The Obama Biden Transition Project only accepts contributions from individuals’ personal funds—we refuse donations from corporations, labor unions, and PACs.  Individuals may not donate more than $5,000.  We also refuse all contributions from registered federal lobbyists and registered foreign agents.

To view the donor list, visit: http://change.gov/donors

President-elect Obama said, "We are fortunate to have this distinguished group of individuals serving in these key posts, and with Peter Orszag I am confident that this team will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. The Office of Management and Budget in my administration will not only design, manage and implement our budget, it will focus on cutting waste and making sure that our government is serving the American people effectively and efficiently. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."

The following announcements were made today:

Jeffrey Liebman, Executive Associate Director
Liebman is currently the Malcolm Wiener Professor of Public Policy at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University where he teaches courses in public sector economics and American economic policy. In his research, he studies tax and budget policy, social insurance, poverty, and income inequality. Recent research has examined the impacts of government programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Social Security, and housing vouchers. He is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) where he is the Associate Director of the NBER Retirement Research Center. In the Clinton Administration, Liebman served as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy in the White House National Economic Council from 1998-1999. Liebman received his BA from Yale University and his PhD in economics from Harvard.

Steve Kosiak, Associate Director for Defense and International Affairs
Kosiak is currently Vice President for Budget Studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. He is a nationally recognized expert on the US defense budget and national security spending. Kosiak is also a professor for the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University, where he has taught since 2001. He teaches graduate-level courses on U.S. Defense Budgeting and Strategic Planning. From 1991-1996, Kosiak was a Defense Budget Analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, where he monitored and assessed a broad range of defense budget issues. Before that, he was an analyst at the Center for Defense Information in Washington, D.C. Kosiak earned his B.A. in History and Political Science, summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota. He earned his J.D., cum laude in 1998 from Georgetown University Law Center and his Master in Public Affairs in 1986 from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

Robert Gordon, Associate Director for Education, Income Maintenance and Labor
Gordon is a Senior Fellow at American Progress, where he focuses on education and domestic policy. While on leave from the Center in 2006 and 2007, Gordon served as a senior advisor to the chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, leading an overhaul of the city’s multi-billion dollar school budgeting system and developing new human capital initiatives. Prior to joining American Progress in 2005, he was domestic policy director for the Kerry-Edwards campaign. He previously worked for Senator John Edwards (D-NC) as Judiciary Committee counsel, legislative director, and policy director on his first presidential campaign. Earlier in his career, Gordon was a law clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a Skadden Fellow at the Juvenile Rights Division of the Legal Aid Society in New York City, where he represented children in abuse and neglect proceedings. Gordon also served in the Clinton White House as an aide to the National Economic Council and the Office of National Service, helping craft the legislation creating AmeriCorps. He received a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Harvard College.

Xavier de Souza Briggs, Associate Director for General Government Programs
Xavier de Souza Briggs is Associate Professor of Sociology + Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A former community planner and senior U.S. government official, his work is about leadership and democratic institutions, inequality, and racial and ethnic diversity in cities. He is the editor of The Geography of Opportunity: Race and Housing Choice in Metropolitan America (Brookings, 2005), which won the highest book award in planning, and his newest book—Democracy as Problem-Solving: Civic Capacity in Communities across the Globe—was published by The MIT Press in August. It examines local policy innovation and democratic governance in cities in Brazil, India, South Africa, and the U.S. A third book, Moving to Opportunity: The Story of an American Experiment to Fight Ghetto Poverty, is forthcoming summer 2009 (Oxford University Press). It presents a rethinking of anti-poverty policy, the role of housing in a larger opportunity agenda, and the lived experience and outlook of very low-income people in a major federal demonstration program. Xav is founder and director of The Community Problem-Solving Project @ MIT and Working Smarter in Community Development, two popular and innovative online resources for people and institutions worldwide. A former faculty member in public policy at Harvard, he has designed and led major leadership development, strategy, and other training programs for those in the public, private, and nonprofit/nongovernmental sectors. He has also consulted on urban strategy to leading national and international organizations, such as The Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Center for American Progress, and The World Bank. In the public sector, he ran the Clinton Administration’s urban policy research and development unit at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, interacting regularly with the White House, Congress, major media, and local leaders on affordable housing, economic development, regional problem-solving, and sustainable development issues. He is a member of the Aspen Institute’s Roundtable on Community Change and other advisory groups, and his views have appeared in the New York Times, Salon.com, National Public Radio, Boston Globe, and other major media. He was educated at Stanford (engineering), Harvard (public policy and management), and Columbia University (sociology and education).

Preeta Bansal, OMB General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor
Bansal is currently Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP in New York City. Since 2003, Bansal has also been a Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, serving as Chair from 2004-2005. In that capacity, Bansal participated in U.S. diplomatic missions to Iraq, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Vietnam, Turkey, Hong Kong, and South Asia, and presided over a nationally acclaimed Commission study on DHS’s procedures for expedited removal of U.S. asylum seekers. From 1999-2002, Bansal was Solicitor General of the State of New York, where she helped supervise the legal positions of 600 attorneys in the New York Attorney General's office. From 1993-1996, Bansal served as a counselor in the Office of Policy Development and Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice, and as a Special Counsel in the Office of the White House Counsel. Bansal received a J.D., magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and an A.B., magna cum laude from Harvard-Radcliffe College. She was a law clerk to Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court. She has been a Commissioner on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Election Modernization Task Force and serves on numerous nonprofit boards.

Kenneth Baer, Associate Director for Communications and Strategic Planning
Baer has served as a communications strategist, policy advisor, and writer for a wide range of public and private sector leaders. For the past eight years, he ran Baer Communications, LLC, a speechwriting and policy consulting firm. In that role, he was a senior adviser to former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt, Jr. and to Governor Mark Warner (D-VA). Prior to starting his firm, Baer was Senior Speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore and Deputy Director of Speechwriting for Gore-Lieberman 2000. In addition to his consulting work, Baer is the co-founder and co-editor of Democracy: A Journal of Ideas, the award-winning progressive quarterly, has written for a wide array of other print and online publications, and has taught at Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities. Baer, raised in Cherry Hill, NJ, is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and received his doctorate in Politics at Oxford University where he was a Sir John and Lady Thouron Scholar. He lives in the Washington area with his wife, Caron Gremont, and their baby daughter.

The address was also recorded on video and will be posted online at 6:00 am ET Saturday at www.change.gov.

You can listen to the radio address HERE.

The text of the radio address, as delivered, is below:

Good morning. On Tuesday, the world will be watching as America celebrates a rite that goes to the heart of our greatness as a nation. For the forty-third time, we will execute the peaceful transfer of power from one President to the next.

The first Inauguration took place 220 years ago. Our nation’s capital had yet to be built, so President George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. It was a spring day, just over a decade after the birth of our nation, as Washington assumed the new office that he would do so much to shape, and swore an oath to the Constitution that guides us to this very day.

Since then, Inaugurations have taken place during times of war and peace; in Depression and prosperity. Our democracy has undergone many changes, and our people have taken many steps in pursuit of a more perfect union. What has always endured is this peaceful and orderly transition of power.

For us, it is easy to take this central aspect of our democracy for granted. But we must remember that our nation was founded at a time of Kings and Queens, and even today billions of people around the world cannot imagine their leaders giving up power without strife or bloodshed.

Through the ages, many have struggled for the right to live in a land where power does not belong to one person or party, and many brave Americans have fought and died to help advance that right. Through the long twilight struggle of the Cold War, our transitions from one President to the next provided a stark contrast to the suffocating grip of Soviet Communism. And today, the resilience of our democracy stands in opposition to the extremists who would tear it down.

Here at home, transitions also remind us that what we hold in common as Americans far outweighs our political differences. Throughout the current transition, President Bush and his Administration have extended the hand of cooperation, and provided invaluable assistance to my team as we prepare to hit the ground running on January 20th.

There is much work to be done. But now, all Americans hold within our hands the promise of a new beginning.

That is why the events of the next several days are not simply about the inauguration of an American President – they will be a celebration of the American people. We will carry the voices of ordinary Americans to Washington. We will invite people across the country to work on behalf of a common purpose through a national day of service on Monday. And we will have the most open and accessible Inauguration in history – for those who travel to the capital, and for those who choose one of the many ways to participate in the Inauguration from their own communities and their own homes.

Together, we know that this is a time of great challenge for the American people. Difficult days are upon us, and even more difficult days lie ahead. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in great turmoil. And there is so much work that must be done to restore peace and advance prosperity. But as we approach this time-honored American tradition, we are reminded that our challenges can be met if we summon the spirit that has sustained our democracy since George Washington took the first oath of office.

