/r/WhatObamaHasDone
This reddit is for all of you who are sick of hearing Obama hasn't done a thing. As the media continues to ignore the good and report sensationalized crap, we need to fight back with facts! I've established thirty categories and ask you to help me keep it updated. Just make a comment under the right category and provided references. If it checks out, I will add it to the list. I ask for your help to report what the media refuses to report: THE TRUTH!
/r/WhatObamaHasDone
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Obama's Record. Part II.
21:25 UTC
Obama's Record. Part I
20:24 UTC
An updated bullet list of the Obama presidency
• Economy grew 2.6% in the first quarter of 2012 http://www.reddit.com/tb/scx09
• Brought us out of recession worse than last 3 recessions combined
• Got more Taliban leaders in 30 days than Bush/Cheney did in 6 years
• Auto Industry saved
• Got North Korea to stop enriching uranium
• Iraq war ended
• Bin Laden dead
• Nuclear weapons reduced by 1/3 in US & Russia
• Stock market more than doubles
• Stock market closes higher than since 2007
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/01/dow-jones-industrial-average-4-year-high_n_1468746.html • Creamed Bush in turning around job loss – [See GRAPH] (http://reflectionsofarationalrepublican.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/liberal-total-private-jobs-worldview-november-data.jpg)
• U.S Gross Domestic product went from steady decline to increasing every ¼ of the Obama Presidency [See graph] ( http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdp_large.gif)
• Ended Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
• Settled Libya problem in 60 days with no American casualties or ground troops
• Insurance companies must cover pre-existing conditions
• Kids stay on their parent’s insurance until 26 under certain conditions
• Requires health plans to disclose how much of premium goes to patient care
• Prevents children from being denied health insurance coverage
• Cut prescription drug cost for medi-care recipients by 50%
• Requires large employers to contribute to a national healthcare plan
• Spending growth under Obama lower than that of both Bushes, Nixon, Carter & Reagan
• Came out against SOPA
• Temporally suspended taxes on Unemployment benefits
• Nixes Keystone Pipeline
• Jail population decline for first time in decades
• Wind power growth up 39%
• Instituted the toughest Wall Street reform since Great Depression
• Passed health reform: Others tried & failed over the last 60 years
• Insurance companies can no longer drop you when you get sick
• Stimulus Plan which brought us out of the brink of financial collapse
• $100 billion to embarrassing, crumbling infrastructure: Most since Eisenhower
• $60 billion to create renewable and clean energy
• Credit Card reform stopping the most abusive credit card practices
• Huge investment into science & technology
• Quadrupled the number of openly gay judges on the federal bench
• Amped budgets at NASA & National Science Foundation
• Expanded state run health insurance to cover additional four million kids
• Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – Equal pay for equal work
• Global initiative keeping nuclear material out of hands of terrorists
• Hate crimes prevention act (Matthew Shepard Act)
• FDA for first time allowed to regulate tobacco
• Eliminated scandal plagued Mineral Management Services
• Overhauled the astonishing stupidity of the student loan system
• Cancelled bloated weapons program including useless F-22
• Stopped Russia supplying $1 billion of high-tech missiles to Iran promised by Bush
• Tax cuts for small businesses
• $14 billion in federally funded loans to stimulate job creation
• Cut taxes for 95% of working families
• Passed 16 different tax cuts for American small business owners
• Fought GOP for Health benefits for 9/11 responders - He didn't forget.
