more than 200,...

Covenant House, in conjunction with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus and more than 200 disadvantaged D.C. children to the 21st annual “D.C. Children’s Christmas Party on the Hill”today in the Cannon House Office Building. The children were provided with food and gifts while being entertained by a puppet show from ACLOWN4U, as well as by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves. “We hope that by providing these children with some holiday fun not only with toys, but also with some necessities, including hats, gloves and scarves, it will encourage them to believe that things can always get better,” Norton said. “These are tough times for the average American.” Congresswoman Norton remarked that she appreciated the generosity of the many organizations, businesses and individuals who made donations and volunteered their time to help make the party a success.

At Fort Bragg, President Obama and First Lady welcome home soldiers. The president remarked: "It’s harder to end a war than begin one. Indeed, everything that American troops have done in Iraq -– all the fighting and all the dying, the bleeding and the building, and the training and the partnering -– all of it has led to this moment of success. Now, Iraq is not a perfect place. It has many challenges ahead. But we’re leaving behind a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq, with a representative government that was elected by its people. We’re building a new partnership between our nations. And we are ending a war not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home." The president visited with five enlisted servicemen, recently returned from deployments, and one Gold Star Family before making remarks.

Awards To Help Build Statewide Systems of High Quality Early Education Programs The White House announced that nine states - California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington - will receive grant awards from the $500 million Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge fund, a competitive grant program jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.  President Obama asked Congress in his budget to authorize and make permanent an Early Learning Challenge Fund in previous years. Unfortunately, Congress did not act on that proposal, so the Administration took action to ensure this program was funded this year through Race to the Top, because our kids only get one shot at a top-notch education and they cannot afford to wait. “Education must be our national mission,” said President Barack Obama. “All of us must work to give all our children the best education possible.  And today, we...

The First Lady stopped Children's National Hospital today were she visited the center's Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery and the Intestinal Rehabilitation Unit, meeting with patients and families and hospital staff. First Lady gets escorted by 8 year old Romauld Vital. While there she read the Christmas favorite, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' to a group of energetic, and inquisitive young people. Afterwards, (here's where the real fun starts) she took questions from the group.  Some of the questions asked were what she gives the president for Christmas and what she eats for Christmas dinner. Mrs. Obama reads 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. One of our favorite reactions to the First Lady's answer went like this, from 'Alex': Q    What does your family like to eat on Christmas?      MRS. OBAMA:  "What do we like to eat on Christmas?  Sometimes we have turkey, sometimes we have stea...

Our Quote of the Day (QOTD) comes from White House press secretary Jay Carney as he speaks to the press about today's visit between President Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki. Said Carney, "This is a momentous visit..." President Obama shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. AP photo. Here's a bit more of Carney at the top of today's briefing in the James Brady briefing room at the White House. As you know, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki is here to meet with the President.  You will be seeing them both fairly soon.  And if I could just note, this is a momentous visit because, as you know, the Iraq war -- a war that we've been engaged in for 8 and a half years -- is over.  And after eight and a half years of sacrifice, America's war in Iraq is coming to an end.  Since President Obama took office, nearly 150,000 U.S. troops have been removed from Iraq and hundreds of bases have been shut down.  In the next two weeks the ...

The First Family participated in the annual Christmas In Washington taping last evening at the National Building Museum that included the likes of artist Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and Justin Bieber.    The Band Perry , who also performed at this year's White House Country Music Series that aired last month, made a return visit to Washington for the cause. However, speaking of Hudson and Bieber, Hudson writes on her Facebook page, " Yes he got me. I have bieber fever too. He is the sweetest n cutest ever! Melted my heart n his lovely mother too. " Conan O'Brian was the host on the evening.  True to form for the late night talk show host, O'Brian, in comedic fashion made a few jokes - Holiday style. "At Christmas, thoughts turn to a miracle child, worshipped by millions around the world. "I'm speaking of course, of Justin Bieber." Other O'Brian banter included him poking fun at the First Lady's healthy eating initiative. ...

The White House is reporting that today President Obama announced that Secretary John Bryson would join National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling as co-chair of the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy.  The Office of Manufacturing Policy is part of the National Economic Council in the White House and works across federal government agencies to coordinate the execution of manufacturing programs and the development of manufacturing policy. “At this make or break time for the middle class and our economy, we need a strong manufacturing sector that will put Americans back to work making products stamped with three proud words: Made in America,” said President Obama.  “I am grateful that Secretary Bryson and Gene Sperling will head up this office to continue our efforts to revitalize this great American industry and fight for American workers and jobs.” “John Bryson brings to this role decades of business leadership, a passion for manufacturing, and a strong unders...

As the 26th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day approaches, the White House and the Corporation for National and Community Service ( CNCS ) are joining forces to recognize outstanding volunteers nationwide with the MLK Drum Majors for Service program . The Drum Majors program gives organizations and groups an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those volunteers who perform extraordinary everyday acts of service with reliability and commitment, but who seldom receive recognition. Drum Major awardees receive an award from CNCS designating that person as a “Drum Major for Service” with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. “As we call upon Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through engaging in service, those who set examples for their communities deserve to be honored,” said Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council.  “In challenging times, Americans traditionally come together, support one another, and strengthen their communities, improving their own a...

US Attorney General Under Fire for Gun Tracking Operation US General Eric Holder testified on Capitol Hill today in a hearing on about an operation named Fast and Furious, said to be designed to take illegally purchased weapons from Arizona gun stores across the  border for Mexican drug cartel use. The operation, which began during the George Bush era, came under fire as hundreds of those weapons somehow were lost, untracked, and plainly unaccounted for.  Oddly enough, at least two of the missing weapons were found at a site where Border Patrol agent Brian Terry was killed in December 2010. Republican members of Congress are calling for Holder's job, alluding to Holder being impeached. "There is really no responsibility within the Justice Department," Sensenbrenner said. "The thing is, if we don't get to the bottom of this -- and that requires your assistance on that -- there is only one alternative that Congress has and it is called impeachment."...

