Category: August 2011

President Obama spoke to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia today about regional issues and the situation in Syria.  The two leaders expressed their shared, deep concerns about the Syrian Government’s use of violence against its citizens.  They agreed that the Syrian regime’s brutal campaign of violence against the Syrian people must end immediately, and to…

President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today to congratulate her on her election and the Thai people on the success of the democratic process. The two leaders underscored the enduring nature of the U.S.-Thailand friendship and alliance, and pledged to strengthen the bilateral relationship and work together to ensure peace and stability in…

The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke today, continuing their frequent and close consultations on global matters of mutual interest.  The two leaders discussed the situation in Syria, reiterating their deep concern about the Syrian government’s use of violence against civilians and their belief that the Syrian people’s legitimate demands for a transition to democracy…

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  (Applause.)  Everybody have a seat here.  Everybody have a seat.  On this spectacular day, I want to welcome everybody to the White House.  Thank you all for being here. I’m just going to come out and say it:  This hurts a little bit.  (Laughter.)  This is a hard thing for a…

Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy Daniel Poneman will lead an interagency delegation to Brasília, Brazil on August 17, 2011 to launch the U.S.-Brazil Strategic Energy Dialogue, a presidential-level partnership announced by President Obama and Brazilian President Rousseff on March 19, 2011 during the President’s trip to Brazil.  Mr. Poneman will co-chair the launch…

WASHINGTON – Today, the White House Rural Council released a new report entitled Jobs and Economic Security for Rural America, which lays out the economic landscape rural Americans face today and highlights the Administration’s key accomplishments in rural communities.  The Jobs and Economic Security for Rural America report focuses on five critical areas: creating jobs…

WASHINGTON – On Monday August 15th, the President will travel to Iowa on his three-day economic bus tour in the Midwest.  The President will host a town hall event in Decorah, IA at Seed Savers Exchange.  Tuesday, August 16th, he will travel to Peosta, IA for a Rural Economic Forum at Northeast Iowa Community College.…

On September 15th, President Barack Obama will award Dakota Meyer, a former active duty Marine Corps Corporal, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry.  He will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as a member of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan,…

President Obama spoke with President Karzai this morning by video teleconference.  The two leaders spoke for approximately 30 minutes and discussed a number of topics, including progress by coalition and Afghan National Security forces as security responsibility transitions towards a full Afghan lead in 2014, and our work together to forge a long-term strategic partnership.…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding during the period of June 1 to August 1, 2011. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt,…