Category: Aug2014

This morning, Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani.  The Vice President and President Barzani discussed the humanitarian assistance and military strikes that the U.S. has provided to support the Iraqi people trapped in the town of Amirli.  Both leaders expressed their support for the ongoing efforts by Iraqi Security…

WASHINGTON, DC —In this week’s address, the President wished Americans a Happy Labor Day weekend, highlighted the important economic progress we’ve made, and reaffirmed his commitment to accelerate our progress and ensure that our growing economy fuels a strong middle class. To do this, the President reiterated that Congress should do right by hardworking Americans…

The President spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Harper today to discuss the upcoming NATO Summit and the situation in Iraq. Both leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring Alliance unity on measures to strengthen NATO’s readiness and responsiveness to the full range of current and future threats.  The President stressed that agreement on increased defense…

The President congratulates Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland on his election as President of the European Council, and Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini of Italy on being chosen as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.  As we advance security and prosperity around the world, the United States has no more important partner than…

We welcome the European Council’s consensus today to show strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to prepare further sanctions for consideration in coming days. We are working closely with the EU and other partners to hold Russia accountable for its illegal actions in Ukraine, including through additional economic sanctions.  We remain committed…

Private Residence Purchase, New York   4:49 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  How is everybody doing?  (Applause.)  I just want to begin by saying thank you to the Wolf family.  As Robert mentioned, he and Carol and Luke and James, they have been great friends for years now.  I don’t think I was…

Private Residence Newport, Rhode Island 7:58 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Please, please, everybody sit down.  Well, it is wonderful to see everybody in this just incredible setting.  And I want to begin by thanking Rick and Betty for their incredible hospitality.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  You couldn’t be…

Today we took additional steps in our effort to maintain pressure on the government of Iran. Specifically, the Departments of Treasury and State imposed sanctions on several companies and individuals engaged in activities such as assistance to Iran’s nuclear program, support for terrorism, or aiding Iran’s evasion of international sanctions. Just as we announced these measures and…

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) I am transmitting an alternative plan for pay increases for civilian Federal employees covered by the General Schedule (GS) and certain other pay systems in January 2015. Title 5, United States Code, authorizes me to implement alternative pay plans for pay increases for civilian Federal employees covered by the…

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) I am transmitting an alternative plan for monthly basic pay increases for members of the uniformed services for 2015. I am strongly committed to supporting our uniformed service members, who have made such great contributions to our Nation over the past decade of war.  As our country continues to…