White House News
The most current news items on the White House website.

• President's Radio Address
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "America is blessed to have men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe from our enemies. We are thankful for their courage and their dedication to duty. We pray for their safety. And we wish them a Merry Christmas, wherever they serve."
• Presidential Message: Christmas 2007
  During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life that changed the world and continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace.
• To Implement An Amendment to the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement
  1. On August 5, 2004, the United States entered into the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (the"Agreement") with Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (the "Agreement countries"). The Congress approved the Agreement in section 101(a) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "CAFTA DR Act") (19 U.S.C. 4011).
• Presidential Message to the Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, Laura and I send our best wishes for the holidays.
• Presidential Message: Kwanzaa 2007
  I send greetings to those observing Kwanzaa.
• Statement by the Press Secretary on Bill Signings
  On Friday, December 21, 2007, the President signed into law: H.J.Res. 72, H.R. 365, H.R. 710, H.R. 2408, H.R. 2671, H.R. 3703, H.R. 3739, S. 597, S. 888, S. 2371, S. 2484, and S.J.Res. 8.
• Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto on Elections in Thailand
  The United States looks forward to elections to be held in Thailand on December 23, 2007. The people of Thailand deserve free and fair elections that will return a democratic government to office as soon as possible. The United States eagerly awaits the return of democracy to Thailand so that we may resume our close and abiding relationship with this important ally.
• Statement by the Press Secretary
  Today, Andrew Natsios announced that he has resigned his position as Presidential Special Envoy to Sudan. The President is grateful for Andrew's service to the Administration and for his dedication to the cause of peace in Sudan. Since his appointment to this post in September 2006, Andrew has undertaken frequent trips to the region and around the world to advance the President's goal of ending the violence in Darfur and ensuring the effective implementation of all elements of Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Agreement. He has served admirably in this position.
• President Bush Attends Swearing In of Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  President Bush on Thursday said, "Our nation has no higher calling than to provide for those who have borne the cost of battle -- and we will honor our responsibilities. I am confident in the future of this department because I have seen firsthand the dedication and character of the men and women who work here. And I am confident that you will have a worthy and strong leader in our new Secretary."
• Press Conference by the President
  On Thursday, President Bush said "I think recent days have been a moment that the country can be proud of. In the past few days we have stopped a tax increase on the middle-class families, we improved our energy security, we delivered relief to struggling homeowners, and we funded our troops. I want to thank the members of both parties for their hard work in these areas. I'm pleased that we have been able to end this year on a high note by moving beyond our differences and achieving important results for the American people."
• President Bush Signs H.R. 3648, The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007
  President Bush on Thursday said, "I'm pleased to sign a bill that will help homeowners who are struggling with rising mortgage payments. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 will protect families from higher taxes when they refinance their homes. It will help hardworking Americans take steps to avoid foreclosure during a period of uncertainty in the housing market. I want to thank members of Congress for getting this bill passed. I appreciate it very much. It's been a joy working with you."
• Fact Sheet: Lt. Gen. James B. Peake (Ret.), M.D.: "A Worthy and Strong Leader" for Our Nation's Veterans
  President Bush Participates In Ceremonial Swearing-In Of Former Army Surgeon General With Lifetime Of Military Medical Experience As VA Secretary
• President Bush Visits Walter Reed Army Medical Center
  President Bush on Thursday said, "I've just come down from a tour of a couple of the wards up there here at Walter Reed. First, I'm inspired by the quality of health care. Americans may wonder whether or not our troops are getting the best possible health care, and they are. They're not only getting great care from good docs and nurses, they're getting a lot of compassion and a lot of love up in the wards. And so I want to thank you all. General, thank you very much for taking the lead."
• Fact Sheet: Year in Review: 2007
  The American people are benefiting from the effective leadership by the President and his Administration in 2007.
• Fact Sheet: The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007
  "When your home is losing value and your family is under financial stress, the last thing you need is to be hit with higher taxes. So I'm working with members of both parties to pass a bill that will protect homeowners from having to pay taxes on cancelled mortgage debt." - President George W. Bush, 9/1/07
• President Bush Signs H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
  President Bush on Wednesday said, "Today we make a major step with the Energy Independence and Security Act. We make a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure."
• President Bush Signs H.R. 4118, the Prevent Taxation of Payments to Virginia Tech Victims and Families Act
  President Bush on Wednesday said, "And so I want to say to the families who still suffer, we think about you. And to the students and faculty and alumni and leadership of Virginia Tech, thank you for helping those who suffer reconcile and recover from the grief they feel. So it's my honor to sign this important piece of legislation."
• President Bush Visits National Naval Medical Center
  President Bush on Wednesday said, "You know, it's a great honor to come here. It's an honor to see the troops who have been wounded, and it's an honor to hug their families, and it's an honor to see the fabulous care that these folks receive. You know, our citizens wonder whether or not troops in harm's way will get superb medical care. And the answer is: Absolutely; they get fantastic medical care."
• Statement by the Press Secretary
  The New York Times today implies that the White House has been misleading in publicly acknowledging or discussing details related to the CIAÂ’s decision to destroy interrogation tapes.
• Fact Sheet: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
  Today, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which will improve vehicle fuel economy and help reduce U.S. dependence on oil