President Barack Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson walk between buildings during a tour and budget remarks at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington , D . C .,
Feb . 2 , 2015 .
Barack Obama A Great American President Daytona Beach , Florida May 2015
King Salman the President and First Lady to a reception room at Erga Palace .
19 .
Began Asia “ Pivot ”:
In 2011 , reoriented American military and diplomatic priorities and focus from the Middle East and Europe to the Asian-Pacific region . Executed multipronged strategy of positively engaging China while reasserting U . S . leadership in the region by increasing American military presence and crafting new commercial , diplomatic , and military alliances with neighboring countries made uncomfortable by recent Chinese behavior .
20 .
Increased Support for Veterans :
With so many soldiers coming home from Iraq and Iran with serious physical and mental health problems , yet facing long waits for services increased 2010 Department of Veterans Affairs budget by 16 percent and 2011 budget by 10 percent . Also signed new GI bill offering $ 78 billion in tuition assistance over a decade , and provided multiple tax credits to encourage businesses to hire veterans .
21 .
Tightened Sanctions on Iran :
In effort to deter Iran ’ s nuclear program , signed Comprehensive Iran Sanctions , Accountability , and Divestment Act ( 2010 ) to punish firms and individuals who aid Iran ’ s petroleum sector . In late 2011 and early 2012 , coordinated with other major Western powers to impose sanctions aimed at Iran ’ s banks and with Japan , South Korea , and China to shift their oil purchases away from Iran .
22 .
Conditions to Begin Closing Dirtiest Power Plants :
New EPA restrictions on mercury and toxic pollution , issued in December 2011 , likely to lead to the closing of between sixty-eight and 231 of the nation ’ s oldest and dirtiest coalfired power plants . Estimated cost to utilities : at least $ 11 billion by 2016 . Estimated health benefits : $ 59 billion to $ 140 billion . Will also significantly reduce carbon emissions and , with other regulations , comprises what ’ s been called Obama ’ s “ stealth climate policy .”
23 .
Passed Credit Card Reforms :
Signed the Credit Card Accountability , Responsibility , and Disclosure Act ( 2009 ), which prohibits credit card companies from raising rates without advance notification , mandates a grace period on interest rate increases , and strictly limits overdraft and other fees .
President Obama speaks at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Soweto , South Africa , Dec . 10 , 2013 .
24 .
Eliminated Catch-22 in Pay Equality Laws :
Signed Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 , giving women who are paid less than men for the same work the right to sue their employers after they find out about the discrimination , even if that discrimination happened years ago . Under previous law , as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Ledbetter v . Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co ., the statute of limitations on such suits ran out 180 days after the alleged discrimination occurred , even if the victims never knew about it .
25 .
Protected Two Liberal Seats on the U . S . Supreme Court :
Nominated and obtained confirmation for Sonia Sotomayor , the first Hispanic and third woman to serve , in 2009 ; and Elena Kagan , the fourth woman to serve , in 2010 . They replaced David Souter and John Paul Stevens , respectively .
26 .
Improved Food Safety System :
In 2011 , signed FDA Food Safety Modernization Act , which boosts the Food and Drug Administration ’ s budget by $ 1.4 billion and expands its regulatory responsibilities to include increasing number of food inspections , issuing direct food recalls , and reviewing the current food safety practices .
PROGRAM SUCCESS MAGAZINE PAGE : 18 | MAY 2015