Barack Obama

Congress approves Obama's 2010 budget outline

Congress approves Obama's 2010 budget outlineWashington - The US Congress on Wednesday approved President Barack Obama's 3.56-billion-dollar budget prescriptions for 2010 along strictly party lines.

The Senate voted 53-43 and the House of Representative 233-193 for the non-binding resolution, which sets out the framework for Congress to consider Obama's legislative priorities, including tax cuts for the middle class and an expansion of social spending in health care, energy and education.

Obama sees progress - and more pain - before recession ends

Washington - Celebrating his 100th day in office, President Barack Obama said he was happy with his efforts so far in stabilizing the US economy but warned of more job losses before the country's 16- month long recession comes to an end.

"I am pleased with our progress but I am not satisfied," he said in a press conference at the White House. "Millions of Americans are still without jobs and homes, and more will be lost before this recession is over."

Obama's remarks came after government figures showed the US economy shrank 6.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year, though the Federal Reserve touted signs that the outlook had "improved modestly" over the past few weeks.

Obama "gravely concerned" about situation in Pakistan

Obama "gravely concerned" about situation in PakistanWashington - US President Barack Obama said he was "gravely concerned" by the situation in Pakistan and expressed fears about the fragility of a civilian government struggling to contain the growing Taliban insurgency.

Obama said the Pakistani government lacked the ability to provide basic services for its people and promised the United States would do all it could to build up its institutions.

Obama optimistic that Chrysler can avoid bankruptcy

Obama optimistic that Chrysler can avoid bankruptcyWashington - US President Barack Obama suggested last-minute talks to save Chrysler LLC from bankruptcy were yielding results, saying he was "very hopeful" Wednesday night that a deal could be reached with creditors.

"The details have not yet been finalized," Obama said of the government-brokered talks. "But I'm feeling more optimistic than I was" about a resolution.

Obama: No plans to close US-Mexico border over swine flu outbreak

Obama: No plans to close US-Mexico border over swine flu outbreakWashington - US President Barack Obama said late Wednesday that there were no plans to close the country's border with Mexico despite a growing swine flu outbreak, but assured the public that his government was doing all it could to contain the threat.

Obama said closing the border was "akin to closing the barn door after the horses are out," as there were already nearly 100 cases confirmed in the United States, including one death.

Obama calls on Chrysler bondholders to sacrifice

Obama calls on Chrysler bondholders to sacrificeWashington - US President Barack Obama called on Chrysler LLC bondholders to make sacrifices in order to keep the nation's third-largest carmaker from filing for bankruptcy.

Obama, speaking at a town hall meeting in Arnold, Missouri, credited the carworker unions for taking the necessary steps to help Chrysler avoid bankruptcy protection by accepting a new labour agreement.

"One of the key questions now is: Are the bondholders, the lenders, the money people, are they willing to make sacrifices as well?" Obama said. "We don't know yet."

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