Category: Oct2013

Vice President Biden hosted breakfast this morning for Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.  The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on his historic election in May, which led to the first democratic transfer of power between elected governments in Pakistan’s history.  The Vice President reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in support of…

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, November 20, President Barack Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public…

Today, President Obama and Chancellor Merkel spoke by telephone regarding allegations that the U.S. National Security Agency intercepted the communications of the German Chancellor.  The President assured the Chancellor that the United States is not monitoring and will not monitor the communications of Chancellor Merkel. The United States greatly values our close cooperation with Germany…

The Vice President spoke today with Haitian President Michel Martelly, continuing their dialogue on the United States’ long-term support for Haiti’s reconstruction, development, and democratic progress. President Martelly underscored the importance of elections in solidifying Haiti’s democratic foundation.  The Vice President welcomed President Martelly’s commitment to continue working to further strengthen Haiti’s democratic institutions, including…

NOTICE – – – – – – – CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO THE SITUATION IN OR IN RELATION TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO On October 27, 2006, by Executive Order 13413, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic…

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency…

Today, Secretary Sebelius, CMS Director Marilyn Tavenner, Valerie Jarrett, Chris Jennings and Denis McDonough met with health insurance executives to discuss open enrollment and ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act.  The administration is committed to working in partnership with the insurers so we can successfully meet the great demand people have shown for the…

At the invitation of President Obama, Prime Minister Sharif paid an official visit to Washington from October 20 to 23, 2013, marking the commitment of both Leaders to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations and advance shared interests in a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan and region. President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif held wide-ranging discussions at the…

Vice President Biden met today with the Prime Minister of Romania, Victor Ponta.  The Vice President reaffirmed the enduring U.S. commitment to a strategic partnership with Romania and thanked the Prime Minister for Romania’s steadfast support on a range of regional challenges, including in Afghanistan and its hosting of a missile defense base in Deveselu…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of July 22 to August 16, 2013. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local…