Category: May 2011

Thank you Nuala, and thank you Sister Gerety. It is such an honor and a thrill to be with you this morning.   My husband Joe and I had the privilege of knowing Nuala and Claiborne quite well, as the two men served in the Senate together for over 25 years.        One of…

WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, President Obama laid out his strategy to continue to expand responsible and safe domestic oil production, leveraging existing authorities as part of his long-term plan to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. He is directing the Department of the Interior to conduct annual lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum…

The President welcomed NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to the White House today.  He thanked the Secretary General for his leadership and expressed appreciation to all NATO allies for their many contributions to peace and security in Europe and around the world.  The President and the Secretary General discussed Libya, where NATO and five…

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Terry D. Garcia, Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce Dan W. Mozena, Ambassador to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Department of State Frankie A. Reed, Ambassador to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the Republic of Nauru, the…

Over the past two and a half years, George Mitchell has worked as a tireless advocate for peace as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East.  His deep commitment to resolving conflict and advancing democracy has contributed immeasurably to the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security. George told…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of South Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding beginning on March 11, 2011, and continuing. Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of January 31 to February 5, 2011. Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments…

Barack H. Obama President of the United States of America The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President:   When I accepted your request to serve as U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace my intention was to serve for two years. More than two years having passed I hereby resign, effective May 20, 2011.…

Today, I called Senator Herb Kohl to thank him for his remarkable career in public service. During his 23 years in the United States Senate, Herb’s invaluable perspective as the long-time head of a family-owned business made him an unwavering voice for working families, small business owners, and seniors. America’s children will grow up in…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you so much.  Well, good morning.  This is just an extraordinary gathering.  I have to say to Reverend Cortes and all the other organizers of this prayer breakfast, I think it’s getting bigger.  Huh?  I think this thing is growing.  (Applause.) I just want to thank Reverend Cortes.  I just got a…