Looking for changes that Obama has already made since

[NewEngland4Obama]

taking office. Pubs on a message board claims no real changes yet and I need info to respond. Thanks!

[Darth_Ole]

1. How about closing Guantanamo

and unequivocally stating that this nation will not torture?

And at least extending your hand to the other party, whether or not they take it, is a 180-degree change from the past eight years.

While he listens to his generals' advice, he's not an empty suit when it comes to making decisions: We've learned that Obama will finally announce his long-needed withdrawal plan for Iraq, albeit two months longer than his campaign promise.

He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

And in a short month, his words and actions have brought a level of respectability and legitimacy to the Oval Office again.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Use google.

Sorry, but if you're here, you should be able to answer that on your own.

[damonm]

4. Yup.

Note to OP -
Google is your friend.

[kestrel91316]

3. Check out the WH website. There is probably a whole list of just

the Executive Orders he signed the first day.

[gcomeau]

5. You could try the "Obamameter".

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

[ACTION BASTARD]

7. WOW! Somebody that can actually answer the question without the 'tude.

Very helpful and thanks for sharing your knowledge. If only the rest of DU was as compassionate.

[NewEngland4Obama]

11. I guess there are trolls that ask questions to stir up trouble. But

knew I could find an answer here...

[Cha]

14. Besides it would be chance to

discuss the changes Obama has made already. I clicked on to get a composite from DUers.

[NewEngland4Obama]

10. That was a great help. Thanks!

[Cant trust em]

6. He's been in office for a little over a month.

Find me a person who on their first month on the job is able to reverse the course of the ship.

There have been substantial changes, but that's not really my point.

[NewEngland4Obama]

8. Thanks for all the responses!

I really loved Obama speech and know there will be great changes for education, health, jobs. They were asking what has he done so far which doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

[FrenchieCat]

9. whitehouse.gov

SIGNED LEGISLATION
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Signed: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009

DTV Delay Act
Signed: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009

Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act
Signed: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Signed: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

January 22, 2009


Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and Closure of Detention Facilities
Review of Detention Policy Options
Ensuring Lawful Interrogations
January 21, 2009


Presidential Records
Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel
Previous Executive Orders



PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDA

January 26, 2009

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
State of California Request for Waiver Under 42 U.S.C. 7543(b), the Clean Air Act
January 23, 2009

Mexico City Policy and Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning
January 22, 2009

Review of the Detention of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri
January 21, 2009


Freedom of Information Act
Pay Freeze
Transparency and Open Government


ACTIONS

2/26/2009
President Obama Announces More Key Department of Defense Appointments
WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key posts at the Department of Defense: Jim Miller, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Policy, and Lt. Gen. Wallace “Chip” Gregson, Jr. (USMC, Ret), Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.



2/26/2009
President Obama Selects Health Policy Expert to Head Office of National AIDS Policy
President Barack Obama today announced the appointment of one of the nation’s leading public health policy experts as the Director of Office of National AIDS Policy. Jeffrey S. Crowley, MPH, Senior Research Scholar at Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute will coordinate the federal government’s efforts on HIV/AIDS policy and will help guide the administration’s development of disability policies.



2/25/2009
ADVISORY: Vice President Biden to Lead First Middle Class Task Force Meeting in Philadelphia
Washington, DC – The Middle Class Task Force, led by Vice President Joe Biden, will hold its first official meeting on FRIDAY February 27th at 12:30 PM EDT at the William B. Irvine Auditorium on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. The focus of this meeting is on green jobs as a pathway to a strong middle class.



2/25/2009
President Obama Nominates Former Governor Gary Locke for Secretary of Commerce
Today, President Barack Obama officially nominated former Washington Governor Gary Locke for Secretary of Commerce. In this key role on the administration’s economic team, Locke will work to foster and promote the nation’s economic development at home, and serve as an influential ambassador for American industry abroad.



2/24/2009
Preliminary Excerpt of the President's Address to Congress and the List of Americans Seated with the First Lady
The White House today released a preliminary excerpt of the President’s address to the joint session of Congress tonight. Also, listed below are the names of the Americans who will be seated in the First Lady’s box during the President’s remarks.



