Statements and Releases

Notice regarding the continuation of the national emergency with respect to the risk of nuclear proliferation

On June 21, 2000, the President issued Executive Order 13159 (the "order") blocking property and interests in property of the Government of the Russian Federation that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of United States persons that are directly related to the implementation of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, dated February 18, 1993, and related contracts and agreements (collectively, the "HEU Agreements").

Message to Congress

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the emergency declared in Executive Order 13159 of June 21, 2000, with respect to the risk of nuclear proliferation created by the accumulation of a large volume of weapons-usable fissile material in the territory of the Russian Federation, is to continue beyond June 21, 2009.

Readbout Of The Presidents Call With Pittsburgh Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma

Yesterday afternoon, President Obama called Dan Bylsma, head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, to congratulate the team on a great year and on winning the Stanley Cup.

Readout Of The Presidents Call With Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson

Yesterday afternoon, President Obama called Phil Jackson, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, to congratulate him on his team winning the NBA Finals and on his record-setting 10th championship as a head coach.

ADVISORY: President Obama to Discuss Importance of Fatherhood and Personal Responsibility

Presidential Nominations Sent to The Senate, 6-18-09

Edward M. Avalos, of New Mexico, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, vice Bruce I. Knight, resigned.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 6-18-09

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts: David J. Kappos, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Warren F. "Pete" Miller, Jr., Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Department of Energy.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House

President Obama looks forward to welcoming Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to the White House on Friday, June 26.

Schedule Of Judge Sotomayor's Capitol Hill Meetings Today, 6-18-09

Today, Judge Sotomayor will visit Capitol Hill to meet with the following Senators:

Statement by the President on the Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination, and Support of the Lieberman-Baldwin Benefits Legislation

In 2007, Michael Guest, the first openly gay Ambassador confirmed by the United States Senate, resigned from the Foreign Service. He loved his career, but he had to leave it in the end -- because he believed that the country he served was failing to implement the principles of equality it espoused abroad.

Briefing Room