REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AND OLDER WOMEN

East Room

3:12 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you so much.  First of all, forgive me — I’ve got children, and now I have a cold.  (Laughter.)  It goes along with the territory.

Let me begin by first thanking Tina Tchen, who’s doing an outstanding job as Director of the Office of Public Engagement by opening up this White House to the American people and organizing events like this one today.  She’s just been a terrific asset and a dear friend — and let’s give her a round of applause.  (Applause.)

And I also want to commend Nancy-Ann for her extraordinary leadership on health care — health insurance reform.  I know my husband, who is traveling abroad right now, would agree with me when I say that without her, we wouldn’t have come this far, and because of her, we’re going to get the job done.  So we are grateful to you, Nancy-Ann.  (Applause.)

And of course, I want to thank all the women who are here today.  This is a wonderful, lively group — I heard you all giggling earlier today.  (Laughter.)

But I also want to thank the women who spoke today — to Kelly and Fran and Judy — for sharing their stories.  What they’ve been through isn’t easy, and I’m grateful that they have been brave enough and open enough to share their stories with all of us.  It takes a lot of courage.
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These stories touch our hearts.  They spark in us just a fundamental sense of unfairness.  But the sad truth is none of these stories are unique.  These kinds of stories are being told in city after city, town after town, all across America.  They’re being told by women who lost their coverage when their husband lost a job, or their husband passed away.  They’re being told by women who aren’t getting regular checkups because it’s simply too expensive.  They’re being told my women living on fixed incomes who can’t afford the prescription drugs that they need.

    All of these stories reflect the fundamental reality — and that is, women are among those struggling most under the status quo, the way things are.  And women are among those who will benefit most from health insurance reform because the truth is that women, we have a special relationship with our health care system.  In a lot of families that’s true because we are the health care system in so many ways.  (Laughter.)

Eight in 10 mothers say they’re the ones responsible for choosing their children’s doctors, taking them to appointments, and managing the follow-up care.  And over 10 percent of all women are now caring for a sick or elderly relative.

Our entire lives as women, we are asked to bear much of the responsibility for our family’s health and well-being.  And yet, we often face special challenges when it comes to our own health insurance.  Part of it has to do with the fact that women are more likely than men to do part-time work or to work in a small business — in jobs that are less likely to offer the kind of insurance that you really need.  In fact, over half of all women in this country don’t have the option of getting insurance through the workplace at all.

But even women who do have insurance face inequities under the status quo.  Because women make less than 80 cents for every dollar their male coworkers make, it’s more difficult for them to pay their premiums — especially when studies show that they’re paying far more than men for the same coverage.
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And I don’t think anyone here will be surprised to learn that a recent study found that one-third of all women have either used up savings, taken on debt, or given up basic necessities just to pay their medical bills.  And as many of you know firsthand, these kinds of problems — the problems of coverage and cost — only grow worse when you get older, making quality, affordable coverage harder to come by just — as we’ve seen today and heard today — just when you need it the most.

In the individual market, people in their early 60s are more than twice as likely to be denied coverage than people in their late 30s.  Older women are more likely than men to face a chronic illness, but they’re less likely to be able to afford the cost of treating that illness.  And in recent years, studies have shown that women over the age of 65 spend about 17 percent of their income on health care.  And that’s just not right.

Our mothers and grandmothers, they have taken care of us all their lives; they’ve made the sacrifices that it takes to get us where we need to be.  And we have an obligation to make sure that we’re taking care of them.  It’s as simple as that.  America has a responsibility to give all seniors the golden years they deserve and the secure, dignified retirement that they worked so hard to achieve.  (Applause.)

And that’s exactly what health insurance reform is going to help us do in this country.

Now, I can tell you — I can’t tell, actually, what the bill that will ultimately land across my husband’s desk will look like — none of us can.  But I can tell you just a few important ways that the insurance system will be impacted.

For starters — and this is very important — your insurance will not change unless you want it to change.  So if things are great for you, you’re fine.  (Laughter.)  It will, however, become more stable and more secure, no matter what your situation is.  There will be a cap on how much you can be charged in out-of-pocket expenses in a year or in a lifetime.  So there will be a cap.  It will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage for preexisting conditions.  (Applause.)  And that change alone will help us end the discrimination women face in our health care system.  And also, insurance companies will be required to cover, at no extra cost, routine checkups and preventive care.
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And I’d like to speak just a moment about what reform will mean for seniors, in particular.

There’s been a lot of misinformation on this topic so I want to be clear — Nancy-Ann mentioned this:  Not a dime of the Medicare Trust Fund will be used to pay for reform.  Health insurance reform will not endanger Medicare; it will make Medicare more stable and secure.  (Applause.)  By eliminating wasteful subsidies to private insurance and cracking down on fraud and abuse throughout the system, this administration believes that we can bring down premiums for all our seniors and extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund.

My husband believes that Medicare is a sacred part of America’s social safety net, and it’s a safety net that he will protect — he will protect with health insurance reform.  And I know that many seniors on Medicare are also concerned about the cost of prescription drugs; we’ve heard about it here.

Right now, millions of seniors face huge out-of-pocket costs when their spending on drugs falls within a coverage gap.  My husband is committed to closing that gap, which will save some seniors, as you’ve heard, thousands of dollars on medications and make prescription drugs more affordable for millions of older Americans.  (Applause.)

So what we’re talking about — affordable prescription drugs for Americans who need them; Medicare that’s protected today and tomorrow; stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable coverage for Americans who don’t.  That’s what reform will mean for older women, for seniors, and for all Americans.

So that’s why I believe in this so strongly.  That’s why I believe in this so strongly.

But in the end, I’m not here just as a First Lady.  That’s not why I’m doing this.  I am here because I’m a daughter.  I’m here because I have an extraordinary mother who is 72 years old — young.  (Laughter and applause.)  And I know there are countless women in this country who have loved ones who feel the same way about them as I do about my mother.
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And when all is said and done, part of why I believe so strongly in reforming our health care system is because of the difference it will make for these women who gave us life — so simple — these women who raised us, these women who supported us through the years.  They deserve better than the status quo.  They deserve a health care system that heals them and lifts them up.

And that’s what my husband is committed to doing, to building that kind of system in the weeks and months to come.

So thank you all.  Thank you for sharing your stories.  Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, for listening, for being a part — and let’s get to work.  Thank you so much.   (Applause.)

President Barack Obama And Japan Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Suntory Hall

Tokyo, Japan

November 14, 2009

Good morning.  It is a great honor to be in Tokyo—the first stop on my first visit to Asia as President.  It’s good to be among so many of you – Japanese and Americans – who work every day to strengthen the bonds between our two countries, including my longtime friend and our new ambassador to Japan, John Roos.

It is wonderful to be back in Japan.  When I was a young boy, my mother brought me to Kamakura, where I looked up at that centuries-old symbol of peace and tranquility – the great bronze Amida Buddha.  As a child, I was more focused on the matcha ice cream.  But I have never forgotten the warmth and hospitality that the Japanese people showed a young American far from home.

I feel that same spirit on this visit.  In the gracious welcome of Prime Minister Hatoyama.  In the honor of meeting with Their Imperial Majesties, the Emperor and Empress on the 20^th anniversary of his accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.  In the hospitality shown by the Japanese people.  And of course, I could not come here without sending greetings and my gratitude to the citizens of Obama, Japan.

I am beginning my journey here for a simple reason.  Since taking office, I have worked to renew American leadership and pursue a new era of engagement with the world based on mutual interests and mutual respect.  And our efforts in the Asia Pacific will be rooted, in no small measure, through an enduring and revitalized alliance between the United States and Japan.

From my first days in office, we have worked to strengthen the ties that bind our nations. The first foreign leader that I welcomed to the White House was the prime minister of Japan, and for the first time in nearly fifty years, the first foreign trip by an American secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, was to Asia, starting in Japan.

