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Most, if not all, presidents have accomplished more than one goal. Presidents will come in with an agenda of several items they consider important.Here's a list of Obama accomplishments. It seems clear he already had some things in mind such as limiting undue outside influence on the legislative process. Some of these were not entirely through his own efforts.Within his first week, he signed an Executive Order ordering an audit of government contracts, and combating waste and abuse. Executive Order -- Economy in Government ContractingCreated the post of Chief Performance Officer, whose job it is to make operations more efficient to save the federal government money. Obama Names Chief Performance OfficerOn his first full day, he froze White House salaries for the duration of the Great Recession. MSNBC: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.He appointed the first Federal Chief Information Officer to oversee federal IT spending and efficiency. CIO Council - Chief Information Officers CouncilHe committed to phasing out unnecessary and outdated weapons systems and signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act, in an attempt to limit waste, fraud and abuse in the defense procurement and contracting systems. http://bit.ly/hOw1t1http://bit.ly/fz8GAdHe created the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. President orders debt panel, names chairmenSigned an Executive Order instructing federal agencies to review all federal regulations and remove any unnecessary and/or burdensome regulations from the books. Executive Order -- Identifying and Reducing Regulatory BurdensDismantled the Minerals Management Service, thereby cutting ties between energy companies and the government. Obama Officials Seek Better Policing of Oil IndustryBanned gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the Executive Branch. Ban lobbyist gifts to executive employeesBanned anyone from working in an agency they had lobbied in previous years and placed strict limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. Obama Outlines Lobbying Restrictions Held the first-ever first online town hall from the White House, and took questions from the public. http://bit.ly/gVNSgXBecame the first president to stream every White House event, live. Live EventsEstablished a central portal for Americans to find service opportunities. United We ServeRestored the 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records and eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews, giving the public greater access to historic White House documents, and curtails the use of executive privilege to shield them. Executive Order 13489 -- Presidential RecordsImproved the Freedom of Information Act and issued new guidelines to make FOIA more open and transparent when processing FOIA requests. Freedom of Information ActStreamline the Department of Education’s procurement policies and made them more transparent. http://bit.ly/1r9oQvhProvided the first voluntary disclosure of the White House Visitors Log in history. http://1.usa.gov/hQ7Signed a law to completely reform NSA Data Collection program and keep phone records in the hands of the phone company. Obama signs overhauled NSA phone-records bill into lawPushed through and signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as “the stimulus package.” He also launched http://recovery.gov, a website that allows taxpayers to track spending from the Act. http://1.usa.gov/ibiFSshttp://1.usa.gov/e3BJMkBy the end of his first year, the economy created and sustained 2.1 million jobs and stimulated the economy by 3.5%. UPDATE 2-US stimulus added up to 2.1 mln jobs in Q4 2009-CBOHe created the massive TARP financial and banking rescue plan and forced banks and other entities to pay back virtually all of the bailout money. http://1.usa.gov/eA5jVShttp://bit.ly/eCNrD6He created the Making Home Affordable home refinancing plan. HomeIn 2010, more jobs were created than had been created during the previous eight years. It’s Official: More Private Sector Jobs Created In 2010 Than During Entire Bush YearsHe pushed through and implemented an auto industry rescue plan that saved as many as 1 million jobs and possibly the entire auto industry. Obama unveils plan to help U.S. auto industry_English_Xinhua The Bailout That WorkedThrough his investment in GM, returned to the company to its place as the premiere car company in the world. General Motors is world's sales leaderDoubled funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, to improve manufacturing efficiency. Double funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program that encourages manufacturing efficiencyIncreased infrastructure spending after years of neglect. http://bit.ly/f77aOwSigned the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which helped millions of Americans avoid preventable foreclosures and provided $2.2 billion to combat homelessness and stabilize the housing market. http://bit.ly/eEpLFnSigned an Executive Order creating jobs immediately by instructing them to reduce the time needed for review and permitting of infrastructure projects. Executive Order -- Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure ProjectsThrough the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, he and Congressional Democrats provided tax credits to first-time home buyers, which helped the U.S. housing market recovery. FEDERALHOUSINGTAXCREDIT.COM The Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Program (Military Edition)Played a lead role in getting the G-20 Summit to commit to a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. G-20 Pact Has New Rules and $1.1 Trillion for Loans and TradeThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, saved at least 300,000 education jobs, such as teachers, principals, librarians, and counselors that would have otherwise been lost. http://1.usa.gov/ez30DWith Congressional Democrats, provided funding to states and the Department of Homeland Security to save thousands of police and firefighter jobs from being cut during the recession. Increase funding for local emergency planningChina’s largest manufacturer, Foxconn, is building a large plant in Pennsylvania Foxconn to build plant in PennsylvaniaWorked with Apple Computer to get them to build more product here, and thecompany is building two large plants to manufacture products here; one in Texas Apple's $100m made-in-the-USA Mac facility will be in Texas | ZDNet and one in Arizona Apple creates 2,000 jobs shifting production back to USCreated an institute to invest in more manufacturing jobs in the technology fields of the future. Obama Announces Institute to Create Manufacturing JobsOrdered all federal contractors to pay a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, leading the way to a national increase. Obama to raise minimum wage for government contract workersOrdered the completion of the International Trade Data System, a digital trade record book, by 2016. This move will streamline and simplify the process through which small- and medium-sized businesses set up the export of US goods. Obama Inks Executive Order to Streamline Import and Export Process for BusinessesSpecific Examples of Economic ImprovementAs of January 2016, a record 64 consecutive months of overall job growth. Unemployment rate drops below 5%, reaches 8-year lowAs of January 2016, Unemployment drops below 5% for the first time in eight years and without a significant bubble. 4.9% Unemployment rate drops below 5%, reaches 8-year lowAs of January 2016, there have been 71 consecutive months of private sector job growth. Unemployment rate drops below 5%, reaches 8-year lowSince February 2010, when job numbers hit their lowest point, 13.7 non-farm jobs have been created. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data (Republican budget cuts reduced public employment by about 700,000)Oversaw a reduction in the federal budget deficit by two-thirds since taking office. US Federal Deficit DefinitionReduced the federal budget deficit from 9.8% of GDP in Fiscal Year 2009 under Bush, to 2.9% of GDP in FY 2014. An Update to the Budget and Economic Outlook: 2014 to 2024Scolds Congress and gets passed a $305 billion highways bill, which will have the added benefit of created hundreds of thousands of new jobs and creating incentives for green cars. Obama signs $305B highway billSigned the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act giving the federal government more tools to investigate and prosecute fraud in every corner of the financial system, and create a bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the financial fraud that led to the economic meltdown. Obama Signs Housing and Fraud Bill, Praises Congress for "Most Productive" Period Ordered 65 executives who took bailout money to cut their own pay until they paid back all bailout money. Pay Czar Cuts Salaries For 65 Bailout ExecutivesAlong with Congressional Democrats, pushed through and got passed Dodd-Frank, one of the largest and most comprehensive Wall Street reforms since the Great Depression. http://bit.ly/hWCPg0http://bit.ly/geHpcDCreated and implemented rules to reduce the influence of speculators in the oil market. http://bit.ly/MDnA1tCreated and implemented rules so banks can no longer use depositors’ money to invest in high-risk financial instruments that work against depositors’ interests. Wall Street Reform: A Summary of What's In the BillSupported the concept of allowing stockholders to vote on executive compensation. Wall Street Reform: A Summary of What's In the BillEndorsed and supported the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 that would close offshore tax avoidance loopholes. http://bit.ly/esOdfB http://bit.ly/eG4DPMNegotiated a deal with Swiss banks permitting the US government to gain access to bank records of criminals and tax evaders. Routine MaintenanceSigned the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, closing many of the loopholes that allowed companies to send jobs overseas, and avoid paying US taxes by moving money offshore. http://1.usa.gov/bd1RTqThanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, inflation in the healthcare sector dropped to its lowest point in 50 years. Medical-Price Inflation Is at Slowest Pace in 50 YearsSigned the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive credit card practices. Fact Sheet: Reforms to Protect American Credit Card HoldersGuided the housing market all the way back from total collapse, which led to a rally for housing starts. U.S. housing data signals economic strength; manufacturing weak U.S. housing data signals economic strength; manufacturing weakBrought airline industry back to their highest profitability since before the recession. Airlines report $9.3 billion net profits, highest since 2006Blocked a monopolistic merger of Staples and Office Depot, to preserve at least some competition. Staples Goes On the Attack in Attempt to Win Office DepotStock market has reached record highs, restoring most of the economic losses felt during the Recession. Dow Jones Industrial Average Last 10 Years | MacroTrendsCreated and Implemented the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau THOMAS (Library of Congress) Wall Street Reform: A Summary of What's In the BillConsumer confidence continues to inch up to its highest level more than a decade. United States Consumer Confidence Grows to 3-Month HighInitiated a $15 billion plan designed to encourage increased lending to small businesses. Remarks by the President to small business owners community lenders and members of CongressCreated BusinessUSA, to allow online collaboration between small businesses and experts re managing a business. (The program has since merged with U.S. Small Business Administration.) BusinessUSATook steps to improve minority access to capital. Increase minority access to capitalUsed recovered TARP money to fund programs at local housing finance agencies in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan. MSNBC: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.Crafted and signed an executive order establishing the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. Executive Order 13530Oversaw the most sweeping food safety legislation since the Great Depression. http://thedc.com/gxkCtPThrough the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, extended the False Claims Act to combat fraud by companies and individuals using money from TARP and Stimulus programs. Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act Expands the False Claims ActSet up rules for banks in handling legal marijuana money. Legal Marijuana Businesses Should Have Access to Banks, Holder SaysAdded greater protections to consumer financial transactions to reduce identity theft. Executive Order --Improving the Security of Consumer Financial TransactionsTook steps to prevent pirate fishing and protect fish populations, and ordered stricter labeling requirements on labeling of seafood products in stores. New Recommendations to End Pirate Fishing and Seafood FraudSigned the RAISE Act, which should encourage more people to open small businesses and help improve the economy. Flash: Obama Signs New Small Business Initiatives Into LawSigned a bill that allows low-volume vehicle manufacturers that will increase entrepreneurship among small car manufacturers, who often build replicas of classics but who often build green vehicles. Flash: Obama Signs New Small Business Initiatives Into LawWorked to provide affordable, high-quality child care to working families. Provide affordable, high-quality child careThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, cut taxes for 95% of America’s working families. A credit for workers cuts taxes for middle classTax rates for average working families are the lowest since 1950. http://bit.ly/f74pD8Extended and fully funded the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 10 years. Alternative Minimum Tax Reform Now Part of the Senate StimulusExtended discounted health coverage under the COBRA health insurance law for the unemployed from 9 months to 15 months, and he’s also extended unemployment benefits more than a few times. http://aol.it/evtVxDhttp://nyti.ms/emrqKJ President extends unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks Obama compromises with GOP to extend tax cuts, unemployment benefitsProvided a $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps). Food StampsSigned an Executive Order that established the White House Office of Urban Affairs. New White House Office to Redefine Urban PolicyIncluded the Buffet Rule in his 2014 budget proposal, in order to fulfill a campaign promise to make sure tax rates are fair between the rich and the middle class. http://1.usa.gov/19PkdQoUsed the fiscal cliff negotiations to extend for five additional years the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides tax credits to families for college-related expenses, thus saving those families up to $10,000. You Can Get $10,000 Per Child In College Tax Credits, Thanks To The Fiscal Cliff DealIncreased protections for the unemployed who are seeking a government job. Presidential Memorandum -- Enhancing Safeguards to Prevent the Undue Denial of Federal Employment Opportunities to the Unemployed and Those Facing Financial Difficulty Through no Fault of Their OwnUpdated and modernized overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Presidential Memorandum -- Updating and Modernizing Overtime RegulationsSigned and implemented the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, to improve nutrition in schools and make children healthier. Healthy Hunger-Free Kids ActTo make college more affordable and accountable, will begin rating colleges with regard to affordability and value. Obama proposes college-rating system in bid to increase affordabilityInitiated a reform of federal job training programs, to make them more relevant to the current economy and the job market. Presidential Memorandum -- Job-Driven Training for WorkersUnder Obama, the bottom 95% of taxpayers pay lower federal income taxes than at any time in the last 50 years, including under Reagan, or either Bush. Federal Income Taxes on Middle-Income Families Remain Near Historic LowsSigned a presidential memorandum authorizing six weeks paid leave for all federal employees with a new baby and encouraged Congress to do the same for all workers. WHfamilyleavefacts2014 marked the first time since 1984 that unemployment dropped in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Regional and State Unemployment, 2014 Annual Average SummaryTook steps to improve workplace safety by creating an Advisory Board to study workers’ exposure to toxic substances. Executive Order -- Establishing the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker HealthChanged overtime rules to make it far more difficult for employers to avoid paying overtime to workers. Obama overtime rule could raise wages for 5 millionChanged rules for federal contractors, guaranteeing that all workers earn paid leave; this should affect about 300,000 workers. Executive Order -- Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal ContractorsNegotiated a law to finally replace “No Child Left Behind” and remove much of the onerous government “oversight” that caused children to stagnate, not improve, academically. Obama signs new education act into law, replaces No Child Left Behind Formed a commission to examine and make recommendations for fixing the broken voting system. The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and HeadlinesAt a press conference August 9, 2013, gave up a small measure of executive power, promising to create adversarial process in FISA regarding NSA surveillance. President Obama Holds a Press ConferenceProposed rules to enhance Fair Housing Laws, to give HUD and other enforcement agencies more enforcement power. http://bit.ly/1qkz4uQOrdered a review of capital punishment policies after several botched executions. Obama Orders Policy Review on ExecutionsAppointed Kareem Dale as the first ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Vice President Joe Biden Announces Kareem Dale As Special Assistant to the President for Disability PolicyConcentrated immigration enforcement on those who commit crimes, and vowed to stop breaking up families. Presidential Memorandum -- Creating Welcoming Communities and Fully Integrating Immigrants and RefugeesStreamlined the visa process, to make it more responsive and humane for those who want to be here legally. Presidential Memorandum -- Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st CenturyTook steps to tighten the reins when it comes to providing local law enforcement agencies with military-style equipment and exercising more control over the equipment they receive. Executive Order -- Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment AcquisitionChanged fair housing rules to make more affordable housing available to more people. Obama administration announces new fair housing rulesHelped Democrats in Congress pass and signed the Civil Rights History Act. H.R.586 - Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009, a bill on OpenCongressEstablished the White House Council of Native American Affairs, to improve government-to-government relations with Native American nations. Executive Order -- Establishing the White House Council on Native American AffairsLimited local police acquisitions of military-style equipment, to reduce the likelihood of overkill. Obama To Limit Police Acquisition Of Some Military-Style Equipment Signed Blue Alert Law, which provides police officers with more information when they are threatened. President Obama Signs Pascrell Blue Alert Bill Into LawHe issued final rules that require all employers to prominently post employees’ rights where all employees or prospective employees can see it, including all websites and intranets. Board issues Final Rule to require posting of NLRA rightsObama’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission clarified and strengthened rules prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers. http://alj.am/1mo0kjVRequired companies who bid on federal contracts larger than $500,000 to publicly disclose all previous violations of labor law, including unpaid claims for back wages. Executive Order --Fair Pay and Safe WorkplacesMade it illegal for federal contractors with more than $1 million in contracts to force employees into arbitration in workplace discrimination accusations. Executive Order --Fair Pay and Safe WorkplacesVetoed Republican bill that would have blocked new NLRB rules that were designed to speed up the time it takes workers to unionize. Obama vetoes Republican bid to block union election rules He also added a Memorandum of Disagreement to make his reasons for the veto clear and made a major statement in support of unions. Memorandum of Disapproval Regarding S.J. Res. 8Cracked down on companies that were previously denying sick pay, vacation and health insurance, and Social Security and Medicare tax payments through abuse of the employee classification of independent contractor. U.S. Cracks Down on ‘Contractors’ as a Tax DodgeSigned and implemented the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which made it a federal crime to assault anyone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama signs hate crimes bill into lawOversaw and implemented the repeal of the reprehensible “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. http://bit.ly/fdahuHhttp://bit.ly/mZV4PzExtended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Presidential Memorandum-Extension of Benefits to Same-Sex Domestic Partners of Federal EmployeesAppointed more openly gay officials than anyone in history. Obama has appointed most U.S. gay officialsAppointed first openly transgender Cabinet Official in History. Transgender woman appointed to Commerce DepartmentAdvocated that United Nations adopt a policy supporting gay rights worldwide. Obama and gay rights: U.S. urges United Nations Human Rights Council to support gay rightsAs soon as the Supreme Court invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act, he moved to extend federal benefits to same-sex couples. Obama administration extends federal-employee benefits to same-sex couplesIssued an order requiring hospitals to allow visitation by same-sex couples. Obama makes hospitals allow gay visitation rightsChanged HUD rules to prohibit gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination in housing HUD clarifies LGBT housing discrimination protectionsChanged his mind and publicly expressed support for same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/JsiFKpIssued a Presidential Memorandum reaffirming the rights of gay couples to make medical decisions for each other. Presidential Memorandum - Hospital VisitationAppointed several prominent gay athletes and others, and plans to show US government’s commitment to gay rights to anti-gay Russia. http://on.cpsj.com/1fckN9hDepartment of Agriculture propagated new rules to better enforce non-discrimination when it comes to USDA investigations and to extend non-discrimination to gender identity. http://bit.ly/1yChJhiBanned all federal contractors from discriminating against gay workers. Executive Order -- Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment OpportunityPersevered with his campaign to turn “gay marriage” into “marriage” and won in the Supreme Court. Crowds Celebrate Same-Sex Marriage Ruling At Historic Stonewall InnEstablishing the White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider the effect of their policies and programs on women and families. Obama's Council on Women and Girls http://1.usa.gov/rFfqMMImplemented the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers. President Obama Signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay ActEliminated federal funding for abstinence-only education, and rescinded the global gag rule. US teen pregnancy and syphilis rates rose sharply during George Bush's presidency, Centres for Disease Control finds Obama Rescinds “Global Gag Rule,” Commits to Funding UNFPAImproved the Paycheck Fairness Act, making it possible for employees to talk about their salaries without retaliation, and ordering salary data collection, so as to make it harder for employers to pay women less. Obama To Sign Executive Orders On Equal PaySigned an Executive Order pledging support for efforts to end the global problem of violence against women and girls. Executive Order -- Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Women and Girls GloballyShattered another glass ceiling by naming Janet Yellen chair of the Federal Reserve beginning Feb. 1, 2014. David Marsh: Tests looming for Janet YellenExpanded funding for the Violence Against Women Act. 2010 Budget and Performance SummaryOrdered companies with 100 employees or more to disclose pay data based on race and gender, to address the pay gap. Obama's New Equal-Pay RulesAddressed Criminal Justice Failings and the Gun CultureMade significant reductions in drug sentencing guidelines for current prisoners. Drug Sentencing Guidelines Reduced For Current PrisonersOversaw the first drop in the federal prison population in 32 years. Federal prison population drops for first time in 3 decades, Eric Holder saysIncreased his use of clemency to release thousands of non-violent drug offenders from prison. Obama Plans Broader Use of Clemency to Free Nonviolent Drug OffendersOrdered a ban on solitary confinement for juvenile offenders in federal prisons. http://bit.ly/20ObRzATook executive action to promote smart gun technology, to make them safer. Memorandum -- Promoting Smart Gun TechnologyAfter a failure by Congress to act, proposed executive orders to create more background checks and to fully staff the background check system. Obama executive action: New gun control ordersRelaxed HIPAA rules enough to allow for more information to be available to the background check system. List: Obama’s 23 Executive Actions on Gun ViolenceOrdered the tracing of guns as part of criminal investigations to provide data to researchers. List: Obama’s 23 Executive Actions on Gun ViolenceOrder the Justice Department to look at the categories of mental health problems prohibited from owning guns to make sure people aren’t falling through the cracks, getting guns. Here Are The 23 Executive Orders On Gun Safety Signed Today By The PresidentExpanded the definitions of gun dealers and expanded the information available and required in background checks for firearm purchases. President Obama’s 2015 Executive Actions on Gun ControlSet up a task force to figure out what other measures can be taken to limit gun violence in the wake of Congressional inaction. President Obama Announces New Measures to Prevent Gun ViolenceImproved Treatment of Soldiers and VeteransProvided active combat troops with better body armor. http://bit.ly/hzSv2hCreated a Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program for military personnel, in order http://abcn.ws/1ghLrEshttp://abcn.ws/1ghLrEs to improve the quality of their medical care. "The Care They Were Promised and the Benefits That They Have Earned"Put an end to the Bush-era stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan beyond their enlistment date. ‘Stop-Loss’ Will All but End by 2011, Gates SaysSigned and implemented Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, making more money available to enable better medical care for veterans. Remarks by the President