Addressing the nation that day, Washington explained his decision to serve, saying, “I was called by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.” This Tuesday, we can reaffirm our own veneration and love for our country and our democracy. We can once again provide an example to the world, and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and progress at home.

Thanks.

Before delivering his remarks, President-elect Obama toured the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Company, a growing company with innovative production practices that manufactures parts used to construct wind turbines.  President-elect Obama discussed how companies like Cardinal Fastener and workers like those in Bedford Heights would benefit from an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which would aim to create nearly half a million American jobs by investing in clean energy like wind power.

Below are President-elect Obama’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

I want to start by thanking the folks here at Cardinal Fastener for the tour you just gave me.  The story of this company – which began building wind turbine parts just two years ago, and is now poised to make half its earnings that way – is that a renewable energy economy isn’t some pie-in-the-sky, far-off future.  It’s happening all across America right now.  It’s providing alternatives to foreign oil now.  It can create millions of additional jobs and entire new industries if we act right now.

The need for this action has never been more urgent.  We’ve started this year in the midst of a crisis unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetime.  Last month, we lost more than half a million jobs – a total of nearly 2.6 million in 2008.  Another 3.4 million people who want and need full-time work have had to settle for part-time jobs.  With each passing day, families here in Ohio and across America are watching their bills pile up and their savings disappear.  And economists from across the spectrum tell us that if nothing is done, and we continue on our current path, this recession could linger for years – and America could lose the competitive edge that has served as the foundation for our strength and standing in the world. 

It’s not too late to change course – but only if we take dramatic action as soon as possible.  The way I see it, the first job of my Administration is to put people back to work and get our economy working again.  That’s why I’ve moved quickly to work with my economic team and leaders of both parties on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that will immediately jumpstart job creation and long-term growth.  And I’m pleased that Congress has seen the urgency as well, and is moving quickly to consider such a plan.

It’s a plan that will save or create three to four million jobs in businesses large and small across a wide range of industries – and 90 percent of these jobs will be in the private sector.  And I want to be clear – we’re not looking to create just any kind of jobs here.  We’re looking to create good jobs that pay well and won’t be shipped overseas.  Jobs that don’t just put people to work in the short-term, but position our economy to be on the cutting edge in the long-term. 

That starts with new, clean sources of energy.  We know that the possibilities here are limitless.  Here in Ohio and across America, we’ve seen old factories become new clean energy producers.  We’ve seen entrepreneurs turning solar energy into electricity, and corn and soybeans into bio-fuels.  Our scientists and engineers are hard at work developing cars that use less gas, homes and appliances that require less energy, schools and offices that are greener and more efficient than ever before.

But we also know that we are nowhere near realizing the full potential of their work.  Take the example of wind power alone: I’m told that if we don’t act now, because of the economic downturn, half of the wind projects planned for 2009 could wind up being abandoned.  Think about that.  Think about all the businesses that wouldn’t come to be, all the jobs that wouldn’t be created, all the clean energy we wouldn’t produce. 

And think of what’s happening in countries like Spain, Germany and Japan, where they’re making real investments in renewable energy.  They’re surging ahead of us, poised to take the lead in these new industries.  

This isn’t because they’re smarter than us, or work harder than us, or are more innovative than we are.  It’s because their governments have harnessed their people’s hard work and ingenuity with bold investments – investments that are paying off in good, high-wage jobs – jobs they won’t lose to other countries. 

There is no reason we can’t do the same thing right here in America.  That’s why, as part of our Recovery and Reinvestment plan, we’re committing to double the production of renewable energy in the next three years, and to modernize more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes. 

In the process, we’ll put nearly half a million people to work building wind turbines and solar panels; constructing fuel-efficient cars and buildings; and developing the new energy technologies that will lead to new jobs, more savings, and a cleaner, safer planet in the bargain. 

Here at Cardinal Fastener, that could mean going from operating at 50 percent capacity to 90 percent capacity and creating even more good, made-in-America jobs right here in Ohio.

With our Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, we’ll also create hundreds of thousands of jobs by improving health care – transitioning to a nationwide system of computerized medical records that won’t just save money, but save lives by preventing deadly medical errors.  And we’ll create hundreds of thousands more jobs in education, equipping tens of thousands of schools with 21st century classrooms, labs and computers to help our kids compete with any worker in the world for any job.

We’ll put nearly 400,000 people to work by repairing our infrastructure – our crumbling roads, bridges and schools.  And we’ll build the new infrastructure we need to succeed in this new century, investing in science and technology, and laying down miles of new broadband lines so that businesses across our nation can compete with their counterparts around the world. 

Finally, we won’t just create jobs, we’ll also provide help for those who’ve lost theirs, and for states and families who’ve been hardest-hit by this recession.  That means bi-partisan extensions of unemployment insurance and health care coverage; a $1,000 tax cut for 95 percent of working families; and assistance to help states avoid harmful budget cuts in essential services like police, fire, education and health care.

Now, given the magnitude of the challenges we face, none of this will come easy.  Recovery won’t happen overnight, and it’s likely that, even with these measures, things will get worse before they get better.

But if anyone doubts that we can dig ourselves out of this hole, I invite them to come here to Ohio and look what you’ve done at Cardinal Fastener.  I know it hasn’t been easy – and it hasn’t been without risk.  But you’ve set your sights on the future, and you haven’t looked back.  In an economy that’s losing jobs, you’re creating them.  And they’re the kind of jobs that don’t just support families and sustain communities – but also help transform our economy, spurring growth not just today, but for decades to come.

That’s what we’ve always done in moments like this.  We’ve looked ahead to the next big idea, that next new breakthrough.  We’ve experimented and innovated, and when we’ve failed, we’ve picked ourselves up and tried again.  And I know that if we can summon that determination and that great American spirit once again, we will meet the challenges of our time and build a better future for our children.

The following announcements were made today:

President-elect Obama said, "I am pleased to announce the addition of these individuals to my team.  Danielle, Marvin and Emmett played key roles on my campaign team and I will rely on their talent and expertise in the White House. My administration also will benefit from Patrick’s experience and I’m pleased to have him joining our team. I look forward to working with all of them in the years ahead.”

Danielle Crutchfield, Director of Scheduling for the President
As Deputy Director of Scheduling for the Obama campaign, Crutchfield oversaw the execution of the President elect's day to day schedule and was responsible for managing a wide range of complicated planning including the President's foreign trip in July, the coordination of the schedules of all four principals and the management of state scheduling operations. Prior to joining the Obama Campaign, Crutchfield worked as a staff assistant and later as Deputy Scheduler for Senator Maria Cantwell. She also spent a year working for Paul Begala.  Crutchfield grew up in Seattle, Washington and she is a 2003 graduate of Hampton University.

Marvin Nicholson, Trip Director for the President
In 1998, while working at a surf shop in Boston, Massachusetts Nicholson first met Senator John Kerry.  After meeting again at the end of the summer Kerry offered Nicholson an internship in his Washington Senate office.  Around the same time Nicholson was offered a caddie slot at the famous Augusta National Golf Club, home of the masters delaying his arrival in Washington. He worked for two years as Senator Kerry’s personal assistant before leaving in 2003 to hit the campaign trail as Kerry's "Body Guy."  Following the 2004 election, Nicholson returned to Washington and spent the next two years working as Kerry's personal assistant/trip director.  In Febuary 2007, following Kerry's announcement that he would not seek another run for the Presidency, Nicholson joined the Obama Campaign as the National Trip Director.

Emmett Beliveau, Director of Advance
Beliveau is the Executive Director and CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009.Before his current assignment, Beliveau served as the Director of Advance for President-elect Barack Obama’s presidential campaign where he oversaw hundreds of major events. Before joining the Obama Campaign, Beliveau practiced law in Washington, D.C. He also held staff positions on the presidential campaigns of Vice President Al Gore and Senator John Kerry, and served as a Research Fellow for the Denmark-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Beliveau is a graduate of Colby College in his home state of Maine and of the Georgetown University Law Center. He lives with his wife and daughter, who was born the day before Election Day, in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Dillon, Deputy Director of Political Affairs
Dillon has served as Chief of Staff to Iowa Governor Chet Culver since 2006.  Prior to that, he was campaign manager for Culver's gubernatorial campaign.  Previously, Dillon was a national political advisor to former Senator John Edwards, and across a decade of campaign experience, has served in senior roles with campaigns including Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign, former Senator Tom Daschle, Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, and the winning Virginia gubernatorial campaign of Senator Mark Warner.   He began his career with the progressive think tank and advocacy group NDN/New Democrat Network.  A native of Texas who calls Iowa home, he received a B.A. in Government from Georgetown University.