In two months, our alliance will mark its 50^th anniversary – a day when President Dwight Eisenhower stood next to Japan’s Prime Minister and said that our two nations were creating “an indestructible partnership” based on “equality and mutual understanding.” 

In the half century since, that alliance has endured as a foundation of our security and prosperity.  It has helped us become the world’s two largest economies, with Japan emerging as America’s second-largest trading partner outside of North America. It has evolved as Japan has played a larger role on the world stage, and made important contributions to stability around the world – from reconstruction in Iraq, to combating piracy off the Horn of Africa, to assistance for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan – most recently through its remarkable leadership in providing additional commitments to international development efforts there.

Above all, our alliance has endured because it reflects our common values – a belief in the democratic right of free people to choose their own leaders and realize their own dreams; a belief that made possible the election of both Prime Minister Hatoyama and myself on the promise of change.  And together, we are committed to providing a new generation of leadership for our people, and our alliance.

That is why, at this critical moment in history, the two of us have not only reaffirmed our alliance – we have agreed to deepen it.  We have agreed to move expeditiously through a joint working group to implement the agreement that our two governments reached on restructuring US forces in Okinawa.  And as our alliance evolves and adapts for the future, we will always strive to uphold the spirit that President Eisenhower described long ago – a partnership of equality and mutual respect.

But while our commitment to this region begins in Japan, it does not end here.  The United States of America may have started as a series of ports and cities along the Atlantic, but for generations we also have been a nation of the Pacific.  Asia and the United States are not separated by this great ocean; we are bound by it.  We are bound by our past – by the Asian immigrants who helped build America, and the generations of Americans in uniform who have served and sacrificed to keep this region secure and free.  We are bound by our shared prosperity – by the trade and commerce upon which millions of jobs and families depend.  And we are bound by our people – by the Asian Americans who enrich every segment of American life. and all the people whose lives, like our countries, are interwoven. 

My own life is a part of that story. I am an American President who was born in Hawaii and lived in Indonesia as a boy.  My sister Maya was born in Jakarta, and later married a Chinese-Canadian. My mother spent nearly a decade working in the villages of Southeast Asia, helping women buy a sewing machine or an education that might give them a foothold in the world economy. So the Pacific rim has helped shape my view of the world.

Since that time, perhaps no region has changed as swiftly or dramatically. Controlled economies have given way to open markets.  Dictatorships have become democracies.  Living standards have risen while poverty has plummeted.  And through all these changes, the fortunes of America and the Asia Pacific have become more closely linked than ever before.

So I want every American to know that we have a stake in the future of this region, because what happens here has a direct affect on our lives at home.  This is where we engage in much of our commerce and buy many of our goods.  And this is where we can export more of our own products and create jobs back home in the process.  This is a place where the risk of a nuclear arms race threatens the security of the wider world, and where extremists who defile a great religion plan attacks on both our continents.  And there can be no solution to our energy security and our climate challenge without the rising powers and developing nations of the Asia Pacific.  

To meet these common challenges, the United States looks to strengthen old alliances and build new partnerships with the nations of this region. To do this, we look to America’s treaty alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines – alliances that are not historical documents from a bygone era, but abiding commitments to each other that are fundamental to our shared security.

These alliances continue to provide the bedrock of security and stability that has allowed the nations and peoples of this region to pursue opportunity and prosperity that was unimaginable at the time of my first visit to Japan. And even as American troops are engaged in two wars around the world, our commitment to Japan’s security and to Asian security is unshakeable, and it can be seen in our deployments throughout the region –above all, through our young men and women in uniform

We look to emerging nations that are poised to play a larger role – both in the Asia Pacific region and the wider world. Places like Indonesia and Malaysia that have adopted democracy, developed their economies, and tapped the great potential of their own people.

We look to rising powers with the view that in the 21^st century, the national security and economic growth of one country need not come at the expense of another. I know there are many who question how the United States perceives China’s emergence. But as I have said – in an inter-connected world, power does not need to be a zero-sum game, and nations need not fear the success of another. Cultivating spheres of cooperation – not competing spheres of influence – will lead to progress in the Asia Pacific.

As with any nation, America will approach China with a focus on our interests. And it is precisely for this reason that it is important to pursue pragmatic cooperation with China on issues of mutual concern – because no one nation can meet the challenges of the 21^st century alone, and the United States and China will both be better off when we are able to meet them together. That is why we welcome China’s efforts to play a greater role on the world stage – a role in which their growing economy is joined by growing responsibility. China’s partnership has proved critical in our effort to jumpstart economic recovery. China has promoted security and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan. And it is now committed to the global nonproliferation regime, and supporting the pursuit of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

So the United States does not seek to contain China, nor does a deeper relationship with China mean a weakening of our bilateral alliances.  On the contrary, the rise of a strong, prosperous China can be a source of strength for the community of nations. And so in Beijing and beyond, we will work to deepen our Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and improve communication between our militaries.  We will not agree on every issue, and the United States will never waver in speaking up for the fundamental values that we hold dear – and that includes respect for the religion and cultures of all people. Because support for human rights and human dignity is ingrained in America. But we can move these discussions forward in a spirit of partnership rather than rancor. 

In addition to our bilateral relations, we also believe that the growth of multilateral organizations can advance the security and prosperity of this region. I know that the United States has been disengaged from these organizations in recent years. So let me be clear: those days have passed. As an Asia Pacific nation, the United States expects to be involved in the discussions that shape the future of this region, and to participate fully in appropriate organizations as they are established and evolve.

That is the work that I will begin on this trip. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will continue to promote regional commerce and prosperity, and I look forward to participating in that forum tomorrow. ASEAN will remain a catalyst for Southeast Asian dialogue, cooperation and security, and I look forward to becoming the first American President to meet with all ten of its leaders.  And the United States looks forward to engaging with the East Asia Summit more formally as it plays a role in addressing the challenges of our time.

We seek this deeper and broader engagement because we know our collective future depends on it.  And I’d like to speak for a bit about what that future can look like, and what we must do to advance our prosperity, our security, and our universal values and aspirations.

First, we must strengthen our economic recovery, and pursue growth that is both balanced and sustained.

The quick, unprecedented and coordinated action taken by Asia Pacific nations and others has averted economic catastrophe, and helped us begin to emerge from the worst recession in generations. And we have taken the historic step of reforming our international economic architecture, so that the G-20 is now the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
This shift to the G-20 – along with the greater voice that is being given to Asian nations in international financial institutions – clearly demonstrates the broader and more inclusive engagement that America seeks in the 21^st century. And as a key member of the G-8, Japan has and will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of the international financial architecture. 

Now that we are on the brink of economic recovery, we must also ensure that it can be sustained. We simply cannot return to the same cycles of boom and bust that led us into a global recession. We cannot follow the same policies that led to such imbalanced growth.  One of the important lessons this recession has taught us is the limits of depending primarily on American consumers and Asian exports to drive growth.  Because when Americans found themselves in debt or out of work, demand for Asian goods plummeted. When demand fell sharply, exports from this region fell sharply.  Since the economies of this region are so dependent on exports, they stopped growing.  And the global recession only deepened. 

We have now reached one of those rare inflection points in history where we have the opportunity to take a different path.  And that must begin with the G20 pledge that we made in Pittsburgh to pursue a new strategy for balanced economic growth.

I’ll be saying more about this in Singapore, but in the United States, this new strategy will mean saving more and spending less, reforming our financial system and reducing our long-term deficit.  It will also mean a greater emphasis on exports that we can build, produce, and sell all over the world.  For America, this is a jobs strategy.  Right now, our exports support millions upon millions of well-paying American jobs.  Increasing those exports by just a small amount has the potential to create millions more.  These are jobs making everything from wind turbines and solar panels to the technology you use every day.

