May 2 / Administration of , 2009 a wider outbreak. The good news is that the ble influenza readiness plans and are better current strain of H1N1 can be defeated by a prepared to deal with such a challenge than course of antiviral treatment that we already ever before. have on hand. We began this week with 50 It is my greatest hope and prayer that all of million courses of this treatment in the Strate- these precautions and preparations prove un- gic National Stockpile. Over the course of the necessary. But because we have it within our last few days, we have delivered one-quarter of power to limit the potential damage of this vi- that stockpile to States so that they are pre- rus, we have a solemn and urgent responsibili- pared to treat anyone who is infected with this ty to take the necessary steps. I would sooner virus. We then purchased an additional 13 mil- take action now than hesitate and face graver lion treatments to refill our strategic stockpile. consequences later. I have no higher priority Out of an abundance of caution, I have also as President of the than the asked Congress for $1.5 billion, if it’s needed, safety and security of the American people, to purchase additional antivirals, emergency and I will do whatever is necessary to protect equipment, and the development of a vaccine this country. So I want to thank every Ameri- that can prevent this virus as we prepare for can for their patience and understanding dur- the next flu season in the fall. ing this developing challenge, and I promise The Recovery Act that Congress enacted in that this Government will continue speaking February also included expansions of commu- clearly and honestly about the steps we’re tak- nity health centers, a dramatic increase in the ing to meet it. training of health care workers and nurses, and Thank you. $300 million for the development and deploy- ment of vaccines, all of which will help us NOTE: The address was recorded at approxi- meet this threat. mately 3:25 p.m. on May 1 in the Library at Finally, thanks to the work that the last ad- the White House for broadcast on . The ministration and Congress did to prepare for a transcript was made available by the Office of possible avian flu pandemic in 2005, States the Press Secretary on May 1 but was embar- and the Federal Government have fully opera- goed for release until 6 a.m. on May 2.

Statement on the Death of Former Representative Jack F. Kemp May 3, 2009

Jack Kemp’s commitment to public service the lessons he learned years earlier on the and his passion for politics influenced not only field: that bitter divisiveness between the direction of his party, but his country. race and class and station only stood in the way From his tenure as a Buffalo Congressman to of the common aim of a team to win. his ascent in national politics, Jack Kemp was a Michelle and I extend our prayers and man who could fiercely advocate his own be- deepest condolences to the entire Kemp fami- liefs and principles while also remembering ly.

Remarks on May 4, 2009

All right. Good morning, everybody. I hope it’s an obligation of citizenship, necessary to you all had a good weekend. pay the costs of our common defense and our Let’s begin with a simple premise: Nobody mutual well-being. likes paying taxes, particularly in times of eco- And yet, even as most American citizens nomic stress. But most Americans meet their and businesses meet these responsibilities, responsibilities because they understand that there are others who are shirking theirs. And

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