"Restoring the economy requires that we maintain the flow of credit to families and businesses. So I'm gratified that a majority of the U.S. Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, voted today to give me the authority to implement the rest of the financial rescue plan in a new and responsible way. I know this wasn't an easy vote because of the frustration so many of us share about how the first half of this plan was implemented. There was too little transparency and accountability, and it didn't do enough to get credit where it's needed most -- small businesses and families struggling to keep their jobs and make ends meet. Now my pledge is to change the way this plan is implemented and keep faith with the American tax payer by placing strict conditions on CEO pay and providing more loans to small businesses, more transparency so that taxpayers can see where their money is spent, and more sensible regulations that will protect consumers, investors, and businesses," said President-elect Obama.

Dear Madam Speaker, Leader Boehner, Leader Reid and Leader McConnell:

Thank you for the extraordinary efforts you have made this week to work with President-Elect Obama in implementing the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.  In addition to the commitments I made in my letter of January 12, 2009, the President-Elect asked me to respond to a number of valuable recommendations made by members of the House and Senate as well as the Congressional Oversight Panel.   We completely agree that this program must promote the stability of the financial system and increase lending, preserve home ownership, promote jobs and economic recovery, safeguard taxpayer interests, and have the maximum degree of accountability and transparency possible.

As part of that approach, no substantial new investments will be made under this program unless President elect Obama has reviewed the recommendation and agreed that it should proceed.  If the President elect concludes that a substantial new commitment of funds is necessary to forestall a serious economic dislocation, he will certify that decision to Congress before any final action is taken.   

As the Obama Administration carries out the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, our actions will reflect the Act's original purpose of preventing systemic consequences in the financial and housing markets.   The incoming Obama Administration has no intention of using any funds to implement an industrial policy.

The Obama Administration will commit substantial resources of $50-100B to a sweeping effort to address the foreclosure crisis.  We will implement smart, aggressive policies to reduce the number of preventable foreclosures by helping to reduce mortgage payments for economically stressed but responsible homeowners, while also reforming our bankruptcy laws and strengthening existing housing initiatives like Hope for

Homeowners. Banks receiving support under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act will be required to implement mortgage foreclosure mitigation programs. In addition to this action, the Federal Reserve has announced a $500B program of support, which is already having a significant beneficial impact in reducing the cost of new conforming mortgages.  Together these efforts will constitute a major effort to address this critical problem. 

In addition to these commitments, I would like to summarize some of the additional reforms we will be implementing.

1. Provide a Clear and Transparent Explanation for Investments:

• For each investment, the Treasury will make public the amount of assistance provided, the value of the investment, the quantity and strike price of warrants received, and the schedule of required payments to the government.
• For each investment, the Treasury will report on the terms or pricing of that investment compared to recent market transactions.
• The above information will be posted as quickly as possible on the Treasury’s website so that the American people readily can monitor the status of each investment.

2.Measure, Monitor and Track the Impact on Lending:

• As a condition of federal assistance, healthy banks without major capital shortfalls will increase lending above baseline levels.
• The Treasury will require detailed and timely information from recipients of government investments on their lending patterns broken down by category.  Public companies will report this information quarterly in conjunction with the release of their 10Q reports.
• The Treasury will report quarterly on overall lending activity and on the terms and availability of credit in the economy.

3. Impose Clear Conditions on Firms Receiving Government Support: 

• Require that executive compensation above a specified threshold amount be paid in restricted stock or similar form that cannot be liquidated or sold until the government has been repaid.
• Prevent shareholders from being unduly rewarded at taxpayer expense.  Payment of dividends by firms receiving support must be approved by their primary federal regulator.  For firms receiving exceptional assistance, quarterly dividend payments will be restricted to $0.01 until the government has been repaid.
• Preclude use of government funds to purchase healthy firms rather than to boost lending.
• Ensure terms of investments are appropriately designed to promote early repayment and to encourage private capital to replace public investments as soon as economic conditions permit.  Public assistance to the financial system will be temporary, not permanent.

4. Focus Support on Increasing the Flow of Credit:

• The President will certify to Congress that any substantial new initiative under this program will contribute to forestalling a significant economic dislocation.
• Implement a sweeping foreclosure mitigation plan for responsible families including helping to reduce mortgage payment for economically stressed but responsible homeowners, reforming our bankruptcy laws, and strengthening existing housing initiatives like Hope for Homeowners.
• Undertake special efforts to restart lending to the small businesses responsible for over two-thirds of recent job creation.
• Ensure the soundness of community banks throughout the country.
• Limit assistance under the EESA to financial institutions eligible under that Act.  Firms in the auto industry, which were provided assistance under the EESA, will only receive additional assistance in the context of a comprehensive restructuring designed to achieve long-term viability.

The incoming Obama Administration is committed to these undertakings.  With these safeguards, it should be possible to improve the effectiveness of our financial stabilization efforts.  As I stressed in my letter the other day, we must act with urgency to stabilize and repair the financial system and maintain the flow of credit to families and businesses to restore economic growth.  While progress will take time, we are confident that, working closely with the Congress, we can secure America’s future.

"With such great challenges facing the country, it’s going to be essential to work closely with Capitol Hill to advance an agenda that turns this economy around, puts Americans back to work, and safeguards our national security. The new legislative affairs team members announced today will help to carry that mission forward -- and ensure that the voices of congressional leaders and their constituents are being heard in the White House," President-elect Obama said.

The following legislative affairs staff members were named today:

Lisa Konwinski, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs
Lisa Konwinski joins the White House from the United States Senate, where she served for over 11 years as General Counsel to the Senate Budget Committee, most recently under Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND), specializing in the Congressional budget process and Senate floor procedure. She previously worked in the House of Representatives, as Counsel and Rules Committee Associate to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and, prior to that, as a Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). Before serving on Capitol Hill, Konwinski was an attorney with the law firm of Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Lansing, Michigan, she received her B.A. with honors in political science from the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

Jay Heimbach
Jay Heimbach currently serves as Chief of Staff to Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). His professional experiences include two separate jobs at the White House under President Clinton, serving in the Office of Legislative Affairs and as Policy Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff. Heimbach also served as an advisor to the Chairman of the FCC and legal advisor to the Cable Services Bureau at the FCC. He has been active in numerous Senate and Presidential campaigns. Heimbach is a graduate of Colby College in Maine and the Boston University School of Law, and is a member of the Massachusetts State Bar. He lives with his wife Deasy and two daughters in Alexandria, VA.

Christopher Kang
Christopher Kang is Director of Floor Operations for U.S. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL). For almost four years, he has been the lead floor staff for Senator Durbin, negotiating floor consideration of legislation, strategizing parliamentary tactics, and conducting whip counts. In addition, he has been a central hub of information and advice on pending legislation for the entire Democratic caucus. Prior to that position, he was Judiciary Committee Counsel for Senator Durbin, covering constitutional, criminal justice, and labor issues. Kang is also Vice President for Community Affairs of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Washington, DC. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and Duke University School of Law.

Sean Kennedy
Sean Kennedy began his career on Capitol Hill with then-House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), for whom he served for nine years, including roles as Legislative Director, advisor on each of his reelection campaigns, and chief liaison between the Leader’s District and Leadership offices. Kennedy moved to the Senate in 2007 to serve as the first Chief of Staff for Senator Claire McCaskill, where he also facilitated her active involvement in the Obama campaign. He is a graduate of Emory University and Catholic University School of Law.

Jim Oleske
Jim Oleske served as Chief of Staff in the Oregon Senate Majority Office during the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions. Earlier in his career, he served as a Counsel in the Office of U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD); an appellate attorney with the National Labor Relations Board; and a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Oleske is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Middlebury College.

Jim Papa
Jim Papa began his career working for former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) in the Senate Democratic Technology and Communications Committee. He moved to the House in 1998 to become Communications Director for Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and later served as Staff Director of the Office of the Assistant to the Democratic Leader. He has also served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) and, in 2007, he was asked to serve as Director of Member Services under former House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel. In that position, Papa worked extensively with Representatives elected in 2006 to assist them in the development and execution of their legislative, communications, and constituent service objectives. Jim has a B.S. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Georgetown Law. He lives in Alexandria, VA, with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Sophia.

Alejandro Pérez
Alejandro Pérez has served as Floor Director for House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) since February 2008. In that role, he assists the Majority Leader in setting, coordinating, and implementing the legislative agenda for the House. He also advises the Majority Leader in policy matters and serves as a liaison to Members of Congress and targeted constituency groups. Pérez has previously served as Deputy Floor Director for the Majority Leader, and has been working with Rep. Hoyer since 2003. Pérez has also served as the Executive Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Hispanic Business magazine named him one the Nation’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics” in 2007. Pérez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from the University of Texas-Austin, and a Masters of Arts degree in International Relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship, Syracuse University. Pérez and his wife, Naomi Barry-Pérez, a civil rights lawyer, have one son.