• Extended unemployment benefits
• Consumer spending increase
• Orders for durable goods increase
• Appointed first Latina to Supreme Court
• Ryan White AIDS Treatment Act
• Appointed more openly gay officials than any other president
• Expanded loan program for small businesses
• Increased funding for National Parks and Forests
• Led effort to phase out whaling
• Funding for high speed broadband internet access to students K-12
• $26 billion to states saving 160,000 teacher jobs among other things
• Helped rebuild schools in New Orleans
• Doubled research funds for cleaner fuel
• $2 billion to solar power
• Raised fuel economy standards
• Cash for clunkers
• Limited mercury emissions
• Eliminated oil company liability caps for oil spills
• Ordered BP to provide $20 billion liability fund for damages from spill
• Mandated new safety rules for offshore drilling
• World opinion of US improves significantly since Obama takes office
• Visited more countries in first year than any other president
• Return rights of Americans to visit and assist their families in Cuba
• Renewed loan guarantees to Israel
• Pledged $400 million in aid to Gaza civilians
• Pressured Israel to end Gaza blockade
• Authorized Clinton’s mission getting 2 prisoners released from Korea
• Nuclear arms agreement with India
• Agreement with Switzerland to bolster tax information exchange
• Cut salaries of senior White House officials
• Prevented congress from receiving cost of living pay raise
• Cancelled contracts for 28 White House helicopters saving $11.2 billion
• Return tax payer money for White House refurbishing
• Established a Patient’s Bill of Rights
• Expanded vaccinations program
• New homes sales see biggest jump in 47 years
• Extended benefit for same-sex partners of federal employees
• Same-sex partners assured visitation & healthcare decision rights
• $8 billion to establish smart power grid
• $13 billion for high-speed rail in 13 major US corridors
• Major expansion of AmeriCorps
• Committed US to almost 5 million charging station by 2015
• Expanding broadband internet
• Improved benefits for veterans
• New and improved hiring policy for veterans
• Donated Peace Prize award money
• Ended media blackout on war casualties
• Increased access to PTSD treatment for soldiers and veterans
• Reconstruction of military to reflect modern-day threats & technology
• Ended torture
• Recommitted the U.S. to full compliance to the Geneva Conventions
• Cut missile defense system by $1.4 billion
• Increased pay benefits to military personnel
• Began draw-down of war in Afghanistan
• Ordered Seal operation to free of US captain held by pirates
• Negotiated nuclear arms agreement with Australia, India, & Russia
• Increased Navy patrol of Somali coast
• Provided $210 Million for building and upgrading fire stations
• Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act
• Ordered extensive review of hurricane & natural disaster preparedness
• Edward Kennedy Serve America Act: Expands national volunteer program
• Removed restrictions and provided support of embryonic stem cell research
• Manned missions to Mars & asteroids rather than just returning to moon
• Worked with international allies on International Space Station
• Used private sector to improve space flight
• Used Space Station for fundamental biological and physical research
• Established consumer tax credit for plug-in hybrid cars
• $60 billion in spending & tax incentives for renewable & clean energy
• For first time in 13 years America’s dependence on foreign oil below 50%
• Tax breaks to promote public transit
• Extended and indexed the 2007 Alternative Minimum Tax patch
• Income floor for medical expense deductions for individuals 65 & older
• Health insurance tax credits & subsidies for incomes to 4x poverty level
• Accelerated tax benefits for donations to Haiti earthquake relief
• Income tax rates for highest earners will change from 35% to 39.6%
• Capital gains tax for highest earners will change from 15% to 20%
• Tax increase for corporations with assets of at least $1 billion
• Closed offshore tax safe havens, tax credit loopholes
• Tax bills hit lowest level since 1950
• Tax refunds up 10 percent due to stimulus
• Imposed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House
• Limits White House aides working for lobbyists after tenure in office
• Independent watchdogs call Obama’s record on ethic Unprecedented
• Closed lobbyist loopholes with respect to the Recovery Act
• Banned lobbyist gifts to executive employees
• DOD will film all interrogations
• White House voluntary disclosure policy
• $5,000 tax credit for every new worker hired
• Jobs for Main Street Act
• Under Obama American clean energy industry creates 2.7 million jobs & expanding rapidly
• Created more jobs in 2009 than Bush in his entire presidency
• CBO found 3.7 Million jobs created by stimulus (May 2010)
• 682,370 jobs created under Recovery Act Between Jan. & March, 2010
• National Export Initiative – designed to double US exports
• Federal deficit shrank 8% year-on-year
• Wall St reform designed to end taxpayer bailouts
• Gets 47 nations to agree to 4 years non-proliferation efforts
• Forced airlines to disclose prices upfront
• 25 Billion settlement against banking industry
• Opposes NC Gay Marriage Amendment
• Helped clean out weapons-usable uranium from 6 countries:
Mexico, Chile, Romania, Serbia, Libya, and Turkey
• Number of oil rigs in US oil fields has quadrupled in past three years
• US now has more rigs at work than the rest of the world put together
• First time since 1949 we now export more gas than we import
• Rescued hostages held by Somalian Pirates with precision mission
• January 2012: - Lowest unemployment rate in three years
• Makes health insurance available to seasonal firefighters
03:59 UTC
Obama's immigrant change
This is an amazing plan. These kids had absolutely no choice in coming to the United States. They are just as american as you or I IN EVERY WAY except on paper. i have not been on with everything that President Obama has done. But this is an incredible change .
