President Obama Radio Address 05/16/2009

[0:10] ..." The foundation will support good jobs and rising incomes the foundation for economic growth where we no longer rely on excessive debt and reckless risk. But instead rely on skilled workers and sound investments to lead"...

[2:11] ..." health care system. That's why I've met with representatives of insurance and drug companies doctors and hospitals. And labor unions were pledging to do their part to reduce health care costs. These are some of the"...

[3:04] ..." those coming years. This week are also invited speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi. Majority leader Steny hoyer and other congressional leaders to the White House to discuss comprehensive health reform legislation. The house is working to pass a bill by the end of July. Before they head"...

[0:00]" Morning. We're past few months as we put in place a plan to speed our economic recovery. I've spoken repeatedly of the need to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity. The foundation will support good jobs and rising incomes the foundation for economic growth where we no longer rely on excessive debt and reckless risk. But instead rely on skilled workers and sound investments to lead the world in the industries of the 20% -- Two pillars of this new foundation are clean energy and healthcare. And while there remains a great deal of difficult work ahead I'm heartened by what we've seen these past few days. A willingness of those -- different points of view and disparate interests to come together around common goals. To embrace a shared sense of responsibility. And make historic progress. Chairman Henry Waxman the members of the energy and commerce committee brought together stakeholders from all corners of the country in every sector of our economy. To reach an historic agreement on comprehensive energy legislation. It's another promising sign of progress has long time opponents are sitting together at the same table. To help salt one of America's most serious challenges. For the first time. Utility companies and corporate leaders are joining rather than opposing. Environmental advocates and labor leaders to create a new system of clean energy initiatives that will help unleash a new era. Of growth and prosperity. It's a plan the war finally reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign north and kept the carbon pollution threatens our help and our climate. Most important it's a plan to what triggered the creation of millions of new jobs for Americans who produced -- wind turbines and solar panels and developing alternative fuels to power of the future. Because this we know the nation that leads in 21 century Kleen energy is the nation the will lead the 21 century global economy. America can and must be that nation. And this agreement is a major step toward fiscal. But we know that our families our economy and our nation itself will not succeed in the 20% tree. If we continue to be held down by the weight of rapidly rising health care costs and a broken health care system. That's why I've met with representatives of insurance and drug companies doctors and hospitals. And labor unions were pledging to do their part to reduce health care costs. These are some of the groups who've been among the fiercest critics of passed comprehensive health care reform plans. But today they too are recognizing that we must act. Our businesses will not be able to compete our families will not be able to save or spend our budgets will remain unsustainable. Unless we get health care costs under control. These groups have pledged to do their part to reduce the annual health care spending growth rate by one point five percentage points. Coupled with conference of perform their efforts could help to save our nation more than two trillion dollars in the next ten years. And save hardworking families 2500 dollars each in those coming years. This week are also invited speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi. Majority leader Steny hoyer and other congressional leaders to the White House to discuss comprehensive health reform legislation. The house is working to pass a bill by the end of July. Before they head out for their August recess. That's the kind of urgency and determination we need to achieve comprehensive reform by the end of this. And reductions in spending for health care community has pledged will help make this reform possible. -- always believed that it is better to talk the not to talk but it's far more productive to reach over divide than to shake your fists across. This has been an alien notion in Washington for far too long we're seeing that the ways of Washington are beginning to change. For the calling of this moment is too loud and too urgent signal. Her success as a nation the future of our children and grandchildren. Depend upon our willingness to cast aside old arguments. Overcome stubborn divisions. And march forward as one people and one nation. This is how progress has always been made as how a new foundation will be built. We cannot assume that interest will always -- are that fragile partnerships warmup for it. There will be setbacks the will be difficult days we're off to a good start and I'm confident that we will in the weeks months and years ahead. Build on what we party achieved and lay this foundation which will not only bring about prosperity for this generation. But for generations to. Thanks so much."