Category: April 2012

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Ingrid A. Gregg – Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation Jim Henderson  – Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation President Obama announced his intent to nominate the…

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Jay Nicholas Anania, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Suriname. Gene Allan Cretz, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor,…

Tonight, Senate Republicans voted to block the Buffett Rule, choosing once again to protect tax breaks for the wealthiest few Americans at the expense of the middle class. The Buffett Rule is common sense. At a time when we have significant deficits to close and serious investments to make to strengthen our economy, we simply…

Plaza San Pedro Cartagena, Colombia 6:09 P.M. COT PRESIDENT OBAMA: Buenas tardes! It is — (applause) — it is a great honor to be here with President Santos, the First Lady, so many distinguished guests. I am especially thankful to all the children because they are sitting very still and well-behaved, and I want to…

Courtyard Casa de Huespedes Cartagena, Colombia 4:30 P.M. COT PRESIDENT SANTOS: (As interpreted.) Good afternoon to you all. I’d like to announce that we have had a bilateral meeting with President Obama and his team. This has been highly productive. Colombia and the U.S. have been successful partners in fighting against drug trafficking, fighting against…

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama urged Congress to pass the Buffett Rule, a principle of fairness that says if you make more than $1 million a year, you should pay at least the same percentage of your income in taxes as middle class families.  Meanwhile, if you make under $250,000 a year…

Summit of the Americas Opening Plenary Cartagena, Colombia Saturday, April 14, 2012   As Prepared for Delivery – Thank you, President Santos, for welcoming us here today and for your leadership in bringing our nations together. Thank you to you, Foreign Minister Holguin and to the people of Cartagena and Colombia for your wonderful hospitality.…

Gran Salon Bolivar Hilton Hotel Cartagena, Colombia 10:43 A.M. COT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, first of all, I want to thank President Santos and the people of Colombia for the extraordinary hospitality in the beautiful city of Cartagena.  We’re having a wonderful time.  And usually when I take these summit trips, part of my job is…

WASHINGTON, DC — On Thursday, April 19, President Obama will welcome the BCS National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide to the White House to honor their 14th championship and their exceptional 2011-2012 season.  The President will also continue his tradition of honoring sports teams for their efforts both on and off the field by…

Today, OIRA Administrator Cass Sunstein and Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate policy Heather Zichal convened a White House meeting with key stakeholders, including representatives from the American Chemistry Council, the American Gas Association, the American Natural Gas Association, the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association…