For Asia, striking this better balance will provide an opportunity for workers and consumers to enjoy higher standards of living that their remarkable increases in productivity have made possible.  It will allow for greater investments in housing, infrastructure, and the service sector.  And a more balanced global economy will lead to prosperity that reaches further and deeper.

For decades, the United States has had one of the most open markets in the world, and that openness has helped fuel the success of so many countries in this region and others over the last century.  In this new era, opening other markets around the globe will be critical not just to America’s prosperity, but to the world’s.

An integral part of this new strategy is working toward an ambitious and balanced Doha agreement – not any agreement, but an agreement that will open up markets and increase exports around the world.  We are ready to work with our Asian partners to see if we can achieve that objective in a timely fashion – and we invite our regional trading partners to join us at the table. 

We also believe that continued integration of the economies of this region will benefit workers, consumers, and businesses in all of our nations.  Together, with our South Korean friends, we will work through the issues necessary to move forward on a trade agreement with them.  The United States will also be engaging with the Trans Pacific partnership countries with the goal of shaping a regional agreement that will have broad-based membership and the high standards worthy of a 21^st century trade agreement. 

Working in partnership, this is how we can sustain this recovery and advance our common prosperity.  But it’s not enough to pursue growth that is balanced.  We also need growth that is sustainable – for our planet and the future generations that will live here. 

Already, the United States has taken more steps to combat climate change in ten months than we have in our recent history: by embracing the latest science, investing in new energy, raising efficiency standards, forging new partnerships, and engaging in international climate negotiations. In short, America knows there is more work to do – but we are meeting our responsibility, and will continue to do so. 

That includes striving for success in Copenhagen.  I have no illusions that this will be easy, but the contours of a way forward are clear. All nations must accept their responsibility. Those nations – like my own – who have been the leading emitters must have clear reduction targets. Developing countries will need to take substantial actions to curb their emissions, aided by finance and technology. And there must be transparency and accountability for domestic actions.

Each of us must do what we can to grow our economies without endangering our planet – and we must do it together.  But the good news is that if we put the right rules and incentives in place, it will unleash the creative power of our best scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.  It will lead to new jobs, new businesses, and entire new industries.  

Yet, even as we confront this challenge of the 21^st century, we must also redouble our efforts to meet a threat to our security that is the legacy of the 20^th century – the danger posed by nuclear weapons.  

In Prague, I affirmed America’s commitment to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and laid out a comprehensive agenda to pursue this goal. I am pleased that Japan has joined us in this effort. No two nations on Earth know better what these weapons can do, and together we must seek a future without them. This is fundamental to our common security, and this is a great test of our common humanity. Our very future hangs in the balance.

Let me be clear:  so long as these weapons exist, the United States will maintain a strong and effective nuclear deterrent that guarantees the defense of our allies – including South Korea and Japan. 

But we must recognize that an escalating nuclear arms race in this region would undermine decades of growing security and prosperity. So we are called upon to uphold the basic bargain of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty – that all nations have a right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have a responsibility to move toward nuclear disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them.

Indeed, Japan serves as an example to the world that true peace and power can be achieved by taking this path.  For decades, Japan has enjoyed the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy, while rejecting nuclear arms development – and by any measure, this has increased Japan’s security, and enhanced its position.

To meet our responsibilities – and move forward with the agenda I laid out in Prague – we have passed a unanimous UN Security Council resolution embracing this international effort. We are pursuing a new agreement with Russia to reduce our nuclear stockpiles.  We will work to ratify and bring into force the Test Ban Treaty. And next year at our Nuclear Security Summit, we will advance our goal of securing all of the world’s vulnerable nuclear materials within four years.

As I have said before, strengthening the global nonproliferation regime is not about singling out individual nations.  It is about all nations living up to their responsibilities.  That includes the Islamic Republic of Iran.  And it includes North Korea. 

For decades, North Korea has chosen a path of confrontation and provocation, including the pursuit of nuclear weapons. It should be clear where that path leads. We have tightened sanctions on Pyongyang. We have passed the most sweeping UN Security Council resolution to date to restrict their weapons of mass destruction activities. We will not be cowed by threats, and we will continue to send a clear message through our actions, and not just our words: North Korea’s refusal to meet its international obligations will lead only to less security – not more.

Yet there is another path that can be taken. Working in tandem with our partners – and supported by direct diplomacy – the United States is prepared to offer North Korea a different future. Instead of an isolation that has compounded the horrific repression of its own people, North Korea could have a future of international integration. Instead of gripping poverty, it could have a future of economic opportunity – where trade, investment and tourism can offer the North Korean people the chance at a better life. And instead of increasing insecurity, it could have a future of greater security and respect. This respect cannot be earned through belligerence. It must be reached by a nation that takes its place in the international community by fully living up to its international obligations.

The path for North Korea to realize this future is clear: a return to the Six-Party Talks; upholding previous commitments, including a return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and the full and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. And full normalization with its neighbors can only come if Japanese families receive a full accounting of those who have been abducted. These are all steps that can be taken by the North Korean government, if they are interested in improving the lives of their people and joining the community of nations.

And as we are vigilant in confronting this challenge, we will stand with all of our Asian partners in combating the transnational threats of the 21^st century: by rooting out the extremists who slaughter the innocent, and stopping the piracy that threatens our sea lanes; by enhancing our efforts to stop infectious disease, and working to end extreme poverty in our time; and by shutting down the traffickers who exploit women, children and migrants, and putting a stop to this scourge of modern-day slavery once and for all.

Indeed, the final area in which we must work together is in upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of all human beings.

The Asia Pacific region is rich with many cultures. It is marked by extraordinary traditions and strong national histories. And time and again, we have seen the remarkable talent and drive of the peoples of this region in advancing human progress. Yet this much is also clear – indigenous cultures and economic growth have not been stymied by respect for human rights, they have been strengthened by it.  Supporting human rights provides lasting security that cannot be purchased in any other way – that is the story that can be seen in Japan’s democracy, just as it can be seen in America’s. 

The longing for liberty and dignity is a part of the story of all peoples. For there are certain aspirations that human beings hold in common: the freedom to speak your mind, and choose your leaders; the ability to access information, and worship how you please; confidence in the rule of law, and the equal administration of justice. These are not impediments to stability, they are its cornerstones. And we will always stand on the side of those who seek these rights.

That truth guides our new approach to Burma. Despite years of good intentions, neither sanctions by the United States nor engagement by others succeeded in improving the lives of the Burmese people. So we are now communicating directly with the leadership to make it clear that existing sanctions will remain until there are concrete steps toward democratic reform.  We support a Burma that is unified, peaceful, prosperous, and democratic. And as Burma moves in that direction, a better relationship with the United States is possible.

There are clear steps that must be taken  – the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi; an end to conflicts with minority groups; and a genuine dialogue between the government, the democratic opposition and minority groups on a shared vision for the future.  That is how a government in Burma will be able to respond to the needs of its people.  That is the path that will bring Burma true security and prosperity.

These are the steps that the United States will take to improve prosperity, security, and human dignity in the Asia Pacific. We will do so through our close friendship with Japan – which will always be a centerpiece of our efforts in the region. We will do so as a partner – through the broader engagement that I have discussed today. We will do so as a Pacific nation – with a President who was shaped in part by this piece of the globe. And we will do so with the same sense of purpose that has guided our ties with the Japanese people for nearly fifty years.

The story of how these ties were forged dates back to the middle of the last century, some time after the guns of war had quieted in the Pacific. It was then that America’s commitment to the security and stability of Japan, along with the Japanese peoples’ spirit of resilience and industriousness, led to what has been called the Japanese Miracle – a period of economic growth that was faster and more robust than anything the world had seen for some time.

In the coming years and decades, this Miracle would spread throughout the region, and in a single generation, the lives and fortunes of millions were forever changed for the better.  It is progress that has been supported by a hard-earned peace, and strengthened by new bridges of mutual understanding that have bound together the nations of this vast and sprawling space. 

