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WASHINGTON, DC – On December 7, 2011, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper of Canada met at the White House and announced two initiatives to ensure that the vital economic partnership that joins the United States and Canada continues to be the cornerstone of our economic competitiveness and security  — the Beyond the Border (BTB)…

On Friday, December 14, 2012, the President signed into law: H.R. 6156, the “Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012,” which authorizes the President to extend to Russia and Moldova Permanent Normal Trade Relations and to sanction persons who are responsible for gross violations of human rights in Russia.

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Pursuant to my constitutional authority and as contemplated by section 446 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act as amended in 1989, I am transmitting the District of Columbia’s fiscal year (FY) 2013 Budget and Financial Plan. This transmittal does not represent an endorsement of…

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 3:15 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  This afternoon, I spoke with Governor Malloy and FBI Director Mueller.  I offered Governor Malloy my condolences on behalf of the nation, and made it clear he will have every single resource that he needs to investigate this heinous crime, care for the victims,…

Children’s National Medical Center Washington, D.C. 2:59 P.M. EST Q    What are you getting for the President for Christmas? MRS. OBAMA:  Oh.  Well, I can’t tell.  Look, they’re going to print it in the papers tomorrow.  (Laughter.)  What do you think I should get him?  Give me some ideas. Q    I don’t know. MRS. OBAMA: …

Today, I spoke to Ambassador Susan Rice, and accepted her decision to remove her name from consideration for Secretary of State. For two decades, Susan has proven to be an extraordinarily capable, patriotic, and passionate public servant. As my Ambassador to the United Nations, she plays an indispensable role in advancing America’s interests. Already, she…

East Room 7:50 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, everybody. AUDIENCE:  Good evening. THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you for coming to the White House tonight to celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah.  (Applause.)  It is truly an honor to host so many leaders from the Jewish community this evening.  Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren is here. …

North Korea’s launch today—using ballistic missile technology despite express prohibitions by United Nations Security Council resolutions—is a highly provocative act that threatens regional security, directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, contravenes North Korea’s international obligations, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.  This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern…

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Washington, D.C. 2:35 P.M. EST MRS. OBAMA:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It is truly a pleasure, as always, to be here. I want to start by thanking Lieutenant General Osman for that very kind, gracious introduction.  I think the Toys for Tots tradition is really the reason for this success.  I’m kind…

The United States congratulates President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana for the successful election on December 7. Nearly 80% of the electorate voted, continuing the Ghanaian tradition of widespread public participation in the democratic process. This is the sixth successful presidential and parliamentary election since 1992, and further demonstrates the people of…