Jonathan Samuels
Jonathan Samuels is the Acting Floor Director to U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC), where he works with the Whip, the House Leadership and the entire Democratic Caucus to ensure passage of the Democratic agenda in the House. Samuels took leave from the Whip’s office in 2008 to assume the role of Southern Regional Director for Obama for America, overseeing the Obama campaign’s operations in ten states, including the key battlegrounds of Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. Samuels began his political career with Chief Deputy Democratic Whip Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). During his more than nine years on her staff, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Floor Assistant, Legislative Director, and Communications Director to Schakowsky. He has worked on numerous winning Democratic campaigns, including the Obama for Illinois U.S. Senate Primary in 2004. Prior to his start in politics, Samuels spent several years in leadership positions at the McGaw YMCA and Camp Echo in his home town of Evanston, Illinois, where he focused on youth and community development.

Shelly O’Neill Stoneman
Shelly O’Neill Stoneman is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) and has served in his office since 2003. She directs his legislative agenda and staffs him on the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, as well as the Subcommittee on Defense. Previously, Stoneman worked as a Research Consultant for the Small Arms Survey, evaluating the arms export control systems of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European (CESEE) countries. She also worked for the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal Services under Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI). Stoneman earned her Bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and has a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, as well as a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma’s Program in Europe.

Louisa Terrell
Louisa Terrell spent five years as counsel for Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on his Senate Judiciary Committee staff where she handled criminal law issues, immigration policy, and women’s issues. From 2006 to 2008, Louisa served as the senator’s Deputy Chief of Staff. She was a Senior Director at Yahoo!, Inc. before joining the presidential transition team. Raised in Wilmington, DE, Louisa earned her bachelor’s degree at Tufts University (1991) and her law degree at Boston College Law School (1995). After graduation, Louisa clerked for a federal district judge in Providence, Rhode Island and then returned to Boston. After several years as a law firm associate, Louisa joined the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office before moving to Washington, DC in 2001.

Denise Wilson
Denise Wilson served for over 10 years as a Professional Staff Member for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee under the leadership of former Chairman and Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman (D-CA). Wilson’s areas of expertise included postal reform and federal workforce issues. She has also worked in various capacities for former Representatives Cardiss Collins (D-IL) on the House Government Operations Committee; William “Bill” Clay Sr. (D-MO) on the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee; Herman Badillo (D-NY); and James Symington (D-MO). Wilson also worked as manager of Government Relations for Motorola, Inc., in Washington. Wilson holds a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University and is a proud Army brat.

“In this moment of crisis, ensuring that every child in America has access to affordable health care is not just good economic policy, but a moral obligation we hold as parents and citizens. That is why I’m so pleased that Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives came together to provide health insurance to over ten million children whose families have been hurt most by this downturn. This coverage is critical, it is fully paid for, and I hope that the Senate acts with the same sense of urgency so that it can be one of the first measures I sign into law when I am President,” said President-elect Obama.

President-elect Obama will tour the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Company, a growing company with innovative production practices that manufactures parts used to construct wind turbines. President-elect Obama will discuss how companies like Cardinal Fastener and workers like those in Bedford Heights would benefit from an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which would aim to create nearly half a million American jobs by investing in clean energy like wind power.

President-elect Obama will tour the plant and then hold a meeting with workers on the factory floor. The meeting is by inviation only but open to the press. The tour will be pooled.

"As the President-elect has said repeatedly, he knows Roland Burris and has high regard for him. He looks forward to working with Senator Burris and the rest of the United States Senate to rebuild our economy and meet the great challenges of our time," said Obama-Biden Transition Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer.

"There is a long-standing tradition of U.S. presidents meeting with Mexico's president prior to being sworn in, and this meeting was in keeping with that tradition.

"President-elect Obama expressed his commitment to advance cooperation on a range of issues, including security, the economy and immigration.

"On security, President-elect Obama underscored his interest in finding ways to work together to reduce drug-related violence. He applauded the steps that President Calderón has taken to improve security in Mexico and expressed his on-going support for the valuable work being done under the Mérida Initiative. President-elect Obama believes the cooperation under the Mérida Initiative can be a building block for a deeper relationship. President-elect Obama expressed support for efforts in the border states in both the United States and Mexico to eradicate drug-related violence and stop the flow of guns and cash. He told President Calderón that he intends to ask the Secretary of Homeland Security to lead an effort to increase information sharing to strengthen those efforts. He pledged to take more effective action from the United States to stem the flow of arms from the United States to Mexico.

"On trade and the economy, President-elect Obama said that with both countries facing very difficult economic times, it's important to work together to maintain a constructive and comprehensive dialogue. He expressed his continued commitment to upgrading NAFTA to strengthen labor and environmental provisions to reflect the values that are widely shared in both of our countries, and proposed the creation of a consultative group to work on a host of issues important to the United States and Mexico, including NAFTA, energy and infrastructure. President-elect Obama noted that his economic recovery plan includes substantial investments for port of entry modernization and improvements on the Mexican border to facilitate legal trade and commerce. President-elect Obama told President Calderón that he is impressed by the commitment Mexico made at the Poznan conference and said he hoped our two countries could soon begin conversations about mutually beneficial opportunities in low carbon energy development and carbon abatement opportunities.

"President-elect Obama underscored his commitment to working with Congress to fix the broken U.S. immigration system and fostering safe, legal and orderly migration. He expressed his strongly held view that immigrants should be treated with dignity and that the immigration debate should not be a vehicle for vilifying any group, and that our two countries need to work more effectively to stop the flow of illegal immigration into the United States.

"President Calderón was joined in the meeting by Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa, Interior Secretary Fernando Gomez Mont, Treasury Secretary Agustín Carstens and Ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan.

"President-elect Obama was joined by Chief of Staff Designee Rahm Emanuel, National Security Advisor Designee General Jim Jones (Ret.) and White House National Economic Council Director-Designee Lawrence Summers.

"The meeting was held over lunch at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, DC, and lasted for one and a half hours. Following the meeting, President Calderón and President-elect Obama walked through the José Clemente Orozco Gallery which houses an important collection of Mexican art, including works by Robert Cueva Del Río, Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros," said Incoming White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Read the letter here.

President-elect Obama said, “I am confident that these distinguished individuals have the expertise and commitment needed to help me implement a sustainable national security strategy that combats 21st century threats and keeps the American people safe.  They share with me the utmost respect for our brave men and women in uniform, and will work day and night to support our troops, strengthen our military, and advance our capacity to carry out 21st century missions.  Together with Secretary Gates and our military, we will work to responsibly end the war in Iraq, defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban, and renew America’s strength and standing in the world. I am honored that they have joined me in this mission, and I trust that they will serve the American people well.”

The announcements made today are below:

William J. Lynn III, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Lynn brings decades of experience and expertise in reforming government spending and making the tough choices necessary to ensure that American tax dollars are spent wisely. Lynn served as the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) from 1997 to 2001. In that position, he was the chief financial officer for the Department of Defense and the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for all budgetary and fiscal matters. From 1993 to 1997, Lynn was the director of program analysis and evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw all aspects of the DoD’s strategic planning process.  Lynn was awarded three DoD medals for distinguished public service, the Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and awards from the Army, Navy and Air Force. He also received the 2000 Distinguished Federal Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants for his efforts to improve defense accounting practices. Lynn currently serves as senior vice president of Government Operations and Strategy at Raytheon Company.  Before entering the DoD in 1993, Lynn served for six years on the staff of Senator Edward Kennedy as liaison to the Senate Armed Services Committee. He has also been a Senior Fellow at the National Defense University, on the professional staff at the Institute for Defense Analyses and served as the executive director of the Defense Organization Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Lynn has a law degree from Cornell Law School and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. He is married with a daughter.

Robert F. Hale, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
Hale currently serves as the Executive Director of the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC).  From 1994 to 2001 Mr. Hale was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).  He was responsible for the Air Force budget and all aspects of Air Force financial management.  He also spearheaded creation of the first-ever certification program for defense financial managers.  Hale served for twelve years as head of the defense unit of the Congressional Budget Office.  Early in his career, Hale served on active duty as a Navy officer and worked for the Center for Naval Analyses. Robert Hale holds a BS with honors from Stanford University as well as an MS from Stanford and an MBA from George Washington University.  He is also a Fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration.  Mr. Hale has served on the Defense Business Board and recently completed service on a Congressionally-mandated Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care.  He is a former National President of the American Society of Military Comptrollers and is a Certified Defense Financial Manager with acquisition specialty.

