Barack Obama

Ultimately, though, equal pay isn’t just an economic issue for millions of Americans and their families, it’s a question of who we are – and whether we’re truly living up to our fundamental ideals.

But equal pay is by no means just a women’s issue – it’s a family issue.

It is fitting that with the very first bill I sign – the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act – we are upholding one of this nation’s first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version…

We're at a moment of history where I think the most important thing we need to do is to bring the country together. And one of the skills that I bring to bear is being able to pull together the different strands of American life and focus…

Number three, I said that I would not allow this plan to become a welfare program for Wall Street executives, whose greed and irresponsibility got us into this mess.

This is a continuing disaster for America's working families. As worrying as these numbers are, it's what they mean for the American people that really matters and that's so alarming.

That is the height of irresponsibility. It is shameful.

We're going to be having conversations as this process moves forward directly with these folks on Wall Street to underscore that they have to start acting in a more responsible fashion if we are to, together, get this economy rolling…

I think we're in a moment of history where probably the most important thing we need to do is to bring the country together.

In the last few days, the alleged scandal at Madoff investor securities has reminded us yet again of how badly reform is needed when it comes to the rules and regulations that govern our markets.

These are extraordinary times and it calls for swift and extraordinary action.

For homeowners who are victims of fraud, I have also proposed a $10 billion Foreclosure Prevention Fund that would help them sell a home that is beyond their means or modify their loan to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy.

I'm confident that we can fix this.

All we can do, those of us here in Washington is to help create a favorable climate in which workers can prosper, businesses can thrive and our economy can grow. And that is exactly what the recovery plan I've proposed is intended to do…

She was a good hard worker who did her job, and she did it well for nearly two decades before discovering that for years she was paid less than her male colleagues for doing the very same work.

There will be a time for them to get bonuses. Now is not the time.

Wall Street bonuses are obscene.

He talks tough, warning Wall Street the big bonuses are sending the wrong message to taxpayers.

I'm confident that, with the recovery package moving through the House and through the Senate, with the excellent work that's already been done by Secretary Geithner in consultation with Larry Summers and Paul Volcker and other…

There will be time for them to make profits, and there will be time for them to get bonuses. Now is not that time.

I know that, if we stay focused, as Lilly did, and keep standing for what's right, as Lilly did, we will close that pay gap, and we will make sure that our daughters have the same rights, the same chances, and the same freedoms to pursue…

And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility.

I know that we stay focused as Lily did and keep standing for what's right as Lily did. We will close that pay gap and we will make sure that our daughters have the same rights, the same chances and the same freedoms to pursue their dreams…

Now is not that time.

That is the height of irresponsibility. It is shameful and part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint and show some discipline and show some sense of responsibility.