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From a WH official: Today, the President was briefed by Denis McDonough on the impacts of the lapse in appropriations on important research programs. The federal government’s research agencies have been largely shuttered, with scientists sent home and projects shelved.  There are five Nobel Prize-winning researchers currently working for the federal government, all of whom…

President Obama congratulates the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which reinforces the international community’s commitment to the international prohibition against the use of chemical weapons.  One of the President’s highest priorities is to prevent the proliferation or use of weapons of mass destruction, and this…

Today, the President met with nine small business owners from across the country about the impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown on their businesses and updated them on where things stand on efforts in Congress to avoid a first-ever default in the nation’s credit. The President was joined in the meeting by Senior Advisor…

This afternoon, the President spoke to nearly 150 of our nation’s top business leaders about the ongoing federal government shutdown and updated them on where things stand on efforts in Congress to avoid a first-ever default in the nation’s credit. The President was joined on the call by Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Senior Advisor…

This afternoon, the President spoke on a conference call with 25 bipartisan Governors about the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on state budgets and the broader economy.  The President was joined on the call by Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, NEC Director Gene Sperling, Deputy OMB Director Brian Deese, and IGA Director David Agnew.…

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama today welcomed Malala Yousafzai to the Oval Office to thank her for her inspiring and passionate work on behalf of girls education in Pakistan.  The United States joins with the Pakistani people and so many around the world to celebrate Malala’s courage and her determination to promote…

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, October 15, 2013, President Barack Obama will award William Swenson, a former active duty Army Captain, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry.  Captain Swenson will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as an Embedded Trainer and Mentor of the Afghan National Security Forces with…

On Thursday, October 10, 2013, the President signed into law: H.J. Res. 91, which provides continuing appropriations for standard death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

Vice President Biden met today at the White House with Finance Minister Yair Lapid of Israel who is visiting Washington, D.C. for the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.   They were joined by Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew and White House Middle East Coordinator Phil Gordon.   In a…

Today, the President met with members of the Senate Democratic caucus.  The meeting lasted approximately an hour and a half.  The President thanked the Senate Democrats for their efforts this year to try to resolve the budget challenges facing our nation.  Earlier this year, the Senate did its job and passed a budget, only to…