But we know that there is still work to be done – so that new breakthroughs in science and technology can lead to jobs on both sides of the Pacific, and security from a warming planet; so that we reverse the spread of deadly weapons, and – on a divided peninsula – the people of the South can be freed from fear, while those in the north can live free from want; so that a young girl van be valued not for her body but for her mind, and so that young people everywhere can go as far as their talent, their drive, and their choices will take them.

None of this will come easy, nor without setback or struggle.  But at this moment of renewal – in this land of miracles – history tells us it is possible.  This is America’s agenda. This is the purpose of our partnership – with Japan, and with the nations and peoples of this region. And there must be no doubt: as America’s first Pacific President, I promise you that this Pacific nation will strengthen and sustain our leadership in this vitally important part of the world. Thank you very much

WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Obama Calls for Comprehensive Review of Events Leading to Tragedy at Fort Hood

WASHINGTON – With the investigation into the tragedy at Fort Hood ongoing, President Barack Obama used his weekly address to call for a careful and complete review of what happened before the tragedy. 

The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at www.whitehouse.gov.

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Weekly Address

November 14, 2009

This was a week for honoring the extraordinary service and profound sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

Every fall, we set aside a special day to pay tribute to our veterans. But this year, Veteran’s Day took on even greater poignancy and meaning because of the tragic events at Fort Hood.

On Tuesday, I traveled there to join with the Fort Hood community, the Army, and the friends and families of the victims to honor thirteen of our fellow Americans who died – and the dozens more who were wounded – not on some distant shore, but on a military base at home.

Every man and woman who signs up for military service does so with full knowledge of the dangers that could come – that is part of what makes the service of our troops and veterans so extraordinary. But it’s unthinkable that so many would die in a hail of gunfire on a US Army base in the heart of Texas, and that a fellow service-member could have pulled trigger.

There is an ongoing investigation into this terrible tragedy. That investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts.  As I said in Fort Hood, I am confident that justice will be done, and I will insist that the full story be told. That is paramount, and I won’t compromise that investigation today by discussing the details of this case. But given the potential warning signs that may have been known prior these shootings, we must uncover what steps – if any – could have been taken to avert this tragedy.

On the Thursday evening that this tragedy took place, I met in the Oval Office with Secretary of Defense Gates, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Admiral Mullen, and FBI Director Mueller to review the immediate steps that were necessary to support the families and secure Fort Hood. The next morning, I met with the leadership of our military and the intelligence community, and ordered them to undertake a full review of the sequence of events that led up to the shootings.

The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information. Once we have those facts, we must act upon them. If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability. Beyond that – and most importantly – we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve.

I know there will also be inquiries by Congress, and there should.  But all of us should resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater that sometimes dominates the discussion here in Washington. The stakes are far too high.

Of all the responsibilities of the presidency, the one that I weigh most heavily is my duty as Commander-in-Chief to our splendid service-men and women. Their character and bravery were on full display in that processing center at Fort Hood, when so many scrambled under fire to help their wounded comrades. And their great dignity and decency has been on display in the days since, as the Fort Hood community has rallied together.

We owe our troops prayerful, considered decisions about when and where we commit them to battle to protect our security and freedom, and we must fully support them when they are deployed. We also owe them the absolute assurance that they’ll be safe here at home as they prepare for whatever mission may come. As Commander-in-Chief, I won’t settle for anything less.

This nation will never forget the service of those we lost at Fort Hood, just as we will always honor the service of all who wear the uniform of the United States of America. Their legacy will be an America that is safer and stronger – an America that reflects the extraordinary character of the men and women who serve it.

Thank you.

President Obama and Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama In Tokyo

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

AND PRIME MINISTER YUKIO HATOYAMA OF JAPAN

IN JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

Kantei

Tokyo, Japan 

8:24 P.M. JST

        PRIME MINISTER HATOYAMA:  (As translated.)  President Obama, I would like to welcome you to Japan.  I’d like to express my heartfelt welcome to you.  It is very hard — despite the tragedy of the mass shooting in your country, that you have taken time out of a busy schedule to come and join us here today.  We’re very thankful to you.

        And today we have had a 90-minute, very intensive discussion.  I’m very happy to have had this opportunity to hold this discussion. 

        Well, we have come to call each other Barack and Yukio.  I think I’ve grown quite accustomed to calling each other by our names.  And we did cover a lot of ground today.  First, for Japan’s diplomacy, the U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone. And this is one thing I’ve stressed.  But as time changes and as the international environment changes, there is a need for us to further develop and deepen the U.S.-Japan alliance to make it even more constructive and future-oriented alliance.  This was what I proposed today. //

        And the U.S.-Japan alliance — well, actually it so happens that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the revision of the U.S.-Japan security treaty.  And starting from today we’ll be starting a year to start a new process of deliberation.  And I have made this proposal, and President Obama has given his consent and support towards this idea.

        Now, the U.S.-Japan alliance, looking at it from the security front, naturally we have to cooperate in proliferation deterrence, on information protection, missile defense, and the use of other states amongst others.  We need to consider these new systems for issuing security.  And this is my thinking. 

But the U.S.-Japan alliance is not just focused on security — for example, disaster prevention, or health, education.  We had many levels — and also environmental issues, as well.  We need to cooperate in all these areas so as to cooperate in the Asia Pacific and others so that we can further deepen our bilateral alliance.  I believe that we have reached an agreement on these points.

        Now, turning our eyes to the global situation, again there are different topics that we’ve covered.  From our side, I’ve  talked about Afghanistan and our support to Afghanistan.  On to Afghanistan; we will not be taking part in the refueling, but instead providing civil assistance, and we are planning to mainly provide civil assistance of 5 billion yen in five years for agriculture, building of infrastructures, schools.  So this is the type of assistance we want to provide.  And also to improve security, we want to support the police force in Afghanistan.  Furthermore, for the former soldiers, we want to provide vocational training.  These are the types of things that we want to conduct. //

        I have communicated this to the President, and towards this new assistance package, President Obama in principle has stated his gratitude, appreciation for this assistance.  And furthermore, when it comes to assistance to Afghanistan, it’s important that we try to directly talk with one another as to the assistance to be provided.

        Now, in the area of climate change, again, we have talked on this subject.  By 2015, we have set out this goal of an 80 percent reduction.  And both Japan and U.S. have agreed on this, and we want to make COP-15 a success, and we agreed to cooperate towards this end.

And including China and others, there are other issues that need to be resolved.  And therefore we need to collaborate to address these challenges.

        Now, in regards to nuclear disarmament, again, we have agreed to cooperate with one another.  Now, in regards to nuclear issues and also climate change, we have issued a joint statement. And I do believe that this is quite innovative in itself, and the fact that we can take up these issues as core issues at the summit meeting is something of vital importance.

        Now, on the economic front, well, the economy was not a major issue this time, but again, this might reflect the times in which we’re living.  And over dinner, maybe, we hope to be able to discuss the issue of the economy.

        Now, in relation to nuclear issues, North Korea, Iran was also discussed from President Obama.  And again, we have agreed to closely cooperate with one another.  And Special Representative Bosworth will be visiting North Korea — or may be visiting North Korea shortly.  But this is on the premise of the six-party talks.  And I do endorse this thinking and have stated so to the President. //

        And in regards to Iran, again, we have to support — we would like to support the approach to Iran.  On the one hand, we want to emphasize our historic relationship, but also, at the same time, I promise to strengthen our alliance vis-à-vis Iran. 

        And also, again, in Asia, President Obama has stated that we have some — we do have a vital role to play, especially in East Asia.  I have set out the concept of East Asian community, and this is because I believe that there is this alliance as the cornerstone on which we can rely. 

