Category: December 2011

President Obama spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Noda of Japan this evening.  The two leaders conferred on the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong Il.  The President underscored the United States’ commitment to the defense of our close allies, including Japan.  He also conveyed the importance he places on…

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing today of Vaclav Havel, a playwright and prisoner of conscience who became President of Czechoslovakia and of the Czech Republic. Having encountered many setbacks, Havel lived with a spirit of hope, which he defined as “the ability to work for something because it is good, not just…

The bipartisan compromise passed in the Senate yesterday received 89 votes, including 39 Republican votes, and Speaker Boehner himself just yesterday called it a “good deal” and a “victory.” The near 90 percent approval by the Senate reflected the view by the overwhelming number of Senate Republicans – as well as Democrats – that the…

We are closely monitoring reports that Kim Jong Il is dead. The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies.

WASHINGTON— In this week’s address, President Obama expressed the gratitude of the entire nation to the brave men and women who have served in the war in Iraq, and welcomed our troops home as we mark the official end to the war.  This historic achievement would not be possible without the skill and dedication of…

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 12:30 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  In the last few weeks, I set out a simple principle:  Congress should not go home for vacation until it finds a way to avoid hitting 160 million Americans with a tax hike on January 1st.  Extending the payroll tax cut that…

On Saturday, December 17, 2011, the President signed into law: H.J.Res.95, which makes further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, through December 23, 2011, and for other purposes.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling 1:09 P.M. EST MRS. OBAMA:  Thanks so much.  (Applause.)  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  And thank you, General Osman, for not just that very kind and generous introduction but for all that you do for “Toys for Tots” and for this country. As he said, this is my third year doing this, and…

Gaylord Hotel National Harbor, Maryland 2:37 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you so much.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  Please, please have a seat.  You’re making me blush.  (Laughter.)  Thank you, Eric, for that extraordinary introduction and for your many years of leadership in the Reform movement.  And even though it is a few hours…