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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday blamed high inflation on a “global phenomenon,” pushing back on the notion that Democrats’ spending bills are largely responsible for rising prices. On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” moderator Margaret Brennan asked Buttigieg about Republicans criticizing Democrats for passing last year a $1.9 trillion stimulus package, dubbed the American Rescue Plan, that preceded a rise in inflation that hit a roughly 40-year high.

Via the pool report: He thanked families like Chrysler, Hershey, Heinz, Einstein, Steinway, Steinbeck, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig for prosperity and inspiration. He said young Americans "will always be grateful for Levi Strauss for their blue jeans." "Americans will also be grateful especially for some very important German immigrants Anheuser Busch." Obama said he was "thankful to Angela" who he said had yearned for the freedom in her youth, and said she had pointed out during their lunch the train tracks where the Berlin Wall used to run. He said she had helped her dreams become true for millions in...

Declaring "we don't have time for games," President Obama said Tuesday that it would be "inexcusable" for lawmakers to let politics stand in the way of a budget compromise that is well within reach. In an unannounced appearance in the White House press briefing room after an Oval Office meeting with congressional leaders, Obama said Democrats have already agreed to cuts well beyond the GOP's initial proposal, but that he was nonetheless committed to further negotiations to reach a final deal to fund government operations through the end of the fiscal year. "Nobody gets 100% of what they want, and...

As President Obama contemplates U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, the military operation in the country is facing increasing violence. Eight U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday. October has been the most violent month for U.S. troops in Afghanistan since the war began eight years ago. Today’s violence follows the deaths of 14 U.S. troops killed yesterday in a helicopter collision believed to have been caused by enemy fire. A total of 55 U.S. troops have been killed this month. Overall, 2009 has witnessed the highest number of U.S. and NATO troop deaths in Afghanistan since the war began.

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US President Barack Obama on Tuesday expressed rare frustration at the resistance he is facing in his efforts to overhaul the US healthcare system. "Sometimes I get a little frustrated because this is one of those situations where it's so obvious that the system we have isn't working well for too many people, and that we could be doing better," he said. Obama made the comments as his healthcare reform legislation faces tough hurdles in Congress, where it is opposed by many Republicans, but must also overcome divisions among his own Democratic party. ... "Frankly, if we...

The US government on Wednesday expressed its sympathy for relatives of the 168 people who were killed when their Caspian Airlines flight crashed in Iran earlier in the day. Washington "extends it condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in today's crash," read a brief statement by State Department spokesman Ian Kelly. "We are working through the US embassy in Yerevan and the Swiss Protecting Power in Iran to determine whether any American citizens were on board," the statement said.

BEIJING (Reuters) – Premier Wen Jiabao held out the prospect of extra stimulus spending if needed to hit China's 8 percent growth goal this year and called on Washington to ease worries Beijing has about the safety of its vast U.S. assets. In his annual news conference ending the nine-day session of China's ceremonial parliament, Wen on Friday reaffirmed China's commitment to keeping the yuan broadly steady and noted that the currency, far from having depreciated, had been rising in value. Wen, who fielded questions for well over two hours, said the 8 percent growth target was a measure of...

US Middle East Envoy George Mitchell expressed support during for Egyptian efforts to forge a Palestinian national unity government, indicating that America could take a new tack on Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, during a conference call Thursday with Jewish leaders. In sharp contrast to the Bush administration, which opposed a Palestinian national unity government, Mitchell said that should Egypt bring the sides together it would be "a step forward," and that until now divisions among the Palestinians have been a major obstacle to bringing peace to the region, according to representatives of Jewish organizations who participated in the call. The 45-minute call...

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2007 – Utah will observe “Thank a Soldier Day” tomorrow and March 19 to express gratitude to the servicemembers who protect America’s freedoms. Tomorrow’s public events will feature military equipment displays, a climbing wall, camouflage face-painting for children, concessions, and music. Speakers will include local and state politicians and military personnel. March 19 is the official, state-designated day for the observance, but organizers said most activities take place on the Saturday before the official day to facilitate high participation. “We want to create a culture of gratitude for the men and women that serve our country,”...

Sentencing should be delayed for two Border Patrol agents facing 20 years apiece in jail for shooting a drug smuggler and violating his civil rights, 22 congressmen told the Department of Justice Wednesday. In an official letter, the congressmen asked U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to postpone sentencing and review the case against Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean. "Due to significant concerns over the circumstances surrounding the prosecution of agents Ramos and Compean, the House Judiciary Committee has already recognized the need for a thorough review of this case by calling for congressional hearings and an...

WASHINGTON — President Bush expressed "serious concern" Saturday over the suicides at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay and directed an aggressive effort by his administration to reach out diplomatically while it investigates. "He wants to make sure that this thing is done right from all points of view," White House press secretary Tony Snow said Saturday evening. Bush, who is spending the weekend at Camp David, was notified at 7:45 a.m. EDT. Snow said it was during his daily intelligence briefing just afterward when the president voiced his concern over the incident and directed that the bodies be...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2005 – President Bush today expressed pride in the nation's servicemembers and their families in his weekly radio address. "During the holiday season and throughout the year, we think with pride of the men and women of our armed forces, who are keeping our nation safe and defending freedom around the world," the president said. "In Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, they are protecting our liberty by spreading liberty to others, and all Americans are grateful to our troops for their courage and commitment." Bush also noted the sacrifices of military families. "Staying behind when a family member...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2005 – Vice President Richard B. Cheney delivered personal messages of support and thanks to deployed U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan during visits to their operating areas Dec. 18 and today. "Americans are grateful for your service. They support your mission. We're proud of each and every one of you," Cheney told troops at a surprise Dec. 18 rally at Al-Asad Air Base, in western Iraq. The vice president told the troops he recognizes that they're missing their families and loved ones at home, particularly during the holidays. "With Christmas and Hanukkah arriving next week, I...

LONDON - Governments around the world expressed shock and scorn Thursday at the Iranian president's call for Israel to be "wiped off the map," and several summoned Tehran's envoys in their capitals for a reprimand. However, Israeli calls for Iran to be expelled from the United Nations over the remarks by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were not immediately taken up by other nations. In a speech Wednesday, Ahmadinejad denounced Israel and said a new wave of Palestinian attacks "will wipe this stigma from the face of the Islamic world." Citing the words of the founder of Iran's Islamic revolution, the late...