Michèle Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)
In January 2007, Flournoy cofounded and was named president of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a venture dedicated to advancing a strong, centrist national security strategy. Prior to joining CNAS, she was a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she worked on a broad range of defense policy and international security issues. Previously, she was a distinguished research professor at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University (NDU), where she founded and led the university’s Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) working group, which was chartered by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop intellectual capital in preparation for the Department of Defense’s 2001 QDR. Prior to joining NDU, she was dual-hatted as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and threat reduction and deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy. In that capacity, she oversaw three policy offices in the Office of the Secretary of Defense: Strategy; Requirements, Plans, and Counterproliferation; and Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasian Affairs. Flournoy was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service in 1996, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 1998, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award in 2000. In addition to several edited volumes and reports, she has authored dozens of articles on international security issues. Flournoy holds a B.A. in social studies from Harvard University and an M.Litt. in international relations from Balliol College, Oxford University, where she was a Newton-Tatum scholar.

Jeh Charles Johnson, General Counsel
Johnson is a partner in the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, based in New York City.    Johnson's career has been a mixture of successful private law practice (as an experienced trial lawyer) and distinguished public service (as a federal prosecutor and presidential appointee). At age 47, he was elected a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.   Johnson's career as a trial lawyer began in 1989-91, as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted public corruption cases. He served three years as a federal prosecutor. In 1998, Johnson left Paul, Weiss for 27 months when President Clinton appointed him General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, following nomination and confirmation by the United States Senate. While in that position, Johnson was awarded the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.  In 2007-08, Johnson served as a foreign policy advisor to President-elect Obama’s campaign. Johnson is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a graduate of Morehouse College and Columbia Law School.

"All four of these indivuduals will bring a wealth of experience and a tireless work ethic to the Obama-Biden Administration," said Vice President-elect Biden. "They will be tremendous assets and additions to the team we are building."

 The Vice President-elect’s Staff Announcements are below:

Elisabeth Hire, Director of Scheduling
Elisabeth Hire most recently served as director of scheduling to Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden on the Obama-Biden campaign.  A veteran of the past three Presidential election cycles, Hire served as the deputy director of scheduling for Hillary Clinton's 2008 primary campaign; scheduled for Kerry/Edwards 2004; and served on the advance staff of Kerry/Edwards 2004 and Gore/Lieberman 2000.  When not working in politics, Hire has worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on a variety of projects including the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, the Festival of China, the Millennium Stage, and in its nationally recognized Education Department.

A Bexley, Ohio native, Hire is a classically trained ballet dancer and has performed with BalletMet Columbus.  She graduated with an A.B. in English from Kenyon College.

Pete Selfridge, Director of Advance
Pete Selfridge served as deputy director of advance, heading up Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden's advance operation during the Obama-Biden campaign, a position he has retained during the transition process.  Selfridge has worked in city government, public affairs and communications throughout his professional career.  Prior to joining the Obama-Biden campaign, he served as the City Director in Los Angeles for the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative.  Selfridge lived in Washington D.C. from 1994 through 1997, where he worked in the office of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) as well as in the scheduling office of President Bill Clinton at the White House.

Selfridge is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Iowa. He also received a management of information systems certificate from Columbia University in New York.

Anthony Bernal, Director of Scheduling for Dr. Jill Biden
Anthony Bernal serves as director of scheduling to Dr. Jill Biden on the transition team, a position he held during the Obama-Biden campaign. Bernal began his professional experience at the White House serving both President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore in their respective offices of scheduling and advance. Following the 2000 election, Bernal joined the Coca-Cola Company’s office of international affairs in Washington, DC and then AARP. In 2004, Bernal served as Director of Financial Administration of the Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. Following the 2004 DNC Convention, Bernal was chief of staff at the ALS Therapy Development Foundation, a Cambridge-based non-profit biotechnology company.

Bernal, a native of Tucson, Arizona, earned his Bachelor's Degree in History and Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso and studied at Carleton College in Northfield, MN.

Sam Myers Sr., Trip Director for the Vice President
Sam Myers, Sr. is a veteran of eight presidential campaigns and has worked closely with presidents and presidential candidates for the past thirty-five years. Most recently, Myers worked as a key press aide for the Obama-Biden campaign, serving as a press logistics liaison aboard Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign plane. Before joining the Obama-Biden campaign, Myers worked with the media covering Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's primary campaign, traveling with Senator Clinton through June of 2008; and he had previously served as Trip Director for Senator John Edwards during his 2008 primary campaign. During the 2004 presidential election, Myers worked for the Kerry-Edwards campaign, traveling aboard the vice presidential candidate's airplane. Myers traveled with Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 presidential campaign serving as the press logistics liaison and worked at the White House for President Bill Clinton, traveling around the world, managing press logistics for presidential events.

Born in Quincy, Illinois and raised in Edina, Missouri, Myers is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri. He is married to Dr. Vicki Myers and has four children.

President-elect Obama announced that an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jumpstart job creation and long-term growth by:

• Doubling the production of alternative energy in the next three years.
• Modernizing more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on our energy bills. 
• Making the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized. 
• Equipping tens of thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities with 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries.
• Expanding broadband across America, so that a small business in a rural town can connect and compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world. 
• Investing in the science, research, and technology that will lead to new medical breakthroughs, new discoveries, and entire new industries. 

President-elect Obama's full remarks as prepared for delivery are below.

Throughout America’s history, there have been some years that simply rolled into the next without much notice or fanfare.  Then there are the years that come along once in a generation – the kind that mark a clean break from a troubled past, and set a new course for our nation.

This is one of those years. 

We start 2009 in the midst of a crisis unlike any we have seen in our lifetime – a crisis that has only deepened over the last few weeks.  Nearly two million jobs have now been lost, and on Friday we are likely to learn that we lost more jobs last year than at any time since World War II.  Just in the past year, another 2.8 million Americans who want and need full-time work have had to settle for part-time jobs.  Manufacturing has hit a twenty-eight year low.  Many businesses cannot borrow or make payroll.  Many families cannot pay their bills or their mortgage.  Many workers are watching their life savings disappear.  And many, many Americans are both anxious and uncertain of what the future will hold. 

I don’t believe it’s too late to change course, but it will be if we don’t take dramatic action as soon as possible.  If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years.  The unemployment rate could reach double digits.  Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity, which translates into more than $12,000 in lost income for a family of four.  We could lose a generation of potential and promise, as more young Americans are forced to forgo dreams of college or the chance to train for the jobs of the future.  And our nation could lose the competitive edge that has served as a foundation for our strength and standing in the world. 

In short, a bad situation could become dramatically worse.

This crisis did not happen solely by some accident of history or normal turn of the business cycle, and we won’t get out of it by simply waiting for a better day to come, or relying on the worn-out dogmas of the past.  We arrived at this point due to an era of profound irresponsibility that stretched from corporate boardrooms to the halls of power in Washington, DC.  For years, too many Wall Street executives made imprudent and dangerous decisions, seeking profits with too little regard for risk, too little regulatory scrutiny, and too little accountability.  Banks made loans without concern for whether borrowers could repay them, and some borrowers took advantage of cheap credit to take on debt they couldn’t afford.  Politicians spent taxpayer money without wisdom or discipline, and too often focused on scoring political points instead of the problems they were sent here to solve.  The result has been a devastating loss of trust and confidence in our economy, our financial markets, and our government.

Now, the very fact that this crisis is largely of our own making means that it is not beyond our ability to solve.  Our problems are rooted in past mistakes, not our capacity for future greatness.  It will take time, perhaps many years, but we can rebuild that lost trust and confidence.  We can restore opportunity and prosperity.  We should never forget that our workers are still more productive than any on Earth.  Our universities are still the envy of the world.  We are still home to the most brilliant minds, the most creative entrepreneurs, and the most advanced technology and innovation that history has ever known.  And we are still the nation that has overcome great fears and improbable odds.  If we act with the urgency and seriousness that this moment requires, I know that we can do it again.

That is why I have moved quickly to work with my economic team and leaders of both parties on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that will immediately jumpstart job creation and long-term growth.

It’s a plan that represents not just new policy, but a whole new approach to meeting our most urgent challenges. For if we hope to end this crisis, we must end the culture of anything goes that helped create it – and this change must begin in Washington.  It is time to trade old habits for a new spirit of responsibility.  It is time to finally change the ways of Washington so that we can set a new and better course for America.

There is no doubt that the cost of this plan will be considerable.  It will certainly add to the budget deficit in the short-term.  But equally certain are the consequences of doing too little or nothing at all, for that will lead to an even greater deficit of jobs, incomes, and confidence in our economy.  It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe.  Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy – where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit.

That is why we need to act boldly and act now to reverse these cycles.  That’s why we need to put money in the pockets of the American people, create new jobs, and invest in our future.  That’s why we need to re-start the flow of credit and restore the rules of the road that will ensure a crisis like this never happens again. 

