Category: Oct2013

One year ago, Hurricane Sandy’s landfall devastated communities up and down the East Coast – a tragedy that demanded massive rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.  Today, we remember our fellow Americans who lost their lives to that storm, and we comfort the families who grieve them still.  And while there are still homes to rebuild…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides during the period of September 9-22, 2013. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private…

We were saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of Tadeusz Mazowiecki, a tireless and devoted advocate for human rights and democracy who persevered through imprisonment and hardship to become the first Prime Minister of a free Poland.  For decades, Mazowiecki worked to build a movement in opposition to the oppression and injustice of Communism.…

The President met today with a group of CEOs from the information technology, financial services, and energy sectors to discuss our shared efforts to improve the cybersecurity of our nation’s critical infrastructure. The conversation highlighted the importance of the voluntary Cybersecurity Framework that is being created by the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on July 27, 2013. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations…

12:34 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you, FBI.  (Applause.) Thank you so much.  Please, everybody, be seated — those of you who have seats.  (Laughter.) Well, good afternoon, everybody.  I am so proud to be here and to stand once again with so many dedicated men and women of the FBI.  You are…

After the announcement, Mrs. Obama, Elmo and Rosita will be joined in the garden by children from MD, VA and WV whose schools are starting to offer healthy snack options Washington, DC – On Wednesday, October 30 at 2:40 PM ET, First Lady Michelle Obama will join Sesame Street’s Elmo and Rosita, the Produce Marketing…

President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke by phone today as part of their regular consultations.  The two leaders discussed recent developments related to Iran, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and other regional issues.   The two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination on a range of security issues.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Alfredo J. Balsera, of Florida, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2014, vice Elizabeth F. Bagley, term expired. Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Janet Ann Napolitano, resigned. WITHDRAWAL SENT…

Vice President Biden spoke today with President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani.  The Vice President expressed his condolences to the recent victims of terrorist violence in Iraq, including the September 29 attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil.  Both leaders discussed the political and security challenges facing Iraq, and agreed on…