They are american's we are american's.
American's helping each other , though not always kin... will stay true to a bright future. let us unite as a full nation and prosper .
10:20 UTC
Chapter 32: Items not yet categorized
- Forced airlines to disclose prices upfront
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/01/04/397425/obama-airline-rules/
Please feel free to add to this list. I haven't updated the other lists in the last year and would welcome the help. Please add anything you can he has done this last year.
21:22 UTC
Chapter 31 - The Encore
HE GOT OSAMA BIN LADEN!!!
04:09 UTC
Chapter 1 - Banking & Financial Reform
Chapter 1
BANKING AND FINANCIAL REFORM
Broad Policy
- Established the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3725.pdf
- Established President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3725.pdf
http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/fin-education/council/
- Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-4173
- Dodd-Frank (DF) Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the biggest financial reform law since the Great Depression.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/obama-signs-sweeping-bank-reform-bill-into-law-2010-07-21-12200
- Managed the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9961/01-16-TARP.pdf
- Assigned a Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act of 2009.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.383:
- Pension relief Act of 2010.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-3962
- Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act.
http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/legislation?id=0306
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Protecting-Homeowners-Protecting-the-Economy/
- Played a lead role in G-20 Summit re: financial crisis.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/02/A-Turning-Point/
- Reformed deferral rules to curb tax advantages for investing overseas.
- Established new offshore investment policy that promotes in-sourcing.
http://blogs.federaltimes.com/federal-times-blog/tag/insourcing/
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/05/its-recess----do-you-know-where-your-wedge-issue-is.php
Funding:
- Cut salaries for 65 bailout executives (Pay Czar).
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/16/pay-czar-cuts-salaries-fo_n_540849.html
- Banks have repaid 75% of TARP funds, bringing the cost down to $89B as of June 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/business/23tarp.html?ref=business
- Closed offshore tax safe havens, tax credit loopholes.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/04/obama-tax-haven-plan-read_n_195702.html
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/America_Jobs_Summary.pdf
Targeted Actions:
- Created the Financial Stability Oversight Council to monitor stability of the financial system & individual firms.
- New requirements for reporting financial data (DF).
- Created self-funded Office of Financial Research (OFR) to collect information from financial firms.
- OFR employees must wait a year before working for certain financial firms.
- Provided for orderly liquidation of financial companies (DF).
- Limited trading activities of banks (Volcker Rule) beginning 2 yrs after passage (DF).
- Swaps Pushout Rule prevented federal assistance to swaps (including derivatives) traders (DF).
- Derivatives must be traded transparently through a clearing house (DF).
- Defined the amount and nature of assets required to meet capital requirements (DF).
- Originators of asset-backed securities must retain 5% ownership/risk (DF).
- Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (DF).
- Stronger client fiduciary duty for broker-dealers (DF).
- Higher standards for securities advertising and disclosures (DF).
- Expanded “insider loans” (DF).
- Higher standards for systemically important ($50 billion assets+) institutions, including annual stress tests and restrictions on bank acquisitions (DF).
- Executive compensation must be determined by an independent committee (DF).
- Issued compensation guidelines for bank executive salary and bonuses.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/21/AR2010062104645.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704895204575320802814329546.html
- Financial agencies must establish Offices of Women & Minorities to promote more diverse hiring.
- Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-president-credit-card-bill-implementation
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-reforms-protect-american-credit-card-holders
- Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3606:
- Established a credit card bill of rights.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3606:
- Reformed credit card swipe fees.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/13/AR2010051303571.html
- Created new criminal penalties for mortgage fraud.
- Congress pursued Goldman Sachs for securities violations.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/01/22/82899/goldman-under-investigation-for.html
- Permanently extended Research and Experimentation Tax Credit for domestic investments.
