The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 22, 2011

Press Gaggle by Jay Carney en route Manchester, New Hampshire

**Please see transcript below with correction of a typo – “Senator Portman” not “Senator Corbin”

Aboard Air Force One
En Route Manchester, New Hampshire

10:40 A.M. EST

MR. CARNEY: Thank you all for being here as we make our way to New Hampshire, where the President will, as you know, give a speech making a strong case for Congress to pass the provision within the American Jobs Act that would extend and expand the payroll tax cut that every working American has gotten this year, and which every working American will not get unless Congress acts. And if Congress does not act, 160 million Americans will, on average, see their taxes go up by $1,000 next year, which would be a terrible thing.

The President, as you know, in the American Jobs Act, called for an expansion of that tax cut, so if the Congress, in its infinite wisdom, were to act on the President’s proposal, which will be moved in the Senate, and passed, that it would mean a $1,500 tax cut for the average American family next year, as well as a tax cut for businesses that hire new employees or expand their payroll.

So, with that, I will take your questions.

Q Any calls that the President has made since last night? Did he call Senator Murray or Congressman Hensarling?

MR. CARNEY: No.

Q Did he have any calls to any members of the super committee since that outbound trip in San Diego?

MR. CARNEY: I answered this about seven different times yesterday; I can do that here again if you’d like. The President put forward a plan mid-September, a highly detailed and comprehensive plan, laying out exactly what he believed the super committee should do in order to achieve the kind of deficit reduction mandated by Congress itself. In fact, he laid out a plan that would achieve deficit reduction far in excess of that mandate, therefore providing the super committee a variety of options by which to get to a mere $1.2 trillion, because the options put on the -- within the President’s plan were $3 trillion in size.

So, throughout this process, the President had a responsibility as a leader in this process, that was a congressional process, to do three things: one, make clear to the American public, make clear to the super committee and make clear to all of Congress what his plan was, what his vision was; he did that, as I just described. Two, rally public support behind his vision; he tried to do that. And I think every one of your organizations, I believe, has had public polling that clearly demonstrates that the public overwhelmingly supported the President’s approach -- overwhelmingly. Not just Democrats, not just independents, but Republicans as well. Three, lead his party to accept the kind of tough choices that the President was asking Democrats to make in the name of achieving a balanced approach for deficit and debt reduction and long-term debt control. He did that as well.

Anybody who reported on this and knows what the Democrats were offering in the super committee knows that there were very tough choices that Democrats were willing to make on entitlement reform and other issues -- spending cuts -- if only the Republicans were willing to budge at all on the fundamental obstacle here, the fundamental reason that the super committee failed, was because Republicans refused to ask the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more.

Q Mine is a logistical question, though. Since the --

MR. CARNEY: I answered it.

Q Okay -- no calls since last night?

MR. CARNEY: I think I answered that now three times, yes.

Q Thank you.

Q Jay, now that we’ve moved on to sort of this new phase in the debate where the President is going to focus on the payroll tax cut extension and the jobless benefits and renewing those, what is the strategy going to be? Are we going to be see him mostly focusing again on trying to rally public support for those proposals, or are we going to see him more involved with lawmakers in coming up with a legislative strategy to get them to pass by the end of the year?

MR. CARNEY: Well, there’s a lot of business to be done between now and the end of the year before Congress goes on its month-long recess. And that includes a number of appropriations bills, as well as getting as much of the American Jobs Act passed as humanly possible, or congressionally possible, if you will. So the President will be engaged at every level in that effort.

Again, every provision within the jobs act is the kind of provision that has been supported by Republicans as well as Democrats in the past. They’re all provisions that have been broadly supported by the public. And they’re all paid for in a way -- in the President’s plan and in the way that Senate Democrats have put his ideas forward in ways that have been supported by broad majorities of the American public. He certainly hopes that Congress will go along with that.

It is inconceivable to me and to him that a Republican Congress would want to raise taxes on 160 million hardworking Americans next year, all in the name of protecting tax breaks for the very wealthiest Americans.

Q Foreign policy, Jay. Does the administration have a view on whether Saif al-Islam Qaddafi should be tried in The Hague or by Libyans in Libya?

MR. CARNEY: We urge the TNC and the Libyan authorities to continue their cooperation with the ICC, and I think that’s an important process. And they have been cooperating, so we think that’s important.

Q Jay, Mitt Romney is unveiling his first television ads in New Hampshire today, and they’re all aimed at Obama. Is the President going to be taking on Mitt on this trip today, or is the focus the payroll tax?