2/24/2009
Readout on the President's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Aso
President Obama today held in-depth consultations with the Prime Minister of Japan on the global economic crisis and other areas for bilateral cooperation. The President underscored his firm commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and called for continued progress in modernizing the Alliance by implementing the joint realignment initiative.



2/23/2009
President Obama Announces Key Administration Posts
Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate several individuals for key administration posts.



2/23/2009
President Obama Announces More Key White House Staff
WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced several key White House Staff.



2/23/2009
Vice President Biden to Oversee the Administration's implementation of the Recovery Act's Provisions
Vice President Biden to Oversee the Administration’s Implementation of the Recovery Act’s Provisions President Obama Appoints Earl Devaney as Chair of the Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board



2/23/2009
President Obama Announces $15 Billion in Medicaid Relief from ARRA Headed To States
Moving swiftly to bring real relief to Americans hit hard by the economic crisis, President Barack Obama announced today that states will be able to access the first two quarters of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding (FMAP) starting this Wednesday, February 25.



2/20/2009
Geithner, Summers Convene Official Designees to Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry
WASHINGTON – Today, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and National Economic Council (NEC) Director Larry Summers convened official designees to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry to discuss recently submitted restructuring plans from Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation.



2/20/2009
President Obama Selects Top Rural Health Care Advocate to Oversee Key HHS Agency
President Obama today announced the appointment of one of the nation’s top rural health care professionals as Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. Mary Wakefield, Director of the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota, will oversee this critical agency, which helps to deliver health care to those who are uninsured and underserved by our current health care system.



2/19/2009
White House Announces 2009 Governors' Dinner
The White House announced today that the President and First Lady will welcome the National Governors Association to the White House on Sunday, February 22nd for the 2009 Governors’ Dinner. The evening will feature performances by the Marine Corps band and music legends Earth Wind and Fire.



2/19/2009
President Obama and Prime Minister Harper vow joint effort on North American economic recovery
President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper today agreed the United States and Canada will pursue economic recovery measures and efforts to strengthen the international financial system to counter the global economic recession.



2/19/2009
President Barack Obama Announces Key White House Posts
WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, President Barack Obama announced the following White House posts: Adolfo Carrion, White House Director of Urban Affairs and Derek Douglas, Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs.



2/18/2009
National Security Advisor General Jones to Travel to Miami to Meet with King Juan Carlos I of Spain
Following his telephone conversation with King Juan Carlos I of Spain on February 13th, the President has asked National Security Advisor General James Jones to travel to Miami on Friday, February 20, to meet the King and join him in participating in the Spain-Florida Economic Development Symposium.



2/17/2009
Interview of the President by CBC, 2/17/09



2/17/2009
President Obama Signs Oklahoma, Missouri and Tennessee Major Disaster Declarations
The President today declared major disasters exist in the States of Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe winter storms in Oklahoma and Missouri during the period of January 26-28, 2009, and by winter storms and flooding in Tennessee during the period of January 27-31, 2009.



2/17/2009
White House Releases State by State Numbers; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Save or Create 3.5 Million Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House today released state-specific details on the local impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a nationwide effort to create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform our economy to compete in the 21st century.



2/16/2009
Readout on the President's Call to Turkish President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan
Earlier today, President Obama had warm and productive phone conversations with Turkish President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan. Both discussions were wide-ranging.



2/15/2009
Declaration of Major Disaster in the State of Oklahoma
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes during the period of February 10-11, 2009.



2/14/2009
President Obama Promotes Community Service in NBA All-Star Game Message
During a pre-taped message that will air during halftime of tomorrow evening’s NBA All-Star game in Phoenix, President Obama will once again discuss the importance of serving others and encourage Americans to visit usaservice.org to find ways to serve in their community.



2/13/2009
President and First Lady to Host Concert Honoring Stevie Wonder in the East Room
On Wednesday, February 25th, the President and First Lady will host a concert in the East Room honoring Stevie Wonder, who will be awarded the 2nd annual Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Library of Congress.



2/13/2009
Readout on the President's Call to King Juan Carlos I of Spain
This afternoon, President Obama spoke with King Juan Carlos I to convey his desire to build on the close relationship the United States and Spain enjoy.



2/12/2009
Vice President Joe Biden Announces Kareem Dale As Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy
BOISE, ID – Vice President Joe Biden today announced Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. The Vice President, who was leading a Presidential Delegation at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, made the announcement during a stop at the Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Event, a worldwide program in which athletes receive a variety of health screenings and services.



