Category: Feb-2014

On behalf of the American people, President Obama warmly congratulates Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy and the new Italian government on their swearing-in.  The United States and Italy share an enduring friendship.  The President looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Renzi and President Napolitano as our two countries jointly seek to promote…

The United States is closely monitoring developments in Ukraine.  We have consistently advocated a de-escalation of violence, constitutional change, a coalition government, and early elections, and today’s developments could move us closer to that goal.  The unshakeable principle guiding events must be that the people of Ukraine determine their own future.  We welcome constructive work…

The United States welcomes the agreement signed today between Ukrainian President Yanukovych and Opposition leaders.  The agreement, facilitated by Foreign Ministers Fabius, Sikorski, and Steinmeier and witnessed by Russia, is consistent with what we have advocated in calling for a de-escalation of the violence, constitutional change, a coalition government, and early elections.  We support the…

Today the Vice President dropped by a meeting with Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling and Governor Inslee of Washington, Governor Malloy of Connecticut, Governor O’Malley of Maryland, and Governor Quinn of Illinois to discuss the President’s call to action on raising the…

The President met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.  The President reiterated his strong support for the preservation of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People’s Republic of China.  The President commended the Dalai Lama’s commitment to…

On March 18th, 2014, President Barack Obama will award 24 Army veterans the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. These veterans will receive the Medal of Honor in recognition of their valor during major combat operations in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Each of these Soldiers’ bravery was previously recognized by…

On Friday, February 21, 2014, the President signed into law: S.J. Res. 28, which appoints John M. Fahey as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution; and S.J. Res. 29, which appoints Risa Lavizzo-Mourey as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

President Obama called Russian President Vladimir Putin today to discuss Ukraine and a range of other global issues.  On Ukraine, they exchanged views on the need to implement quickly the political agreement reached today in Kyiv, the importance of stabilizing the economic situation and undertaking necessary reforms, and the need for all sides to refrain…

State Dining Room 11:20 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Well, it’s wonderful to have America’s governors in town.  Michelle and I look forward to hosting with their spouses our annual Governors’ Reception here and dinner.  And it’s always a great opportunity to exchange ideas and hear what’s happening at the local level. Today we did bring…

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, First Lady Michelle Obama will kick off a celebration around the fourth anniversary of Let’s Move!, her initiative to ensure that all our children grow up healthy and reach their full potential. Today, we are moving toward a healthier future and this movement is becoming the new norm all across…