at signing of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency ActWith Congressional Democrats, oversaw largest spending increase in 30 years for Department of Veterans Affairs, for improved medical and extended care facilities for veterans. Office of Public and Intergovernmental AffairsImplemented the Green Vet Initiative, which provides special funding to provide veterans with training in green jobs. Create a 'Green Vet Initiative' to promote environmental jobs for veteransInitiated and signed a recruitment and employment plan to get more veterans into government jobs. http://bit.ly/b48coiOversaw a $4.6 billion expansion of the Veterans Administration budget to pay for more mental health professionals. Annual Budget SubmissionSigned the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, which ensures that spouses of military personnel who are forced to move because their spouse is posted for military duty can avoid state taxes in their temporary residence. President Signs Military Spouses Residency Relief ActOrdered improvements to access to mental health care for veterans, military personnel and their families. Executive Order -- Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military FamiliesGot Syria to dismantle its chemical weapons without military firing a single shot or dropping a single bomb. U.S. and Russia Reach Deal to Destroy Syria’s Chemical ArmsAlong with Congressional Democrats, not only reauthorized families of fallen soldiers to be able to visit when the body arrives at Dover AFB, but also provided funding for it. Ended the media blackout on coverage of the return of fallen soldiers. Pentagon Will Help Families Travel to Dover US war dead media blackout liftedFunded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an extra $1.4 billion to improve veterans’ services. Veterans & Military FamiliesSigned into law a bill that provides support, counseling, and breastfeeding supplies to military moms who are covered under TRICARE, the health insurance provided to veterans. Obama Signs Capps's Military Mom Health-Care Bill Signed into law a bill that makes it easier for military dogs to retire at home with their handlers. Military Overseas Dogs Are Now Guaranteed Retirement in the United States—With Their Former HandlersVisited more countries and met with more world leaders than any previous president during his first six months in office. Chain e-mail claims Obama has visited more countries in first six months of presidency than predecessorsAs he promised, he gave a speech at a major Islamic forum in Cairo early in his administration. Text: Obama’s Speech in CairoMade a speech at a US mosque to demonstrate his commitment to religious rights and send a message to Muslims around the world. Obama rebuts GOP Muslim rhetoric in first U.S. mosque visitRestored America’s reputation around the world as a global leader. http://bit.ly/h743y7http://bit.ly/ho4TCrRe-established and reinforced our partnership with NATO and other allies on strategic international issues. Afghanistan and NATOClosed a number of secret detention facilities. Obama Orders Secret Prisons and Detention Camps ClosedImproved relations with Middle East countries by appointing special envoys. http://1.usa.gov/tiGAGePushed forward the first realistic Middle East peace strategy in more than a decade, without abandoning the two-state solution. With marathon talks, Kerry shows zeal on Middle East peacePushed for military to emphasize greater development of foreign language skills. Bolster the military's ability to speak different languagesOffered $400 million to the people living in Gaza, while calling on both Israel and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. Obama offers Abbas $400m in extra aid for Gaza in flotilla aftermathRefused to give Israel the green light to attack Iran over their possible nuclear program. http://bit.ly/xVmSZKOrdered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay, although blocked by Congress. Barack Obama abandons Guantánamo closure plan after Congress vetoOrdered a review of our detention and interrogation policy and prohibited the use of “enhanced interrogation.” Obama signs order to close Guantanamo Bay facilityOrdered all secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere to be closed. CIA shuts down its secret prisonsReleased the Bush torture memos. Barack Obama releases Bush administration torture memosOn his second day in office, banned torture, reversed all Bush torture policies and put the US in full compliance with the Geneva Convention. http://1.usa.gov/dL6Zvehttp://nyti.ms/hzWWysIn response to the emerging “Arab Spring,” he created a Rapid Response fund, to assist emerging democracies with foreign aid, debt relief, technical assistance and investment packages in order to show that the United States stands with them. Create a rapid response fund for emerging democraciesEnded the F-22 program, saving $4 billion. Though the 187 aircraft cost $358 million each to build, it had never flown a combat mission. The remarkable vote to kill the F-22 and what it means for America's military future.Passed the Iran Sanctions Act, to prevent war and encourage the Iranian government to give up their nuclear program. http://1.usa.gov/wLtNjbEnded the Iraq War. Po.stWorked to keep our withdrawal from Afghanistan on track, despite GOP opposition. Obama says managing Afghanistan exit is a priority Reiterated that commitment in 2014. What the State of the Union Address Means for 2014Conducted a secret mission by SEAL Team Six to rescue two hostages held by Somali pirates. SEAL Team 6 Rescues Hostages in Secret MissionThrough United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, helped negotiate a peaceful split of Sudan into two countries, creating an independent South Sudan. Obama grants U.S. recognition of South SudanHelped make donations to Haiti tax deductible in 2009. Donations To Haiti Are Tax Deductible: Obama Signs Bill For Haiti Earthquake ContributionsEstablished a new U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Statement On Bilateral Meeting With President Hu Of ChinaIssued Executive Order blocking interference and helping to stabilize Somalia. http://1.usa.gov/hxdf8UEstablished new, more reasonable policies in our relations with Cuba, such as allowing Cuban-Americans to visit their families and send money to support them. Obama Eases Limits On Cuba Travel, Remittances Obama to Loosen Restrictions on Policy With CubaThe new policies in Cuba led to thawed relations and the first US Embassy in Cuba in more than 55 years. Obama: US, Cuban Embassies Start ‘New Chapter’Negotiated a deal with Iran that will prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon anytime soon, without firing a shot or invading the country. Landmark deal reached on Iran nuclear programAs a result of the Iran agreement, Iran shipped pretty much all of it nuclear material to Russia. Iran Hands Over Stockpile of Enriched Uranium to RussiaBecame the first US President to visit Jamaica in more than 30 years, worked to restore relations with the country and signed a natural gas distribution agreement with the country. Jamaica signs energy agreement with USChanged US Approach to “Defense” and National SecurityCreated a comprehensive new strategy for dealing with the international nuclear threat. Remarks By President Barack Obama In Prague As DeliveredAuthorized a $1.4 billion reduction in Star Wars program in 2010. Pentagon unveils $533.7 billion budgetRestarted nuclear nonproliferation talks and built up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols to where they had been before Bush. Obama wins passage of nuclear nonproliferation resolution at U.N.Signed and got ratification of a new SALT Treaty. New SALT Treaty Ratified, 71-26Negotiated and signed a new START Treaty that will stay in force until at least 2021. President Obama Announces the New START TreatyCommitted the US to no permanent military bases in Iraq. No permanent bases in IraqDeveloped a comprehensive strategy with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan designed to facilitate the defeat of al Qaeda, the withdrawal of most troops and the rebuilding of Afghanistan. Obama Announces Strategy for Afghanistan, PakistanRe-focused on Afghanistan, stabilized the country, and began the process of withdrawing troops from the country. Obama to withdraw troops from AfghanistanNegotiated a deal with Afghan government, to withdraw troops and military support, while assisting in rebuilding and modernizing of the country. Obama’s Plan to Announce Afghanistan Withdrawal at NATO Summit Is Shrewd PoliticsTook steps to severely weaken al Qaeda and limited their ability to terrorize the world. US general: al-Qaida in Iraq severely weakenedNegotiated and signed a nuclear nonproliferation treaty with India. Presidential Memorandum - United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement ActWorked with NATO to limit the slaughter of innocents in Libya, so that Libyans could topple the despotic Khadaffy government and determine their own fate. Obama leads rousing UN welcome for Libyan NTCGot Egyptian President/dictator Mubarak to leave the Egyptian government to the people, to determine their own fate. Americas - Obama presses Hosni Mubarak to make 'right decision' and step downIn 2011, reoriented American focus from the Middle East to the Asian-Pacific region by simultaneously engaging China and crafting new alliances with Asian countries uncomfortable with Chinese behavior. The Obama Administration's Pivot to AsiaRestored federal agencies such as FEMA to the point that they have been able to manage a huge number of natural disasters successfully. http://bit.ly/h8Xj7zIncreased border security More border security and patrols under Obama than previous presidents, says Debbie Wasserman SchultzOrdered and oversaw the Navy SEALS operation that killed Osama bin Laden. We will kill bin LadenEstablished the Homeland Security Partnership Council, to enhance the nation’s ability to “address homeland security priorities, from responding to natural disasters to preventing terrorism, by utilizing diverse perspectives, skills, tools, and resources.” Executive Order -- Establishing the White House Homeland Security Partnership CouncilSigned agreement with Afghanistan to end war, turn security over to Afghans. Mending Alliance, U.S. and Afghanistan Sign Long-Term Security AgreementBreaking with recent presidential tradition, instead of just attacking Syria in the wake of chemical weapons attacks on Syrians, Obama ordered a full report on the decision-making process. Obama orders release of report justifying Syria strikeInstead of holding hearings and creating a political football, he quietly captured a suspect who actually committed the Benghazi terrorist attack. U.S. captured Benghazi suspect in secret raid He is also getting a lot of useful information from the suspect. Benghazi Suspect Said to Corroborate Important Details of AttacksInstituted rules to order sanctions against individuals and groups that threaten national cybersecurity. Executive Order -- "Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities"Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, invested heavily in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. EducationCreated the Race to the Top program, which encouraged states to come up with effective school reforms and rewards the best of them. http://bit.ly/NHtZ7LOversaw major expansion of broadband availability in K-12 schools nationwide. http://bit.ly/fNDcj3Oversaw major expansion in school construction. Obama: Education Money Must Come With ReformThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, put $5 billion into early education, including Head Start. Education Jobs and ReformSigned the Democratic-sponsored Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as GI Bill 2.0, to improve veterans’ access to education. EducationOversaw expansion of the Pell Grants program, to expand opportunity for low and middle income students to go to college. Expand Pell grants for low-income studentsSigned and implemented the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provided an extra $12.2 billion in funds. IDEA Recovery Funds for Services to Children and Youths with DisabilitiesTook major new steps to protect students from ineffective for-profit colleges through “gainful employment” measures, whereby schools have to demonstrate that its students actually find work to get federal aid. Obama Administration Announces New Steps to Protect Students from Ineffective Career College ProgramsRepeatedly increased funding for student financial aid, and at the same time cut the banks completely out of the process, thus us creating greater accountability. Expand Pell grants for low-income students Obama’s Budget: Supporting Students, Not Banks Proposed Federal Budget Will Increase Financial Aid Funding by $300 Million for 2011Reformed student loan program, to make it possible for students to refinance at a lower rate. Obama Signs Overhaul of Student Loan ProgramCreated a rating system for colleges, so that those applying for student financial aid know better what they’re paying for. Obama proposes college-rating system in bid to increase affordabilityRestored the Adult View on Science and TechnologyCreated a Presidential Memorandum to restore scientific integrity in government decision-making. Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies 3-9-09Opened up the process for fast-tracking patent approval for green energy projects. Green Innovation Getting More Support from Fast Patent Approval ProcessThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, committed more federal funding, about $18 billion, to support non-defense science and research labs. The Science of Spending Stimulus Money WiselyObama EPA reversed research ethics standards which allowed humans to be used as “guinea pigs” in tests of the effects of chemicals, to comply with numerous codes of medical ethics. EPA Reverses Controversial ‘Human Guinea Pig’ RuleConducted a cyberspace policy review. Statement by the Press Secretary on Conclusion of the Cyberspace ReviewProvided financial support for private sector space programs. NASA Announces Plan to Invest in Commercial Crew ConceptsOversaw enhanced earth mapping, to provide valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use. Enhance earth mappingThrough American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided $500 million for Health Professions Training Programs. Expand funding to train primary care providers and public health practitionersIncreased funding for community-based prevention programs. Increase funding to expand community based prevention programsExpanded space exploration and discovery options to include more players. http://1.usa.gov/13qmZpmThrough the Connect America Fund, pushed through and received FCC approval for a move of $8 billion in subsidies away from telephone landlines to assist lower-income rural families in accessing broadband. http://lat.ms/vhRUEs FCC Finalizes Effort to Make Available $485M For Rural Broadband in USF Reform EffortIn the wake of the West Fertilizer tragedy, formed the Chemical Safety and Security Working Group, to work on measures to prevent another such events. Executive Order -- Improving Chemical Facility Safety and SecurityEstablished a Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission, to coordinate efforts to fight cyber-crime and terrorism. New Threat Center to Integrate Cyber IntelligenceThe Obama FCC, with his leadership, adopted strong net neutrality rules, to keep the Internet open and equal for everyone. FCC Adopts Strong, Sustainable Rules to Protect the Open InternetOrdered rules to speed up deployment of a more comprehensive broadband infrastructure. Executive Order -- Accelerating Broadband Infrastructure DeploymentSet up a National Strategic Computing Initiative, to “maximize benefits of high-performance computing (HPC) research, development, and deployment.” Executive Order -- Creating a National Strategic Computing InitiativeOrdered a federal level change in national earthquake standards. Executive Order: Establishing a Federal Earthquake Risk Management StandardEliminated Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, and provided increased federal support for biomedical and stem cell research. http://bit.ly/h36SSOhttp://ti.me/edezgeSigned Democratic-sponsored Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first comprehensive attempt to improve the lives of Americans living with paralysis. 404 ErrorExpanded the Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families, to cover more first-time mothers. Expand the Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first-time mothersAlong with Democrats in Congress, ushered through and signed a bill authorizing FDA to regulate tobacco and order tobacco companies to disclose their ingredients and to ban cigarettes falsely labeled as “light.” MSNBC: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.Has overseen a 50% decrease in cost of prescription drugs for seniors. Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (2010 - H.R. 4872) Seniors Already Seeing Lower Prescription Drug CostsEliminated the Bush-era practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug companies on price. US govt will negotiate Medicare drug prices, says ObamaTwo weeks after taking office, signed Democratic-sponsored Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which increased the number of children covered by health insurance by 4 million. http://bit.ly/fDEzGvUrged Congress to investigate Anthem Blue Cross for raising premiums 39% without explanation. http://yhoo.it/e8Tj9CPushed through and signed Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage greatly and ended many detrimental insurance company practices. He also established Get 2016 health coverage. Health Insurance Marketplace . Get 2016 health coverage. Health Insurance Marketplace Through ACA, allowed children to be covered under their parents’ policy until they turned 26. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareThrough the ACA, provided tax breaks to allow 3.5 million small businesses to provide health insurance to their employees. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareThrough the ACA, millions of people receive help in paying their health insurance company premiums. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareThrough the ACA, expanded Medicaid to those making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. For Consumers, Some Clarity on Health Care Changes (Note: except for those states whose Republicans refused to take the extra money.)By 2014, the Affordable Care Act dropped the number of uninsured Americans by 22.3%, which amounts to more than 10.3 million people with insurance who didn’t have it before. Only 13.9% of Americans are uninsured, a drop from 18.9% in 2013. Number of uninsured Americans drops againThe Affordable Care Act has increased the life expectancy of Medicare greatly. Medicare, Social Security Disability Fund Headed in Different DirectionsThrough the ACA, health insurance companies now have to disclose how much of your premium actually goes to pay for patient care. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareMedicare costs actually declined slightly, for the first time in decades in 2011, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Monthly Budget ReviewSince passage of the ACA, health care inflation is at its lowest level since 1960. http://1.usa.gov/1vXR0LdCreated the HIV Care Continuum Initiative, to strengthen the government’s ability to respond to the continuing domestic HIV epidemic, after years of Republicans weakening the government’s ability to deal with the crisis. Executive Order -- HIV Care Continuum InitiativeSigned bill that will provide health insurance premium support to workers who lose their health insurance due to foreign competition. http://bit.ly/1evvVDFIn response to the confusion triggered by the asinine Hobby Lobby decision, which essentially declared that corporations could have “religious rights” and lord them over employees, created new rules to give all women with insurance the right to free birth control. Birth Control Coverage Rules Announced by Obama AdministrationImplemented the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for 2015-2020, which is a follow-up to the first such strategy in US history, which he implemented in 2010. Executive Order -- Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States for 2015-2020Signed and will implement new child safety standards for e-cigarettes. Obama signs child-proof packaging standards for e-cigsSet up a White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, in order to implement ways to develop a cure for cancer. Memorandum -- White House Cancer Moonshot Task ForceDoubled federal spending on clean energy research. Double federal spending for research on clean fuelsPushed through a tax credit to help people buy plug-in hybrid cars. Enact tax credit for consumers for plug-in hybrid carsCreated a program to develop renewable energy projects on the waters of our Outer Continental Shelf that will produce electricity from wind, wave, and ocean currents. http://1.usa.gov/fgfRWqReengaged in the climate change and greenhouse gas emissions agreements talks, and proposed one himself. He also addressed the U.N. Climate Change Conference, officially reversing the Bush era stance that climate change was a “hoax.” http://bit.ly/dX6Vj3 YouTube Obama Says He’ll Push for Clean Energy BillFully supported the initial phase of the creation of a legally-binding treaty to reduce mercury emissions worldwide. Obama Shifts U.S. Policy to Back Global Mercury Control TreatyRequired states to provide incentives to utilities to reduce their energy consumption. Require states to provide incentives for utilities to reduce energy consumptionUnder Obama, our dependence on foreign oil has dropped to its lowest rate since 1985, and continues to drop. How much oil consumed by the United States comes from foreign sources?Meanwhile, oil consumption is way down because of reduced driving and higher mileage standards. Why Are U.S. Oil Imports Falling? Improved siting, review and permitting stations for power plants, in an attempt to seriously improve the nation’s electric grid. Presidential Memorandum -- Transforming our Nation's Electric Grid Through Improved Siting, Permitting, and ReviewReengaged in a number of treaties and agreements designed to protect the Antarctic. http://bit.ly/fzQUFOCreated tax write-offs for purchases of hybrid and electric vehicles. Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory - HybridCars.comEstablished a quadrennial review of our energy infrastructure, to encourage a modernization of the grid, and to encourage the transition away from fossil fuel use. Presidential Memorandum -- Establishing a Quadrennial Energy ReviewMandated that federal government fleet purchases be for fuel-efficient American vehicles, and encouraged that federal agencies support experimental, fuel-efficient vehicles. http://1.usa.gov/hmUSbk GSA Drives Innovative, Job-Creating Sustainable Industries http://bit.ly/h5KZqyEncouraged BP to pay $20 billion to establish Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, to reduce the need for taxpayer funds to be used for compensation and clean up. BP agrees to $20 billion fund for gulf oil spill claims (Note: it took 20 years to get $1.3 billion for the Exxon Valdez spill. )Oversaw and pushed through an amendment to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Bill Summary & StatusActively tried to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to eliminate the liability limits for those companies responsible for large oil spills. White House Proposes Bill to Lift Caps on Offshore Oil Spill LiabilityBecame the first President to simply say “Climate Change is a fact,” and set up the first federal government protocols for dealing with the impacts of climate change. Executive Order -- Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate ChangeInitiated Criminal and Civil inquiries into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. U.S. Opens Criminal Inquiry Into Oil SpillAsserted federal legal supremacy to bar Texas from authorizing new refinery permits on its http://own.http://bit.ly/ww8eMdSet up new, stricter standards limiting power plant emissions. Presidential Memorandum -- Power Sector Carbon Pollution StandardsStrengthened the Endangered Species Act. http://bit.ly/hscjsHStrengthened protection for wildlife, and expanded enforcement of laws against wildlife trafficking. Executive Order -- Combating Wildlife TraffickingObama EPA improved boiler safety standards to improve air quality, and save 6500 lives per year. New EPA Boiler Standards Will Save 6,500 Lives Per YearThrough the EPA, attemped to take steps to severely limit the use of antibiotics in livestock feed, to increase their efficacy in humans. FDA takes steps to limit use of antibiotics in livestockThrough new EPA regulations, he created a pretext for closing the dirtiest power plants in the country, by limiting emissions of mercury and other toxic gasses. Obama praises EPA mercury rule, calls for steps to ensure grid reliabilityIncreased funding for National Parks and Forests by 10% http://bit.ly/fbJPjYAnnounced greatly improved commercial fuel efficiency standards. President Obama Announces First Ever Fuel Economy Standards for Commercial VehiclesAnnounced a huge increase in average fuel economy standards from 27.5mpg in 2010 to 35.5mpg starting in 2016 and 54.5 starting in 2025 President Obama Announces New Fuel Economy StandardsFacilitated investment in industrial energy efficiency to create jobs and strengthen US manufacturing while saving businesses $100 billion over a decade. Executive Order -- Accelerating Investment in Industrial Energy EfficiencySet up the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to oversee Gulf Coast restoration efforts after the 2010 BP oil spill. The money to fund the restoration efforts comes from fines against BP. Executive Order -- Gulf Coast Ecosystem RestorationEngaged in the most comprehensive plan to combat climate change in a generation. http://bit.ly/13lXhETOrdered energy plants to prepare to produce at least 15% of all energy through renewable resources like wind and solar, by 2021. Lawmakers turn to public on Obama clean energy planOversaw the creation of an initiative that converts old factories and manufacturing centers into new clean technology centers. Establish program to convert manufacturing centers into clean technology leadersGuided a 418% increase in solar power capacity between 2010 and 2014. US Solar Energy Capacity Grew An Astounding 418% From 2010-2014As of May 2015, 74% of new electrical capacity was provided by solar and wind power. Solar + Wind = 74% of New US Electricity Capacity January–May 2015 (Exclusive)Bypassed Congress and ordered EPA to begin regulating and measuring carbon emissions. http://bit.ly/froaP5Oversaw a tripling in the use of wind power to generate electricity. The US now leads the world in increased wind power capacity. Wind Power Continues Rapid RiseOrdered the federal government to incorporate climate resilience and climate science into all international development in which the United States engages. Executive Order -- Climate-Resilient International DevelopmentFast-tracked regulations to allow states to enact fuel efficiency standards that exceeded federal standards. Obama’s Order Is Likely to Tighten Auto StandardsFast-tracked