2/11/2009
Readout On the President’s Calls to Foreign Leaders
This afternoon, President Obama spoke to President Peres of Israel to extend his congratulations to the Israeli people on their general elections yesterday. The President remarked that the Israeli people should be very happy about the democratic example they have set for the world. They had a good discussion, and the President complimented President Peres on his recent op-ed in which he reaffirmed his strong commitment to achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.



2/11/2009
Nomination Press Release - Assistant Attorney General
David S. Kris, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice J. Patrick Rowan, resigned.



2/9/2009
Press Conference by the President
On Monday evening, February 9, 2009, President Obama gave his first White House press conference in the East Room.



2/9/2009
Governor Crist to join President at Fort Myers Town Hall Meeting Tomorrow
The White House announced today that Florida Governor Charlie Crist will introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Fort Myers to discuss the urgent need for a plan to help American families cope with the severe economic downturn and lay the foundation for our long term recovery.



2/9/2009
President Obama Directs the National Security and Homeland Security Advisors to Conduct Immediate Cyber Security Review
President Obama has directed the National Security and Homeland Security Advisors to conduct an immediate review of the plan, programs, and activities underway throughout the government dedicated to cyber security.



2/9/2009
Readout on the President's Call to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia
President Obama called Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia. The President and the Prime Minister discussed the current status of the fires across Victoria, Australia. The President offered his prayers to the people of Australia and his condolences to the victims. The President asked if the U.S. could provide assistance to the government and people of Australia to assist with the fire.



2/6/2009
Vice President Joe Biden to Depart for Germany to Represent United States at Annual Munich Security Conference
The Vice President will travel to Germany later today to represent the United States and address the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy, also known as the Wehrkunde Conference. General James L. Jones, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, will also attend the conference. The Munich Security Conference is an annual gathering of government officials, foreign and defense policy experts and journalists to discuss Trans-Atlantic security issues.



2/6/2009
Obama Announces Economic Advisory Board
Washington (February 6, 2009) – President Barack Obama today signed an executive order establishing the new Economic Recovery Advisory Board. Modeled on the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower the Board will provide an independent voice on economic issues and will be charged with offering independent advice to the President as he formulates and implements his plans for economic recovery.



2/6/2009
President Obama Announces More Key White House Staff
Today, President Obama announced three Deputy Associate Directors of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Jodi Archambault Gillette, Nicholas Rathod, and Michael Blake.



2/6/2009
Readout on the President’s Meeting with Family Members of the Victims of the Attacks of September 11th and the Attack on the USS Cole



2/6/2009
President Obama Signs Major Disaster Declaration for Arkansas
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm beginning on January 26, 2009, and continuing.



2/5/2009
President Obama Signs Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and flooding beginning on January 26, 2009, and continuing.



2/5/2009
Obama Announces White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
President Barack Obama today signed an executive order establishing the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will work on behalf of Americans committed to improving their communities, no matter their religious or political beliefs.



2/5/2009
Vice President Biden: "400,000 Jobs to Be Created Nationwide by Investing in our Country's Infrastructure"
Washington, DC – After touring the Laurel, Maryland MARC Train Station, one of the thousands of rail and commuter stations all across the country in dire need of improvements, Vice President Joe Biden discussed why we must invest in our nation’s infrastructure in order to build a 21st century economy. He was joined by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.



2/4/2009
White House Releases Additional State-Specific Impacts of American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
The White House today released additional state-specific details on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. The recovery plan will create and save jobs in the near future while addressing long-neglected needs that are critical to laying the foundation for a strong economic future.



2/4/2009
Treasury Announces New Restrictions On Executive Compensation



2/3/2009
State-By-State Employment Data on Impact of American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan



2/3/2009
Duckworth Tapped for VA Assistant Secretary
President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate L. Tammy Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, to be the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).



2/3/2009
Letter from Nancy Killefer to President Obama



2/2/2009
Ron Sims To Be Nominated As HUD's Deputy Secretary
President Barack Obama today announced he intends to nominate Ron Sims, County Executive of King County, Washington, to become the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).



2/2/2009
Readout on President Obama's Calls to Iraqi President Talabani, Prime Minister Maliki and President Lee of the Republic of Korea
Below is a readout from Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on President Obama’s calls to Iraqi President Talabani, Prime Minister Maliki and President Lee of the Republic of Korea.