Results:
- (Treasury) Sold 1.5 billion shares of Citigroup at a profit.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/04/26/news/companies/citigroup_treasury/index.htm
- G-20 summit produced a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/02/A-Turning-Point/
- Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/26324342/U-S-Swiss-Agreement-on-Tax-Disclosures
- Financial reform has strongest consumer financial protections in history
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/15/obama-weekly-address-says_n_577432.html
23:08 UTC
Chapter 2 - Healthcare Reform
Chapter 2
HEALTHCARE REFORM
- Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/433/sign-a-universal-health-care-bill/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/05/obama-health-reform-laws-helping-millions/
- Requires large employers to contribute to a national healthcare plan
- Requires Insurance Companies to cover pre-existing conditions
- Requires health plans to disclose how much of premium goes to patient care
- Establishes an independent health institute to provide accurate & objective information
- Provides minimal essential healthcare coverage by Veterans Affairs
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.5014:
- Kids can stay on their parent’s insurance until 26 under certain conditions
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05health.html?_r=1
- Prevents children from being denied health insurance coverage
- Establishes early retiree reinsurance program
http://www.healthreform.gov/newsroom/early_retiree_reinsurance_program.html
- Increased regulation of drug manufacturers
http://www.healthreform.gov/newsroom/early_retiree_reinsurance_program.html
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/13/fda_takes_drug_makers_to_task_on_ads/
- Cut prescription drug cost for medi-care recipients by 50% and began eliminating the plan’s gap (doughnut hole) in coverage
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-4872&tab=summary
- TRICARE Affirmation Act
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.4887:
- Extended COBRA (Consolidate Omnibus Budget Reconciliation) to provide for a continuation of healthcare
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/537332.html?nav=5011
http://www.shrm.org/Publications/HRNews/Pages/UIandCOBRAAgain.aspx
- Medicare Physicians Repayment Act of 2009
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3961:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65H4WB20100618?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=69
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/25/health/policy/25medicare.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=11012863
- Rescinded the controvesial clause the Bush administration enacted to allow healthcare workers deny healthcare to someone who they morally or religiously disagree with
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021807443.html
23:02 UTC
Chapter 3 - Civil Rights and Arts & Culture
Chapter 3
CIVIL RIGHTS AND ARTS & CULTURE
CIVIL RIGHTS
Funding
- Provide $12.2 Billion in new funding for Individuals With Disabilities Act through the American Recovery and Investment Act
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/factsheet/idea.html
Targeted Actions
- Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Acts: Equal pay for equal work
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ002.111
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/411/work-to-overturn-ledbetter-vs-goodyear/
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/politics/30ledbetter-web.html?_r=1
- Extended Benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees
http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20100603/BENEFITS06/6030301/-1/RSS
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/15/AR2010041505502.html?hpid=topnews
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/03/obama-memo-gives-more-ben_n_598748.html
- Presidential Memorandum protecting gay and lesbian partners’ visitation and healthcare decision making rights
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-memorandum-hospital-visitation
- Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to include gender, sexual orientation and disability
- Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/30/honoring-legacy-ryan-white
- Appointed more openly gay officials (150) than any other president in history
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/26/obama-has-appointed-most-us-gay-officials/
- Established White House Council on Women & Girls
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Executive_Order_13506
Financial agencies must establish Offices of Women & Minorities to promote more diverse hiring
Increase minority access to capital
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/16/increase-minority-access-to-capital/
- Signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities
- Increased federal employment of persons with disabilities
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/27/celebrating-with-substance
- Pushing through settlement in black farmers lawsuit against USDA
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/05/0155.xml
- Don't Ask, Don't Tell is Repealled
http://whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/22/jovial-crowd-cheers-the-signing-of-dadt-repeal/
ARTS & CULTURE
- Increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts to highest level since 1992
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/327/support-increased-funding-for-the-nea/
http://www.afm.org/news/nea-funding-update
http://www.nea.gov/recovery/nea-recovery-act-grants.html
- Created an artist corps for public schools
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/325/create-an-artist-corps-for-schools/
- Championed the importance of arts education
- Promoted cultural diplomacy
