Goodbye, Obama
A timeline of what the Obamas accomplished during their time in the White House.
1.
Ends the 2008 Recession
Feb 17, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped jumpstart the American economy during the worst recession since the Great Depression by spurring economic growth and increasing spending in education and other programs.
2.
Childhood Obesity Prevention
Feb 9, 2010
Michelle Obama launched “Let’s Move,” a program urging schools and food providers to produce healthier food for children and encouraging kids to engage in physical activity.
3.
Reforms Health Care
March 23, 2010
Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, to provide affordable health insurance to Americans — it has provided almost 10 million Americans with health care to date.
4.
Serves Military Families
March 23, 2010
“Joining Forces” was launched by Michelle Obama and Joe Biden — the initiative works to provide military families with resources for employment, education and wellness.
5.
Takes Down Osama Bin Laden
May 1, 2011
Obama ordered the U.S. Special Forces to attack Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in his compound located in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The US had spent 11 years trying to track Bin Laden and topple the terrorist group.
6.
Repeals “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
July 22, 2011
Obama repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a law created under the Clinton administration that prohibited gay and lesbian Americans serving in the military to identify openly as homosexual.
7.
Promotes Higher Education
May 2014
“Reach Higher” was Michelle Obama’s effort to encourage and inspire students to complete higher level education through professional training programs, community college or four-year college or university. The goal is for America to have the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020.
8.
Opens Relations with Cuba
Dec 17, 2014
After 56 years of of hostility between Cuba and the US, Obama opened up relations and lifted the embargo with Cuba. It helped show the world that America was ready to move beyond tensions from the Cold War.
9.
Promotes Girls’ Education
March 2015
“Let Girls Learn” was an initiative created by the First Lady focused on reducing barriers for girls to receive an education, such as forced marriages and financial situations. It also empowers girls by pushing for programs that provides them with leadership opportunities.
10.
Environmental Protection
Aug 3, 2015
Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency announced the Clean Power Plan to combat climate change — the policy aimed to place a national limit on carbon pollution and increase use of clean energy.
