Category: Aug2013

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post: Bruce Cole – Member, Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post: Bruce Cole, Appointee for Member, Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission Bruce Cole…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Wisconsin and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides during the period of June 20-28, 2013. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit…

Oval Office 3:48 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  I want to welcome Prime Minister Samaras and his delegation to the Oval Office and the United States.  It goes without saying that the friendship, the bonds between the United States and Greece are as deep and as broad as any relations that we have. Our government owes…

NBC Studios Burbank, California 4:34 P.M. PDT Q    Welcome the President of the United States — Barack Obama.  (Applause.) Welcome back, sir. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  It’s good to be back.  (Applause.) Q    Well, we’re thrilled to have you. THE PRESIDENT:  It is good to be back. Q    And a happy birthday. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank…

Today marks the 15th anniversary of al-Qaeda’s terrorist attacks against the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which killed innocent Americans and Africans.  On this day, we honor the families of the twelve Americans who lost their lives, and we join with the people and governments of Kenya and Tanzania honoring…

Following a careful review begun in July, we have reached the conclusion that there is not enough recent progress in our bilateral agenda with Russia to hold a U.S.-Russia Summit in early September.  We value the achievements made with Russia in the President’s first term, including the New START Treaty, and cooperation on Afghanistan, Iran,…

Before traveling to Russia, the President will travel to Stockholm, Sweden, on September 4 and 5.  Sweden is a close friend and partner to the United States.  Sweden plays a key leadership role on the international stage, including in opening new trade and investment opportunities through the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, advancing clean…

Today, in light of the July 28 expiration of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act’s (BFDA) ban on imports from Burma, the President issued an Executive Order that repeals the provisions of Executive Order 13310 that implemented the broad BFDA import ban on products of Burma. President Obama fully supported the expiration of the broader…

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order (the “order”) pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA) and the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-286) (the “JADE Act”) that takes additional steps…

Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr here in the United States and around the world. During the past month, Muslims have honored their faith through prayer and service, fasting and time spent with loved ones. At this year’s White House Iftar, I was proud to spend time with some…