Build Back Better

In a country as large and diverse as ours, progress can often feel frustrating and slow, with small victories accompanied by frequent setbacks. But once in a while, it’s still possible to take a giant leap forward. That’s what the Build Back Better framework represents. pic.twitter.com/ouKhRRz6qP

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 28, 2021

Rest In Peace To A Congressional Giant

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The Detroit News

Michigan Democrat John Dingell, the longest-serving member ever of Congress who helped write most of the nation’s major environmental and energy laws, died Thursday, his wife said. He was 92.

The Dearborn statesman was a champion of the auto industry and was credited with increasing access to health care, among other accomplishments. Dingell helped write most of America’s major environmental and energy laws.

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My statement on the passing of former Congressman John Dingell: https://t.co/gjBYHHImzB

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Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 08, 2019

John Dingell was the Dean of the House. He earned that title — not just because he was there the longest — but beca… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

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Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) February 08, 2019

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Who knew health care could be so complicated?

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 21, 2017

In 1943, my father was one of the first people to introduce comprehensive health care reform in Congress, a single-payer system for all.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 21, 2017

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He spent the decade prior fighting like hell to pass Social Security & see it signed into law. And he did. Big nose… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 21, 2017

But his effort wasn't as successful in '43. The Wagner-Murray-Dingell bill to create a national health program ultimately died in committee.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 21, 2017

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He never would get to see universal health care become law. He passed in 55 and I decided to run to replace him, vowing to keep up his work.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 21, 2017

In 1957--and every Congress thereafter--I'd reintroduce my father's bill & work to create a national program to take care of those in need.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 21, 2017

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I was a pup at the time, but I began working with my colleagues on Medicare legislation. Cecil King. Aime Forand. M… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

It took years to work through, but then-Speaker McCormack brought our bill to the floor in 65 and gave me the honor… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

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It's tough to see in the photo, but I had McCormack & others sign the gavel. They made me sign too. All told, my pop would have been proud.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

It was an accomplishment but was not my end goal. I continued to reintroduce my father's bill every year. As pieces of it slowly became law.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

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Over the years we'd create the National Institutes of Health, the Children's Health Insurance Program, & many other efforts to improve care.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

We took another shot in the 90s but again came up short. You know who knew damn well how complicated health care could be? @HillaryClinton.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

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Nevertheless, we persisted. It was an honor to work with so many great champions of our nation in helping to craft the Affordable Care Act.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

Hearing after hearing, amendment after amendment. We took the time to hear concerns from all. Republicans were invited, too. They declined.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

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Our bill aimed to bring certainty to an uncertain experience. You don't hope to have to use insurance. But if you do, it needs be damn good.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

So we fought to expand coverage. We worked to lower costs. We wanted the American people to finally KNOW what their plan actually included.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

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Before this, many had to decide between bankruptcy or death. Children hit lifetime caps. Cancer & being a woman were preexisting conditions.

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

When the ACA was up in the House, leadership asked me to preside over part of the debate. I accepted with one term:… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

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John Dingell (@JohnDingell) March 22, 2017

Going Solar

The President’s Day

President Barack Obama addresses the National Clean Energy Summit at the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The White House expanded its push for greater renewable energy adoption, announcing fresh financial incentives for solar panels, smart grid technology and other alternative energies for homeowners and builders

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Solar Access For All Americans. Thank You, President Obama

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White House: Fact Sheet: Administration Announces New Initiative To Increase Solar Access For All Americans

The Obama Administration is committed to addressing climate change, promoting clean energy, and creating good paying jobs. That is why the Administration is announcing a new initiative to increase access to solar energy for all Americans, in particular low- and moderate- income communities, while expanding opportunities to join the solar workforce. Last year, the United States brought online as much solar energy every three weeks as it did in all of 2008, and the solar industry added jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the economy. And since the beginning of 2010, the average cost of a solar electric system has dropped by 50 percent. The executive actions and private sector commitments that we are announcing today will help continue to scale up solar for all Americans, including those who are renters, lack the startup capital to invest in solar, or do not have adequate information on how to transition to solar energy. The key components of the initiative that the Administration is announcing today are:

Launching a National Community Solar Partnership to unlock access to solar for the nearly 50 percent of households and business that are renters or do not have adequate roof space to install solar systems, including issuing a guide to Support States In Developing Community Solar Programs; Setting a goal to install 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in federally subsidized housing and providing technical assistance to make it easier to install solar, including clarifying how to use Federal funding; Housing authorities, rural electric co-ops, power companies, and organizations in more than 20 states across the country are committing to put in place more than 260 solar energy projects, including projects to help low- and moderate- income communities save on their energy bills and further community solar; and More than $520 million in independent commitments from philanthropic and impact investors, states, and cities to advance community solar and scale up solar and energy efficiency for low- and moderate- income households.

