Category: Dec-2014

Today I have signed into law H.R. 3979, the “Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015.” I have signed this annual defense authorization legislation because it will provide vital benefits for military personnel and their families, as well as critical contingency authorities needed to counter the Islamic…

Today I have signed into law S. 2673, the “United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014,” an Act that underscores the United States unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security and its future.  This bipartisan piece of legislation reflects the importance placed by my Administration on strengthening and deepening U.S.-Israel bilateral cooperation and ties.  It reinforces critical defense and…

I unconditionally condemn today’s murder of two police officers in New York City. Two brave men won’t be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification. The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day – and they deserve our respect…

Vice President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko spoke today about the situation in eastern Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to support the Minsk peace process. They also discussed the financial situation in Ukraine and the government’s notable efforts to implement broad reforms. President Poroshenko thanked the United States for enacting additional restrictions on trade…

President Obama congratulates President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory and the people of Tunisia on the successful conclusion of the first presidential election under the new constitution, a vital step toward the completion of Tunisia’s momentous transition to democracy.  The United States looks forward to working closely with President-elect Caid Essebsi and the new…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, snowstorm, and flooding during the period of November 17-26, 2014. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local…

In last year’s final press conference, I said that 2014 would be a year of action and would be a breakthrough year for America. And it has been … We have more work to do to make sure our economy, our justice system, and our government work not just for the few, but for the many.…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Sally Q. Yates – Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts: Dawn Halfaker – Member, Board of Governors of the United…

I and Vice President Biden welcome the news from Belfast this morning that the political parties of Northern Ireland, together with the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland, have reached a broad agreement that paves the way for the continuation of Northern Ireland’s governing institutions.  Just as importantly, the agreement also enables further progress on…

Judge Howell’s decision today confirms what the Department of Justice and scholars throughout the country have been saying all along: the President’s executive actions on immigration are lawful.  The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that federal officials can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws, and the actions announced by the President are…