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Vice President Biden met today in Singapore with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan for wide-ranging and constructive discussions on the U.S.-Japan alliance and cooperation on regional and global issues.  The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Abe on the recent election in Japan.  Both sides reiterated their shared view on the central importance of the…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of West Virginia and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding on June 13, 2013. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a…

As the President has said, the United States remains determined to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.  In support of those efforts, today the Department of Defense certified to Congress its intent to repatriate an additional two detainees to Algeria.  We are taking this step in consultation with the Congress, and in a responsible…

On August 26, 2013, President Barack Obama will award Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter, U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry.  Staff Sergeant Carter will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as a cavalry scout with Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Colorado and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the Black Forest Fire during the period of June 11-21, 2013. Federal funding is available for Crisis Counseling and Disaster Unemployment Assistance for affected individuals in…

Istana Singapore **Please see below for a correction to the transcript, marked with an asterisk. 3:45 P.M. SGT PRIME MINISTER LEE:  Ladies and gentlemen, is it my great pleasure to welcome Vice President Biden to Singapore. I was — met him last in the White House in April (inaudible) together with President Obama, and I’m…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Colorado and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the Royal Gorge Fire during the period of June 11-16, 2013. Federal funding is available for Disaster Unemployment Assistance for affected individuals in Fremont County. Federal…

Michelle and I were shocked and saddened by the news of yesterday’s tragic train derailment in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. On behalf of the American people, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the more than 80 people who lost their lives.  We extend our wishes for a…

On Thursday, July 25, 2013, the President signed into law: H.R. 2289, which renames a subsection of the Internal Revenue Code allowing married individuals filing a joint return to claim the maximum deduction for each spouse’s qualified contribution to an individual retirement plan as the “Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA” in honor of the former…

On Thursday, August 1, President Obama will host Yemeni President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi at the White House.  The visit will highlight the strength of the U.S.-Yemeni relationship and underscore the United States’ ongoing support for Yemen’s political transition.  The President looks forward to discussing with President Hadi U.S. efforts to enhance democratic governance and…