And in Asia, the fact that the U.S. presence increases is something that has great extension towards at various levels in Asia and East Asia, and Asia on the whole.  Both Japan and the United States should deepen, and as a result, in East Asia we hope to bring about peace, stability, and economic prosperity in this region.  This is something that we have pledged.

        I don’t want to take up all the time myself, and therefore I’d like to conclude.  But I do think that this summit meeting was extremely meaningful.  And on this note, I’d like to once again say that I am very grateful to Barack, President Obama, to take time to join us here at Japan.  And also, I’m thankful that he’s chosen Japan as his first leg to his visit to Asia.  And as Prime Minister, representing the Japanese people, I’d like to express my gratitude.  Thank you.

        And next, President Obama, please.

        PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, good evening.  It is a great honor to be making my first trip to Japan as President of the United States.  I have fond memories of visiting Japan in my youth.  I’ve been looking forward to this trip for some time.  I’m only sorry that Michelle and the girls could not join us.  The girls have been studying Japan in school, and so they have a great interest in Japanese culture.  And hopefully I’ll be able to bring them next time. //

        I want to thank the warm welcome that Prime Minister Hatoyama and the Japanese people have extended.  I appreciate the graciousness with which you understood the delay that took place as a consequence of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas.

        Japan is my first stop as President in Asia.  I began my trip here in Tokyo because the alliance between the United States and Japan is a foundation for security and prosperity not just for our two countries but for the Asia Pacific region.  In a few months we’ll be marking the 50th anniversary of our alliance, which is founded on shared values and shared interests that has served our people so well and has provided peace and security for the region in an unprecedented way.

        That anniversary, as Prime Minister Hatoyama pointed out, represents an important opportunity to step back and reflect on what we’ve achieved, celebrate our friendship, but also find ways to renew this alliance and refresh it for the 21st century.  Both Yukio and I were elected on the promise of change, but there should be no doubt, as we move our nations in a new direction, our alliance will endure and our efforts will be focused on revitalizing that friendship so that it’s even stronger and more successful in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.  It’s essential for the United States, it’s essential for Japan, and it’s essential for the Asia Pacific region.

        Throughout my trip and throughout my presidency, I intend to make clear that the United States is a Pacific nation, and we will be deepening our engagement in this part of the world.  As I said to Prime Minister Hatoyama, the United States will strengthen our alliances, build new partnerships, and we will be part of multilateral efforts and regional institutions that advance regional security and prosperity. //

        We have to understand that the future of the United States and Asia is inextricably linked.  The issues that matter most to our people — issues of economic growth and job creation, non-proliferation, clean energy — these are all issues that have to be part of a joint agenda.  And we had very productive discussions about these issues this evening.

        It’s true that because of the strength of our economic ties, that was not the first item on our agenda, but we are fortunately going to have the opportunity to spend a lot of time discussing that in Singapore in the coming days.  As the world’s two leading economies, we have spent a lot of time working together in the G20 to help bring the world back from the brink of financial crisis, and we’re going to continue to work to strengthen our efforts so that we can expand job growth in the future.  And we will be discussing with our APEC partners how to rebalance our deep economic cooperation with this region to strengthen our recovery.

        The Prime Minister and I discussed our cooperation on Afghanistan and Pakistan.  And I did thank the people of Japan and the Prime Minister for the powerful commitment of a $5 billion over the next five years to support our shared civilian efforts in Afghanistan, as well as the commitment of a billion dollars to Pakistan.

        This underscores Japan’s prominent role within a broad international coalition that is advancing the cause of stability and opportunity in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  And I shared with the Prime Minister our efforts in refining our approach to make it more successful in the coming year.

        We discussed our shared commitment to stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and ultimately seeking a world without them.  Since I laid out a comprehensive agenda in Prague to pursue these goals Japan has been an outstanding partner in those efforts.  And together we passed a historic resolution in the Security Council last September.  We are building a new international consensus to secure loose nuclear materials and strengthen the nonproliferation regime. //

        And to that end, we discussed both North Korea and the situation in Iran, recognizing that it’s absolutely vital that both countries meet their international obligations.  If they do, then they can open the door to a better future.  If not, we will remain united in implementing U.N. resolutions that are in place and continuing to work in an international context to move towards an agenda of nonproliferation.

        Finally, we discussed our partnership on energy issues and climate change.  The United States and Japan share a commitment to developing the clean energy of the future and we’re focused on combating the threat of climate change.  This is an important priority for us; I know it’s an important priority for the people of Japan.  And we discussed how we can work together to pave the way for a successful outcome in Copenhagen next month. 

        So I believe that we are off to a very successful start.  I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation during dinner, as well as as we both travel to Singapore.  And I am confident that we will continue to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance so that it serves future generations.

        Thank you very much.

        PRIME MINISTER HATOYAMA:  Thank you very much.  Now I’d like to proceed to questions.  I will appoint the person, and once you are appointed, please come to the microphone, state your name and affiliation, and also to whom — please state to whom you want to pose your question. 

        On behalf of the Japanese press, please.

//         Q       Fuji Television.  Matsuyama is my name.  I’d like to ask both leaders — first to Prime Minister Hatoyama.  You have stated that you would like to see Japan enjoy a more equal relationship with the United States in talks about Afghanistan and also the ending of the refueling operations and global warming and nuclear disarmament.  Do you think that you’re able to talk as equal partners and gain understanding on this point, especially on the Futenma relocation?  There is the observation that this will be a difficult issue to resolve, but how did you explain about how to resolve the timeline for resolving this issue?

        And to President Obama, you are a proponent of a nuclear-free world, and you’ve stated, first of all, you would like to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki while in office.  Do you have this desire?  And what is your understanding of the historical meaning of the A-bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?  Do you think that it was the right decision? 

        And also considering the North Korean situation, how do you think the U.S.-Japan alliance should be strengthened, and how should both countries cooperate in the field of nuclear disarmament?

        And also on the Futenma relocation issue, by when do you think the issue needs to be resolved?  And should it be that Japan carry over the discussion — decision to next year, or decide on something outside of what is being discussed?  How would you respond?

        PRIME MINISTER HATOYAMA:  Let me start.  I was asked a great deal of questions to — especially President Obama, but I’d like to talk about the equal relationship.  But before I state so, the President himself has said naturally that we are equal partners and should be equal partners.  So in this context we have talked about the assistance to Afghanistan, climate change, and furthermore, nuclear abolishment.  And I think you can ask him, but I do believe that he has regarded us, Japan, as an equal partner.  I have raised a number of issues on my side, and I think this is proof of our equal partnership.  //

On the issue of the relocation of the Futenma air station, in regards to this issue, well, to give you the conclusion, there is the high-level working group — we’ve set up this group so as to be able to resolve the issue as early as possible.  And we stated this and my commitment was also expressed during our talks.

        But before that, I have explained why we have this discussion, and under the previous government, the U.S.-Japan agreement needs to be regarded seriously.  During the election campaign, especially to the Okinawans, I’ve stated that we would consider relocation outside of Okinawa and outside of the country.  It is a fact that we did campaign on this issue, and the Okinawans do have high expectations. 

        It will be a very difficult issue for sure, but as time goes by, I think it will become even more difficult to resolve the issue.  Especially the residents in the Futenma district will find it even more difficult to resolve the issue as time goes by.

So we do understand we need to resolve the issue as soon as possible, and we’ll make every effort to resolve the issue as quickly as possible within the working group.

        And we hope that this will lead the way to strengthening our alliance, and I sincerely hope that such discussions will take place within the working group.  And this is something I have communicated to the President.

        President, please.

        PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, first of all, I am impressed that the Japanese journalists use the same strategy as American journalists — (laughter) — in asking multiple questions. //

        Let me, first of all, insist that the United States and Japan are equal partners.  We have been and we will continue to be.  Each country brings specific assets and strengths to the relationship, but we proceed based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and that will continue.

