President Obama Signs Jobs Bill
Yesterday, President Obama signed the HIRE Act, also known as the Jobs Bill, at a signing ceremony in the Rose Garden. I was there for the ceremony and went a little "Suzy Snapshots," of course.
This is the President's "Body Man" Reggie Love. You know when you see Reggie, it's close to show time.
President Obama approaches the podium to make remarks. Note the Cherry Blossoms budding!
He was joined on stage by members of Congress. Seen here are members of the Democratic Leadership.
I noticed that Rep. Bart Stupak, the Democrat from Michigan who was leading the Pro-Life Democrats' fight for tougher language regarding federal funding and abortions, got a front row seat. After the ceremony, President Obama approached him and patted him on the shoulder. We then noticed that Congressman Stupak was escorted inside the White House. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs would not confirm whether or not he met with the President.
President Obama said, "Government can’t create all the jobs we need or can it repair all the damage that’s been done by this recession. But what we can do is promote a strong, dynamic private sector -- the true engine of job creation in our economy. We can help to provide an impetus for America’s businesses to start hiring again. We can nurture the conditions that allow companies to succeed and to grow. And that’s exactly what this jobs bill will help us do."
Members of Congress look on as the President signs the Jobs bill into law. He's a "Lefty."
You know right now Democrats are trying to scrounge up every vote they can before the big healh care vote on Sunday. Yesterday, I noticed Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat from Ohio who is pro-life and a member of Stupak's coalition of the "Dirty Dozen" who were at least threatening to vote "no" on the health care bill, was getting quite a bit of attention:
Here she is with Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.
And President Obama.
And House Speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi.
Kaptur is a handful of last minute hold-outs. I also noticed Rep. Joseph Cao, Republican from Louisiana there yesterday. He was on stage for the bill signing. He voted "no" on the last health care vote. Also on stage was Rep. Jason Altmire, Democrat from Pennsylvania. He voted "no" last time as well, and is still on the fence. He did say that he would inform leadership of his intention before the vote.
As we count down the hours to the vote on Sunday... I'm kind of starting to feel like I did when we were waiting on news of a new Pope. Remember looking for that puff of smoke? Wonder if there will be one coming out of the top of the Capitol on Sunday?