Category: 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro, Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo and Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl for District Court judgeships. “These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench,” said President Obama.  “They…

“Just as no nation can wall itself off from the world, no one nation—no matter how large, no matter how powerful—can meet these challenges alone. Nor can governments alone. Today’s threats demand new partnerships across sectors and across societies—creative collaborations to achieve what no one can accomplish alone. In short, we need a new spirit…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 29 to November 8, 2012. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private…

On behalf of the people of the United States, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Albania on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of your country’s independence.  At this historic milestone, Albania – already a close ally – stands poised to further consolidate its democracy, grow its economy, and to…

On Tuesday, November 27, 2012, the President signed into law: H.R. 2606, the “New York City Natural Gas Supply Enhancement Act,” which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for rights-of-way or other necessary authorizations for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline and related facilities within specified areas of…

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Richard Barclay Surrick, retired. Luis Felipe Restrepo, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Anita B. Brody, retired. Jeffrey L. Schmehl, of Pennsylvania,…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides during the period of September 15-30, 2012. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and…

Report Details Consequences if Congress Fails to Extend Middle-Class Tax Cuts WASHINGTON, DC – As we move into the holiday shopping season, the White House released a report from the National Economic Council and the Council of Economic Advisers called The Middle-Class Tax Cuts’ Impact on Consumer Spending and Retailers. This report provides new analysis on…

Today, the President issued the following statement on the announcement by Mary Schapiro, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, that she will be leaving her post.  The President also announced that he intends to designate Elisse Walter, a current Commissioner, as Chair upon Ms. Schapiro’s departure next month. President Obama said, “I want…