Category: January 2012

We congratulate Ma Ying-jeou on his reelection and the people of Taiwan on the successful conduct of their presidential and legislative elections. Through the hard work of its people and its remarkable economic and political development over the past decades, Taiwan has proven to be one of the great success stories in Asia. In this…

President Thein Sein’s decision to release hundreds of prisoners of conscience is a substantial step forward for democratic reform.  Two months ago, I spoke with Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein about how America’s engagement can help empower democratic reform, and improve relations between our countries.  Shortly afterwards, Hillary Clinton became the first…

Looking to make our government leaner, smarter and more consumer-friendly, the President will call on Congress to reinstate the authority that past Presidents had, over decades, to reorganize the government.  With the exception of President Ford, every President from Herbert Hoover to Ronald Reagan had reorganization authority.  Presidents had this sort of authority for almost…

East Room THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everybody.  Please have a seat. Welcome to the White House.  I see all sorts of small business people here, and I am thrilled to have you here.  As small business owners, you know as well as anybody that if we’re going to rebuild an economy that lasts — an…

PLAN WILL MAKE GOVERNMENT LEANER, SMARTER AND MORE CONSUMER-FRIENDLY WASHINGTON, DC – As a follow up to last year’s State of the Union, today, President Obama called on Congress to reinstate Presidential authority to reorganize and consolidate the federal government, which will ensure swift action on his proposals to streamline government to make it work…

President Obama and Prime Minister Erdogan spoke by telephone today about issues related to democracy, security and development in the Middle East and North Africa region; this was their first conversation in the New Year.  The two leaders discussed recent developments in Iraq and their continued support for an inclusive, partnership government that brings stability,…

Hayfield Secondary School Alexandria, Virginia 11:58 A.M. EST MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, wasn’t that exciting?  (Applause.)  You know what, I had so much fun taping that episode with the iCarly cast.  They are amazing.  It was so much fun.  I forgot my lines and they didn’t even tease me.  It was really good.  Let’s give —…

Today, as a part of their regular communication and cooperation on bilateral and regional issues, President  Obama spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel.  They reviewed the recent meetings between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Amman and the President reaffirmed his commitment to the goal of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.  The…

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:) Pursuant to section 3101A(a)(2)(A) of title 31, United States Code, I hereby certify that the debt subject to limit is within $100,000,000,000 of the limit in 31 U.S.C. 3101(b) and that further borrowing is required to meet existing commitments. Sincerely, BARACK OBAMA

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Guatemala to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Otto Perez Molina on January 14, 2012. The Honorable Aaron S. Williams, Director of the Peace Corps, will lead the delegation. Members of the Presidential Delegation: The Honorable Arnold A. Chacon, United…