Obama Tackles Earmarks and Pet Projects

January 25, 2011 7:21 PM

In his State of the Union addressed, President Obama called on members of Congress to use transparency when it comes to where and how Americans tax dollars are being spent. He also noted that he will veto any bill with earmarks inside.

State of the Union: Full Obama Speech Text

Recommended

Obama on the economy: "Things are looking up"
3:00 May 18, 2013

Obama on the economy: "Things are looking up"

President Obama channeled optimism on America's economic future in his weekly address on Saturday, noting positive news on deficit reduction, the housing market, the auto industry, and the energy sector to make his case that "in a lot of sectors, things are looking up."
GOP links Obamacare with IRS targeting scandal
3:30 May 18, 2013

GOP links Obamacare with IRS targeting scandal

The IRS is charged with overseeing part of the implementation of the president's healthcare reform law, and that's a problem, according to Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who warned in the weekly GOP address today that the recent targeting scandal at the tax agency proves "that the IRS needs less power, not more."
IRS chief: Disclosure of targeting was intentional
1:25 May 17, 2013

IRS chief: Disclosure of targeting was intentional

Acting IRS commissioner Steven Miller told Congress that senior IRS official Lois Lerner's disclosure last week that the agency had engaged in excessive targeting of conservative groups was the result of a "planned Q&A," and that he "talked about" the question with the questioner before the event began.
No "silver bullet" to stop military sexual assaults, says Hagel
2:16 May 17, 2013

No "silver bullet" to stop military sexual assaults, says Hagel

After a "very important, productive meeting" with President Obama and military leaders on the "huge problem" of sexual assault in the military, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that while there is no "silver bullet" to stop the problem, "We all have committed to turn this around, and we're going to fix the problem."
Obama on infrastructure: "We've got to up our game"
2:18 May 17, 2013

Obama on infrastructure: "We've got to up our game"

Announcing a new proposal to expedite the timeline of big infrastructure projects, President Obama said, "I'm big on rebuilding our infrastructure - bridges, airports, ports," but warned that as the rest of the world continues building their own infrastructure, "We've got to up our game."
Michelle Obama decries "slander" that educated blacks are "trying to act white"
1:38 May 17, 2013

Michelle Obama decries "slander" that educated blacks are "trying to act white"

During a commencement address at Bowie State University on Friday, first lady Michelle Obama urged the graduates of the historically black university to "please stand up and reject the slander that says a black child with a book is trying to act white," instructing them to "be an example of excellence for the next generation."
IRS chief: "We're not done" holding people accountable
1:59 May 17, 2013

IRS chief: "We're not done" holding people accountable

Asked whether he thinks more needs to be done to right the ship at the IRS, or whether his resignation and that of another senior official are sufficient, acting IRS commissioner Steven Miller said, "We're not done yet," explaining, "We now have the Treasury inspector general's report, we now have the sense of the facts - now is the time for those that remain" to continue pursuing accountability.