This article is the 62nd in a continuing series chronicling the unfolding history of the Obama Administration. The writer's opinions are not offered, leaving the readers to arrive at their own conclusions.

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This article is the 62nd in a continuing series chronicling the unfolding history of the Obama Administration. The writer's opinions are not offered, leaving the readers to arrive at their own conclusions.

" Markets will rise and fall, but this is the United States of America. No matter what some agency may say, we've always been and always will be a AAA country ."__Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+, August 8, 2011

Day923/Aug1st/Monday: The President met with United States Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke in the Oval Office of the White House. Source

The President consulted with U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Stephen Ford in the Oval Office, reiterating his strong condemnation of the Syrian regime's outrageous use of violence against its own people and reaffirming the support of the United States of the Syrian people's demands for universal rights and a democratic transition. Source

The Obama Administration announced that, starting in 2013, most health insurance plans must provide free contraceptives to women. Source: CBS Evening News

Day924/Aug2nd/Tuesday: The President met with the AFL-CIO Executive Committee in the East Room of the White House to discuss issues important to working families, including how to continue growing the United States economy and putting Americans back to work. Source

The President delivered remarks from the Rose Garden of the White House on the United States Congress passage of a national debt reduction/debt limit elevation bill. Transcript Video

The President met with the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the U.S. Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 26 in the Oval Office of the White House. Source

The President met with United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in the Oval Office. Source

The President signed into law S. 365, the "Budget Control Act of 2011," which provided for authority to increase the public debt limit by between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion; established discretionary spending limits for FYs 2012-2021; required the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to each vote on passage of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution; and established a congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. Source

The President sent this message to the United States Congress:

"Pursuant to section 3101A(a)(1)(A) of title 31, United States Code, I hereby certify that the debt subject to limit is within $100,000,000,000 of the limit in 31 U.S.C. 3101(b) and that further borrowing is required to meet existing commitments." Source

The President sent these nominations to the United States Senate:

David B. Barlow , of Utah, to be United States Attorney for the District of Utah for the term of four years bio

Miranda Du , of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada bio

Catharine Friend Easterly , of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years bio

Adalberto Jos?? Jord??n , of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit bio Source

Ashton B. Carter , of Massachusetts, to be Deputy Secretary of Defense bio

Irvin Charles McCullough III , of Maryland, to be Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (New Position) bio

Ernest Mitchell, Jr ., of California, to be Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security bio

Nancy Maria Ware , of the District of Columbia, to be Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia for a term of six years bio

Gregory Howard Woods , of New York, to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy bio Source

The President informed the United States Senate that he was withdrawing his nomination of Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, United States Department of Labor, which had been sent to the Senate on January 5, 2011. Source

The United States Custom and Immigration Services announced, a s part of the Obama Administration's comprehensive effort to attract and retain high-skill entrepreneurs, it would:

1) Clarify that immigrant entrepreneurs may obtain an employment-based second preference (EB-2) immigrant visa if they satisfy the existing requirements, and also may qualify for a National Interested Waiver under the EB-2 immigrant visa category if they can demonstrate that their business endeavors will be in the interest of the United States

2) Expand the Premium Processing Service to immigrant petitions for multinational executives and managers

3) Clarify when a sole employee-entrepreneur can establish a valid employer-employee relationship for the purposes of qualifying for an H-1B non-immigrant visa

4) Implement fundamental enhancements to streamline the EB-5 process based directly on stakeholder feedback

5) Launch new engagement opportunities to seek input and feedback on how to address the unique circumstances of entrepreneurs, new businesses and startup companies Source

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) posted on its website the SBA 100 , a showcase of 100 small businesses that recieved SBA help to create at least 100 jobs.

Day925/Aug3rd/Wednesday: The President held a meeting with his cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House. The President's Remarks before the Cabinet Meeting Video

The President met with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office of the White House. Source

The President met with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in the Oval Office. Source

The President signed into law H.R. 1383, the "Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011," which temporarily preserved higher rates of payment for tuition and fees for those enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program at non-public institutions of higher learning, and adjusted certain housing stipends. Source

The President's plan for how the Federal Government would support and help empower American communities and their local partners to prevent violent extremism "Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States" was made available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/empowering_local_partners.pdf

The President traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where he participated in a Democratic National Committee (DNC) video teleconference (transcript) and later delivered remarks at one DNC event and more remarks at a second event at the Aragon Entertainment Center in Chicago.

