U.S. Enters Into New Arms Deal With Saudi Arabia

White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest issued the following statement regarding the U.S.’s decision to sell military aircraft and other arms to Saudi Arabia:

“The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a government-to-government agreement under the Foreign Military Sales program to provide advanced F-15SA combat aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force.”

“Valued at $29.4 billion, this agreement includes production of 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics.  These F-15SA aircraft, manufactured by The Boeing Company, are among the most sophisticated and capable aircraft in the world.”

“This agreement will positively impact the U.S. economy and further advances the president’s commitment to create jobs by increasing exports.  According to industry experts, this agreement will support more than 50,000 American jobs, engaging 600 suppliers in 44 states, and providing $3.5 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy.”

“This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security.”

Obama Taps Two For Fed Board

President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that he will be nominating Jerome Powell and Jeremy Stein for the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors.

Powell previously served as a Treasury official in George H. Bush administration. Stein is an Economics Professor at Harvard and served as a member of MIT’s finance faculty for a decade.

“I am grateful that these individuals have agreed to serve their nation at this important time for our economy,” Obama said in a statement. “Their distinguished backgrounds and experience coupled with their impressive knowledge of economic and monetary policy make them tremendously qualified to serve in these important roles.”


Report: White House Energy Program Politicized

The Obama administration’s $80 billion program to distribute loans to companies researching and developing clean energy was marred by political considerations, according to a report Sunday from the Washington Post.

Citing internal memos and emails, the Post concludes that the White House granted easier access to investors who were politically connected.

The program came under scrutiny after the loan-backed Solyndra, a California-based solar energy company that President Obama visited, went bankrupt.

The full report can be read here.

White House Condemns Iraq Bombings

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney issued the following statement in response to a series of bombings that killed at least 60 people in Iraq this morning:

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against innocent Iraqis, which serve no agenda other than murder and hatred.  We offer our condolences to those whose loved ones were lost or wounded.  Attempts such as this to derail Iraq’s continued progress will fail.  Iraq has suffered heinous attacks like this in the past, and its security forces have shown they are up to the task of responding and maintaining stability.  Time and again, the Iraqi people have shown their resilience in overcoming efforts to divide them.  We continue to urge leaders to come together to face common challenges.”

“Vice President Biden has spoken to several senior Iraqi leaders over the past week. Today he called Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to offer our full support for his efforts, and those of other Iraqi leaders, to foster dialogue that will allow all Iraqi blocs to work through their differences together. The Vice President also reiterated the need for actions to be guided by the rule of law and Iraq’s Constitution. At this difficult time, the United States stands with Iraq as a strategic partner and a close friend.”

Obama Goes Holiday Shopping

President Obama succeeded in taking care of some very urgent business on Wednesday.

No, he didn’t convince Congress to pass a payroll tax cut extension. But, he did do some holiday shopping for the rest of the First Family.

Needing to get out of the house, as his Press Secretary, Jay Carney, put it, Obama and First Dog Bo ventured out across the Potomac River to make some seasonal purchases.

During a roughly 50-minute trip around nearby Alexandria, Virginia, the President managed to hit Pet Smart and Best Buy, where he bought a large bone for Bo, and a couple video games and a pair of iTunes music gift cards for his daughters, Sasha and Malia. In all, the President spent about $235 at the two retailers.

Hungry from all the shopping, Obama concluded his brief expedition by patronizing a local pizzeria, where he emerged from afterwards with a trio of large pies.