That work begins with this plan – a plan I am confident will save or create at least three million jobs over the next few years.  It is not just another public works program.  It’s a plan that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment – the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work, even as, all around the country, there is so much work to be done.   That’s why we’ll invest in priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.  That’s why the overwhelming majority of the jobs created will be in the private sector, while our plan will save the public sector jobs of teachers, cops, firefighters and others who provide vital services.

To finally spark the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double the production of alternative energy in the next three years.  We will modernize more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on our energy bills.  In the process, we will put Americans to work in new jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced – jobs building solar panels and wind turbines; constructing fuel-efficient cars and buildings; and developing the new energy technologies that will lead to even more jobs, more savings, and a cleaner, safer planet in the bargain. 

To improve the quality of our health care while lowering its cost, we will make the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized.  This will cut waste, eliminate red tape, and reduce the need to repeat expensive medical tests.  But it just won’t save billions of dollars and thousands of jobs – it will save lives by reducing the deadly but preventable medical errors that pervade our health care system.

To give our children the chance to live out their dreams in a world that’s never been more competitive, we will equip tens of thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities with 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries.  We’ll provide new computers, new technology, and new training for teachers so that students in Chicago and Boston can compete with kids in Beijing for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future. 

To build an economy that can lead this future, we will begin to rebuild America.  Yes, we’ll put people to work repairing crumbling roads, bridges, and schools by eliminating the backlog of well-planned, worthy and needed infrastructure projects.  But we’ll also do more to retrofit America for a global economy.  That means updating the way we get our electricity by starting to build a new smart grid that will save us money, protect our power sources from blackout or attack, and deliver clean, alternative forms of energy to every corner of our nation.  It means expanding broadband lines across America, so that a small business in a rural town can connect and compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world.  And it means investing in the science, research, and technology that will lead to new medical breakthroughs, new discoveries, and entire new industries. 

Finally, this recovery and reinvestment plan will provide immediate relief to states, workers, and families who are bearing the brunt of this recession.  To get people spending again, 95% of working families will receive a $1,000 tax cut – the first stage of a middle-class tax cut that I promised during the campaign and will include in our next budget.  To help Americans who have lost their jobs and can’t find new ones, we’ll continue the bipartisan extensions of unemployment insurance and health care coverage to help them through this crisis.  Government at every level will have to tighten its belt, but we’ll help struggling states avoid harmful budget cuts, as long as they take responsibility and use the money to maintain essential services like police, fire, education, and health care. 

I understand that some might be skeptical of this plan.  Our government has already spent a good deal of money, but we haven’t yet seen that translate into more jobs or higher incomes or renewed confidence in our economy.  That’s why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan won’t just throw money at our problems – we’ll invest in what works.  The true test of the policies we’ll pursue won’t be whether they’re Democratic or Republican ideas, but whether they create jobs, grow our economy, and put the American Dream within reach of the American people.

Instead of politicians doling out money behind a veil of secrecy, decisions about where we invest will be made transparently, and informed by independent experts wherever possible.  Every American will be able to hold Washington accountable for these decisions by going online to see how and where their tax dollars are being spent.  And as I announced yesterday, we will launch an unprecedented effort to eliminate unwise and unnecessary spending that has never been more unaffordable for our nation and our children’s future than it is right now.

We have to make tough choices and smart investments today so that as the economy recovers, the deficit starts to come down.  We cannot have a solid recovery if our people and our businesses don’t have confidence that we’re getting our fiscal house in order.  That’s why our goal is not to create a slew of new government programs, but a foundation for long-term economic growth.

That also means an economic recovery plan that is free from earmarks and pet projects.  I understand that every member of Congress has ideas on how to spend money.  Many of these projects are worthy, and benefit local communities.  But this emergency legislation must not be the vehicle for those aspirations.  This must be a time when leaders in both parties put the urgent needs of our nation above our own narrow interests. 

Now, this recovery plan alone will not solve all the problems that led us into this crisis.  We must also work with the same sense of urgency to stabilize and repair the financial system we all depend on.  That means using our full arsenal of tools to get credit flowing again to families and business, while restoring confidence in our markets.  It means launching a sweeping effort to address the foreclosure crisis so that we can keep responsible families in their homes.  It means preventing the catastrophic failure of financial institutions whose collapse could endanger the entire economy, but only with maximum protections for taxpayers and a clear understanding that government support for any company is an extraordinary action that must come with significant restrictions on the firms that receive support.  And it means reforming a weak and outdated regulatory system so that we can better withstand financial shocks and better protect consumers, investors, and businesses from the reckless greed and risk-taking that must never endanger our prosperity again.

No longer can we allow Wall Street wrongdoers to slip through regulatory cracks.  No longer can we allow special interests to put their thumbs on the economic scales.  No longer can we allow the unscrupulous lending and borrowing that leads only to destructive cycles of bubble and bust. 

It is time to set a new course for this economy, and that change must begin now.  We should have an open and honest discussion about this recovery plan in the days ahead, but I urge Congress to move as quickly as possible on behalf of the American people.  For every day we wait or point fingers or drag our feet, more Americans will lose their jobs.  More families will lose their savings.  More dreams will be deferred and denied.  And our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.

That is not the country I know, and it is not a future I will accept as President of the United States.  A world that depends on the strength of our economy is now watching and waiting for America to lead once more.  And that is what we will do.

It will not come easy or happen overnight, and it is altogether likely that things may get worse before they get better.  But that is all the more reason for Congress to act without delay.  I know the scale of this plan is unprecedented, but so is the severity of our situation.  We have already tried the wait-and-see approach to our problems, and it is the same approach that helped lead us to this day of reckoning.

That is why the time has come to build a 21st century economy in which hard work and responsibility are once again rewarded.  That’s why I’m asking Congress to work with me and my team day and night, on weekends if necessary, to get the plan passed in the next few weeks.  That’s why I’m calling on all Americans – Democrats and Republicans – to put good ideas ahead of the old ideological battles; a sense of common purpose above the same narrow partisanship; and insist that the first question each of us asks isn’t “What’s good for me?” but “What’s good for the country my children will inherit?” 

More than any program or policy, it is this spirit that will enable us to confront this challenge with the same spirit that has led previous generations to face down war, depression, and fear itself.  And if we do – if we are able to summon that spirit again; if are able to look out for one another, and listen to one another, and do our part for our nation and for posterity, then I have no doubt that years from now, we will look back on 2009 as one of those years that marked another new and hopeful beginning for the United States of America.  Thank you, God Bless You, and may God Bless America. 

This plan will represent not just new policy, but a new approach to meeting our challenges that focuses on responsibility, accountability, and transparency so that we can rebuild confidence and trust in our economy and our markets.

Washington, DC
MAJOR SPEECH ON THE ECONOMY
The Center for the Arts
George Mason University
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22030
(Physically at Mason Pond Dr.  Access Campus via Braddock Road)

Media Pre-Set: 6:30-7:30am (Media will not have access to their equipment between 7:30-9:30am)
Media Access: 9:30am
Program Begins: 11am
Press Entrance: SE Entrance of Building

Throw: 55 Feet
Workspace and Wireless Internet Available, Air Cards Recommended.

Media Truck Parking: North Curb Lane of Mason Pond Drive
Cable Run: Up to 400 feet
General Media Parking Available at Mason Pond Parking Deck or Lot A

  Media Coverage: For credentials, please visit http://change.gov/page/s/pressrsvp3

Contact for press logistical and planning purposes only: Peter Newell at peter.newell@ptt.gov or 202-510-8818.

President-elect Obama said, “Meeting the challenges of rebuilding our economy and bringing a new sense of responsibility to Washington isn’t just about rearranging numbers on a balance sheet – it’s about renewing people’s trust in their leadership.  Because in order to restore confidence in our economy, we must restore the American people’s confidence in their government – that it’s on their side, spending their money wisely, to meet their families’ needs.  I am confident that with Nancy’s leadership, and the efforts of leaders on both sides of the aisle, we will do just that.”

The announcement made today is below:

Nancy Killefer, Chief Performance Officer; Nominee for Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Killefer is currently a Senior Director in McKinsey & Company's Washington, D.C. office, where she is the leader of McKinsey's Public Sector Practice. Killefer served as Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer at the United States Department of the Treasury from 1997 to 2000. In addition to overall management responsibilities for the Treasury's fourteen bureaus and 160,000 staff members, she led a major modernization at the Internal Revenue Service and reshaped Treasury management processes. After returning to McKinsey in 2000, she joined the IRS Oversight Board, a public-private entity akin to a corporate board that oversees its IRS. She served there from 2000 to 2005 and was its Chairperson from 2002 to 2004.  Killefer currently sits on the boards of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Partnership for Public Service, and Vital Voices, a non-governmental organization that empowers female leaders and entrepreneurs around the world.  Prior to joining McKinsey, Killefer worked as an associate at Charles River Associates, a microeconomics consulting firm. She holds an honors degree in economics from Vassar College and an M.B.A. from the Sloan School of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

You can read President-elect Obama's full remarks below.