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/328/promote-cultural-diplomacy/
22:59 UTC
Chapter 4 - Commerce, Trade & Technology and Conservation
Chapter 4
COMMERCE, TRADE & TECHNOLOGY, CONSERVATION
Broad Policy:
- Promoted internet freedom as part of US foreign policy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/21/hillary-clinton-internet-_n_431228.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-silver/fcc-to-restore-authority_b_565086.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10438365-94.html
- Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.2344:
- Satellite TV Extension Act of 2010
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.3186:
Funding:
- Expanded loan programs for small businesses
Targeted Actions:
- Small Business Act
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3614:
- Small Business Investment Act
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3614:
- Proposed tougher meat industry antitrust rules
- Denied federal contracts to tax delinquents
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/20/obama-orders-new-crackdow_n_429538.html
- Appointed the nation’s first Chief Technology Officer
- Established Federal IT Dashboard
- Modernized USA.gov portal to connect people to services they require
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-newmark/smartphone-apps-from-usag_b_633669.html
- Launched National Export Initiative with goal of doubling exports by 2015
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-5837.pdf
- National Export Initiative/Progress report & named President’s Export Council
- Launched piracy crackdown
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=18815
CONSERVATION
Broad Policy:
- Morris K Udall Scholarship & Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1818:
- Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009
- North American Wetlands Conservation Act
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3433:
- Stewardship of the Ocean (established National Ocean Council) for Coasts and the Great Lakes (executive order)
- Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economical Performance (exec. order)
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24518.pdf
- Established partnerships to share environmental technology with other countries
Funding:
- Increased funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Increased funding for national parks and forests
- $175 million of ARRA allocated for water conservation - $135 million of that in the West
Targeted Areas:
- Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect Antarctic
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/04/121314.htm
- Expanded access to places to hunt and fish
- Chesapeake Bay Protection & Restoration (executive order)
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-11547.pdf
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Executive_Order_13508
- Led effort to phase out whaling
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/science/earth/15whale.html?_r=1&src=mv
- Pursued wildlife management plan
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/277/pursue-a-wildfire-management-plan/
- Encouraged more controlled burns to reduce wildfires
- Ordered removal of more brush, small trees and vegetation that fuel wildfires
22:54 UTC
Chapter 5 - The Economy
Chapter 5
ECONOMY
Broad Policy
- The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009: a $789 billion economic stimulus plan
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf
- US auto industry rescue plan – Most of which has been paid back
http://www.rules.house.gov/110/text/110_hr7321.pdf
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28020834/
- Start-up activity now higher than it was during the dotcom boom
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/26/start-up-activity-higher_n_590403.html
- Created task force to fight deficit (actually senate voted it down - only 53 votes)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35077901/
- Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3548:
- Temporary extension of programs under Small Business Act Investment Act of 1958
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.3253:
Funding
- Increased minority access to capital
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/16/increase-minority-access-to-capital/
- $26 billion aid to states package (Aug. 2010)
http://www.offthechartsblog.org/much-at-stake-in-tomorrow%E2%80%99s-house-vote-on-state-aid-cont/
Targeted Actions
- Raised small business investment limit to $250,000 through the end of 2009
- Created an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to invest in peer-reviewed manufacturing processes
- Improper Payments Elimination & Recovery Act – establishes a federal “Do Not Pay” list
- Extended and indexed the 2007 Alternative Minimum Tax patch
- Adopted Economic Substance tax doctrine
- Extended unemployment insurance benefits and temporarily suspended taxes on those benefits
Economy grew 5.9% in 4th quarter
U.S. Economy: Manufacturing has grow more than since 2004
- U.S. GDP up 3.2% in first quarter
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/30/us-gdp-up-32-percent-in-f_n_558286.html
- Largest rise in consumer spending in three years
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/30/us-gdp-up-32-percent-in-f_n_558286.html
- Orders for most durable goods rose
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36734329/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/
Wholesale inventories and sales rose
$26 billion state aid triggered a surge of private municipal investment
http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/119_405/mutual_muni_funds-1016058-1.html
EXHIBITS – THE STIMULUS ONE YEAR LATER
- Success of the stimulus: How do you illustrate it could have been much worse?