The President returned to the White House. Source

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called President Obama to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss Russia's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession negotiations. The Presidents noted the significant progress that had been made since they spoke last a few weeks before. President Obama stressed the need for Russia to work with other WTO members to close out the last remaining issues and bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion by the end of the year. Source

Day926/Aug4th/Thursday: The President issued a Presidential Directive that, for the first time, explicitly barred entry into the United States of persons who organize or participate in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of human rights.   Fact Sheet Proclamation

The President ordered the Federal share for Public Assistance increased to 90 percent of the total eligible costs for the Sovereign Tribal Nation of the Havasupai Tribe from the earlier 75 percent of aid damage caused by severe storms and flooding during the period of October 3-6, 2010. Source

The President became 50-years-old on this day. For a report on the President's birthday barbeque in the Rose Garden of the White House, read Lynn Sweet's account for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Day927/Aug5th/Friday: The President spoke by telephone with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and, separately, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel about the latest developments in the Eurozone crisis. Noting the significant steps taken at the July 21, 2011 summit of leaders of the euro area and the importance of their implementation, the President welcomed the continued leadership of President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel in addressing the challenges facing Europe's economy. The President also consulted with President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel on the situation in Syria. The leaders condemned the Bashar al-Assad regime's continued use of indiscriminate violence against the Syrian people. They welcomed the August 3, 2011 presidential statement by the U.N. Security Council condemning Syria's actions, but also agreed to consider additional steps to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people. Source

The President signed into law H.R. 2553, the "Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part IV," which extended through September 16, 2011 authorities to collect taxes that fund the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, make expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and make grants to airports under the Airport Improvement Program and limits eligibility for the Transportation Department's Essential Air Service Program, which provides subsidies to maintain commercial air service in small communities. Source

The President proclaimed the week of August 7 through August 13, 2011, as National Health Center Week. Source

T he President traveled to the Washington Navy Yard, where he addressed his Administration's efforts to prepare United States veterans for the workforce.   Transcript Video White House released fact sheet .

The President traveled to Camp David for the weekend.

The week's West Wing Week was released.

Day928/Aug6th/Saturday: In his Weekly Address, the President called on Democrats and Republicans to work together to grow the economy and get Americans back to work. Transcript Video

The President, in a released statement, declared, "My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the Americans who were lost earlier today in Afghanistan. Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan. We will draw inspiration from their lives, and continue the work of securing our country and standing up for the values that they embodied. We also mourn the Afghans who died alongside our troops in pursuit of a more peaceful and hopeful future for their country. At this difficult hour, all Americans are united in support of our men and women in uniform who serve so that we can live in freedom and security."

Day929/Aug7th/Sunday: The President returned to the White House from Camp David in the afternoon.

The President telephoned Commander, U.S. Forces in Afghanistan General John R. Allen and commander of the Joint Special Operations Command General Joseph Votel in Afghanistan, and commander of United States Central Command General James Mattis and Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Admiral Eric T. Olson in Tampa, to express his condolences for the lives lost in the August 6, 2011 attack on and crash of a helicopter carrying some Afghan soldiers and many of those American soldiers who belonged to the Navy Seals unit that had stormed Osama bin Ladin's compound in Pakistan and killed Bin Ladin. Source

The President received a telephone call from President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, who reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of 30 American service-members in the August 6, 2011 helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Source

Day930/Aug8th/Monday: The President addressed from the State Dining Room of the White House the August 5, 2011 credit rating downgrade from AAA to AA+ by Standard & Poor's. Transcript Video

The President approved an additional $105 million for urgent humanitarian relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, amid the worst drought in East Africa in 60 years, and in mind that the United Nations (UN) had declared famine was affecting five regions in Somalia and predicted that famine would soon expand throughout southern Somalia. Thousands of Somalis were fleeing the famine and seeking refuge in Kenya and Ethiopia, which was also affected by the drought. According to the United Nations, more than 12.4 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Source Presidential Memorandum Issued to the United States Secretary of State

The President declared a major disaster existed in the State of Utah and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding during the period of April 18 to July 16, 2011. Federal funding was made available to state, Tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Salt Lake, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber, and the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Federal funding was also made available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and Tribes within the State. Source

The President ordered the Federal share for Public Assistance to the State of North Dakota increased to 90 percent of the total eligible costs from the earlier 75 percent order of May 10, 2011 aid for damage caused by severe storms and flooding during the period of February 14 to July 20, 2011. Source

The President spoke by telephone with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero and, separately, with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi about the latest developments in the eurozone crisis. The President welcomed the measures pursued by Spain and Italy to address their immediate economic challenges and improve their competitiveness. The President also consulted with President Zapatero and Prime Minister Berlusconi on the situation in Syria. The leaders condemned the Assad regime's continued use of indiscriminate violence against the Syrian people, and agreed to consult further on additional steps to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people's democratic aspirations. President Zapatero and Prime Minister Berlusconi also expressed their condolences for the deaths of 30 American servicemen in Afghanistan that occurred on August 6, 2011. Source

The President attended a DNC event at the private residence of Roy and Katrina Peebles in Washington, D.C. Transcript

The President attended a DNC event at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. Transcript

United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan , in a statement, announced the Obama Administration's plan to provide a process for states to receive flexibility under the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind Act.