        That’s reflected in the Japan-U.S. alliance.  It will be reflected in the resolution of the base realignment issues related to Futenma.  As the Prime Minister indicated, we discussed this.  The United States and Japan have set up a high-level working group that will focus on implementation of the agreement that our two governments reached with respect to the restructuring of U.S. forces in Okinawa, and we hope to complete this work expeditiously.

        Our goal remains the same, and that’s to provide for the defense of Japan with minimal intrusion on the lives of the people who share this space.  And I have to say that I am extraordinarily proud and grateful for the men and women in uniform from the United States who help us to honor our obligations to the alliance and our treaties.

        With respect to nuclear weapons and the issues of non-proliferation, this is an area where Prime Minister Hatoyama and I have discussed repeatedly in our meetings.  We share, I think, a vision of a world without nuclear weapons.  We recognize, though, that this is a distant goal, and we have to take specific steps in the interim to meet this goal.  It will take time.  It will not be reached probably even in our own lifetimes.  But in seeking this goal we can stop the spread of nuclear weapons; we can secure loose nuclear weapons; we can strengthen the non-proliferation regime. 

// As long as nuclear weapons exist, we will retain our deterrent for our people and our allies, but we are already taking steps to bring down our nuclear stockpiles and — in cooperation with the Russian government — and we want to continue to work on the non-proliferation issues.

        Now, obviously Japan has unique perspective on the issue of nuclear weapons as a consequence of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  And that I’m sure helps to motivate the Prime Minister’s deep interest in this issue.  I certainly would be honored, it would be meaningful for me to visit those two cities in the future.  I don’t have immediate travel plans, but it’s something that would be meaningful to me.

        You had one more question, and I’m not sure I remember it.  Was it North Korea?

        Q       Whether or not you believe that the U.S. dropped a nuclear weapon on Hiroshima and Nagasaki — it was right?

        PRESIDENT OBAMA:  No, there were three sets of questions, right?  You asked about North Korea?

        Q       I have North Korea as well, yes.

        PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Yes.  With respect to North Korea, we had a extensive discussion about how we should proceed with Pyongyang.  Obviously we were disturbed by the testing that took place, some of the belligerent actions that had taken place in an earlier period of this year.  We have continued to say that our goal is a non-nuclear Korean Peninsula.  That’s vital for the security of East Asia. 

// And the United States and Japan, with the other members of the six-party talks, will continue to work to show North Korea that there is a pathway, a door, for them to rejoin the international community that would serve their people well and I believe enhance their security over the long term.  They have to walk through that door.  In the meantime, we will continue to implement the sanctions that have already been put in place, and we will continue to coordinate closely with Japan and the other six-party members in helping to shape a strategy that meets our security needs and convinces Pyongyang to move in a better direction.

        MR. GIBBS:  Jennifer Loven with AP — questions fewer in number.  (Laughter.)

        Q       Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister.  President Obama, how can you assure the American people that a trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, now that your administration has now decided will take place in a civilian court in New York, will be safe and secure, but also not result in an innocent verdict for him? 

And on Afghanistan, if I might, can you explain to people watching and criticizing your deliberations what piece of information you’re still lacking to make that call?

And if I could add one to the Prime Minister, please.  Can you explain your country decided not to continue refueling ships going to Afghanistan?

PRIME MINISTER HATOYAMA:  Mr. President?

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  With respect to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, I believe that the Attorney General is going to be making an announcement this morning in the United States, this evening here.  I don’t want to preempt his news conference.  This is a prosecutorial decision as well as a national security decision.  //

Here’s the thing that I will say.  I am absolutely convinced that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed will be subject to the most exacting demands of justice.  The American people will insist on it and my administration will insist on it.  And I’m sure we’ll have additional things to say after the Attorney General’s press conference.

With respect to Afghanistan, Jennifer, I don’t think this is a matter of some datum of information that I’m waiting on.  It’s a matter of making certain that when I send young men and women into war, and I devote billions of dollars of U.S. taxpayer money, that it’s making us safer, and that the strategies that are placed not just on the military side but also on the civilian side are coordinated and effective in our primary goal, which is to make sure that the United States is not subject to attack and its allies are not subject to attack by terrorist networks, and that there is a stability in the region that helps to facilitate that larger goal.

And I recognize that there have been critics of the process. They tend not to be folks who I think are directly involved in what’s happening in Afghanistan.  Those who are recognize the gravity of the situation and recognize the importance of us getting this right. 

        And the decision will be made soon.  It will be one that is fully transparent so that the American people understand exactly what we’re doing and why we’re doing it and what it will entail. It will also I think send a clear message that our goal here ultimately has to be for the Afghan people to be able to be in a position to provide their own security, and that the United States cannot be engaged in an open-ended commitment.  //

So I am very pleased with how the process has proceeded.  And those who participated I think would acknowledge that it has been not a academic exercise, but a necessary process in order to make sure that we’re making the best possible decisions.

        PRIME MINISTER HATOYAMA:  I thank you for keeping it to just one question, having come all the way to Japan.  Now, your question was about why we ended the refueling in the Indian Ocean.  And we believe that Japan’s assistance to Afghanistan will — in the larger context, terms should be considered.  And as for antiterrorism, in order to eradicate terrorism, there is a need to take certain measures, but we have to consider what Japan should be doing in terms of antiterrorism.  I think that it’s important that we extend civilian support so as to eliminate terrorism from its roots.  And I do believe that this is appropriate for Japan, and this is the first point that I want to communicate to you. 

And also, the refueling support, I’ve looked at the activities.  Compared to the beginning recently, the refueling support is declining.  Last month, in one month, there was only one — refueling for one ship.  And we wonder how much effect we are bringing about.  And so I think that we have to consider the meaning of this logistic support, and we’ve come to think that there is another type of assistance that is more appropriate for Japan.

        We understand that the Afghans are suffering from poverty and we have to save them from poverty.  Also security is something of a challenge, and we need to take new activities.  And also, to the former soldiers, we have to provide vocational training so that they do not have to rely on their guns; they can lay down their guns and seek a more fulfilling life. //

        And I believe that for Japan it is more appropriate, desirable, that we provide such civilian assistance.  And as a result, conclusion, we have decided that instead of providing refueling, we provide an alternative package.

        MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  With this, we would like to conclude the joint news conference.  And reporters please stay in your seats while the leaders leave the room.  We thank you for your cooperation.

President Barack Obama Arrives At Haneda International Airport In Tokyo To Begin Asia Tour

U.S.-Japan Joint Message on Climate Change Negotiations

Prime Minister Hatoyama and President Obama strongly affirmed their commitment to continuing to work together to usher in a new era in the global fight against climate change, and they recognized each other’s achievements toward this shared goal.

The two leaders also reaffirmed that shifting to low-carbon growth is indispensable to the health of our planet and will play a central role in reviving the global economy.  To this end, our countries aspire to reduce our own emissions by 80% by 2050 and endorse a global goal of reducing emissions by 50% by that year.

Meeting the climate change challenge requires all major economies to take ambitious concrete actions: emission reduction targets by developed countries and actions by major developing countries that will significantly reduce their emissions compared to business as usual.  These actions must also be subject to a robust regime of reporting and international review.  A solution also requires that critical support be provided for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts among the poor and most vulnerable.  The United States and Japan will continue to cooperate closely with each other on international negotiations to this end.

It is vital that we achieve a successful outcome at COP 15.  The United States and Japan are determined to engage themselves at all levels to secure this goal.  

United States-Japan Joint Statement toward a World without Nuclear Weapons

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of Japan welcome the renewed international attention and commitment to achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons and confirm their determination to realize such a world.  They welcome, in this context, the recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Summit on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament and UNSC Resolutions 1540 and 1887, as well as the resolution of the Government of Japan, co-sponsored by the Government of the United States, to the United Nations General Assembly entitled “Renewed determination towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.”

