Jan. 28 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2013

Hospital. We are honored and truly, truly and Ohio and South Dakota—[laughter]—Mi- humbled to be here. ami. I mean—and we’re in the White House Because we actually hope that this team right now. This is like, “Hey, mama, I made it.” serves as an inspiration to the Nation of what a [Laughter] group can do when you come together and sac- Guard . All I’ve got to say is, rifice your egos for a greater goal, to come to- we’ve got a 10-day contract left? gether with a real hardhat work ethic, and to The President. Yes. be able to persevere through adversity and a Mr. Wade. Pick my man up. [Laughter] whole heck of a lot of criticism—[laughter]— The President. You guys could use a shooter. and still be able to accomplish the ultimate [Laughter] dream. Mr. Wade. My . [Laughter] The President. Fantastic. Thank you so The President. Thank you. Thank you. All much. right. Forward LeBron James. Am I supposed to say something? NOTE: The President spoke at 1:44 p.m. in the The President. Hey, you can if you want. It’s East Room at the White House. In his re- your world, man. [Laughter] marks, he referred to , forward, Mr. James. I mean, on behalf of myself and and , point guard, NBA’s my teammates, we just want to thank you—to Thunder; , Chris piggyback what Spo’ said—for the hospitality, Bosh, Mike Miller, and , for- for allowing us to be, I mean, in the White wards, and , point guard, Mi- House. I mean, we’re in the White House. ami Heat; and Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, for- [Laughter] I mean—and Coach said—and the mer center, . Mr. Spoelstra Prez said this real casual. So I mean, we’re kids referred to Micky Arison, general manager, from Chicago and Dallas, Texas and Michigan and Pat Riley, president, the HEAT Group.

Statement on Congressional Passage of Funding for Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts January 28, 2013

I am pleased that Congress took bipartisan work closely with Governors and mayors to en- action to provide funding for the communities sure this money is used appropriately. To date, in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, we have already provided over 3 billion in aid and other Eastern States devastated by Hurri- to help recovery efforts, including hundreds of cane Sandy. For the families working to put millions of dollars that have gone directly to their lives back together, every day without re- families and businesses impacted by the storm. lief is one day too many. So while I had hoped Brick by brick, by block, our communi- Congress would provide this aid sooner, I ap- plaud the lawmakers from both parties who ties are being made whole again. And we will helped shepherd this important package not rest until the job is done. Again, I com- though. mend Congress for giving families and busi- My administration remains committed to nesses the help they deserve, and I will sign supporting our State and local partners and this bill into law as soon as it hits my desk. bringing every resource to bear as we help our neighbors rebuild. And we will continue to NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 152.

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