Category: Dec-2012

Yesterday, our special operators in Afghanistan rescued an American citizen in a mission that was characteristic of the extraordinary courage, skill and patriotism that our troops show every day. Tragically, we lost one of our special operators in this effort. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, just as we must always honor…

The National Building Museum Washington, D.C. 7:37 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, everybody, and let’s give it up for our host –- the tallest elf I’ve ever seen –- Conan O’Brien.  (Laughter and applause.)  We’re also grateful to all the outstanding performers, the choirs, the glee clubs who are sharing their tremendous talents with…

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama urged Congress to extend the middle class income tax cuts for 98% of Americans and 97% of small businesses without delay, and made clear that a balanced approach to deficit reduction means that Republicans in Congress must agree to ask the wealthiest Americans to pay higher tax…

On Friday, December 7, 2012, the President signed into law: H.R. 915, the “Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act,” which establishes in statute the Department of Homeland Security’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), which is comprised of multi-agency units established to address and reduce security threats and violence on the Nation’s southern…

Today the President made the determination required under Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 regarding the supply of petroleum and petroleum products from countries other than Iran. The analysis contained in the Energy Information Administration’s report of October 25, 2012, indicates that although production disruptions continue to…

Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world. This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of the Maccabees who rose up to liberate their people from oppression. Upon discovering the desecration of their Temple, the believers found only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. And…

The text of a letter from the Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Majority Leader with the Administration’s supplemental request to Congress to support response, recovery and mitigation related to Hurricane Sandy damage in affected states can be found…

I commend the House and Senate for working on a bipartisan basis to pass legislation to end the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Russia and Moldova, allowing me to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations to both countries. I look forward to receiving and signing this legislation. The legislation will ensure that American businesses and…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Michael W. Hail – Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation   President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Dr. Michael W. Hail,…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to key Administration posts: Timothy Hyungrock Haahs – Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences Morton H. Halperin – Member, Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation The President also announced his intent to appoint…