Good morning.

By now, we all know that we are facing a crisis in our economy, one that requires immediate and decisive action to spur the creation of new jobs as we lay the foundation for future growth.  And with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that Congress will soon be debating, we intend to deliver that change.

But we committed to more change than that.  We committed to change the way our government in Washington does business so that we’re no longer squandering billions of tax dollars on programs that have outlived their usefulness or exist solely because of the power of a lobbyist or interest group.  We can no longer afford to sustain the old ways when we know there are new and more efficient ways of getting the job done.

Even in good times, Washington can’t afford to continue these bad practices.  In bad times, it’s absolutely imperative that Washington stop them and restore confidence that our government is on the side of taxpayers and everyday Americans.

Just today, the Congressional Budget Office announced that the deficit we are inheriting for this budget year will be $1.2 trillion.  And we know that our Recovery and Reinvestment plan will necessarily add more.  My own economic and budget team projects that, unless we take decisive action, even after our economy pulls out of its slide, trillion dollar deficits will be a reality for years to come.

But as I said yesterday, our problem is not just a deficit of dollars.  It’s a deficit of accountability…a deficit of trust.

So change and reform can’t just be election-year slogans.  They must become fundamental principles of government

That’s why the appointment I’m announcing today is among the most important I will make.

During the campaign, I said that we must scour this budget, line-by-line, eliminating what we don’t need, or what doesn’t work, and improving the things that do.

As the first Chief Performance Officer, working with Peter Orszag and Rob Nabors at the Office of Management and Budget, Nancy Killefer is uniquely qualified to lead that effort.

For nearly thirty years – as a leader at McKinsey & Company, and as Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer at Treasury under President Clinton -- Nancy has built a career out of making major American corporations and public institutions more efficient, effective and transparent. 

Nancy is an expert in streamlining processes and wringing out inefficiencies so that taxpayers and consumers get more for their money.  And during her time at Treasury, she helped bring the Department into the twenty-first century, modernizing the IRS and preparing systems for Y2K. 

But Nancy also understands that at the end of the day, government services are delivered by people.  That’s why she’s always worked tirelessly to empower employees to take matters into their own hands: to rethink outmoded ways of doing things, to embrace new systems and technologies, and to take initiative in developing better practices. 

When Nancy was offered her first position at Treasury, she responded, “If you’re willing to embrace significant change, then you’re looking at the right person.  But if you just want to keep the trains running on time, don’t ask me to do this job.” 

When I heard that, I knew I’d chosen exactly the right person for the challenges we face.  And I will be instructing members of my cabinet and key members of their staffs to meet with Nancy soon after we take office – and on a regular basis thereafter – to discuss how they can run their agencies with greater efficiency, transparency and accountability. 

I will also see to it that we apply these principles of budget reform to the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.  This plan will call for dramatic investments to revive our flagging economy; save or create three million new jobs, mostly in the private sector; and lay a solid foundation for future growth.  In order to make these investments that we need, we’ll have to cut the spending that we don’t – and I’ll be relying on Nancy to help guide that process.

In the end, though, meeting the challenges of rebuilding our economy and bringing a new sense of responsibility to Washington isn’t just about rearranging numbers on a balance sheet – it’s about renewing people’s trust in their leadership.  Because in order to restore confidence in our economy, we must restore the American people’s confidence in their government – that it’s on their side, spending their money wisely, to meet their families’ needs.  I am confident that with Nancy’s leadership, and the efforts of leaders on both sides of the aisle, we will do just that. 

Thank you.

President-elect Obama said, "I am honored to have this talented group of individuals joining my staff. They bring diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives to our team. I am confident that the American people will benefit from their experience and expertise and Vice President-elect Biden and I look forward to seeking their advice and counsel as we work to move our country forward."

Vice President-elect Biden said, "Brian McKeon has been an integral part of my staff for over 20 years. He is an expert among experts in the national security field and one of the finest lawyers I've ever known. He has unimpeachable integrity and his continued counsel will be an invaluable addition to the Obama-Biden Administration. Dr. Biden and I are also looking forward to working with Courtney O'Donnell and Carlos Elizondo and we are grateful for their commitment to public service."

The following announcements were made today:

Don Gips, White House Director of Presidential Personnel
Gips is on the Advisory Board of the Obama-Biden Transition Project and is Co-Director of the Agency Review Working Group. Gips has been asked to set up the office and manage the huge challenges of the initial staffing. This is similar to the role he played in helping Obama assemble his United States Senate staff. He is currently on leave from his role as Group Vice President of Global Corporate Development at Level 3 Communications, where he leads merger and acquisition efforts and is the Chief Strategy Officer. Prior to joining Level 3, Gips served in the White House as Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Gore. Previously, Gips was Chief of the International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission where he was responsible for the WTO negotiations and all spectrum policy. Gips also helped launch the Americorps Program at the Corporation for National Service. Before entering government, he was an Executive Manager at McKinsey & Company.

Bradley J. Kiley, Director of the Office of Management and Administration
Kiley is currently the Director of Operations for the Obama-Biden Transition Project. Previously, Kiley served as Vice President of finance and operations at the Center for American Progress. Kiley served as deputy assistant to the president for management and administration at the White House under President William J. Clinton. There he was responsible for all aspects of White House operations, including the travel office, the visitor’s office, and White House administration, which included finance, human resources and facilities. Among his many earlier roles with the Democratic National Committee, Kiley served as director of finance and administration for the 1996 Democratic National Convention. He has also held in leadership positions at NARAL and the International AIDS Trust. Kiley is a graduate of Texas Christian University.

Susan Sher, Associate Counsel to the President
Sher will be Associate Counsel to the President. Her duties will include providing legal advice to the First Lady and working on legal issues associated with health care policy. Sher is currently the Vice President for Legal and Governmental Affairs and General Counsel of the University of Chicago Medical Center and is responsible for all legal, government, regulatory, and community affairs at the Medical Center. She also works on governance and many other Board related issues. From 1993 through 1997 she was the Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, the City of Chicago’s chief lawyer, reporting to the Mayor and responsible for representing the Mayor, city departments, boards, and commissions on all legal matters. She was the first Assistant Corporation Counsel from 1989-1993. Previously she was Associate General Counsel of the University of Chicago, and earlier, was a partner at Mayer Brown & Platt, specializing in Labor and Litigation. She is a cum laude graduate of Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. She is currently on the following Boards of Directors: Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Mt. Sinai Hospital Medical Center & Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital & Care Network; the Board of Directors of High Jump; the Board of Directors of YWCA of Greater Chicago. She is Past Chair of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and of The Chicago Network. She is on a variety of task forces and committees involving not-for-profit corporations and healthcare, including the Illinois Hospital Association, the Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Task Force and the Donor’s Public Trust Task Force.

Brian McKeon, Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President
McKeon has worked for Vice President-elect Biden for over 20 years, advising him on foreign affairs, national security issues and legal matters. McKeon is currently on the Presidential Transition's State Department Agency Review Team and was most recently Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he has worked since 1997 under Senator Biden. This was his second tour of duty with the Senator; he served in Biden’s personal office from 1985 to 1995 in various capacities, including seven years as legislative assistant for foreign policy and defense. In between his service in the Senate, McKeon served as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Robert Doumar, and on the Clinton-Gore ’96 campaign. A native of Auburn, NY, McKeon is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University Law Center.

Courtney O'Donnell, Communications Director for Dr. Jill Biden
Courtney O’Donnell has served as Director of Marketing and formerly Deputy Communications Director at the William J. Clinton Foundation since 2005. In the 2004 presidential cycle, Courtney served as Deputy Communications Director and spokesperson for Governor Howard Dean’s presidential campaign. Prior to her work in politics, Courtney worked in brand strategy for several years as a consultant for Interbrand in New York City. O’Donnell, originally from St. Louis, MO, graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University.