More here

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President Obama is making it easier for more Americans to access solar power → nyti.ms/1H6F6SU #ActOnClimate http://t.co/ipaRFuUkxY

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 07, 2015

Many Americans still lack access to solar energy. Here's how Obama plans to change that wpo.st/KhnP0 http://t.co/2qOHQ3OlyM

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Post Green (@postgreen) July 07, 2015

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RT if you agree: It's time to make it easier for every American to access clean energy → go.wh.gov/SolarAccess http://t.co/BjJ5r9PVfP

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 07, 2015

Expanding access to solar for all Americans helps #ActOnClimate, save $. Great day in Bmore w @RepCummings @MayorSRB http://t.co/LChjsclurK

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Brian Deese (@Deese44) July 07, 2015

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We're generating 20 times more solar electricity than when @POTUS took office → go.wh.gov/SolarAccess #ActOnClimate http://t.co/rrYKNkFFvu

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 07, 2015

Last year, America brought online as much solar energy every 3 weeks as it did in all of 2008: go.wh.gov/SolarAccess http://t.co/6J2RMkWAr1

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 07, 2015

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Solar is mostly for the wealthy. Here’s how Obama plans to change that bit.ly/1Cm8sQo http://t.co/UrMk5z1GxT

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  (@grist) July 07, 2015

We support the @WhiteHouse’s goal to make #solar power available to those who need it most. whitehouse.gov/the-press-offi… http://t.co/4sOWf7FkTp

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Energy Department (@ENERGY) July 07, 2015

A Tweet Or Two

"Thank you, Jamaica." —President Obama http://t.co/IBDdfRf23q

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 09, 2015

President Obama announced the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative today: Fact Sheet: go.usa.gov/3DVZY . http://t.co/IRDujJseip

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Department of State (@StateDept) April 09, 2015

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damn son nbcnews.com/storyline/iran… http://t.co/6tSv2x0Eqt

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Simon Maloy (@SimonMaloy) April 09, 2015

The @NBCNews poll numbers you won't see on tomorrow's front pages nbcnews.to/1JsFLAv h/t @SimonMaloy http://t.co/HmlwvxHh73

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Abraham White (@abwhite7) April 10, 2015

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President Obama: US$70 million in investment for young people in Latin America and the Caribbean. #ObamainJamaica

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US Embassy Jamaica (@USEmbassyJA) April 09, 2015

Great to see @usainbolt attending President Obama's youth town hall! #ObamainJamaica http://t.co/hekaIdHaAf

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US Embassy Jamaica (@USEmbassyJA) April 09, 2015

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"I believe that engagement is a more powerful force than isolation." —President Obama on Cuba #CubaPolicy http://t.co/Q2aTIRGhIp

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 09, 2015

Today we announced the launch of a $20 million fund to encourage investment in clean #energy in the #Caribbean

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Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) April 09, 2015

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As the granddaughter of Jamaican immigrants to the United States, I’m especially proud to be here #Jamaica

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Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) April 09, 2015

Anti-LGBT discrimination and violence is unacceptable everywhere. This is US policy globally, as we discussed here in Jamaica today.

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Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) April 09, 2015

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47 years ago today, 100,000 march in funeral procession for Martin Luther King in Atlanta http://t.co/POlFYdvh04

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Ari Berman (@AriBerman) April 09, 2015

"People who are trying to make this world worse are not taking the day off. Why should I?" —Obama quoting Bob Marley http://t.co/wlM4jG9agQ

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 09, 2015

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Wow. New @TIME cover. #WalterScott #BlackLivesMatter http://t.co/HTK5sSd6Mk

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SPLC (@splcenter) April 09, 2015

Let us be clear that Black folks having to watch other Black folks be murdered police seemingly every week is traumatic. #WalterScott

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Brittney Cooper (@ProfessorCrunk) April 08, 2015

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The cops are out of control. This is barbaric

So far, someone killed by an American police officer each day of 2015 except for one medium.com/matter/january… http://t.co/FRWN4IF1vG

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Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) April 09, 2015

James Baldwin writing about police brutality in 1966. Eerie. Some things never change it seems. http://t.co/GIEjX3rJJV

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Ifrah F. Ahmed (@Ifrahmed) April 07, 2015

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Making The Environment Safer For All. Thanks, President Obama

President Barack Obama signs an Executive Order, titled “Planning for Sustainability in the Next Decade,” which will cut the Federal Government’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40 percent over the next decade from 2008 levels, in the Oval Office. Behind President Obama are senior advisor Brian Dreese and Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy Kate Brandt

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White House: Leading by Example On Climate Change: Our New Federal Sustainability Plan

Late last year, in an historic joint announcement with China, President Obama set an ambitious goal for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change – a clear sign that the United States’ commitment to leadership on climate change at home and abroad is stronger than ever. In the latest effort to continue that push, this morning, President Obama signed an executive order that will help us stay on track to meet the new target pledged in China and ensure that the federal government leads by example as the United States moves boldly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while boosting clean energy. This new sustainability plan for the next decade directs federal agencies to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2025.

