Category: March 2012

Earlier today, the President held a video conference with President Karzai of Afghanistan, as a part of their regular consultations.  President Karzai updated the President on the security situation in Afghanistan, which has calmed since the events of recent weeks.  The two Presidents discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership…

On Thursday, March 8, 2012, the President signed into law: H.R. 347, the “Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011,” which makes it a Federal crime to enter or remain knowingly in any restricted area of the White House, the Vice President’s official residence, or their respective grounds without lawful authority

On International Women’s Day, the United States celebrates the many achievements and milestones in the ongoing struggle for gender equality around the world, and reaffirms our commitment to accelerating progress.  We are committed to a future in which our daughters and sons have equal opportunities to thrive, because when women succeed, communities and countries succeed.…

Ghana’s democratic and economic development successes exemplify the integral relationship between democracy, good governance, and development.  Ghana also exemplifies many of the positive economic trends in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, including Ghana, offering enormous potential for enhanced trade and investment by U.S. companies. A Growing…

Daimler Truck Manufacturing Plant Mount Holly, North Carolina 12:50 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, North Carolina!  (Applause.)  Hello, Mount Holly!  (Applause.)  Thank you, Juan, for that introduction.  I did not know he was a preacher.  (Laughter.)  He must be at least a deacon.  (Laughter.)  I was hearing — “Welll” — (Laughter.)  He was starting to…

This morning President Obama welcomed Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim ElKeib to the White House—the first of several meetings the Prime Minister will hold with U.S. officials this week.  During the meeting the President pledged continued support to the Libyan people and noted the contributions made by American service members and civilians to securing Libya’s freedom. …

Newseum Washington, D.C. 7:06 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much, everybody.  It is good to see all of you.  Jim, thank you for the introduction.  It is a privilege to be with the men and women of the Business Roundtable.  Over the past three years, we’ve worked together on a…

Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.  By any standard, Don lived a full and meaningful life.  After serving as the first African American President of the National Council of YMCAs, and then…

Administration Urged Congress to Act on Behalf of U.S. Businesses, Workers Washington, D.C. – Vice President Biden, along with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary John Bryson, today welcomed congressional passage of legislation clarifying the Department of Commerce’s ability to apply countervailing duties (CVDs) on subsidized imports from non-market economies,…