Category: January 2014

Trade Promotion Authority is a key part of a comprehensive strategy to increase exports and support more American jobs at higher wages, including in a stronger manufacturing sector.  We welcome the introduction of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014 as an important step towards Congress updating its important role in trade negotiations.  We…

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Deborah L. Birx – Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally, Department of State Suzette Kimball – Director of the United States Geological Survey, Department of the Interior President Obama…

Vice President Biden spoke today with President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani.  The two discussed their support for the joint efforts by local and tribal leaders and Iraqi Security Forces to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.  Both reaffirmed the need for close coordination among all Iraqi leaders to isolate…

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Heidi Neel Biggs, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2017, vice Eric J. Tanenblatt, term expired. Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States…

The United States strongly supports the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediators, Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin and General Lazaro Sumbeiywo, to secure a cessation of hostilities and to resolve the conflict in South Sudan peacefully through talks being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  This crisis must be ended swiftly through a negotiated settlement…

As Americans, we believe that everyone who works hard deserves a chance at opportunity, and that all our citizens deserve some basic measure of security.  And so, 50 years ago, President Johnson declared a War on Poverty to help each and every American fulfill his or her basic hopes.  We created new avenues of opportunity…

This morning, Vice President Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.  The Vice President encouraged the Prime Minister to continue the Iraqi government’s outreach to local, tribal, and national leaders and welcomed the Council of Ministers’ decision to extend state benefits to tribal forces killed or injured in the fight against the Islamic State…

The President spoke to Chancellor Merkel today to wish her a speedy recovery following her injury and to congratulate her on the formation of her new cabinet.  The leaders noted the full agenda for 2014, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations and NATO Summit, and looked forward to working closely together to…

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Christopher P. Lu – Deputy Secretary, Department of Labor Michael W. Kempner – Member, Broadcasting Board of Governors Wes Moore – Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service President Obama also announced his…

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Heidi Biggs – Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Heidi Biggs, Nominee for Member, Board of…