Category: Dec2013

The United States of America and the Russian Federation launched the U.S.–Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission (BPC) four years ago to reaffirm our commitment to cooperation and collaboration based on shared interests.  Since its creation, the Commission has embraced a whole-of-government approach to advance this goal, finding common ground on arms control and international security; fostering…

As the President has repeatedly made clear, it  defies economic sense, precedent and our values to allow 1.3 million Americans fighting to find jobs to see their unemployment insurance abruptly cut off — especially in the middle of the holiday season. These are our neighbors, our community members and often fellow parents who depend on…

The United States of America and the Russian Federation launched the U.S.–Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission (BPC) four years ago to reaffirm our commitment to cooperation and collaboration based on shared interests.  Since its creation, the Commission has embraced a whole-of-government approach to advance this goal, finding common ground on arms control and international security; fostering…

As the President has repeatedly made clear, it  defies economic sense, precedent and our values to allow 1.3 million Americans fighting to find jobs to see their unemployment insurance abruptly cut off — especially in the middle of the holiday season. These are our neighbors, our community members and often fellow parents who depend on…

On Thursday, December 26, 2013, the President signed into law: H.R. 3304, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014,” which authorizes fiscal year 2014 appropriations for Department of Defense programs and military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, and Department of Transportation maritime security programs; authorizes recruitment and retention bonuses, special payments,…

Today I have signed into law H.R. 3304, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014.” I have signed this annual defense authorization legislation because it will provide pay and bonuses for our service members, enhance counterterrorism initiatives abroad, build the security capacity of key partners, and expand efforts to prevent sexual assault and…

On Thursday, December 26, 2013, the President signed into law: H.J. Res. 59, the “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013” and “Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013,” which revises discretionary spending caps for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, and makes various changes to current law regarding:  budget enforcement; prevention of waste, fraud, and abuse; natural…

Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. Today marks the beginning of the week-long celebration of African American culture through family activities and community festivities that bring attention to Kwanzaa’s seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Though each…

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  They also thanked our brave troops and their families for their service and sacrifice, and reminded everyone to visit JoiningForces.gov to find ways to give back to our military families this year.  Both the President…

MRS. OBAMA:  Hello? CHILD:  Hi. MRS. OBAMA:  Hi, is this Kileen? CHILD:  Yes. MRS. OBAMA:  Hi, Kileen.  How are you?  This is Michelle Obama.  Are you calling to find out where Santa is? CHILD:  Yes. MRS. OBAMA:  Yes, you’re looking for Santa?  I am at NORAD, where they track Santa, and I’m looking at the…