2/2/2009
Readout on Meeting with Democratic Congressional Leaders
The President had a productive meeting to discuss the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment plan with Democratic congressional leaders late this afternoon. They agreed on the urgency of passing effective legislation in the short term and committed to continue working together to achieve the bipartisan consensus that the President has sought throughout this process.



1/30/2009
Obama Announces Middle Class Task Force
President Barack Obama today announced the creation of a White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families to be chaired by Vice President Joe Biden. The Task Force is a major initiative targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America.



1/30/2009
Obama Declares Major Disaster in Washington State
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides, and flooding during the period of January 6-16, 2009.



1/30/2009
Obama Signs Emergency Disaster Declaration for Missouri
Earlier this evening President Obama called Missouri Governor Jay Nixon about the severe winter storm. The President asked for an update on the situation and for the status of emergency response efforts. He informed the Governor that he would be signing his request for federal aid and would declare a federal emergency.



1/29/2009
Readout on the President's Call to Prime Minister Aso of Japan
The President last evening had a substantive and wide-ranging telephone discussion with Prime Minister Aso of Japan.



1/28/2009
President Obama Speaks with Governors Beebe and Beshear; Signs Emergency Declarations for Arkansas and Kentucky
Earlier this evening President Obama made phone calls to Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear about the severe winter storm in both states. The President asked the governors for updates on the situation in their states and for the status of emergency response efforts.



1/28/2009
President Obama Announces Deputy Directors for Intergovernmental Affairs
Today, President Barack Obama announced that David Agnew and Sean McGrath will serve as Deputy Directors for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.



1/28/2009
Obama Announces Deputy Directors for the National Economic Council
Today, President Barack Obama announced that Diana Farrell and Jason Furman will serve as Deputy Directors of the National Economic Council (NEC).



1/28/2009
Obama Announces Key Additions to the Office of the White House Counsel
Today, President Barack Obama announced more key members of the Office of the White House Counsel, including Deputy Counsels and Special Counsel, Associate Counsels, Deputy Associate Counsels, Research Director, and Staff Assistants and Administrative Assistants.



1/27/2009
Readout on the President's Calls to Foreign Leaders
The President had a warm, positive conversation with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.



1/27/2009
Dr. Jill Biden Announces Plans to Continue Teaching
Continuing her 28-year career as an educator, Dr. Jill Biden returned to teaching today at a DC-area community college. Dr. Biden will work as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College this semester, teaching two English courses.



1/27/2009
Vice President Biden at Annual Munich Security Conference
The Vice President will travel to Germany at the end of next week to represent the United States and address the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy, also known as Wehrkunde. General James L. Jones, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, will also attend the conference.



1/24/2009
WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Barack Obama Discusses New White House Report on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
In the weekly address released today, President Barack Obama discussed a new White House report on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which outlines the tangible impact that the plan will have on our economy.



1/23/2009
President's calls to foreign leaders
This afternoon, President Obama made phone calls to three foreign leaders and to the Secretary General of the United Nations.



1/23/2009
Letter from OMB Director Orszag to Senator Conrad
Text of a January 22, 2009, letter from OMB Director Peter Orszag to Senator Kent Conrad.



1/22/2009
President Barack Obama Announces Key DOJ Appointees
WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced the following Department of Justice (DOJ) appointees: David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Division; Lanny Breuer, Assistant Attorney General for Criminal; and Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust.



1/22/2009
BACKGROUND: President Obama signs Executive Orders on Detention and Interrogation Policy
Executive Order requires closure of the Guantanamo detention center no later than one year from the date of the Order. Closure of the facility is the ultimate goal but not the first step. The Order establishes a review process with the goal of disposing of the detainees before closing the facility.



ALSO SEE

http://www.recovery.gov/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/StrongMiddleClass/

[johnnydrama]

12. how about

2 big ones today.

No raids on medical marijuana places.
Allowing caskets coming home from Iraq/Afhganistan to be seen.

[FudaFuda]

13. changed his commerce nominee a few times.

sorry, the thought occurred to me and I couldn't resist. The stimulus package contains a massive yank on the rudder. it's just gonna take some time to see the effect.