increased fuel economy standards for vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. It was the first time such standards had been increased in more than a decade. Obama announces new fuel standardsOversaw establishment of an Energy Partnership for the Americas, to create more markets for American-made biofuels and green energy technologies. Establish an Energy Partnership for the AmericasObama EPA reversed a Bush-era decision to allow the largest mountaintop removal project in US history. Obama Administration Reverses Largest Appalachian Mountaintop Removal Permit in US HistoryOrdered the Department of Energy to implement more aggressive efficiency standards for common household appliances. Appliance Efficiency StandardsObama EPA ruled that excess CO2 is a pollutant. EPA Wields Timely Stick: Ruling CO2 a Public Danger Before Copenhagen Climate DecisionClosed a deal with China to limit carbon emissions to slow down climate change. U.S. and China Reach Climate Accord After Months of TalksBlocked all oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay, Alaska, one of the most pristine environments in North America Obama protects Alaska's Bristol Bay from oil and gas drillingSigned an Executive Order to improve environmental efforts in the Arctic region and to combat climate change by better coordinating the efforts of the 23 federal agencies operating in the area. George W. Bush says library 'a place to lay out facts'Vetoed a bill to fast track construction of the parallel Keystone XL pipeline. Senate Fails to Override Obama's Keystone XL VetoExpanded clean water regulations to more stringently protect all of the nation’s waterways, even when states fail in their duty. Obama announces new rule limiting water pollution - The Boston GlobeSigned an Executive Order committing the federal government to lead the way in building a sustainable economy. It’s his fifth doing just that. Executive Order -- Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next DecadeBanned the use of antibiotics in food served in US Government-run cafeterias and ordered agencies to only use antibiotic-free meat. It’s about time: President Obama Bans Antibiotics in Government Run Cafeterias Obama directs agencies to serve antibiotic-free meat and poultryDeveloped new rules to address climate change and to create a significant boost to clean energy. Obama toughens climate change planNegotiated and signed a virtually Republican-Proof global agreement on climate change, with 190 countries signing on. How US negotiators ensured landmark Paris climate deal was Republican-proofBecame one of 196 countries that signed onto a UN Framework on Climate Change. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeOrdered a moratorium on new coal leasing on federal land, and they will examine the whole leasing process. Obama halts new coal leasing on federal land, orders sweeping reviewNominated Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic Justice in the court’s history, and the women represent only the third and fourth women to serve on the court, out of a total of 112 justices. http://huff.to/eOChg6http://bit.ly/i02wgPAppointed the most diverse Cabinet in history, including more women than any other incoming president. http://bit.ly/dX6vNBLoosened the rules and allowed the 14 states that legalized medical marijuana to regulate themselves without federal interference. New Medical Marijuana Policy: Obama Administration Will Not Seek Arrests For People Following State LawsSigned national service legislation, increasing funding for national service groups, including triple the size of the Americorps program. http://bit.ly/idgQH5Signed a bill that provided $4.3 billion in additional assistance to 9/11 first responders. http://bit.ly/o7cWYSSigned the Claims Resolution Act, which provided $4.6 billion in funding for a legal settlement with black and Native American farmers who had been cheated out of government loans and natural resource royalties in the past. President Obama Signs the Claims Resolution Act of 2010To help those communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy, issued an executive order setting up the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, and asked Congress to approve $60 billion in supplemental assistance to aid in storm recovery. Executive Order -- Establishing the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task ForceProduced 23 Executive actions designed to make it easier for law enforcement to identify those who shouldn’t have guns, thus helping them enforce the law. List: Obama’s 23 Executive Actions on Gun ViolenceExpanded trade agreements to include stricter labor and environmental agreements in trade pacts like NAFTA. Include environmental and labor standards in trade agreementsOversaw funding of the design of a new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. He protected the funding during budget negotiations. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Most Smithsonian funding intact under budget dealOversaw and passed increased funding for the National Endowment for the http://Arts.http://bit.ly/dFb8qFDespite the characterizations of some, Obama’s success rate in winning congressional votes on issues was an unprecedented 96.7% for his first year in office. Though he is often cited as superior to Obama, President Lyndon Johnson’s success rate in 1965 was only 93%. CQ: Obama's Winning Streak On Hill UnprecedentedDespite the odds, became the first black president and then, was reelected by a wide margin.

Source for the following: Responsibility for the September 11 attacks - WikipediaResponsibility for the September 11 attacksFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTwo weeks after the September 11 attacks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation connected the hijackers to al-Qaeda, a global, decentralized terrorist network. In a number of video, audio, interview and printed statements, senior members of al-Qaeda have also asserted responsibility for organizing the September 11 attacks.It is believed that Osama bin Laden, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and Mohammed Atef were the ones who plotted the attacks after meeting together in 1999.It is also believed Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was the one who planned the attacks and that Atef was the one who organized the hijackers.Identifying the hijackersFurther information: Hijackers in the September 11 attacksThe FBI investigation into the attacks, codenamed operation PENTTBOM, was able to identify the 19 hijackers within days, as they made little effort to conceal their names on flight, credit card, and other records.By checking flight manifests and comparing them with other information, like watch lists, customs officials were able to find the names of all 19 hijackers quickly.Passengers and crew aboard the flights provided information about the hijackers while the hijacking was in progress. Two flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 11, Betty Ong and Madeline Amy Sweeney, contacted airline personnel on the ground. Sweeney provided the seat numbers of the hijackers, and descriptions of the men, identifying Mohamed Atta as one of the hijackers.A flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 175 called a United Airlines mechanic and reported that hijackers had killed the crew.While the hijacking was in progress on American Airlines Flight 77, several passengers, including a flight attendant, Renee May, contacted and reported details of the hijacking to persons on the ground.Sales clerks identified two individuals to whom they sold tickets on Flight 77 as the hijackers Hani Hanjour and Majed Moqed.During the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93, Jeremy Glick identified the hijackers as Arabic-looking and carrying box-cutters.Mohamed Atta's luggage did not make the connection from his Portland flight to American Airlines Flight 11. In his suitcase, authorities found a handwritten letter in Arabic. As well, a handwritten letter was found at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and another in Hazmi's vehicle.When examining Mohamed Atta's left-behind luggage, the FBI found important clues about the hijackers and their plans. Atta's luggage contained instructional videotapes for flying large aircraft, a fuel consumption calculator, and a flight plan, along with a copy of the Quran.His luggage also contained papers that revealed the identity of all 19 hijackers, along with a copy of Atta's last will and testament.The passport of hijacker Abdulaziz Alomari was also found in Mohamed Atta's left-behind luggage.Various items of evidence were found in vehicles left behind at the airports, in luggage that did not make it onto the flights, and at the crash scenes. A rental car belonging to the hijackers was found at Boston's Logan International Airport, which contained an Arabic language flight manual and documents from Huffman Aviation in Florida. There, investigators were able to find Mohamed Atta and Marwan al-Shehhi's previous address in Hamburg, Germany.Nawaf al-Hazmi's 1988 blue Toyota Corolla was found on September 12 in Dulles International Airport's hourly parking lot. Inside the vehicle, authorities found a letter written by Mohamed Atta, maps of Washington, D.C., and New York City, a cashier's check made out to a Phoenix flight school, four drawings of a Boeing 757 cockpit, a box cutter-type knife, and a page with notes and phone numbers.In New York City, a passport belonging to Satam al-Suqami was found by a passerby before the towers collapsed, and given to a NYPD detective.The passports of two of the hijackers of Flight 93 were also found intact at the crash site.On September 27, 2001, the FBI released photos of the 19 hijackers, along with information about the possible nationalities and aliases of many.Assigning responsibilityFor several months after the 9/11 attacks, no one, nor any group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, so the primary responsibility fell solely upon the hijackers, all of whom were killed and all of whom left no message or any claim of responsibility, explaining why they had carried out the attacks. As the media covered the 9/11 attacks unfolding, many quickly speculated that bin Laden was behind the attacks.On the day of the attacks, the National Security Agency intercepted communications that pointed to bin Laden, as did German intelligence agencies.This helped rule out other immediate suspects, such as Croatian nationalists, who had bombed Grand Central Terminal on September 11, 1976.Authorities in the United States and Britain also obtained electronic intercepts, including telephone conversations and electronic bank transfers, which indicate that Mohammed Atef, a bin Laden deputy, was a key figure in the planning of the 9/11 attacks. Intercepts were also obtained that revealed conversations that took place days before September 11 between bin Laden and an associate in Pakistan. In those conversations, the two referred to "an incident that would take place in America on, or around, September 11" and they discussed potential repercussions. In another conversation with an associate in Afghanistan, bin Laden discussed the "scale and effects of a forthcoming operation." These conversations did not specifically mention the World Trade Center or Pentagon, or other specifics.The investigators were quickly able to link the 19 men to the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, also by accessing material in their intelligence agency files. The New York Times reported on September 12 that: "Authorities said they had also identified accomplices in several cities who had helped plan and execute Tuesday's attacks. Officials said they knew who these people were and important biographical details about many of them. They prepared biographies of each identified member of the hijack teams, and began tracing the recent movements of the men." FBI agents in Florida investigating the hijackers quickly "descended on flight schools, neighborhoods and restaurants in pursuit of leads." At one flight school, "students said investigators were there within hours of Tuesday's attacks."The Washington Post later reported that "In the hours after Tuesday's bombings, investigators searched their files on [Satam] al-Suqami and [Ahmed] al-Ghamdi, noted the pair's ties to [Nabil] al-Marabh and launched a hunt for him."Based on the evidence, authorities in the United States quickly asserted that Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda organization were solely responsible for the attacks, and other suspects were ruled out. The Government of the United Kingdom reached the same conclusion.Although he denied the attacks at first, Osama bin Laden had since claimed full responsibility.Author Laurie Mylroie, writing in the conservative political magazine The American Spectator in 2006, argued that Khalid Sheikh Mohammedand his family are the primary architects of 9/11 and similar attacks, that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's association with Osama bin Laden is secondary, and that Al-Qaeda's claim of responsibility for the attack is after the fact and opportunistic.In an opposing point of view, former CIA officer Robert Baer, writing in Time magazine in 2007, asserted that George W. Bush Administration's publicizing of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's claims of responsibility for 9/11 and numerous other acts was a mendacious attempt to claim that all of the significant actors in 9/11 had been caught.Al-Qaeda and Osama bin LadenSee also: Hijackers in the September 11 attacksIntelligence experts speak of a "short list" of prime suspects—groups that possess both the means and the motive to carry out the crime. Two of the passengers