Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on the Economic Recovery

The advance retail sales for June, announced today by the Department of Commerce, show continuing good news about the strength of the economic recovery. The President is encouraged by growing consumer confidence, which is reflected by this third consecutive monthly increase in consumer buying. The sales of big-ticket items such as automobiles are a key sign of consumers' expectations for the future. The President's policies have placed the recovery on firm footing and hold the promise of a robust economy in the years ahead.