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♪♪ (Bugle Corps playing) ♪♪
Narrator: Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's
happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
This week, the President focused on the important legislation
coming out of Congress before the end of the session,
including tax cuts for the middle class and the repeal of
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
That's December 17th to the 23rd, or "AKA Santa Claus."
Santa Claus: Boy, George was nothing but trouble as a kid, you know what?
Nothing but trouble.
See you all later.
Narrator: On Friday, December 17th, President Obama went to the Long
Branch Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia,
where he was given a high-pitched,
enthusiastic welcome.
The President was there to read to students,
first from "Of Thee, I Sing," a book he wrote and dedicated to
his daughters.
Proceeds from the book go to a scholarship fund for the
children of fallen and disabled service members.
The President also read a holiday classic --
"'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore.
The President: "With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be -- ?"
Children: "St. Nick!"
The President: It's St. Nick!
AKA, Santa Claus.
Narrator: The President also met with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and
leaders from some the nation's largest labor organizations to
discuss how the partnership with labor is essential to growing
our economy, continuing our recovery,
and creating good jobs.
The President: I'm not going to speak long at the front end --
I want to spend more time listening,
so let me just cut to the chase.
Secret Service Agent: We'll pick up the V.P., walk across the street --
Narrator: Friday evening, the President went to the South Court
auditorium to sign the Middle-Class Tax Cut Bill.
Because members of both parties came together to get this done,
families across the country no longer have to worry about a
massive tax hike next year.
The President: You guys did extraordinary work quickly,
so I just want to say to both Democrats and Republicans who
are here: I think this is good for the economy;
it's good for the country.
I know that both sides took hits in order to get it done,
but I think the country thinks it's the right thing.
This is real money that's going to make a real difference in
people's lives.
And I would not have signed this bill if it didn't include other
extensions of relief that were also set to expire --
relief that's going to help families cover the bills,
parents raise their children, students pay for college,
and business owners to take the reins of the recovery and propel
this economy forward.
Narrator: On Monday, December 20th, the President signed the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act and the Family Violence Prevention
Services Act into law.
The President: You know, to have strong bipartisan support on something
like this is just exactly how this place should work,
and I think you all should be very proud.
Narrator: The legislation gives states new tools to work with at-risk
families to prevent child abuse and improve services for
children exposed to domestic violence.
Secretary Locke: Mr. President!
I've got something for you!
The President: That's what I hear --
Narrator: On Tuesday, December 21st, President Obama received the
2010 Census Report from Commerce Secretary Gary Locke,
tracking U.S. population growth.
Secretary Locke: You are the 44th President and this delivery has occurred only
22 other times in U.S. history.
Narrator: He also made calls to senators about the need to pass the new
START Treaty as soon as possible,
and met with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
about a host of issues, including passage of the DREAM
Act and comprehensive immigration reform.
The President: Everybody have a seat.
This is --
Audience Member: Thank you, Mr. President!
The President: You are welcome.
(cheering and applause)
This is a good day.
Narrator: On Wednesday, December 22nd, President Obama signed the bill
repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that prevents gay
Americans from serving openly in the U.S. military.
The President: This is done.
(cheering and applause)
This law I'm about to sign will strengthen our national security
and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk
their lives to defend.
As Admiral Mike Mullen has said, "Our people sacrifice a lot for
their country, including their lives.
None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well."
(applause)
Narrator: The President then boarded Marine One and headed for
Hawaii, where he'll spend the holidays with his family.
To find out more information on any of these topics or to see
complete videos of these events, go to whitehouse.gov.
And thanks again for checking out your West Wing Week.
Santa Claus: How's it going?
Good to see you!
Oh, ho, ho!
(indiscernible) up for Santa!
Hey, little (indiscernible) !
Speaker: Hey!
Santa: Oh, ho, ho!
Speaker: Pretty good.