Carlos E. Elizondo, Residence Manager and Social Secretary for the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden
Carlos Elizondo most recently served as Senior Director of Presidential Events at Georgetown University where he managed more than 150 events annually on behalf of the President of the University, including conferences, dinners, lectures and honorary degree ceremonies. During the Clinton-Gore Administration, Mr. Elizondo was an appointee in the Office of the U.S. Chief of Protocol. Elizondo hails from Harlingen, Texas and graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

Pete Souza, Chief White House Photographer
Souza is a freelance photographer and currently an assistant professor of photojournalism at Ohio University's School of Visual Communication. He has worked as an Official White House Photographer for President Reagan, a freelancer for National Geographic, and as the national photographer for the Chicago Tribune based in their Washington bureau. Souza's latest book, "The Rise of Barack Obama" was published in July 2008. Souza extensively documented Obama's first year in the Senate and accompanied Obama to seven countries including Kenya, South Africa and Russia. Souza produced and published "Unguarded Moments: Behind-the-Scenes Photographs of President Reagan" and "Images of Greatness: An Intimate Look at the Presidency of Ronald Reagan." Souza has won numerous photojournalism awards including several times in the prestigious Pictures of the Year annual competition, the NPPA's Best of Photojournalism, and the White House News Photographers Association's yearly contest. Souza has had solo exhibits and has been part of group exhibits across the country. A native of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Souza graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in public communication from Boston University and received his master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kansas State University.

The Obama-Biden Transition Project only accepts contributions from individuals' personal funds -- we refuse all donations from corporations, labor unions and PACs. Individuals may not donate more than $5,000. We also refuse all contributions from registered federal lobbyists and registered foreign agents.

Below is the link:

http://change.gov/donors

President-elect Obama said, “These individuals bring the integrity, depth of experience and tenacity that the Department of Justice demands in these uncertain times. I have the fullest confidence that they will ensure that the Department of Justice once again fulfills its highest purpose: to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

The announcements made today are below:

David Ogden, Deputy Attorney General
Ogden is currently a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr and serves as the Department of Justice Agency Review lead for the Obama-Biden Transition Project. Ogden was nominated by President Clinton to serve as Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division from in 1999 and served in this capacity until 2001. He was awarded the Edmund J. Randolph Award for Outstanding Service in 2001. From 1998 – 1999, he served as Chief of Staff to Attorney General Janet Reno and as Counselor to the Attorney General from 1997-1998. From 1995-1997, Ogden served as Associate Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice, and from 1994 -1995 served as Deputy General Counsel, Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Defense. Ogden was a partner at Jenner and Block in Washington, DC from 1988-1994 and worked at the law firm of Ennis Friedman & Bersoff from 1983-1988. He clerked for Associate Justice Harry A. Blackmun in the U.S. Supreme Court from 1982-1983 and for Judge Abraham D. Sofaer in the Southern District Court of New York from 1981-1982. He received his B.A. in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 (summa cum laude) and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1981 (magna cum laude). He served on the Harvard Law Review from 1979-81.

Elena Kagan, Solicitor General
Kagan, the Charles Hamilton Houston Professor of Law, is currently the 11th Dean of Harvard Law School. Kagan first came to Harvard Law School as a visiting professor in 1999 and became Professor of Law in 2001. She has taught administrative law, constitutional law, civil procedure, and seminars on issues involving the separation of powers. She was appointed Dean of the Law School in 2003. From 1995 to 1999, Kagan served in the White House, first as Associate Counsel to the President (1995-96) and then as Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council (1997-99). In those positions she played a key role in the executive branch’s formulation, advocacy, and implementation of law and policy in areas ranging from education to crime to public health. Kagan launched her scholarly career at the University of Chicago Law School, where she became an assistant professor in 1991 and a tenured professor of law in 1995. Kagan clerked for Judge Abner Mikva of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit from 1986 to 1987. The next year she clerked for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. She then worked as an associate in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Williams & Connolly from 1989 to 1991. Kagan received her bachelor’s degree from Princeton in 1981 (summa cum laude). She attended Worcester College, Oxford, as Princeton’s Daniel M. Sachs Graduating Fellow, and received an M. Phil. in 1983. She then attended Harvard Law School, where she was supervising editor of the Harvard Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude in 1986.

Tom Perrelli, Associate Attorney General
Perrelli is currently Managing Partner of Jenner & Block’s Washington, DC office. He is Co-Chair of the Firm’s Entertainment and New Media Practice and is a member of the Firm’s Litigation Department. From 1997-99, Mr. Perrelli served as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno, supervising a variety of civil matters at the Department of Justice. He subsequently rose to Deputy Assistant Attorney General (1999-2001), supervising the Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division. In 2005, Perrelli was named one of the nation's 40 most promising lawyers under 40 by The National Law Journal for exhibiting “extraordinary achievements” in his career. He has been recognized as one of the leading media and entertainment lawyers in the United States by Chambers & Partners USA, named as one of 500 “New Stars” by Lawdragon in 2006, and named Best Intellectual Property Lawyer in Washington D.C. by the Washington Business Journal in 2008. Prior to joining Jenner & Block, in 1991-92, Perrelli clerked for the Honorable Royce C. Lamberth of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Perrelli graduated from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, in 1991, where he was managing editor of the Harvard Law Review. He received an A.B. in History from Brown University in 1988.

Dawn Johnsen, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel
Johnsen is currently a Professor of Law at the Indiana University School of Law—Bloomington, where she teaches and writes about issues of constitutional law. Her recent publications on issues of presidential power include Faithfully Executing the Laws: Internal Legal Constraints on Executive Power, 54 UCLA L. Rev. 1559 (2007) and What's a President to Do? Interpreting the Constitution in the Wake of the Bush Administration's Abuses, 88 Boston U. L. Rev. 395 (2008). She serves on the board of directors of the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy. She served in the Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, as the acting assistant attorney general heading that office (1997-98) and as a deputy assistant attorney general (1993-96). In that capacity, she provided constitutional and other legal advice to the attorney general, the President, and the general counsels of the various executive branch agencies. From 1988-93, she was the legal director of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL). She clerked for the Honorable Richard D. Cudahy, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She received a B.A from Yale University in 1983 and a J.D. from Yale Law School in 1986.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON
For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call. I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs. It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time. I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months. Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done. So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future. I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country.

"Filling Ken Salazar's boots in the US Senate is a tall order. But in selecting Michael Bennet, Governor Ritter has made an excellent choice.

"Michael Bennet perfectly reflects the qualities of the ruggedly independent state he has been chosen to serve. An innovator in the public and private sectors, he has shown himself willing to challenge old thinking and stale policies.

"His breakthrough work at the helm of Denver's schools has reflected that commitment, and established Michael as one of the nation's leading education reformers.

"He will be a breath of fresh air in Washington," said President-elect Obama.

"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy," said President-elect Obama.

“These individuals will bring a depth of experience and deep commitment to public service to the Obama-Biden Administration,” said Vice President-elect Biden. “Alan Hoffman has been an invaluable advisor to me for over a decade. He will bring sound judgment and key management experience to the office. Sudafi Henry is a rising star on Capitol Hill, who has earned the trust of many members of Congress. I am pleased he will lead our efforts to build strong working relationships with members of both parties, and in both the House and the Senate.”

Alan Hoffman, Deputy Chief of Staff
Alan Hoffman is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Vice President-elect on the Obama-Biden Transition Team. Prior to this, Hoffman was the senior vice president for external relations for the University of California system. Hoffman served twice, from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2008, as chief of staff to Senator Biden. In this role, he directed the legislative agenda, communications strategy, political operations and office management. From 2004 to 2006, Hoffman was vice president for external affairs for the RAND Corporation. Before joining Sen. Biden's staff, Hoffman held a number of key positions at the federal level including assistant United States attorney in Philadelphia prosecuting federal crimes, special counsel to the assistant attorney general for legislative affairs at the Department of Justice, and special assistant to the assistant secretary for legislative affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services. A Philadelphia native, Hoffman holds a J.D. and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a B.A. from Lafayette College in Easton, PA.

Sudafi Henry, Director of Legislative Affairs
Sudafi Henry is currently Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD). In this capacity, Henry has worked closely with Members of Congress, leadership staff and committee staff on crafting and winning passage of critical legislation, with a particular focus on trade, telecommunications, economic matters and responses to the current financial crisis. Henry has also served as a liaison for Rep. Hoyer to policy experts, business leaders, and constituency group leaders on pending legislation. Henry has more than 10 years of experience on Capitol Hill, including his work for Reps. Major Owens (D-NY) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) as the Legislative Director for both Members. A native of Los Angeles, California, Henry received a B.A. from the University of Maryland at College Park and a J.D. from George Washington University Law School, and is a member of the Maryland bar.

The address was also recorded on video and is posted online HERE.

You can listen to the radio address HERE.

The address will air live on the radio, Saturday at 11:06 am Eastern.

The text of the radio address, as delivered, is below:

Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season.

As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries.

Many troops are serving their second, third, or even fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard – they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers.

This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child’s face as they open a gift back home.

Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come.

These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don’t have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain.

That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother’s keeper; I am my sister’s keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country.

That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day.

After all, that’s what Americans have always done.

232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his Army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire.

It was Christmas Day – December 25th, 1776 – that they fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to the beleaguered Army and new hope to the cause of Independence.

Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season – the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible.

Thank you, and have a wonderful New Year.