MR. CARNEY: Focus on the urgent need to grow the economy and create jobs, and, specifically today, to ensure that Americans have extra money in their pockets next year to help them pay their bills and make ends meet, and also to grow the economy. He will not be talking about the many different candidates for the Republican nomination today.

I can say, about that ad -- I think the campaign has made comment. I mean, what -- seriously? I mean, an ad in which they deliberately distort what the President said? I mean, it’s a rather remarkable way to start, and an unfortunate way to start. And I’m pleased to see numerous news organizations point out the blatant dishonesty in the ad.

Q Jay, is the President worried about a downgrade in S&P and another downgrade? What can the President do to help avoid this?

MR. CARNEY: Well, I mean, I don’t want to make predictions about what ratings agencies will do. I think some have already made some comments about this, but for anything more specific I’d refer you to the Treasury Department.

Q Jay, one more thing on the deficit committee. Given that the cuts that they have to enact don’t have to take place until 2013, is there concern that lawmakers might try to push this off until after the 2012 election, wait to see what voters do in that election, and then basically we’re set up for a fight in the lame duck next year?

MR. CARNEY: That would be unfortunate. That would be far less than ideal, and it would be a shame because there is plenty of time now. The super committee may have failed but Congress has certainly the capacity here to get something done to avoid the deliberately onerous imposition of the sequester.

So one would hope that, in the coming months, that Congress would do its job and make some I think fairly basic and simple choices about how to achieve deficit reduction in a balanced way.

Going back to this question, and it clearly is on my mind because there’s -- a lot of the reporting has been good, I feel, about what went down and why the super committee failed. But there is a certain amount of analysis that -- where commentators on this find refuge in the comfort of declaring a pox on both their houses, a false moral equivalence of “everybody is guilty, everybody is to blame.”

But let’s be clear here: You all reported on it. You know how difficult it was for Democrats to go along with the kind of entitlement reforms the President was willing to support if the Republicans were willing to do something in a balanced way, were willing to deal with revenue. You see what the Democrats put on the table, the super committee, and it has, as Senator Corbin** himself said, “demonstrated a willingness by Democrats to put entitlement reform on the table.”

What we never saw, and have yet to see, is a willingness -- a commensurate willingness -- by Republicans to do what the public says should be done, which is ask the wealthiest Americans who have done exceptionally well -- far better than the rest of the country over the past 10 years, even 30 years -- to pay a little bit extra so that we can get our fiscal house in order, and not do it on the backs of the middle class and senior citizens.

And here’s one of the reasons why the Republican Party is so hamstrung -- because the very men and woman who would occupy the Oval Office stood up on a stage and all raised their hand and said they would not accept a deal that had as its foundation $10 in spending cuts every $1 in revenue. That is so wildly inconsistent with where the public is, so wildly out of the mainstream, that it’s not a surprise, then, if those are the Republican standard bearers, that Republicans in Congress are not willing to do what is obvious to all, what the public supports.

Q Just to follow on Helene’s question on the decision to go to New Hampshire. The President might not be talking about the specific Republican candidates, but his selection of Manchester, in New Hampshire, is a fairly loud political statement.

MR. CARNEY: As opposed to another town in New Hampshire? It’s not a huge state. I mean, I think all of New Hampshire is well known as a famous state politically --

Q The selection of New Hampshire --

MR. CARNEY: -- well, wait, the President doesn’t have a primary. I will -- well, I’ll confidently predict that he’ll win the primary in the Democratic Party. So there are a lot of states that matter in the political process in this country, and if you didn’t travel to any of them, you would severely limit your ability to travel around the country. The President has gone north, south, east and west, and will continue to travel around the country making the case for his agenda.

Q Do you have -- just shifting to international affairs -- do you have anything on Egypt? Fourth day of protests in Tahrir Square. What is the President’s level of concern?

MR. CARNEY: Well, we are deeply concerned about the violence. The violence is deplorable. We call on restraint -- we call on all sides to exercise restraint. We think it’s very important that the elections go forward. And, again, going back to the first point, the violence needs to stop. The Egyptians need to be able to decide their future and decide it in a peaceful manner.

Q Any anything on the prime minister-elect in Spain? Has the President called, reached out to him yet? Anything in Europe in general?

MR. CARNEY: I don’t have anything new on Europe, beyond what I said yesterday.

Q Thank you.

