Subject: Daily Message Points -- May 16, 2016
From: "Lillard, Brooke M. EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
To: "Lillard, Brooke M. EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
Cc: "O'Donnell, Robert F. EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 16 May 2016 21:12:18 +0000

Hi everyone,

Below are some relevant talking points that may be of use.

Thank you,

Brooke Lillard

Deputy Assistant Director of Broadcast Media

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Daily Message Points

May 16, 2016

Contraception & SCOTUS

*         Today, the Supreme Court asked the lower courts to take another look at the contraception issue in light of the parties' recent filings.  The Supreme Court did not issue a ruling on the merits.

*         The Supreme Court was also clear that nothing in its order prevents the government from ensuring that women get the health care they need, including contraceptive coverage, while the legal process plays out.

*         This is a significant victory for the millions of women across the country who rely on the Affordable Care Act to get the health coverage they need.

*         The Administration believes that the accommodation for objecting non-profit religious organizations strikes the right balance between providing important health benefits to women and respecting religious beliefs.

*         As millions of women know firsthand, contraception is often vital to their health and well-being.  That's why the Affordable Care Act ensures that women have coverage for contraceptive care, along with other preventive care like vaccines and cancer screenings.  At the same time, the policy ensures that certain organizations that object to this coverage on religious grounds do not have to contract, arrange, pay, or refer for such coverage.

Medal of Valor

*         Today, as we celebrate Police Week, President Obama awarded the Medal of Valor to police officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect others from harm.

*         The President was proud to stand with these heroes and the family of one hero who gave his life in protection of others.

*         The President recognized the work of all public safety officers around the country, from rookie cadets to the Attorney General, while also acknowledging the profound sacrifices - the worrying and the waiting up - made by the families of these officers.

*         And the President noted that our gratitude as a nation must be marked with more than words. We must make the streets safer for those who serve and protect us, too.

*         That's what the Policing Task Force is all about and that's why the President will keep pushing Congress to move forward in a bipartisan way to make our criminal justice system more cost-effective, fairer and smarter.

*         We have to do that while also enhancing public safety and ensuring the men and women honored today and around the country have the ability to enforce the law and keep our communities safe.

*         And today marked progress on that front: Prior to today's ceremony, the President signed into law a package of bills to protect and honor our law enforcement officers, including one that will help state and local departments buy more bulletproof vests.

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