CATEGORY: December 2011
Readout of the President’s Call with Japanese Prime Minister Noda
President Obama spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Noda of Japan this evening. The two leaders conferred on the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong Il. The President underscored the United States’ commitment to the defense of our close allies, including Japan. He also conveyed the importance he places on maintaining the stability of the Korean Peninsula and... [Read more]
Statement of President Obama on the death of Vaclav Havel
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing today of Vaclav Havel, a playwright and prisoner of conscience who became President of Czechoslovakia and of the Czech Republic. Having encountered many setbacks, Havel lived with a spirit of hope, which he defined as “the ability to work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed.” His peaceful resistance shook... [Read more]
Statement by White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer
The bipartisan compromise passed in the Senate yesterday received 89 votes, including 39 Republican votes, and Speaker Boehner himself just yesterday called it a “good deal” and a “victory.” The near 90 percent approval by the Senate reflected the view by the overwhelming number of Senate Republicans – as well as Democrats – that the best way to achieve the President’s goal of ensuring... [Read more]
Statement by the Press Secretary on reports of the death of Kim Jong Il
We are closely monitoring reports that Kim Jong Il is dead. The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies. Read More →
WEEKLY ADDRESS: Honoring Those Who Served in Iraq, as the War Comes to An End
WASHINGTON— In this week’s address, President Obama expressed the gratitude of the entire nation to the brave men and women who have served in the war in Iraq, and welcomed our troops home as we mark the official end to the war. This historic achievement would not be possible without the skill and dedication of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. They prove every day that when... [Read more]
Remarks by the President on the Payroll Tax Cut Extension
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 12:30 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. In the last few weeks, I set out a simple principle: Congress should not go home for vacation until it finds a way to avoid hitting 160 million Americans with a tax hike on January 1st. Extending the payroll tax cut that shows up in people’s paychecks every week is an idea that I proposed in September as part... [Read more]
Statement by the Press Secretary on H.J.Res.95
On Saturday, December 17, 2011, the President signed into law: H.J.Res.95, which makes further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, through December 23, 2011, and for other purposes. Read More →
First Lady’s Remarks at “Toys for Tots” Drive
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling 1:09 P.M. EST MRS. OBAMA: Thanks so much. (Applause.) Well, good afternoon, everyone. And thank you, General Osman, for not just that very kind and generous introduction but for all that you do for “Toys for Tots” and for this country. As he said, this is my third year doing this, and every year, truly, I look forward to coming by and seeing folks come... [Read more]
Remarks by the President at the 71st General Assembly of the Union for Reform Judaism
Gaylord Hotel National Harbor, Maryland 2:37 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. Thank you. Please, please have a seat. You’re making me blush. (Laughter.) Thank you, Eric, for that extraordinary introduction and for your many years of leadership in the Reform movement. And even though it is a few hours early, I’d like to wish all of you Shabbat shalom. ... [Read more]
Hispanics Still Favor Obama Over GOP Presidential Challengers
President Obama still has a wide lead over his GOP challengers when it comes to the Hispanic community despite the fact that his administration has increased efforts to follow through with deportation policies, and has been met with opposition. This was revealed in a survey conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center. Mark H. Lopez, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center, reveals a chink in the Republican... [Read more]