had been identified as al-Qaeda members and were on the FBI's terrorist-alert list prior to 9/11: Khalid Almihdhar and Nawaf Alhazmi. It appears certain that all hijackers had Arab origins, and none were Afghan; moreover, both in their immense scale, careful planning and refraining from claiming responsibility, the attacks are reminiscent of al-Qaeda's previous attacks such as the 1998 US embassy bombings that killed over 200 people.World Trade Center bombing of 1993Main article: World Trade Center 1993 bombingsIn the World Trade Center bombing (February 26, 1993) a car bomb was detonated by Arab Islamist terrorists in the underground parking garage below Tower One of the World Trade Center in New York City. The 1,500 lb (680 kg) urea nitrate-fuel oil device killed six and injured over a thousand people.It was intended to devastate the foundation of the North Tower, causing it to collapse onto its twin.The attack was planned by a group of conspirators including Ramzi Yousef,Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, El Sayyid Nosair, Mahmud Abouhalima, Mohammad Salameh, Nidal Ayyad, Ahmad Ajaj, and Abdul Rahman Yasin.They received financing from al-Qaeda member Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Yousef's uncle, who would later allegedly admit to planning the September 11 attacks.Statements of motives prior to September 11, 2001[edit]Main articles: Motivations of the September 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden Fatwa, Videos of Osama bin Laden, and Wikisource:Osama bin Laden's Declaration of WarStarting in 1996, Osama bin Laden stated in public proclamations (fatwas) and in interviews with journalists his common list of grievances which he cited as the reason for his declaration of war against the United States.In 1998, bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri (a leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad) co-signed a fatwa (binding religious edict) in the name of the World Islamic Front for Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders, declaring:[t]he ruling to kill the Americans and their allies civilians and military – is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem) and the holy mosque (in Makka) from their grip, and in order for their armies to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten any Muslim. This is in accordance with the words of Almighty Allah, "and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together," and "fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah".In an interview with journalist Rahimullah Yusufzai published in TIME Magazine on January 11, 1999, Osama bin Laden was quoted as saying:The International Islamic Front for Jihad against the US and Israel has issued a crystal-clear fatwa calling on the Islamic nation to carry on jihad aimed at liberating holy sites. The nation of Muhammad has responded to this appeal. If the instigation for jihad against the Jews and the Americans in order to liberate Al-Aksa Mosque and the Holy Ka'aba Islamic shrines in the Middle East is considered a crime, then let history be a witness that I am a criminal.[39]Planning the 9/11 attacksAccording to interviews by Al-Jazeera as well as United States interrogations of al-Qaeda members Ramzi bin al-Shibh and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (captured in 2002 and 2003 respectively), Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was the instigator and prime organizer of the attacks. Bin al-Shibh may have been picked as a hijacker but he failed to get into the United States.Khalid Mohammed had provided funding to his nephew Ramzi Youseffor the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. In addition, he collaborated on Oplan Bojinka which called for ten or more airliners to be bombed in mid-air or hijacked for use as missiles.Planning for Oplan Bojinka began in 1994, and was funded in part by Osama bin Laden, but was thwarted by an accidental fire in 1995.In mid-1996, Khalid Mohammed presented a new plan to the leadership of al-Qaeda that called for several airplanes on both east and west coaststo be hijacked and flown into targets.According to the bin al-Shibh and Khalid Mohammed, six of the hijackers played active parts in the planning, including the four who became the pilots. The other two were Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi.CIA operatives reportedly monitored the movements of these two known militants when they visited the US but did not notify the FBI or gain an inkling of what the hijackers were planning.However, during a 2006 Moussaoui trial cross-examination, FBI agents stated that the bureau was aware, years before the attacks in 2001, that al-Qaeda planned to use planes to destroy important buildings. Philippine Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon had noted such plans during the 1995 investigation of Oplan Bojinka, of which Razon saidI didn't imagine that they would ram a 757 aircraft into the World Trade Center. I thought the suicide mission [would involve] a Cessnalight aircraft loaded with several kilos of explosives, like a Japanese Kamikaze World War II pilot diving into a target.The targets ultimately chosen were the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the United States Capitol. Flight 93 was apparently meant to crash into the Capitol. The White House was considered as a target; initially dismissed as being too difficult to locate from the air, it was later included in the plans.In the communications that developed as the scheme took form, the Pentagon's code name was the Faculty of Arts, Capitol Hill was the Faculty of Law, and the World Trade Center was coded as the Faculty of Town Planning.Al-Qaeda statements after 9/11Al-Qaeda's spokesman, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, said in a video sent to al Jazeera and broadcast in October 2001 the following:The Americans should know that the storm of plane attacks will not abate, with God's permission. There are thousands of the Islamic nations' youths who are eager to die just as the Americans are eager to live.Osama bin Laden statements after 9/11Prior to his death on May 2, 2011, the FBI listed bin Laden as one of the "10 Most Wanted" in connection with several incidents including the USS Cole bombing and the 1998 United States embassy bombings in East Africa. The FBI's "FBI Most Wanted Terrorists" poster does not specifically hang responsibility for 9/11 on bin Laden, instead it only states "Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world."FBI spokesman Rex Tomb said, however: "There's no mystery here. They could add 9/11 on there, but they have not because they don't need to at this point. … There is a logic to it", namely, the long-standing practice of only putting criminal charges on the notice.Bin Laden was charged with the 1998 embassy bombings, not 9/11.David N. Kelley, the former U.S. attorney in New York who dealt with terrorism-related cases at the time of bin Laden's indictment for the 1998 bombings, explained that, "It might seem a little strange from the outside, but it makes sense from a legal point of view. If I were in government, I'd be troubled if I were asked to put up a wanted picture where no formal charges had been filed, no matter who it was."Immediately after September 11, 2001, bin Laden praised the attacks,but denied responsibility for them.On September 16, 2001, an Al Jazeera news presenter read a message purportedly signed by Osama bin Laden, in which the following words were stated: "I stress that I have not carried out this act, which appears to have been carried out by individuals with their own motivation."In an interview with bin Laden, published in the Pakistani newspaper Ummat Karachi on September 28, 2001, he stated: "I have already said that I am not involved in the September 11 attacks in the United States. As a Muslim, I try my best to avoid telling a lie. I had no knowledge of these attacks, nor do I consider the killing of innocent women, children and other humans as an appreciable act."There was reportedly no way to prove the e-mail published in Pakistan came from bin Laden. The Taliban denied he had access to any communications.In late October 2001, Al Jazeera journalist Tayseer Allouni conducted an interview with Osama bin Laden which was videotaped. Al-Jazeera refused to broadcast itand terminated its affiliation agreement with CNNdue to CNN's broadcasting of the interview on January 31, 2002.In the interview, bin Laden addressed the September 11 attacks, saying:If inciting people to do that is terrorism, and if killing those who kill our sons is terrorism, then let history be witness that we are terrorists ... We will work to continue this battle, God permitting, until victory or until we meet God before that occurs.In November 2001, US forces recovered a videotape from a bombed house in Jalalabad, Afghanistan which showed a man purported to be Osama bin Laden talking to Khaled al-Harbi. In the tape, bin Laden talks of planning the attacks. Translations from the tape include the following lines:...we calculated in advance the number of casualties from the enemy, who would be killed based on the position of the tower. We calculated that the floors that would be hit would be three or four floors. I was the most optimistic of them all...We had notification since the previous Thursday that the event would take place that day. We had finished our work that day and had the radio on...Muhammad [Atta] from the Egyptian family [meaning the al-Qaeda Egyptian group], was in charge of the group...The brothers, who conducted the operation, all they knew was that they have a martyrdom operation and we asked each of them to go to America but they didn't know anything about the operation, not even one letter. But they were trained and we did not reveal the operation to them until they are there and just before they boarded the planes.In May 2002, FBI Director Robert Mueller noted that his organization had not uncovered a single piece of paper, "either here in the U.S. or in the treasure trove of information that has turned up in Afghanistan and elsewhere", that mentioned any aspect of the September 11 plot.In late November 2002, a letter attributed to bin Laden and translated by British Islamists surfaced, often called bin Laden's "letter to America". It states the motive behind the September 11 attacks as being: "because you attacked us and continue to attack us" and justifies the selection of a civilian target. Itemizing a list of perceived Western wrongdoings, the letter concludes that "the oppressed have a right to return the aggression" and hinted at further attacks. Also included are a list of demands, advice, and a statement of grievances against the American government and its people.On February 11, 2003, Al Jazeera broadcast an audio tape purportedly from bin Laden.Shortly before the US presidential election in 2004, in a taped statement, bin Laden publicly acknowledged al-Qaeda's involvement in the attacks on the US, and claimed a direct link to the attacks. He said that the attacks were carried out because "we are a free people who do not accept injustice, and we want to regain the freedom of our nation."In an audio message that surfaced on the Internet in May 2006, the speaker, who is alleged to be Osama bin Laden, defends Zacarias Moussaoui, who was undergoing a trial for his participation in the September 11 attacks. The voice in the audio message saysI begin by talking about the honorable brother Zacarias Moussaoui. The truth is that he has no connection whatsoever with the events of September 11th, and I am certain of what I say, because I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers—Allah have mercy upon them—with those raids, and I did not assign brother Zacarias to be with them on that mission.See the source for more information.