http://buythebookcv.blogspot.com/2010/02/financial-exhibits.html
- Distribution of ARRA funds by years
http://buythebookcv.blogspot.com/2010/02/financial-exhibits.html
- Need for financial education: Investors who act on their own than T-bills; market timers warn negative returns
http://buythebookcv.blogspot.com/2010/02/financial-exhibits.html
- Consumer debt patterns (revolving & non-revolving) through end of 2009
http://buythebookcv.blogspot.com/2010/02/financial-exhibits.html
- Growth of the national debt from 2000-2009
http://buythebookcv.blogspot.com/2010/02/financial-exhibits.html
- Bar chart: 2009 showing increases in national debt by president (since Carter)
http://buythebookcv.blogspot.com/2010/02/financial-exhibits.html
- Pie chart: 2009 annual deficit contrasting large Bush tax cuts and relatively small ARRA
The Legacy: August 2010
- The economy has been growing – seasonally adjusted change in GDP by quarter 2007-2010
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3252
- The private sector has begun to add jobs – Monthly change in nonfarm employment 2008-2010
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3252
- GDP would have been lower without the Recovery Act: 2007-2010
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3252
- Unemployment would have been higher without ARRA: 2008-2010
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3252
- The gap between actual and full-employment GDP would have been much larger without TARP and AARA: 2008-2010
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3252
Results
Dow Jones has increased 50% since Obama took office
The Economy Has Been Growing – seasonally adjusted change in GDP by quarter 2007-2010. ref
The Private Sector Has Begun to Add Jobs – Monthly change in nonfarm employment 2008-2010. ref
GDP would have been lower without the Recovery Act (2007-2013 projection) (scroll down to Part III to see chart). ref
Unemployment would have been higher without ARRA (2008-2010). ref
The gap between actual and full-employment GDP would have been much larger without TARP and ARRA (2008-2010). ref
Public Sector Lost 316,000 jobs October 09-July 10 (state aid negotiated out of ARRA by GOP). ref
22:48 UTC
Chapter 6 - Education: College & Health of Children
Chapter 6
EDUCATION COLLEGE & HEALTH OF CHILDREN
EDUCATION COLLEGE
Broad policy:
- Enacted largest reform of student aid in 40 years
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2010/0330/Student-loan-reform-What-will-it-mean-for-students
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/30/obama-to-sign-student-loan_n_518159.html
- Health Care & Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/30/meaningful-progress-american-people
- Established President’s Advisory Council in Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2419.pdf
http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/fin-education/council/
Funding:
- Increased funding for land-grant college
- Provided means for students struggling to make college loan to refinance
Targeted Actions:
- Expanded Pell grants for low-income students
- Expanded Pell grant pool by eliminating private lender subsidies for student loans
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/obama-signs-bill-on-student-loans-health-care/
EDUCATION: HEALTH OF CHILDREN
Broad Policy:
- Created the Race to the Top Fund ($4.35 billion) to reward states that create comprehensive education reform plans
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/executive-summary.pdf
- Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization of 2009
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.4213:
Funding:
- Provided funding for high speed, broadband internet access to K-12 schools
- Established State Equalization Fund: new funds for school construction (ARRA)
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1:
- Provided $77 billion for reforms to strengthen Elementary and Secondary education
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf
- Fully funded the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- Provided $12.2 billion in new funding for the Individuals with Disabilities and Reinvestment Act.
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/factsheet/idea.html
- $26 billions state aid package saved 160,000 teacher jobs (Aug. 2010)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/08/10/teaching-our-way-a-stronger-economy
- Provided over $2.3 billion in additional funding to Head Start & Early Head Start programs in 2009
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/04/20090402a.html
- Provided $5 billion for Early Learning Programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf
- Doubled the amount available in Federal Child Care Block Grants
- Established “Promise Neighborhood” Grants (modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone)
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/index.html
- Eliminated abstinence-only funding in budget
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-11-abstinence-only_N.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/07/obama-eliminates-abstinen_n_199205.html
Targeted Actions:
- Helped rebuild schools in New Orleans
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/359/rebuild-schools-in-new-orleans/
- Established school programs to highlight space and science achievements
- Recruited math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession
- Expanded the Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first time mothers
- Provided affordable, high-quality child care
- Unveiled initiatives to help men be better fathers
22:29 UTC
Chapter 7 - Energy Green
CHAPTER 7:
ENERGY GREEN
Broad Policy:
- Established an Energy Partnership for the Americas
- Established the Biofuels Working Groups to develop a comprehensive approach to alternative fuels
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/growing_americas_fuels.PDF
- Additional measure to advance clean energy/solar investments and job creation
Launched new Climate Service
Worked toward deploying a global climate change research and monitoring system
- Implemented renewable fuels mandate of 36 billion gallons by 2022
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/index.htm
Funding:
- More than doubled federal spending for research for clean fuels
- $60 billion in spending and tax incentives for renewable and clean energy
