Congress passes bills that appropriate money. Congress says, 'We're building this bridge or funding that defense project, and they cost this much.'
Jay CarneyThe debate we won't be having is whether or not the debt ceiling should be raised. We will not have a situation where people will hold the American economy hostage in order to achieve a specific agenda - at least not until 2013. So we think that is incredibly important as a matter of economic good.
Jay CarneyThe president assured the chancellor that the United States is not monitoring and will not monitor the communications of the chancellor.
Jay CarneyWe believe that - the president believes that the economy will continue to grow, that the economy will continue to create jobs, and that we need to do everything we can to enhance that growth and enhance that job creation.
Jay CarneyThis president's committed to taking steps to move the Middle East peace process forward, to bringing the two parties to the table to negotiate a lasting peace. That is the only way that a two-state solution can be achieved that provides the security that Israel deserves and needs and the sovereignty that the Palestinian people seek.
Jay Carney