Category: May 2014

President Obama called President Abdullah Gul of Turkey today to offer his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the American people to the Turkish people on the tragic accident at the Soma mine.  President Obama expressed that our prayers are with the families and loved ones of those suffering from this accident.  The President offered that the…

On Friday, May 16, 2014, the President signed into law: H.R. 4120, which extends the authority of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct the National Law Enforcement Museum on Federal lands in the District of Columbia; and H.R. 4192, which allows for human occupancy of penthouses built above the statutory height…

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the first major step in dismantling the “separate but equal” doctrine that justified Jim Crow.  As we commemorate this historic anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the long struggle to stamp out bigotry and racism in all their…

President Obama spoke with French President Hollande today about the situation in Ukraine.  The Presidents underscored that Russia will face significant additional costs if it continues its provocative and destabilizing behavior.  President Obama praised the Ukrainian government’s efforts to unify the country by holding free and fair presidential elections on May 25 that will lead…

The President called Prime Ministerial candidate and Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi today to congratulate him on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s success in India’s historic election.  The President noted he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Modi to fulfill the extraordinary promise of the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and they agreed to continue expanding…

Vice President Biden spoke this morning with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.  The Vice President congratulated the Iraqi people on their participation in the parliamentary elections, and emphasized the importance of a new parliament acting to pull the country together given the many challenges confronting Iraq.  The two leaders spoke about the security situation in…

Today Secretary Shinseki accepted the resignation of Dr. Robert Petzel, Under Secretary for Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The President supports Secretary Shinseki’s decision.   As the President has said, America has a sacred trust with the men and women who have served our country in uniform and he is committed to doing all…

Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination — no matter who they are or whom they…

The United States condemns today’s despicable terrorist attacks in the Gikoma market area of Nairobi, Kenya, that took the lives of many and injured dozens more.  This is the latest in a series of cowardly attacks on innocent civilians in Kenya, from the capital to the coast.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families…

Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination — no matter who they are or whom…