This answer may contain sensitive images. Click on an image to unblur it.Wikipedia has a good article summarizing the evidence linking bin Laden and al Qaeda to 9/11.Responsibility for the September 11 attacks - WikipediaExcerpts from this article are below:Two weeks after the September 11 attacks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation connected the hijackers to al-Qaeda, a global, decentralized terrorist network. In a number of video, audio, interview and printed statements, senior members of al-Qaeda have also asserted responsibility for organizing the September 11 attacks.It is believed that Osama Bin Laden, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, andMohammed Atef were the ones who plotted the attacks after meeting together in 1999. It is also believed Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was the one who planned the attacks and that Atef was the one who organized the hijackers.Identifying the hijackersFurther information: Hijackers in the September 11 attacksThe FBI investigation into the attacks, codenamed operation PENTTBOM, was able to identify the 19 hijackers within days, as they made little effort to conceal their names on flight, credit card, and other records.By checking flight manifests and comparing them with other information, like watch lists, customs officials were able to find the names of all 19 hijackers quickly.Passengers and crew aboard the flights provided information about the hijackers while the hijacking was in progress. Two flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 11, Betty Ong and Madeline Amy Sweeney, contacted airline personnel on the ground. Sweeney provided the seat numbers of the hijackers, and descriptions of the men, identifying Mohamed Atta as one of the hijackers.A flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 175 called a United Airlines mechanic and reported that hijackers had killed the crew.While the hijacking was in progress on American Airlines Flight 77, several passengers, including a flight attendant, Renee May, contacted and reported details of the hijacking to persons on the ground.Sales clerks identified two individuals to whom they sold tickets on Flight 77 as the hijackers Hani Hanjour and Majed Moqed.During the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93, Jeremy Glick identified the hijackers as Arabic-looking and carrying box-cutters.Mohamed Atta's luggage did not make the connection from his Portland flight to American Airlines Flight 11. In his suitcase, authorities found a handwritten letter in Arabic. As well, a handwritten letter was found at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and another in Hazmi's vehicle.When examining Mohamed Atta's left-behind luggage, the FBI found important clues about the hijackers and their plans. Atta's luggage contained instructional videotapes for flying large aircraft, a fuel consumption calculator, and a flight plan, along with a copy of the Quran.His luggage also contained papers that revealed the identity of all 19 hijackers, along with a copy of Atta's last will and testament.The passport of hijacker Abdulaziz Alomari was also found in Mohamed Atta’s left-behind luggage.Various items of evidence were found in vehicles left behind at the airports, in luggage that did not make it onto the flights, and at the crash scenes. A rental car belonging to the hijackers was found at Boston's Logan International Airport, which contained an Arabic language flight manual and documents from Huffman Aviation in Florida. There, investigators were able to find Mohamed Atta and Marwan al-Shehhi's previous address in Hamburg, Germany.Nawaf al-Hazmi's 1988 blue Toyota Corolla was found on September 12 in Dulles International Airport's hourly parking lot. Inside the vehicle, authorities found a letter written by Mohamed Atta, maps of Washington, D.C., and New York City, a cashier's check made out to a Phoenix flight school, four drawings of a Boeing 757 cockpit, a box cutter-type knife, and a page with notes and phone numbers.In New York City, a passport belonging to Satam al-Suqami was found by a passerby before the towers collapsed, and given to a NYPD detective.The passports of two of the hijackers of Flight 93 were also found intact at the crash site.On September 27, 2001, the FBI released photos of the 19 hijackers, along with information about the possible nationalities and aliases of many.Assigning responsibilityFor several months after the 9/11 attacks, no one, nor any group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, so the primary responsibility fell solely upon the hijackers, all of whom were killed and all of whom left no message or any claim of responsibility, explaining why they had carried out the attacks. As the media covered the 9/11 attacks unfolding, many quickly speculated that bin Laden was behind the attacks.On the day of the attacks, the National Security Agency intercepted communications that pointed to bin Laden, as did German intelligence agencies.This helped rule out other immediate suspects, such as Croatian nationalists, who had bombed Grand Central Terminal on September 11, 1976.Authorities in the United States and Britain also obtained electronic intercepts, including telephone conversations and electronic bank transfers, which indicate that Mohammed Atef, a bin Laden deputy, was a key figure in the planning of the 9/11 attacks. Intercepts were also obtained that revealed conversations that took place days before September 11 between bin Laden and an associate in Pakistan. In those conversations, the two referred to "an incident that would take place in America on, or around, September 11" and they discussed potential repercussions. In another conversation with an associate inAfghanistan, bin Laden discussed the "scale and effects of a forthcoming operation." These conversations did not specifically mention the World Trade Center or Pentagon, or other specifics.The investigators were quickly able to link the 19 men to the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, also by accessing material in their intelligence agency files. The New York Times reported on September 12 that: "Authorities said they had also identified accomplices in several cities who had helped plan and execute Tuesday’s attacks. Officials said they knew who these people were and important biographical details about many of them. They prepared biographies of each identified member of the hijack teams, and began tracing the recent movements of the men." FBI agents in Florida investigating the hijackers quickly "descended on flight schools, neighborhoods and restaurants in pursuit of leads." At one flight school, "students said investigators were there within hours of Tuesday’s attacks."The Washington Postlater reported that "In the hours after Tuesday’s bombings, investigators searched their files on [Satam] al-Suqami and [Ahmed] al-Ghamdi, noted the pair’s ties to [Nabil] al-Marabh and launched a hunt for him."Based on the evidence, authorities in the United States quickly asserted that Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda organization were solely responsible for the attacks, and other suspects were ruled out. TheGovernment of the United Kingdom reached the same conclusion.Although he denied the attacks at first, Osama bin Laden had since claimed full responsibility.Author Laurie Mylroie, writing in the conservative political magazine The American Spectator in 2006, argued that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his family are the primary architects of 9/11 and similar attacks, that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's association with Osama bin Laden is secondary, and that Al-Qaeda's claim of responsibility for the attack is after the fact and opportunistic.In an opposing point of view, former CIA officer Robert Baer, writing in Time magazine in 2007, asserted that George W. Bush Administration's publicizing of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's claims of responsibility for 9/11 and numerous other acts was a mendacious attempt to claim that all of the significant actors in 9/11 had been caught.Al-Qaeda and Osama bin LadenAftermath of the bomb detonation on the World Trade Center in 1993September 17, 2001 – A small portion of the scene where the World Trade Center collapsed following the September 11 attacks.September 14, 2001– "The Pile", ManhattanSee also: Hijackers in the September 11 attacksIntelligence experts speak of a "short list" of prime suspects—groups that possess both the means and the motive to carry out the crime. Two of the passengers had been identified as al-Qaeda members and were on the FBI's terrorist-alert list prior to 9/11: Khalid Almihdhar and Nawaf Alhazmi[1][2]. It appears certain that all hijackers had Arab origins, and none were Afghan; moreover, both in their immense scale, careful planning and refraining from claiming responsibility, the attacks are reminiscent of al-Qaeda's previous attacks such as the 1998 US embassy bombings that killed over 200 people.World Trade Center bombing of 1993Main article: World Trade Center 1993 bombingsIn the World Trade Center bombing (February 26, 1993) a car bomb was detonated by Arab Islamist terrorists in the underground parking garage below Tower One of the World Trade Center in New York City. The 1,500 lb (680 kg) urea nitrate-fuel oil device killed six and injured over a thousand people.It was intended to devastate the foundation of the North Tower, causing it to collapse onto its twin.The attack was planned by a group of conspirators including Ramzi Yousef,Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, El Sayyid Nosair, Mahmud Abouhalima, Mohammad Salameh, Nidal Ayyad, Ahmad Ajaj, and Abdul Rahman Yasin.They received financing from al-Qaeda member Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Yousef's uncle, who would later allegedly admit to planning the September 11 attacks.Statements of motives prior to September 11, 2001[edit]Main articles: Motivations of the September 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden Fatwa, Videos of Osama bin Laden, and Wikisource:Osama bin Laden's Declaration of WarStarting in 1996, Osama bin Laden stated in public proclamations (fatwas) and in interviews with journalists his common list of grievances which he cited as the reason for his declaration of war against the United States.In 1998, bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri (a leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad) co-signed a fatwa (binding religious edict) in the name of the World Islamic Front for Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders, declaring:[t]he ruling to kill the Americans and their allies civilians and military – is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem) and the holy mosque (in Makka) from their grip, and in order for their armies to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten any Muslim. This is in accordance with the words of Almighty Allah, "and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together," and "fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah".In an interview with journalist Rahimullah Yusufzai published in TIME Magazine on January 11, 1999, Osama bin Laden was quoted as saying:The International Islamic Front for Jihad against the US and Israel has issued a crystal-clear fatwa calling on the Islamic nation to carry on jihad aimed at liberating holy sites. The nation of Muhammad has responded to this appeal. If the instigation for jihad against the Jews and the Americans in order to liberate Al-Aksa Mosque and the Holy Ka'aba Islamic shrines in the Middle East is considered a crime, then let history be a witness that I am a criminal.Planning the 9/11 attacksAccording to interviews by Al-Jazeera as well as United States interrogations of al-Qaeda members Ramzi bin al-Shibh and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (captured in 2002 and 2003 respectively), Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was the instigator and prime organizer of the attacks. Bin al-Shibh may have been picked as a hijacker but he failed to get into the United States.Khalid Mohammed had provided funding to his nephew Ramzi Yousef for the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. In addition, he collaborated on Oplan Bojinka which called for ten or more airliners to be bombed in mid-air or hijacked for use as missiles.Planning for Oplan Bojinka began in 1994, and was funded in part by Osama bin Laden, but was thwarted by an accidental fire in 1995.In mid-1996, Khalid Mohammed presented a new plan to the leadership of al-Qaeda that called for several airplanes on both east and west coasts to be hijacked and flown into targets.According to the bin al-Shibh and Khalid Mohammed, six of the hijackers played active parts in the planning, including the four who became the pilots. The other two were Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi.CIA operatives reportedly monitored the movements of these two known militants when they visited the US but did not notify the FBI or gain an inkling of what the hijackers were planning. However, during a 2006 Moussaoui trial cross-examination, FBI agents stated that the bureau was aware, years before the attacks in 2001, that al-Qaeda planned to use planes to destroy important buildings. Philippine Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon had noted such plans during the 1995 investigation of Oplan Bojinka, of which Razon saidI didn't imagine that they would ram a 757 aircraft into the World Trade Center. I thought the suicide mission [would involve] a Cessna light aircraft loaded with several kilos of explosives, like a Japanese Kamikaze World War II pilot diving into a target.The targets ultimately chosen were the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the United States Capitol. Flight 93 was apparently meant to crash into the Capitol. The White House was considered as a target; initially dismissed as being too difficult to locate from the air, it was later included in the plans.In the communications that developed as the scheme took form, the Pentagon's code name was theFaculty of Arts, Capitol Hill was the Faculty of Law, and the World Trade Center was coded as the Faculty of Town Planning.Al-Qaeda statements after 9/11Al-Qaeda's spokesman, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, said in a video sent to al Jazeera and broadcast in October 2001 the following:The Americans should know that the storm of plane attacks will not abate, with God's permission. There are thousands of the Islamic nations' youths who are eager to die just as the Americans are eager to live.Osama bin Laden statements after 9/11Prior to his death on May 2, 2011, the FBI listed bin Laden as one of the "10 Most Wanted" in connection with several incidents including the USS Cole bombing and the 1998 United States embassy bombings in East Africa. The FBI's "FBI Most Wanted Terrorists" poster does not specifically hang responsibility for 9/11 on bin Laden, instead it only states "Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world."FBI spokesman Rex Tomb said, however: "There's no mystery here. They could add 9/11 on there, but they have not because they don't need to at this point. … There is a logic to it", namely, the long-standing practice of only putting criminal charges on the notice. Bin Laden was charged with the 1998 embassy bombings, not 9/11. David N. Kelley, the former U.S. attorney in New York who dealt with terrorism-related cases at the time of bin Laden's indictment for the 1998 bombings, explained that, "It might seem a little strange from the outside, but it makes sense from a legal point of view. If I were in