Day931/Aug9th/Tuesday: The President traveled to Interstate Moving Services in Springfield, Virginia, where he spoke about his July 2011 directed future fuel efficiency standards for work trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles, beginning in 2014 .

The President traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and joined the families of the 30 United States soldiers who were killed in the August 6, 2011 attack on and crash of a military helicopter in Afghanistan. Source: CBS Evening News  

The President returned to the White House, where he met with United States Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner in the Oval Office. Source

The White House announced Ron Bloom would step down from his position as the Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy at the end of August 2011. Source

Day932/Aug10th/Wednesday: The President met with United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in the Oval Office of the White House. Source

The President and United States Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke met in the Oval Office to discuss the economy and global recovery. They were joined by U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, White House Chief of Staff William Daley and National Economic Council (NEC) Director Gene Sperling. They discussed the outlook for the recovery and for jobs as well as fiscal issues, including the need to tackle long-term deficit reduction. They also discussed the situation in Europe. Source

The President spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consult on regional issues and efforts to achieve Middle East peace. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for U.S. support for Israel's security, in particular the Iron Dome short-range rocket and mortar defense system. Source

The President issued a Presidential Memorandum to both the United States Secretary of State and the U.S. Secretary of Defense: " Pursuant to the authority vested in me by section 1012 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2291-4), I hereby certify, with respect to Colombia, that (1) interdiction of aircraft reasonably suspected to be primarily engaged in illicit drug trafficking in that country's airspace is necessary, because of the extraordinary threat posed by illicit drug trafficking to the national security of that country; and (2) that country has appropriate procedures in place to protect against innocent loss of life in the air and on the ground in connection with such interdiction, which shall at a minimum include effective means to identify and warn an aircraft before the use of force is directed against the aircraft. "

The President delivered remarks and hosted an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining Room of the White House. ( Transcript )   Video

Day933/Aug11th/Thursday: The President and his national security team were briefed via videoconferencing by U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker and Commander of the North American Treaty Organization's (NATO) International Security Assistance Force ( ISAF) General John R. Allen about the situation in Afghanistan. The The President again reaffirmed his commitment to a political solution in Afghanistan and expressed support for the regional engagement agenda laid out by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to include a productive international meeting at Bonn in December 2011. Source

T he President traveled to Holland, Michigan, where he toured the Johnson Controls Inc. advanced battery facility and spoke about the key role innovative technologies were expected to play in helping automakers achieve historic fuel economy standards to establish United States leadership in advanced vehicle manufacturing and spur economic growth through the creation of high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America. Transcript Video Fact Sheet: Fueling American Innovation

The President traveled to New York, New York, where he attended a DNC event at the Ritz-Carlton and delivered remarks ( transcript ) at a DNC event at a private residence.

The President spoke by telephone to Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan   about the situation in Syria, and other regional issues. The two leaders underscored the urgency of the situation, reiterated their deep concern about the Syrian Government's use of violence against civilians and their belief that the Syrian people's legitimate demands for a transition to democracy should be met. They agreed on the need for an immediate halt of all bloodshed and violence against the Syrian people. They further agreed to closely monitor the actions that the Syrian government was taking, and to consult closely in the days ahead. Finally, the two leaders agreed to coordinate closely in responding to the tragic famine in the horn of Africa, and to redouble our efforts to provide assistance and save lives. Source

The President returned to the White House. Source

Day934/Aug12th/Friday: The President met with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House to discuss the United States economy. Source

The President spoke with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai by video teleconference. The two leaders spoke for approximately 30 minutes and discussed progress by coalition and Afghan National Security forces as security responsibility transitioned toward a full Afghan lead in 2014; they looked ahead to important upcoming international meetings in Istanbul and in Bonn, and agreed to maintain their close consultations going forward. Source

The President welcomed the Super Bowl XLV Champion Green Bay Packers from the South Portico of the White House. Transcript Video

The President sent notice to the United States Congress r egarding the Continuation of Emergency Regarding Export Control regulations, declaring, " Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice, stating that the emergency caused by the lapse of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, is to continue in effect for 1 year beyond ." Source

The President signed into law H.R. 2715, which made changes to current consumer product safety standards, including providing the Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC) with greater authority and discretion to implement current law without overburdening certain manufacturers. Source

The President declared a major disaster existed in the State of Missouri and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding during the period of June 1 to August 1, 2011. Federal funding was made available to affected individuals in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, Lafayette, and Platte Counties, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding was also made available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Source