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/02/green-stimulus-bill-60-billion.php
- Invested in all types of alternative energy
- Increased funding for the Environment Protection Agency
- Invested $2 billion in solar power
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/03/obama-awards-2-billion-fo_n_634693.html
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/06/climate-bill-540000-jobs-year/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/07/solar-and-smart-grid-powering-a-clean-energy-future
- Established consumer tax credit for plug in hybrid cars
http://www.leftlanenews.com/senate-considers-10b-bill-to-spur-ev-sales.html
- Provided grants to encourage energy-efficient building codes
- Doubled funding for bicycling and walking projects
- Dedicated $100 million in Energy Training Partnership green jobs training grants
- Dedicated $150 million for Pathways Out of Poverty green jobs training grant
- $8 billion combined public & private funding to develop Smart Power Grid
http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/21/nist-smart-grid-framework-012110.aspx
- Incentivized farmers to use more renewable energy and be more energy efficient
Targeted Actions:
- Purchased fuel efficient American-made fleet for federal government
http://www.hybridcars.com/incentives-laws/obama-orders-2500-hybrids-25704.html
- Ordered 5,000 hybrids for federal fleet
http://www.leftlanenews.com/u-s-federal-government-placing-order-for-5000-hybrid-vehicles.html
- Completed first release of Smart Grid framework
http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/21/nist-smart-grid-framework-012110.aspx
- Created Green Vet Initiative to promote environmental jobs for veterans
- Established program to convert manufacturing centers into clean technology leaders
Results:
- First President to create detailed vision for clean energy economy
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/clean-energy-economy-fact-shee
- Wind power growth up to 39% due to government stimulus
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/26/wind-power-growth-up-39-d_n_437168.html
- Almost 5 million charging stations by 2015
22:22 UTC
Chapter 8 - Energy Old
Chapter 8
ENERGY: OLD
Broad Policy
- Ended previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/downloads09/GHG-MRR-FinalPreamble.pdf
- Created Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture & Storage
- Set national standards for fuel economy and first ever greenhouse gas emission levels for passenger cars and light trucks
- Set smog limit: Strict new proposal to replace Bush-era rule (EPA)
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/07/politics/main6067688.shtml
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/07/epa-smog-limit-new-strict_n_414657.html
- Regulated greenhouse gases for large industrial sources (EPA)
- Raised fuel economy standards
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/449/raise-fuel-economy-standards/
- Required states to provide incentives for utilities to reduce energy consumption
- Established Blue Ribbon Commission on Nuclear Future
Funding
- Pledged more than $8 billion for new nuclear reactors
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/16/obama-nuclear-plant-presi_n_463754.html
- Tax breaks to promote public transit
Targeted Actions
- Dismantled the Mineral (mis)Management Services, cutting ties between industry and government
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/us/12interior.html?_r=1
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/15/AR2010061504970.html?hpid=topnews
- Reengaged in global warming and greenhouse gas emissions talks
- Offered 17% U.S. emissions cuts at climate summit
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18198
Pledged 28% cut in federal greenhouse gas emissions by 2020
Expanded greenhouse gas reduction targets for federal operations – 13% reduction of indirect sources by 2020
- Instituted anti-greenwashing rules
http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2010/06/ftc_to_toughen_anti-greenwashing_rules.html
- Instituted Cash For Clunkers to spur auto sales and promote fuel efficiency
http://www.cars.gov/files/official-information/law.pdf
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/cash-clunkers-fuel-economy-boost-25956.html
Ordered inspections of mines with poor safety records
Significantly limited mountaintop mining (EPA)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/31/rocky-mountain-drilling-l_n_520579.html
- Announced historic plans to regulate coal ash (EPA)
- Required electric utilities to produce 20% of their electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020
- Limited mercury emissions (EPA)
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/10/23/77693/epa-to-limit-mercury-emissions.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-gordon/epa-puts-health-first-by_b_336575.html
22:18 UTC
Chapter 9 - Energy Oil
Chapter 9
ENERGY: OIL
Broad Policy:
- Introduced Oil Spill Bill to remove oil company liability cap
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/obama-introduces-oil-spil_n_573301.html
- Created offshore drilling safety review board
- Created new drilling agency with investigative arm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/us/24interior.html?_r=1&hp
- Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=white-house-editing-scientists
Funding:
- Ordered $20 Billion escrow fund by BP to reimburse lost incomes and damages caused by oil spill
- Ordered $100 million to compensate those hurt by drilling moratorium
Targeted Actions
- Dismantled the Mineral (mis) Management Service, cutting ties between the industry and government
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/us/12interior.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/15/AR2010061504970.html?hpid=topnews
- Mandate new safety rules for offshore drilling
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/06/mandates-safety-rules-offshore-drilling/
- Opened civil and criminal investigations into Gulf oil spill
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/us/02spill.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/feds-begin-bp-criminal-investigation/blame/
- Launched investigation into gas drilling practices
http://www.propublica.org/article/congress-launches-investigation-into-gas-drilling-practices-219