Recognizing the challenge to achieve total elimination of nuclear weapons, the Government of the United States and the Government of Japan plan to work actively to create conditions for achieving this objective.  They express their determination to take the following practical steps on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, in a way that promotes international stability and security while ensuring that those steps do not in any way diminish the national security of Japan or the United States of America and its allies.

l   Nuclear Disarmament

The Government of the United States continues to seek early conclusion of a START follow-on treaty through negotiations with the Russian Federation.  The Government of Japan welcomes the progress made in the negotiations and expresses its expectation for early agreement.  The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan call upon states that hold nuclear weapons to respect the principles of transparency, verifiability and irreversibility in the process of nuclear disarmament.  The Government of the United States is committed to reducing the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy, and the Government of the United States and the Government of Japan urge other states that hold nuclear weapons to do the same.

l   Nuclear Non-Proliferation / Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan reaffirm the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and plan to cooperate so that the 2010 NPT Review Conference succeeds in strengthening the Treaty, reaffirming its central role in the international non-proliferation regime and recommending realistic and achievable goals to strengthen each of the NPT’s three pillars: nuclear non-proliferation, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and nuclear disarmament.  This includes, inter alia, measures to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, to prevent abuse of the NPT’s withdrawal provision, and to establish multilateral approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle that can be widely accepted.  The Government of Japan welcomes the intention of the Government of the United States to pursue ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the Government of the United States and the Government of Japan plan to cooperate to achieve the early entry into force of the CTBT. The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan are confident that their security alliance will be enhanced by the entry into force of the CTBT and the reinvigoration of the international nonproliferation regime.  They are also determined to pursue the immediate commencement of negotiations on, and early conclusion of, a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.  The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan intend to work together and with other countries to explore ways to enhance a new framework for civil nuclear cooperation, including assurances of fuel supply, so that countries can access peaceful nuclear power without increasing the risks of proliferation, and agree that cradle-to-grave nuclear fuel management could be one important element of the framework.

The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan declare that it remains vital for North Korea and Iran to uphold and adhere to their respective international obligations.  As demonstrated by its recent missile launches and nuclear test, North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a major threat to peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the entire international community.  The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan reaffirm their commitment to the irreversible and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and to the goals of the September 2005 Joint Statement.  They stress that the Six Party Talks remain the most effective framework to achieve these goals and they urge North Korea to return immediately to the Six Party Talks without precondition.  Both governments agree to fully implement UNSC Resolutions 1718 and 1874 and urge all UN member states to do the same.

Iran’s nuclear activities, in particular the recent disclosure of Iran’s construction of a new facility near Qom intended for enrichment, have reinforced the international community’s concern regarding the nature of its nuclear program.  The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan stress that Iran has the responsibility to restore international confidence in this regard.  They will not allow the global non-proliferation regime to be endangered.  They reaffirm their commitment to seek a comprehensive, long-term solution through dialogue and negotiations based on UNSC resolutions, and express their firm commitment to pursue a dual-track approach to achieve this objective.

The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan plan to cooperate to ensure that the IAEA continues to have the resources, authorities, and verification capabilities necessary to carry out its essential mandate.  They plan to promote efforts to gain universal adherence to the Additional Protocol, which in their shared view should be the international standard for verification, and to encourage peaceful uses of nuclear energy that adhere to the highest standards for nuclear safeguards, security, and safety.  They welcome, in this context, Ambassador Amano’s election to become the Director General of the IAEA in December.

The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan intend to expand nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and security cooperation that may include areas such as nuclear measurement and detection technologies, nuclear forensics, human resource development, training and infrastructure assistance for countries interested in nuclear energy, and coordination of our respective Member State support programs to IAEA safeguards.

l   Nuclear Security

The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan pledge to cooperate for the success of the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit hosted by the Government of the United States, and to promote regional efforts to strengthen nuclear security.  In this regard, the Government of Japan will host a nuclear security conference for Asian countries in Tokyo in January 2010.  The Government of the United States welcomes this effort, as well as the GOJ’s hosting of the next preparatory meeting for the Summit in December.

The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan intend to cooperate for the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540, promotion of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, expansion and extension of the G8 Global Partnership, and strengthening of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and further cooperation under the Megaports Initiative.  Recognizing the continuing threat of nuclear terrorism, the two governments reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that civil nuclear materials and facilities receive the highest levels of physical protection.  They also pledge their support for efforts to secure all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years.  

President Obama and Brigadier General Karl Horst Visist Arlington Cemetary - Section 60, Servicemen and Women Who Served In Iraq And Afghanistan

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

TO SERVICE MEMBERS

Elmendorf Air Force Base

Anchorage, Alaska

5:39 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Elmendorf!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  Please — thank you so much.  Anybody who has a seat, go ahead and take a seat.

I want to thank General Troy for the introduction and for his extraordinary service; to Colonel Mark Camerer and your outstanding local leaders for welcoming me here today.  And I want to give a shout-out to the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific.  (Applause.)

I realize that your Commander, General Atkins, couldn’t be here.  I’m told that he got called down to Hawaii — shaka brah, what’s up?  (Laughter.)  I grew up there, so I hope that he’s getting as warm a welcome as I’m getting here.

I want to thank your senior enlisted leaders:  Command Chief Master Sergeant Robert Moore, Chief Master Sergeant Tom Baker and Command Sergeant Major David Turnbull.  Give them a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  And please give some applause to all the airmen and soldiers up here.  They look terrific.  (Applause.)

It is wonderful to be here at one of America’s great air bases.  I have to tell you I’m also really excited because I had up until today visited 49 states.  So this is officially my 50th state.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Love you –

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  (Applause.)  But we also have a lot of folks from Fort Richardson.  (Applause.)  We’ve got folks from all across Alaskan Command — Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, United States Marines; Active, Guard and Reserve.  (Applause.)  We have our allies and friends from the Canadian armed forces.  (Applause.)

I see — I see many spouses here today.  (Applause.)  And I want you to know you are the backbone of our military families and we honor your service.  (Applause.)  And I’m thrilled to see the kids who are here today — hey, guys, thank you.  (Applause.)   I know you’re proud of your mom and dad, but we’re all proud of you, too.

You know, we’re here in “America’s Last Frontier.”  And most of you are far from home.  And I know your service is made a little easier by your unbelievable neighbors.  So we want to thank your local and state leaders, Lieutenant Governor Craig Campbell, all the people of Anchorage and Alaska for their incredible support.

And we’re also joined today by a leader who is fighting for Alaska in Washington, and for you and all our men and women in uniform as a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee — Mark Begich is here, Senator Mark Begich is in the house.  Stand up, Mark, so everybody can see you.  (Applause.)

Today, I’m on my way to Asia — my first visit there as President.  The crews are out there refueling Air Force One.  But I didn’t want to just pass through.  Because this is also, as I said, my first visit to Alaska and my first visit to Elmendorf.  And I couldn’t come here without taking this opportunity to deliver a simple message — a message of thanks to you and your families.

Now, these have been days of tribute.  Two days ago, we gathered at Fort Hood and we honored 13 Americans taken from us:  soldiers and caregivers; mothers and fathers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.  We grieved with families who have endured unimaginable loss.  And we found inspiration in the wounded, their spirits unbowed, and in those who braved the bullets so that others might live.

Yesterday, we gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to salute proud veterans who served on foreign fields long ago and wounded warriors from today.  And as citizens of a grateful nation, we are humbled by such service.

Today, we gather here, at Elmendorf.  And we see the same spirit.  It’s the spirit that I saw in the outstanding airmen and soldiers I met with a few moments ago.  It’s the spirit that I see in all of you.

