Category: Apr2014

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President highlighted the important differences between the budget he’s put forward – built on opportunity for all – and the budget House Republicans are advocating for, which stacks the deck against the middle class. While the President is focused on building lasting economic security and ensuring that…

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the millions of Afghans who enthusiastically participated in today’s historic elections, which promise to usher in the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history and which represent another important milestone in Afghans taking full responsibility for their country as the United States and our partners draw…

Oval Office 2:10 P.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, it’s a great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Jomaa here to the Oval Office. Several years ago, a fruit vendor in Tunisia essentially made a statement to the world about the need for a government that represented ordinary people, and an end to corruption, and a sense…

In their meeting today at the White House, President Obama and Prime Minister Jomaa reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Tunisia.  The two leaders discussed the historic progress made in Tunisia as its political and civil society leaders have worked together to advance Tunisia’s democratic transition and secure a more peaceful and…

Today, the President declared a major disaster in the State of Oregon and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the severe winter storm during the period of February 6-10, 2014. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on…

Vice President Biden dropped by a meeting today at the White House with two of Hong Kong’s leading pro-democracy advocates, former Legislative Council member Martin Lee and former Chief Secretary Anson Chan. The Vice President underscored our long-standing support for democracy in Hong Kong and for the city’s high degree of autonomy under the “one country,…

Vice President Biden spoke to Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk today to welcome progress in Ukraine. The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on reaching a preliminary agreement with the IMF on a new standby arrangement to stabilize and grow the Ukrainian economy. He expressed support for finalizing the arrangement as soon as possible. Combined with contributions…

East Room 2:55 P.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA:  Hey, everybody.  (Laughter.)  Welcome to the White House!  (Applause.)  I know you guys have been standing for a while, but you’re athletes, you can handle it.  (Laughter.) We are so excited to have Team USA here with us today.  But before we begin, I just want to take…

Tonight aboard Air Force One, the President convened a conference call with Department of Defense and FBI leadership to receive an update on the shooting at Fort Hood. He commended the military personnel, first responders, and medical staff who responded swiftly and heroically to the horrific shooting. The participants of the call included Secretary of…

On Thursday, April 3, 2014, the President signed into law: H.R. 4152, the “Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014,” which provides for loan guarantees for Ukraine and directs the imposition of sanctions on certain individuals with regard to Ukraine; and S. 2183, which authorizes funds to enhance U.S. news and…