- Established the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill and offshore drilling
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-12805.pdf
- Amended Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from oil spill liability trust fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.3473:
- Expanded oil rig worker’s families abilities to sue and recover
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/07/house-passes-firstever-oil-spill-legislation/
- Fined BP subsidiary $5.2 million for false reporting
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/06/fines-bp-subsidiary-52-million-false-reporting/
- Barred Texas’ authority to issue refinery operating permits
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/94868964.html?&showAllComments=y
22:12 UTC
Chapter 10 - Foreign Affairs & International Relations
Chapter 10
FOREIGN AFFAIRS & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Broad Policy
- Re-established the United States standing in the world
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/04_april/19/poll.shtml
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1289/global-attitudes-survey-2009-obama-lifts-america-image
http://www.gallup.com/poll/125720/Global-Perceptions-Leadership-Improve-2009.aspx
- World’s opinion of the U.S. has improved significantly under Obama
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/19/worlds-opinion-of-us-has_n_542598.html
- 47 nations rise to Obama’s challenge at US nuke summit and agree to four year proliferation efforts
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/04/47-nations-nuke-summit-agree-years-nonproliferation-efforts/
- Visited more countries and world leaders in his first year than any other president
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/10/07/76725/obamas-no-1-most-foreign-travel.html
- Launched and International Add Value to Agriculture initiative
- Created a rapid response fund for emerging democracies
- Bolstered the military’s ability to speak different languages
By Region
Western Hemisphere:
- Returned the rights of Americans to visit and assist their families in Cuba
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Fact-Sheet-Reaching-out-to-the-Cuban-people/
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65T5OE20100630
Middle East:
- Appointed envoys to Middle East and AFPAK affirming the power of American diplomacy
http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/January/20090122175146idybeekcm1.328677e-02.html
- Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9FQQ4VO0&show_article=1
- Pledged $400 million in aid to Gaza civilians
- Pressured Israel to end Gaza blockade
- Refused to give Israel a “green light” to strike Iran, augmenting Mid-East stability
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-ups-pressure-on-israel-to-end-gaza-blockade-1.278302
- Iran Sanctions Act
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/president-obama-signs-iran-sanctions-act
Asia:
- Authorized Bill Clinton’s mission to secure release of two American held in North Korea
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8182716.stm
- Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Webb to secure release of an American held captive
- Renewed import restrictions under Burmese and Democracy Act of 2003
- Nuclear Arms Agreement with India (5/4/10)
Africa:
- Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1067:
- Helped stabilize Somalia (exec. Order)
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8878.pdf
Australia:
- Nuclear arms agreement (5/5/10)
Europe:
- Nuclear Arms agreement with Russia to reduce nuclear arsenal by 1/3.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8589385.stm
- Agreement with Switzerland to bolster tax information exchange
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg297.htm
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/docs/US-SwissProtocol.pdf
- Talked Russia out of supplying $1 billion of high tech state-of the art missiles that they agreed to supply them under the Bush administration
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/22/iran-russia-air-defence-missiles
22:09 UTC
Chapter 11 - Government Efficiency
Chapter 11
Government Efficiency
Broad Policy
- Established the President’s Advisory Board
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-9451.pdf
- Streamlined and modernized government to save taxpayer dollars
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/issues/Fiscal-Responsibility
- Ended previous practice of having White House aids rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations and reports
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=white-house-editing-scientists
Specific Cuts
- Cut salaries of senior White House aides
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32046.html
- Made $20 Billion in budget cuts
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60T21S20100130?type=politicsNews
- Prevented members of Congress from receiving cost of living pay raise for fiscal year 2011
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.5146:
http://thehill.com/homenews/news/97971-obama-signs-law-blocking-congress-pay-raise
- Eliminated F-22 fighter jet program after lobbying Senate vote to strip financing for more jets from a defense funding authorization bill
http://mediamatters.org/research/201001270003
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/business/22defense.html?_r=1
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jan/14/obama-wins-more-cuts-in-spending-than-bush/
- Canceled contract for new Presidential helicopter fleet (28 helicopters - $11.2 billion)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/16/us/politics/16helicopter.html
Other Targeted Actions
- Enhanced payment accuracy through a “Do Not Pay” list
- Cracked down on tax cheaters (exec order)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/20/obama-orders-new-crackdow_n_429538.html
- Returned taxpayer money targeted for refurbishment of White House offices and living quarters
http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/55679/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/29/obamas-are-personally-pay_n_180551.html
- Established the USA.gov portal connecting people to services they require
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-newmark/smartphone-apps-from-usag_b_633669.html
22:05 UTC