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The White House • April 18, 2018 Statement on Barbara Bush Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away yesterday in Houston, Texas. She was 92. Along with Abigail Adams, Mrs. Bush is one of only two First Ladies in American history to see a child follow her husband to the U.S. Presidency. The White House released this statement last night: President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. The President and First Lady’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Bush. The U.S. flag will fly at half-staff until sunset of the day that Mrs. Bush is laid to rest. Read statements from the Vice President and Karen Pence and from First Lady Melania Trump. A close, personal bond Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joined President Trump in Florida yesterday. “Shinzo and I have developed a very close relationship,” the President said. “We speak all the time. And our nations, I think, have never been closer than they are right now.” Abe praised the President’s handling of North Korea. “For the first time in the history of the world, there will be this summit meeting between the United States and North Korea,” the Prime Minister said. “Donald, you’ve demonstrated your unwavering determination in addressing the challenge of North Korea. And I’d like to take this opportunity to express and pay my tribute to your leadership.” The two leaders also discussed better trade deals. Since President Trump took office, America and Japan have negotiated a series of mutually beneficial deals. Through investment, hiring, and workforce development, Japanese companies support more than 850,000 American jobs. Major Japanese companies such as Toyota and Honda have also invested billions into U.S. factories. Read more about the cherished friendship between the U.S. and Japan. (SHARE THIS) Watch: President Trump’s friendship walk with Prime Minister Abe. Photo of the Day Remembering First Lady Barbara Bush, June 8, 1925 - April 17, 2018   The White House • April 17, 2018 Driving the Day President Donald J. Trump will host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida today. The President has a strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Abe, and two topics will lead the discussion: preparation for U.S. talks with North Korea and America’s recent moves to fix trade deals. 5 ways the new tax code will be better Today is the deadline to file 2017 Federal income taxes. It also marks the last time that taxpayers will have to deal with America’s old, broken tax code. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that President Trump signed in December, hardworking Americans will keep more of what they earn in 2018 and beyond. Five big changes stand out: 1) Lower tax rates for Americans across the board; 2) a nearly doubled standard deduction; 3) a doubled child tax credit to help families, along with better saving options for education; 4) a simpler process to make filing taxes less of a headache; and 5) relief from the Affordable Care Act’s ineffective mandate. On the business side, tax reform is unleashing growth. Small business confidence surged to a record high following the passage of tax cuts, and it remains at historically high levels. Employers are ready to expand—good news for workers as the unemployment rate remains at a 17-year low of 4.1 percent. President Trump’s tax cuts are generating greater economic opportunity for all. (SHARE THIS) Watch: The President talks tax cuts with Hispanic-American business leaders in Florida Restoring America’s legacy in space Space exploration “is essential to the very character of America," Vice President Mike Pence told leaders at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs yesterday. “President Trump has been working to keep his promise to restore America’s proud legacy of leadership in space.” Space exploration is crucial for both national security and national prosperity, the Vice President said. He also announced the next chapter for America in space. The National Space Council, which the Vice President chairs, has developed the first thorough space traffic management policy. It will address a congested space environment of more than 1,500 active satellites—and thousands more inactive ones and spacecraft fragments. “A stable and orderly space environment is critical,” Vice President Pence said. Watch the Vice President’s space announcement on Twitter. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks First Lady Melania Trump visits the “Prescribed to Death” opioid memorial