The President declared a major disaster existed in the State of Nebraska and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding during the period of May 24 to August 1, 2011, making federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Boyd, Burt, Cass, Dakota, Dixon, Douglas, Knox, Sarpy, and Washington, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding was also made available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by flooding in the counties of Burt, Cass, Dakota, Douglas, Garden, Knox, Lincoln, Otoe, Sarpy, Scotts Bluff, Thurston, and Washington. Assistance was also made available for emergency protective measures for Nemaha and Richardson Counties. Federal funding was also made available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Source

The White House Rural Council released a new report entitled Jobs and Economic Security for Rural America, which laid out the economic landscape faced by rural Americans and highlighted the Obama Administration's key accomplishments in rural communities. The Jobs and Economic Security for Rural America report focused on five critical areas: creating jobs and promoting economic growth, improving access to quality health care and education, fostering innovation, expanding outdoor opportunities, and supporting veterans and military families. The full report can be read here .

The week's West Wing Week was released.

Day935/Aug13th/Saturday: In his Weekly Address, the President urged Americans frustrated by the gridlock in Washington to let their elected officials know that it was time to put aside partisanship and act in the best interests of the country. Transcript Video

The President spoke by telephone to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia about regional issues and the situation in Syria. Both expressed their shared, deep concerns about the Syrian Government's use of violence against its citizens and agreed that the Syrian regime's brutal campaign of violence against the Syrian people must end immediately. Source

The President spoke by telephone to Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to congratulate her on her election and the Thai people on the success of the democratic process. Both underscored the enduring nature of the U.S.-Thailand friendship and alliance, and pledged to strengthen the bilateral relationship and work together to ensure peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. Source

The President and British Prime Minister David Cameron spoke by telephone about the situation in Syria, reiterating their deep concern about the Syrian government's use of violence against civilians and their belief that the Syrian people's legitimate demands for a transition to democracy should be met. They agreed on the need for an immediate halt of all bloodshed and violence against the Syrian people. In addition, both discussed recent developments in the global financial system, Libya, and Afghanistan. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences for the loss of life resulting from the August 6, 2011 downing of the U.S. helicopter in Afghanistan. The President joined the Prime Minister in welcoming the return of public order following several days of looting and violence in a number of British cities. Source

Day936/Aug14th/Sunday: Nothing to report.

Day937/Aug15th/Monday: T he President traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota to begin his three-day bus tour in the Midwest. The United States Secret Service had purchased the $1.1 million sleek black bus: a highway version of Air Force One and retrofitted by Hemphil Brothers Coach Company in Nashville, Tennessee with the basic heavy duty shell purchased from Prevost, a divison of The Volvo group, a manufacturer of touring coaches with its corporate headquarters in Sainte-Claire, Quebec. Source

The President held a town hall event in Cannon Falls, Minnesota at Lower Hannah's Bend Park. Transcript Video

The President held a town hall event in Decorah, Iowa at Seed Savers Exchange. Transcript Video

The White House debuted on Foursquare, a location-based social networking website. Source

Day938/Aug16th/Tuesday: The President and members of the White House Rural Council hosted the White House Rural Economic Forum at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa. The Forum brought together farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural organizations, and government officials to discuss ideas and initiatives to promote economic growth, accelerate hiring, and spur innovation in rural communities and small towns across the United States. The President provided opening ( transcript video) and closing ( transcript video) remarks.

The President's Remarks at the Breakout Session Hosted by Small Business Administrator Karen Mills

The President's Remarks at the Breakout Session hosted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

The President submitted to interviews with KSDK Saint Louis, Missouri and WDAF Kansas City, Missouri.

The President issued a Presidential Memorandum to the United States Homeland Security Secretary ordering the extention of the grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to September 30, 2011. "I have determined that there are compelling foreign policy reasons to again extend DED to those Liberians presently residing in the United States under the existing grant of DED," the President informed.

The President spent the night in Davenport, Iowa.

Vice President Joe Biden departed for Beijing, China, the first stop on a nine-day swing through Asia that also includes visits to Mongolia and Japan. Source

The United States Treasury Department announced $360 million in new State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding to 11 states and the District of Columbia, determined through an application for funding by which recipients had to demonstrate a reasonable expectation that the federal funds would enable them to leverage additional capital from private lenders and investors: at least $10 in private lending for every $1 in federal funding. So the math would likely generate more than $3.6 billion in new lending to help create new private sector jobs in communities across the country.

Day939/Aug17th/Wednesday: T he President held a town hall meeting at Wyffels Hybrids Production Facility in Atkinson, Illinois. Transcript Video

The President traveled to Alpha, Illinois and held a town meeting at Country Corner Farm. Transcript Video

The President returned to the White House. Source

Authors Bio:
Retired, Robert Arend was president of an AFSCME local from 1997-2007.