That means big cuts to the dangerous emissions driving climate change – and also big savings. In addition to 21 million metric tons of emission reductions – the same as taking 4.2 million cars of the road for a year — achieving this goal will save taxpayers up to $18 billion in avoided energy costs between 2008 and 2025. Today’s action builds off of the strong progress the federal government has made over the past six years. Already, federal agencies have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent since the President took office, and increased the share of electricity consumed from renewable sources from 3 percent to 9 percent in 2013. Agencies have also made progress on a number of other fronts, like reducing water use by 19 percent since 2007. But there is much more work to do – and that’s what today’s announcement is all about.

More here

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President Barack Obama is given a tour of solar panels on the roof of the Department of Energy (DOE). With President Obama (L-R) are DOE HQ Energy Manager Eric Haukdal, DOE Deputy Secretary Liz Sherwood and Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy Kate Brandt

President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting at the Energy Department

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Michele Richinick: Obama Orders Cuts To Government’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In his ongoing effort to combat climate change both at home and abroad, President Barack Obama signed an executive order on Thursday to reduce the federal government’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. Although the government contributes only a small percentage of total emissions, the cuts are expected to keep 26 million metric tons of greenhouse gases out of the air by 2025 – equal to taking about 5.5 million cars off the road for a year. The order also directs the government, which is the single largest U.S. consumer of energy, to increase its use of renewable energy to 30% of its consumption, giving a further boost to green industries.  The executive order comes just days after an international team of scientists reported that the Totten Glacier of East Antarctica –

the largest and most rapidly thinning glacier in the region – is shrinking because of warm ocean water developing beneath it. The process could have “global consequences,” including rising sea level by at least 11 feet, the researchers wrote Monday in Nature Geoscience. On Thursday morning, Obama toured an installation of solar panels at the Energy Department’s headquarters and discussed the new emissions targets with federal suppliers, part of a larger effort to lead by example on the climate change issue. In November, Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement on a climate deal to reduce carbon emissions and tackle the growing crisis of global climate change. The pact includes a first-ever commitment by the Asian country to stop its emissions from increasing entirely after 2030.

More here

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President Obama just took action to cut the Federal Government's carbon pollution emissions → go.wh.gov/QdgusY http://t.co/hJHqg6PuIN

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 19, 2015

Big news! President Obama signed an EO to cut federal govt's CO2 emissions: whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/03/1… #ActOnClimate @ErnestMoniz @DeniseUSGSA

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Gina McCarthy (@GinaEPA) March 19, 2015

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FACT: President Obama is taking action to save taxpayers up to $18 billion in energy costs → go.wh.gov/QdgusY http://t.co/B9dVoZ23ik

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Cecilia Muñoz (@Cecilia44) March 19, 2015

Obama just signed an executive order requiring federal govt to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2025 thkpr.gs/3635953

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ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) March 19, 2015

A Tweet Or Two

"Our economy created nearly 300,000 new jobs last month." —President Obama http://t.co/URqot1KF0P

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 06, 2015

Obamacare has not forced employers to push workers PT: all the employment gains since it went into law have been FT brook.gs/1DSPFGY

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Brookings Econ (@BrookingsEcon) March 06, 2015

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.@repjohnlewis on bus in AL. "Selma, more than any place in America, literally wrote the Voting Rights Act" he says http://t.co/8drYgnal1Z

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Ari Berman (@AriBerman) March 06, 2015

John Lewis is the only person still alive today who was on the speaking program of the 1963 March on Washington. http://t.co/e3EKM0nDYK

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Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) March 06, 2015

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Half a century later, take a look back at the marches from Selma to Montgomery → wh.gov/Selma #MarchOn http://t.co/6ysHGSNjPA

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 06, 2015

Why ‘Selma is Now’ sp.lc/JYM1B #Selma50 #SelmaNow by @rickhasen http://t.co/E81EU7iYY8

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SPLC (@splcenter) March 05, 2015

