Category: Dec-2014

Last December, when a political conflict erupted into violence in South Sudan, the hope and optimism the world felt with the founding of the new nation in 2011 was overtaken by images of bloodshed and grief.  Instead of seeing the promise of their struggle for self-determination realized, the people of South Sudan have suffered countless,…

The President will host President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico at the White House on Tuesday, January 6.  The visit follows President Obama’s trip to Mexico in February 2014 to Toluca, Mexico and his May 2013 visit to Mexico City; Vice President Biden’s September 2013 and December 2012 visits to Mexico City; and President Peña…

On Saturday, December 13, 2014, the President signed into law: H.J. Res. 131, which provides fiscal year 2015 appropriations for projects and activities of the Federal Government through Wednesday, December 17, 2014

On behalf of the President and people of the United States, we congratulate Prime Minister Abe on the Liberal Democratic Party’s success in the elections in Japan today. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. We appreciate Prime Minister Abe’s strong leadership on a wide range of regional and…

I applaud the Senate for confirming Vivek Murthy to be our country’s next Surgeon General.  As ‘America’s Doctor,’ Vivek will hit the ground running to make sure every American has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.  He’ll bring his lifetime of experience promoting public health to bear on priorities ranging…

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss Ukraine’s financial and energy situation and developments in eastern Ukraine. The Vice President welcomed Ukraine’s declaration of a ceasefire on December 9, which President Poroshenko said had significantly reduced casualties over the past several days. President Poroshenko updated the Vice President on…

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones.  By targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity.  We stand with the people…

Over the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jews across America, Israel, and the world will remember an ancient triumph of freedom over oppression, and renew their faith in the possibility of miracles large and small. Even in the darkest, shortest days of winter, the Festival of Lights brims with possibility and hope.  The courage of the…

I applaud the Senate for confirming Sarah Saldaña as Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. With her years of experience enforcing the law – most recently as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas – Sarah is the right person to lead the dedicated men and women at ICE in securing our borders,…

Today, in a video message posted online, President Obama announced his plan to designate Bristol Bay as off limits to consideration for oil and gas leasing — an action that will safeguard waters that help provide 40 percent of America’s wild-caught seafood, support a $2 billion annual fishing industry, and are vital to the commercial…