Category: Nov 2015

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and reflected on America’s history of welcoming men and women seeking a safer, better future for themselves and their families. On this uniquely American holiday, he recognized the greatness of American generosity, as evidenced by people are the country who use…

The United states condemns in the strongest terms yesterday’s terrorist attack against members of Tunisia’s security forces. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and wounded. We are prepared to assist Tunisian authorities in the coming days as they investigate this attack. Terrorists have sought to use fear…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of October 22-31, 2015. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the…

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, November 25, President Obama will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a ceremony in the Rose Garden.  The President will celebrate the 68th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation, reflect upon the time-honored traditions of Thanksgiving, and wish American families a warm, safe, and healthy holiday. The President will…

In Fiscal Year 2015, the United States has allocated more than $134 million for assistance to support the reforms needed to advance the Western Balkans’ integration with the European Union (EU) and NATO.  This includes assistance to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, as well as security assistance to Croatia and Slovenia.  U.S. assistance…

On Wednesday, November 25, 2015, the President signed into law: H.R. 208, the “Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act of 2015,” which expands access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and programs to small businesses during major disasters; and improves performance, oversight, and administration of SBA’s disaster loan program; H.R. 639, the “Improving…

Today I have signed into law S. 1356, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.”  I vetoed an earlier version of this legislation that failed to authorize funding for our national defense in a fiscally responsible manner.  As I noted at the time, my first and most important responsibility, as President and Commander in Chief,…

Vice President Joe Biden met today with Slovenian President Borut Pahor to discuss bilateral relations and European security issues.  The Vice President thanked President Pahor for co-hosting the Brdo-Brijuni summit and for remaining deeply engaged in supporting reform and Euro-Atlantic integration processes in the Western Balkans.  The two leaders also discussed European security challenges and…

Vice President Joe Biden met today with European Council President Donald Tusk. The two leaders discussed how best to coordinate efforts to deal with the European migration crisis. They also discussed the situation in Syria and Iraq and the fight against ISIL. Finally, the leaders discussed the need for further economic and rule of law…

East Room 12:00 P.M. EST PRESIDENT OBAMA: President Hollande, it has been an honor to welcome you to the White House before, in happier times than this. But as Americans, we stand by our friends — in good times and in bad — no matter what. So on behalf of the American people, I want…