government, I'd be troubled if I were asked to put up a wanted picture where no formal charges had been filed, no matter who it was."Immediately after September 11, 2001, bin Laden praised the attacks, but denied responsibility for them.On September 16, 2001, an Al Jazeera news presenter read a message purportedly signed by Osama bin Laden, in which the following words were stated: "I stress that I have not carried out this act, which appears to have been carried out by individuals with their own motivation."In an interview with bin Laden, published in the Pakistani newspaper Ummat Karachi on September 28, 2001, he stated: "I have already said that I am not involved in the September 11 attacks in the United States. As a Muslim, I try my best to avoid telling a lie. I had no knowledge of these attacks, nor do I consider the killing of innocent women, children and other humans as an appreciable act."There was reportedly no way to prove the e-mail published in Pakistan came from bin Laden. The Taliban denied he had access to any communications.In late October 2001, Al Jazeera journalist Tayseer Allouni conducted an interview with Osama bin Laden which was videotaped. Al-Jazeera refused to broadcast it and terminated its affiliation agreement with CNN due to CNN's broadcasting of the interview on January 31, 2002.In the interview, bin Laden addressed the September 11 attacks, saying:If inciting people to do that is terrorism, and if killing those who kill our sons is terrorism, then let history be witness that we are terrorists ... We will work to continue this battle, God permitting, until victory or until we meet God before that occurs.In November 2001, US forces recovered a videotape from a bombed house in Jalalabad, Afghanistan which showed a man purported to be Osama bin Laden talking to Khaled al-Harbi. In the tape, bin Laden talks of planning the attacks. Translations from the tape include the following lines:...we calculated in advance the number of casualties from the enemy, who would be killed based on the position of the tower. We calculated that the floors that would be hit would be three or four floors. I was the most optimistic of them all...We had notification since the previous Thursday that the event would take place that day. We had finished our work that day and had the radio on...Muhammad [Atta] from the Egyptian family [meaning the al-Qaeda Egyptian group], was in charge of the group...The brothers, who conducted the operation, all they knew was that they have a martyrdom operation and we asked each of them to go to America but they didn't know anything about the operation, not even one letter. But they were trained and we did not reveal the operation to them until they are there and just before they boarded the planes.In May 2002, FBI Director Robert Mueller noted that his organization had not uncovered a single piece of paper, "either here in the U.S. or in the treasure trove of information that has turned up in Afghanistan and elsewhere", that mentioned any aspect of the September 11th plot.In late November 2002, a letter attributed to bin Laden and translated by British Islamists surfaced, often called bin Laden's "letter to America". It states the motive behind the September 11 attacks as being: "because you attacked us and continue to attack us" and justifies the selection of a civilian target. Itemizing a list of perceived Western wrongdoings, the letter concludes that "the oppressed have a right to return the aggression" and hinted at further attacks. Also included are a list of demands, advice, and a statement of grievances against the American government and its people.On February 11, 2003, Al Jazeera broadcast an audio tape purportedly from bin Laden.Shortly before the US presidential election in 2004, in a taped statement, bin Laden publicly acknowledged al-Qaeda's involvement in the attacks on the US, and claimed a direct link to the attacks. He said that the attacks were carried out because "we are a free people who do not accept injustice, and we want to regain the freedom of our nation."In an audio message that surfaced on the Internet in May 2006, the speaker, who is alleged to be Osama bin Laden, defends Zacarias Moussaoui, who was undergoing a trial for his participation in the September 11 attacks. The voice in the audio message saysI begin by talking about the honorable brother Zacarias Moussaoui. The truth is that he has no connection whatsoever with the events of September 11th, and I am certain of what I say, because I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers—Allah have mercy upon them—with those raids, and I did not assign brother Zacarias to be with them on that mission.Other suspects within al-QaedaAs of 2004, several people—including Mohammed, bin al-Shibh, and Mohammed al Qahtani, the 20th hijacker—were being held by the US as illegal combatants; however, the United States had no one on trial for the attacks. In Germany, Mounir El Motassadeq was convicted of over 3000 counts of accessory to murder for helping finance the hijackers but the verdict was put aside and a new trial scheduled.Abdelghani Mzoudi was acquitted in Germany on the same charges.Anwar al-AwlakiImam Anwar al-Awlaki has been linked to Al-Qaeda and persons involved in the attacks, though he denied any connections. In 1998 and 1999, he served as Vice President for the Charitable Society for Social Welfare (CSSW) in San Diego, founded by Abdul Majeed al-Zindani of Yemen, who has since been placed on many terrorism lists.During a terrorism trial, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Brian Murphy testified that CSSW was a “front organization to funnel money to terrorists,” and US federal prosecutors have described it as being used to support Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.The FBI investigated al-Awlaki beginning in June 1999 through March 2000 for possible fundraising for Hamas, links to al-Qaeda, and a visit in early 2000 by a close associate of "the blind sheik" Omar Abdel Rahman (now in prison for his role in the1993 World Trade Center attack). The FBI's interest was also triggered by the fact that he had been contacted by a possible "procurement agent" for bin Laden, Ziyad Khaleel, who helped purchase a satellite phone to call his Yemen communications hub that was used in planning the attacks.But the FBI was unable to unearth sufficient evidence for a criminal prosecution.While al-Awlaki was an imam in San Diego, witnesses told the FBI he had a close relationship with two of the hijackers in the September 11 attacks (Nawaf Al-Hazmi andKhalid Almihdhar) in 2000, and served as their spiritual advisor.The 9/11 Commission Report indicated that the hijackers also "reportedly respected [him] as a religious figure."ties say the two hijackers regularly attended the mosque he led in San Diego, and al-Awlaki had many closed-door meetings with them, which led investigators to believe al-Awlaki knew about the 9/11 attacks in advance.He left San Diego in mid-2000, traveling to "various countries".In January 2001, he headed east and served as Imam at the Dar al-Hijrah mosque in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area.Esam Omeish hired al-Awlaki to be the mosque's imam.Fluent in English, known for giving eloquent talks on Islam, and with a mandate to attract young non-Arabic speakers, al-Awlaki "was the magic bullet", according to mosque spokesmanJohari Abdul-Malik; "he had everything all in a box.""He had an allure. He was charming."Shortly after this, his sermons were attended by two of the 9/11 hijackers (Al-Hazmi again, and Hani Hanjour; which the 9/11 Commission Report concluded "may not have been coincidental"), and by Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan.Furthermore, when police raided the Hamburg, Germany, apartment of Ramzi bin al-Shibh (the "20th hijacker") while investigating the 9/11 attacks, his telephone number was found among bin al-Shibh's personal contact information."In my view, he is more than a coincidental figure," said House Intelligence Committee member Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA).Writing on the IslamOnline.net website six days after the 9/11 attacks, he suggested that Israeli intelligence agents might have been responsible for the attacks, and that the FBI "went into the roster of the airplanes and whoever has a Muslim or Arab name became the hijacker by default."On August 31, 2006, al-Awlaki was arrested with a group of five Yemenis by Yemeni authorities. He claims it was with regard to a "secret police investigation" over "tribal issues", but it has been reported to relate to charges of kidnapping a Shiite teenager for ransom, and involvement in an al-Qaeda plot to kidnap a U.S. military attaché.Al-Awlaki blames the U.S. for pressuring the Yemeni authorities to arrest him, and says that in approximately September 2007 he was interviewed by FBI agents with regard to the 9/11 attacks and other subjects. Gregory Johnsen, a Yemen expert, noted that his name was on a list of 100 prisoners whose release was sought by al-Qaida-linked militants in Yemen.Although al-Awlaki was covered as relatively minor figure in the 9/11 attacks, his involvement was noted again in 2009 after the Fort Hood shooting where the suspect had been found to be communicating by e-mail to Awlaki in Yemen, he was later linked to several terror plots and attacks in the US, Canada and UK, including the Northwest Airlines Flight 253 attack by his former student Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.TalibanOn October 4, 2001, British Prime Minister Tony Blair released information compiled by Western intelligence agencies connecting Osama bin Laden to the Afghanistan's Taliban leadership as well as being the leader of the al-Qaeda organization.The Taliban government gave safe haven to Osama bin Laden in the years leading up to the attack, and his al-Qaeda network may have had a close relationship with the Taliban army and police.On the day of 9/11, the Taliban foreign minister told the Arab television network Al Jazeera: "We denounce this terrorist attack, whoever is behind it."The United States requested the Taliban to shut down all al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan, open them to inspection and turn over Osama bin Laden. The Taliban refused all these requests. Instead they offered to extradite Osama bin Laden to an Islamic country, for trial under Islamic law, if the United States presented evidence of his guilt.The Taliban had previously refused to extradite bin Laden to the United States, or prosecute him, after he was indicted by the US federal courts for involvement in the 1998 United States embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.The Taliban deemed eyewitness testimony and satellite phone call recordings entered in the public record in February 2001 during a trial as insufficient grounds to extradite bin Laden for his involvement in the bombings.[citation needed]Invoking the Bush Doctrine, which stated "We will make no distinction between the terrorists and those who harbor them", the United States and Britain invaded and overthrew the Taliban regime in 2001, using air power, special forces and the Northern Alliance as a land army.On November 29, 2007, a videotape was released that The Central Intelligence Agency says is likely to be from bin Laden. In it the speaker claims sole responsibility for the attacks and specifically denies any prior knowledge of them by The Taliban or the Afghan people.Financing the attacksAccording to the 9/11 Commission Report, the 9/11 plotters spent between $400,000 and $500,000 to plan and conduct the attack:al-Qaeda funded the plotters. KSM [Khalid Sheikh Mohammad] provided his operatives with nearly all the money they needed to travel to the United States, train, and live... The US government has not been able to determine the origin of the money used for the 9/11 attacks. Ultimately the question is of little practical significance.CNN and other news outlets reported in September and October 2001 that $100,000 was wired from the United Arab Emirates to lead hijacker Mohamed Atta prior to the attacks, by Ahmed Omar Saeed (Syed) Sheikh, a long time Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence asset.The report, which was later confirmed by CNN, stated that "Atta then distributed the funds to conspirators in Florida... In addition, sources have said Atta sent thousands of dollars – believed to be excess funds from the operation – back to Syed in the United Arab Emirates in the days before September 11. Syed also is described as a key figure in the funding operation of al-Qaeda"The day after this report was published, the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, Gen. Mahmood Ahmed, was fired from his position.Indian news outlets reported the FBI was investigating the possibility that Gen. Mahmood Ahmed ordered Saeed Sheikh to send the $100,000 to Atta, while most Western media outlets only reported his connections to the Taliban as the reason for his departure.The Wall Street Journal was one of the few Western news organizations to follow up on the story, citing the Times of India: "US authorities sought [Gen. Mahmood Ahmed's] removal after confirming the fact that $100,000 [was] wired to WTC hijacker Mohammed Atta from Pakistan by Ahmad Umar Sheikh at the instance of General Mahmood."The 9/11 Commission Report concludes: "we have seen no evidence that any foreign government – or foreign government official – supplied any funding."The difficulty in tracking the funding is due to the traditional means of zakat, a Muslim form of charitable giving essential to proper following of the faith and hawala, another ancient system of transferring funds based on trust and connections, including family, clan, and regional affiliations.