It's always just a matter of time before presidential candidates put their foots in their mouths and say something insensitive, or just plain stupid. Gingrich's contract 'against' America's poor. This time, it was Newt Gingrich's turn (again).  Thankfully, someone on the national level spoke out .  (We need more like that). Gingrich spoke in Iowa recently, and his remarks about the most vulnerable of our society are deplorable, proving Newt is as far removed from the American populous as a repeat adulterer is from a sex addiction clinic. Gingrich claims poor children have no work habits unless it's "illegal." They have no habit of ‘I do this and you give me cash’ unless it’s illegal", he said. (As if working in Congress has yielded no illegal activity among its own 'employed' members). He further thrusted his foot in his mouth when he said that poor children "have no role model to show them the habits of work....

President Obama makes strong push to get Congress pass his proposed tax cut plan, extending the George Bush era tax plan.  Congress has 26 days 9 hours (essentially, before the end of the year to do so). Speaking today in the James Brady briefing room, President Obama remarked : "A year ago at this time, both parties came together to cut payroll taxes for the typical American family by about $1,000.  But as soon as this year ends, so does that tax cut.  If Congress fails to renew this tax cut before then, that same family will see a tax hike of about $1,000 a year.  There aren’t many folks either in the middle class or those trying to get into the middle class who can afford to give up $1,000 -- not right now.  And that's why Congress must act", the president said.  President Obama speaking today in the James Brady briefing room. "My message to Congress is this: Keep your word to the American people and don't raise taxes on them right now....

The Office of the Vice President announced today that Courtney O’Donnell , Director of Communications to Second Lady Jill Biden, will leave the White House to move to Berlin, Germany with her family where she plans to work on projects based in Europe. O’Donnell served as Deputy communications director for the Bill Clinton Foundation from 2004 to 2009, and as deputy press secretary for the Elizabeth Edwards, Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004. She also worked as the deputy communications director on the Howard Dean presidential campaign from 2003 to 2004. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1988. Dr. Jill Biden said about O'Donnell: “Since Inauguration Day, Courtney has served as a trusted advisor to me and our entire team. Her creativity and strategic thinking helped us build campaigns to showcase the strengths of community colleges, support our nation’s military families, fight breast cancer, and draw attention and resources to the issues in the Horn of Africa. Her e...

This year's honorees include singer Barbara Cook , singer and songwriter Neil Diamond , cellist Yo-Yo Ma (an Obama favorite), saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins , and actress Meryl Streep . Rollins received a National Medal of Arts and National Humanities medal award from President Obama last year. Ma received the Medal of Freedom award from the president.  (Click links for our coverage). In tradition, President Obama and First Lady Michelle hosted the honorees at a White House reception. "So, each of them have made these extraordinary contributions, and it's worthwhile, then, for us to commit ourselves to making this a place where the arts can continue to thrive", said President Obama, promoting the Arts.  "Because right now, somewhere in America, there is a future Kennedy Center honoree, practicing on some phone books, or writing songs to impress a girl, or wondering if she can cut it on the big stage.  Let's make sure our young people can dr...

Better Building Initiative Investments President Obama announced this week nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next 2 years. These investments will save billions in energy costs, promote energy independence, and, according to independent estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the hard-hit construction sector. The $4 billion investment announced today includes a $2 billion commitment, made through the issuance of a Presidential Memorandum, to energy upgrades of federal buildings using long term energy savings to pay for up-front costs, at no cost to taxpayers. In addition, 60 CEOs, mayors, university presidents, and labor leaders today committed to invest nearly $2 billion of private capital into energy efficiency projects; and to upgrade energy performance by a minimum of 20% by 2020 in 1.6 billion square feet of office, industrial, municipal, hospital, university, community college and school buildings. ...

The Departments of Justice and Education released two new guidance documents – one for school districts and one for colleges and universities – detailing the flexibility that the Supreme Court has provided to educational institutions to promote diversity and, in the case of elementary and secondary schools, reduce racial isolation among students within the confines of the law.   The guidance makes clear that educators may permissibly consider the race of students in carefully constructed plans to promote diversity or, in K-12 education, to reduce racial isolation.  It recognizes the learning benefits to students when campuses and schools include students of diverse backgrounds. “Diverse learning environments promote development of analytical skills, dismantle stereotypes, and prepare students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.  “The guidance announced today will aid educational institutions in their efforts to p...

World AIDS Day is held the first day of December each year as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. The World AIDs Day web site provides these statistics about the disease. More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV....

First Lady Michelle Obama invited military families and their children to the White House today to marvel at the White House Christmas decorations, while their children engaged in ornament making in the State Dining room with the First Lady. Photo by Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT. Four-year-old Gerald Hogan, Jr. was the star of the day, all smiles, with his ornament of White House dog, Bo.   Gerald tied a green ribbon on his ornament and lifted it up for photographers to see.  When asked if he was going to put the ornament of Bo on his tree at home, he replied, “We don’t have a tree.”   A cute four year-old talks about his White House Christmas ornament. Video/Politics. On Point. It may be a bit early yet for the Hogan family Christmas tree, but the White House was decked with boughs of holly, Christmas trees, and more.   Thirty-seven Christmas trees to be exact, to include 30 natural trees, seven made from paper, felt or aluminum. “It jus...