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Late Friday night, President Obama announced that Democrats and Republicans had reached a deal to keep the federal government open for business. Because of this agreement, small businesses can receive the loans they need to hire and expand, families can receive financing for the purchase of a new home, and nearly a million civil servants will be paid on time for their service to our country – including our men and women in uniform. The agreement required compromises, but the result will help to trim wasteful spending while making investments that spur economic growth, a necessary balance for America to win the future.

As turmoil around the world continues and gas prices climb higher, President Obama today called for a renewed effort to secure our country’s energy future. For too long, America has been beholden to unstable and fluctuating oil-markets, an addiction that affects prices at the pump, the cost of groceries, and the ability of families to heat their homes.

Yesterday, President Obama met with 40 high school students who are finalists for the Intel Science Talent Search. This event was an opportunity to recognize some of the brightest science and math students across the country—students who will become the next generation’s scientists, engineers, and technological leaders. These talented young men and women are examples of how investments in education today will help America win the future.

Democrats and Republicans must come together in the weeks ahead, setting aside partisanship to reach an agreement to fund the government for the rest of 2011. President Obama has been clear that he is eager to find common ground with Republicans that eliminates wasteful spending and fuels economic growth. But the President cannot support the Republicans’ current plan, which is a partisan effort to bulldoze crucial programs – one that would cripple our economy.

In this White House White Board, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains President Obama’s plan to improve the patent system to expedite the process of turning a great idea into new jobs and industries – key elements to winning the future.

Today at 5:03 p.m. EST, President Obama is calling the crews of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station – and you’re welcome to join. The call will be streamed live on NASA TV, which you can see by visiting NASA.gov.

As the economy begins to recover from the worst recession in 80 years, President Obama proposed a plan to strengthen the incubators of growth while also helping our country live within its means. The plan makes targeted investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure – and is designed not just to create jobs right now but also to reinforce the pillars of long-term stability.