Category: 2013

Michelle and I were shocked and saddened by the news of yesterday’s tragic train derailment in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. On behalf of the American people, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the more than 80 people who lost their lives.  We extend our wishes for a…

On Thursday, July 25, 2013, the President signed into law: H.R. 2289, which renames a subsection of the Internal Revenue Code allowing married individuals filing a joint return to claim the maximum deduction for each spouse’s qualified contribution to an individual retirement plan as the “Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA” in honor of the former…

On Thursday, August 1, President Obama will host Yemeni President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi at the White House.  The visit will highlight the strength of the U.S.-Yemeni relationship and underscore the United States’ ongoing support for Yemen’s political transition.  The President looks forward to discussing with President Hadi U.S. efforts to enhance democratic governance and…

President Barack Obama welcomed President Truong Tan Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the White House on July 25, 2013.  During their meeting, the two Presidents affirmed their commitment to opening a new phase of bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States based on mutual respect and common interests.  President Truong Tan…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Minnesota and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of June 20-26, 2013. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Donald Lu – Ambassador to the Republic of Albania, Department of State Robert A. Sherman – Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic, Department of State Leslie E. Bains – Member, Board of Directors of the Securities Investor Protection…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Tony Hammond – Commissioner, Postal Regulatory Commission President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: Tony Hammond, Nominee for Commissioner, Postal Regulatory Commission Tony Hammond has been a Commissioner…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Vince Chhabria, Matthew Leitman, Judith Levy, Judge Laurie Michelson, Judge James Moody Jr. and Judge Linda Parker for District Court judgeships. “These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench,”…

This evening, the President will continue a White House tradition of hosting an Iftar celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining Room.  This is the fifth Iftar hosted by the President.  The Iftar is the meal that breaks the day of fasting, when Muslim families and communities eat together after sunset. Below is a list of…

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Leslie E. Bains, of New York, to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for a term expiring December 31, 2015, vice William S. Jasien, term expired. Tony Hammond, of Missouri, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2018.  (Reappointment)…