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John Lewis honoring four little girls who were killed in bombing at 16th street baptist church in Birmingham in 1963 http://t.co/Pi6peN2drs

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Ari Berman (@AriBerman) March 06, 2015

Best way to honor Selma marchers is by restoring Voting Rights Act thenation.com/blog/200193/fi… h/t @civilrightsorg http://t.co/PwJAXboDgB

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Ari Berman (@AriBerman) March 05, 2015

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"Think about more than just yourself. Think about how you can have an impact beyond just yourself." —President Obama http://t.co/jI1ny0D01j

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 06, 2015

Tomorrow, President Obama will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery: wh.gov/Selma #MarchOn

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The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 06, 2015

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On this day in 1857, SCOTUS upheld slavery in #DredScott v Sandford. clarionledger.com/story/journeyt… http://t.co/QS5gQcX144

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Jerry Mitchell (@JMitchellNews) March 06, 2015

Reliving Selma's "Bloody Sunday" before the 50th anniversary of the historic march #Selma50 — bit.ly/1AkuMqg http://t.co/UuusvVGij1

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  (@Newsweek) March 06, 2015

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Today @BarackObama talked to us about #Selma50, #Ferguson and the legacy he wants to leave for his daughters | LISTEN bit.ly/18nPdYu

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Tom Joyner (@TJMShow) March 06, 2015

Ferguson "not an isolated incident," Obama says: ow.ly/K0Pm9 http://t.co/3dY4C0eovN

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The Hill (@thehill) March 06, 2015

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20 photos of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches: buff.ly/1CGUgAK http://t.co/IBNIyyIl6f

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National Journal (@nationaljournal) March 06, 2015

I wrote about today's civil-rights movement: latimes.com/nation/la-na-s… ...and its new leaders: latimes.com/nation/la-na-c… http://t.co/m28UpyOQOv

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Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) March 06, 2015

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Some days, Twitter can be magic 🙂

#BlackOutDay: "It's a celebration of black beauty and our individuality" - abcn.ws/17YuN8n http://t.co/WEowugcIrm

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ABC News (@ABC) March 06, 2015

For those of you that are so against #blackoutfriday just take a second to acknowledge the impact.... http://t.co/bDyyCfDOSI

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avi (@MARYSKINSWEAT) March 06, 2015

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Namaste President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

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President Obama is honored to be back in #India to celebrate Republic Day and to begin a new chapter in the US-India partnership. Jai Hind!

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@NSCPress (@NSCPress) January 25, 2015

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President Barack Obama inspects a guard of honor during his welcoming ceremony

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Wing commander Puja Thakur of the Indian Air Force leads the guard of honor

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First Post: Wing Commander Puja Thakur Leads Guard Of Honour for Obama, Scores A Win For Modi Govt

US President Barack Obama’s visit to India for the Republic Day parade is on the path of turning out to be a gigantic public relations success for the Narendra Modi government. Just two days after the Prime Minister launched the government’s ambitious ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, the country witnessed the first guard of honour in the country’s history led by a woman officer. Wing commander Puja Thakur of the Indian Air Force led the guard of honour in the Raj Bhavan in what is being hailed as a inspiring move by the Modi government.

NDTV reported: “President Obama was given a 21-gun salute at the forecourt of the majestic presidential palace, after which Wing Commander Thakur walked him for the inspection of the Guard of Honour. She is the first woman officer to lead a tri-services Guard of Honour.” Thakur told NDTV that while she was proud of the fact that she was allowed to lead the guard of honour, she really hoped that the incident inspired more women to join the armed forces in the country.

More here

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President Barack Obama pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat

President Barack Obama folds his hands in a traditional Indian greeting gesture, as Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laugh during a ceremonial reception at the Indian presidential Palace in New Delhi

Jobs For Veterans. Thanks, President Obama

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PBS: White House Announces Plan To Train 50,000 People, Including Veterans, To Install Solar Panels

The U.S. is planning to train veterans to become solar panel installers in the next six years. The jobs training program is among a host of initiatives the White House says will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300 million tons through 2030, plus save billions of dollars on energy bills for homeowners and businesses. It will launch this fall at one or more military bases and train a total of at least 50,000, including veterans.

White House announces plan to train 50,000 people, including veterans, to install solar panels pbs.org/newshour/rundo… http://t.co/ULBw3uDNtQ

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Maggie Jordan (@MaggieJordanACN) September 27, 2014

The Agriculture Department will also spend nearly $70 million to fund 540 solar and renewable energy projects, focused on rural and farming areas. And the Energy Department will propose stricter efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners, a move the department said could cut emissions more than any other efficiency standard it has issued to date.

More here

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