It’s your sense of service — answering your country’s call, volunteering in a time of war knowing that you could be sent into harm’s way.  That’s a sense of responsibility on your part — the belief that the blessings we cherish as Americans are not gifts that we take for granted, they are freedoms that are earned.  And it’s your sense of unity — coming from every corner of the country, from every color and every creed and every faith and every station — to take care of each other, and to serve together, and to succeed together, as Americans.  (Applause.)

So I’m here to say to all of you, all of you who serve, all the families who are here:  Of all the privileges I have as President, I have no greater honor than serving as your Commander-in-Chief.  (Applause.)  We have the finest fighting force the world has ever known.  And it’s because of you — because we’ve got the finest personnel in the world.  That’s our most precious resource.

By being here all of you are joining a long line of service at Elmendorf — from the liberation of Pacific islands during World War II through a long Cold War.  You embody that creed: “faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor.”  And you uphold that legacy every day.

Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, you keep America’s skies safe.  So we salute the 3 ^rd Wing.  And the 11^th Air Force.  (Applause.)

You project power across the Pacific, returning just recently from Guam:  the 90^th Fighter Squadron — the “Dicemen.”  (Applause.)  And the 525^th Fighter Squadron — the “Bulldogs.”  (Applause.)  And all the maintenance troops who support them.  Welcome home.  (Applause.)

And when disaster strikes — whether a typhoon in the Philippines or an earthquake in Samoa — you’re there, delivering the relief that saves lives.  So thank you “Firebirds.”  (Applause.)

Today, we also send our thoughts and prayers to all those who at this very moment are serving on the front lines.  (Applause.)  There are airmen from Elmendorf in every corner of the world.  They’re soldiers from Fort Richardson:  military police in Iraq — (applause) — the 4^th Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan.  (Applause.)

Fort Rich paratroopers are no strangers to tough assignments.  (Applause.)  A few years back, you all spent 14 months in Iraq.  Now, they’re working to bring stability and security to eastern Afghanistan — building roads and medical clinics, renovating schools, protecting the Afghan people and giving them a chance at a better future.  They are doing a terrific job and we salute them.

But with services comes sacrifice.  All of you know this.  You’ve made the most profound commitment a person can make.  You’ve pledged to dedicate your life to your country.  And perhaps give your life for it.  Here at Elmendorf and Fort Richardson, some have.

They’re airmen like Staff Sergeant Timothy Bowles, who — when a comrade fell sick — volunteered to take his place on the patrol in Afghanistan [sic] that would end up taking his life.

They’re soldiers from the 4^th Brigade Combat Team, like the husband and father who gave his life in Afghanistan last week — Specialist Julian Berisford.

And citizens of this state, like Alaska Native Corporal Gregory Fleury.  Raised in Anchorage, he joined the Marines and served two tours in Iraq.  He loved the Corps, he loved Alaska, so much so that he carried the state flag with him everywhere.  It was with him last month when he was killed in those helicopter crashes in Afghanistan.

A little while ago, I had the honor of meeting Greg’s family, Donna and Christopher, and his grandfather Albert.  And I expressed the gratitude of our nation, and we thank them for being with us here today.  Donna, Albert, please stand.  (Applause.)

There are no words that are strong enough and no tribute worthy enough to match the magnitude of such service.  But to you and all who serve, I say this:  The American people thank you.  We honor you.  And just as you have fulfilled your responsibilities to your nation, your nation will fulfill its responsibilities to you.

So as your Commander-in-Chief, here’s the commitment I make to you.  We’ll make sure you can meet the missions we ask of you.  That’s why we’re increasing the defense budget, including spending on the Air Force and the Army.  (Applause.)  We’ll make sure we have the right force structure.  So we’ve halted reductions in the Air Force, increased the size of the Army ahead of schedule and also approved a temporary increase in the Army.

We’ll spend our defense dollars wisely.  So we’re cutting tens of billions of dollars in waste and projects that even the Pentagon says it doesn’t need — money that’s better spent on taking care of you and your families and building the 21^st century military that we do need.

I want you guys to understand I will never hesitate to use force to protect the American people or our vital interests.  (Applause.)  But I also make you this promise:  I will not risk your lives unless it is necessary to America’s vital interest.  (Applause.)

And if it is necessary, the United States of America will have your back.  We will give you the strategy and the clear mission you deserve.  We will give you the equipment and support that you need to get the job done.  And that includes public support back home.  That is a promise that I make to you.  (Applause.)

And as you meet your missions around the world, we will take care of your families here at home.  That’s why the First Lady, Michelle, has been visiting bases across the country — go Michelle.  (Laughter and applause.)  Your family is a priority for our family.  So we’re increasing pay.  We’re increasing child care.  We’re increasing support to help spouses and families deal with the stress and separation of war.  (Applause.)

And finally, we pledge to be there when you come home.  We’re improving care for our wounded warriors, especially those with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries.  I want to salute the outstanding work you do at the hospital here on base, including your new TBI clinic.  Thank you for giving our wounded warriors the world-class care they deserve.  (Applause.)

We’re funding the Post-9/11 GI Bill — (applause) — because we want to give — we want to give your families the chance to pursue your dreams.  And we’re making the biggest commitment to our veterans — the largest percentage increase in the VA budget in more than 30 years.  (Applause.)

So these are the commitments I’m making to you.  Because you’ve always taken care of America, and America must has to take care of you back.  America’s obligation to our military — as we saw this week — is a sacred trust that we are honor-bound to uphold.

It’s the sacred trust that brought a nation together this week around 13 battlefield crosses.  It’s the sacred trust that leads us to pause, on that November day, to give thanks for all those who have served before us.  It’s the sacred trust that brings me here — to say thank you for serving today, thank you to you and your families for all you do to protect this country we love.

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

President Obama Laying Wreath at Tom of Unknown Soldier On Veterans Day - November 11, 2009

Memorandum For The Secretary Of Defense, The Director Of National Intelligence, The Director Of The Federal Bureau Of Investigation

Subject: Inventory Of Files Related To The Fort Hood Shooting

On November 6, 2009, I directed that an immediate inventory be conducted of all intelligence in U.S. Government files that existed prior to November 6, 2009, relevant to the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, especially anything having to do with the alleged shooter, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, U.S. Army.  In addition, I directed an immediate review be initiated to determine how any such intelligence was handled, shared, and acted upon within individual departments and agencies and what intelligence was shared with others.  This inventory and review shall be conducted in a manner that does not interfere with the ongoing criminal investigations of the Fort Hood shooting.

The results of this inventory and review, as well as any recommendations for improvements to procedures and practices, shall be provided to John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, who will serve as the principal point of contact on this matter for the White House.  Preliminary results of this review shall be provided by November 30, 2009.

                             BARACK OBAMA

STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT ON NEW BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE REPORT ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM

“A new report released today by the Business Roundtable underscores what experts and businesspeople have told us all along – comprehensive health insurance reform is one of the most important investments we can make in American competitiveness. It finds, for example, that if reform passes this year, businesses could see health care costs reduced by as much as $3,000 per employee in 2019. And that means more than savings for businesses: it will be vital boost to American competitiveness. The report also echoes widespread support for the cost-containment and fiscal responsibility provisions in current legislation, such as a new CMS Innovation Center, accountable care organizations, and reducing preventable hospital re-admissions.

The Roundtable’s report also makes clear the steep price that American businesses stand to pay if we fail to act. If we don’t pass comprehensive reform, the report finds, health care costs that are already squeezing our businesses will continue to rise, and in ten years, employment-based spending on health care for large employers will be fully 166 percent higher per employee than it is today. And the yearly health insurance costs for the average employee will rise to a staggering $28,530.

The Business Roundtable’s report comes as Congress is reaching new milestones in the effort to reform our health care system. The House of Representatives acted to pass their version of the legislation on Saturday night, and the Senate’s version will move to the floor soon. The potential benefit for America’s businesses is just another reason why we can’t afford delay or political games as this process moves forward. I look forward to working with our business communities and their partners in Congress to pass reform by the end of the year.”