Category: 2013

September 16, 2013 Presidential Determination No. 2013-15 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE SUBJECT: Provision of Defense Articles and Services to Vetted Members of the Syrian Opposition for Use in Syria to Prevent the Use or Proliferation of Chemical Weapons and Related Materials, Organizations Implementing U.S. Department of State or U.S. Agency for International Development…

Today, the President signed a Presidential Determination exercising his authority to waive certain restrictions under the Arms Export Control Act.  This action will allow the U.S. Government to provide or license, where appropriate, certain non-lethal assistance inside or related to Syria.  This includes:  1) chemical weapons-related personal protective equipment to international organizations, including the Organization…

On October 15, 2013, President Barack Obama will award William Swenson, a former active duty Army Captain, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry.  Captain Swenson will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as an Embedded Trainer and Mentor of the Afghan National Security Forces with Afghan Border Police Mentor…

We welcome the report made public today by the United Nations mission established by Secretary-General Ban to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria. The U.N. report adds even more evidence to what we have already concluded – that sarin was used by the Syrian regime on a large scale on August 21 in…

Today the President called Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to express his condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims of today’s mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard.  The President also commended the brave Navy personnel and local law enforcement who worked in concert with federal authorities to respond to this tragedy.…

Today the President called FBI Director James Comey to express his gratitude for the quick response of Bureau personnel to this morning’s tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. The President also received an update on the ongoing investigation, being led by the FBI. The President commended the FBI and all of the federal agencies involved…

The President last night declared a major disaster exists in the State of Colorado and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on September 11, 2013, and continuing. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Boulder…

Today, we remember Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley who were killed 50 years ago in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. That horrific day in Birmingham, Alabama quickly became a defining moment for the Civil Rights Movement. It galvanized Americans all across the country to stand up for equality and…

Today, the President called Governor John Hickenlooper to receive an update on the situation in Colorado and express his concern for the citizens impacted by the historic flooding, including those individuals still missing. The President expressed his condolences to the families and friends who lost a loved one and commended the first responders working tirelessly…

Earlier today, I spoke with Larry Summers and accepted his decision to withdraw his name from consideration for Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Larry was a critical member of my team as we faced down the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and it was in no small part because of his expertise, wisdom,…