MR. CARNEY: Hold on, there’s one other thing I wanted to say. (Laughter.) One other thing I wanted to say. No, let’s just talk about the calls for undoing the sequester, right? I mean --

Q Can you give us the White House views on undoing the sequester? (Laughter.) I just am curious --

MR. CARNEY: Hans, I am so glad you asked, because let’s go -- let’s examine this within the context of approval ratings for

Congress that hover in single digits, maybe 10 or 11 percent, and ask ourselves why that might be the case when you have members of Congress who voted for the sequester, said we will hold ourselves accountable. This is a sword of Damocles over our heads to make sure that we, Congress, will act responsibly. Never mind, they say, we won’t do that. I mean, why do you think people are so cynical about how Congress works? If they pass a law that’s supposed to hold them responsible for their actions and then say, never mind, we don’t want to be held responsible for our actions -- there is an obvious -- look, those cuts in the sequester are broad and onerous for a reason, because they’re supposed to force action by Congress to avoid them. They’re never supposed to take place. And they don’t need to take place, and they won’t take place if Congress simply acts.

And the concern about national defense is understandable, and I think that one way to -- if the concern is so great about the need to maintain a certain level of defense spending, there is an easy way out here, which is be willing to ask the wealthiest Americans to pay a little bit more in order to achieve this comprehensive and balanced deficit reduction plan, and then the sequester will never kick in. It’s very simple.

Q No wiggle room on the veto threat?

MR. CARNEY: No wiggle room. No wiggle room.

Q Even in a potential lame duck session?

MR. CARNEY: The President spoke very clearly on this. Let me think, is there anything else I have to say? (Laughter.) Any other questions I’d like to ask?

Q Alister Bull of Reuters usually has a variety of good questions in his notebook. Alister?

Q All done. Thank you. (Laughter.)

MR. CARNEY: All right, guys, thanks you very much.

END
10:54 A.M. EST

President Obama Welcomes Guests to "In Performance at the White House: Country Music"

November 21, 2011 | 5:13 | Public Domain

The President and First Lady host music legends and contemporary artists at the White House for a celebration of country music.

Download mp4 (50MB) | mp3 (5MB)

Read the Transcript

President Obama Makes a Statement about the Supercommittee

November 21, 2011 | 5:59 | Public Domain

Republicans continue to insist on protecting tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, preventing Congress from reaching an agreement to further reduce our deficit.

Download mp4 (57MB) | mp3 (6MB)

Read the Transcript

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2011

Remarks by the President at "In Performance at the White House"

East Room

7:16 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Everybody, please have a seat. Thank you so much. Well, good evening, everybody. I have been on the road a lot lately -– I know the entertainers who are here tonight can relate. Johnny Cash was really singing our song when he said, “I’ve been everywhere, man.” (Laughter.) So I appreciate you all coming out for the best welcome-home party that I’ve had in a long time. I even see some members of my Cabinet and members of Congress in the house.

Michelle and I are delighted that all of you are here for the seventh in a series of evenings we’ve hosted here at the White House to celebrate the music that has helped to shape our nation.

Over the past couple of years, some of the greatest artists from Motown, from jazz, classical, Broadway have honored us with their performances. We’ve celebrated Latin rhythms and the music that helped define the Civil Rights Movement. And tonight, we’re transforming the East Room into a bona fide country music hall. (Applause.)

As Charley Pride, who played here two years ago, once said: “There is enough room in country music for everybody.” And over the past five years, I’ve had the extraordinary opportunity to travel all across America. I’ve hopped on planes to big cities. I’ve ridden buses through small towns. And along the way, I’ve gained an appreciation for just how much country music means to so many Americans.

Tonight, we’re thrilled to welcome a couple of generations of music stars, some of whom have been singing stories of life in America since before our younger guests were born -- before I was born. Artists like James Taylor, Lyle Lovett and -- (applause) -- and Kris Kristofferson. (Applause.) These are among the greats that helped carry country music from regional radio to national popularity. Today, artists like Mickey and Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley aren’t just topping the charts, they’re taking country worldwide. I am so pleased to welcome back to the White House one of the enduring voices of country music, Alison Krauss. I love her. (Applause.) And we have Hootie in the house. (Laughter.) Darius Rucker is now one of the best-loved country stars around. (Applause.)

I want also to thank Kris, Lyle and Darius for joining Michelle this afternoon to lead a workshop on the history of country music for young musicians. It is a proud history that runs from barn stomping to the great honky tonks to the big stage to the GRAMMYs. It’s a unique history that ties together many threads of our immigrant heritage -– like the Irish fiddle, the German dulcimer, the Italian mandolin, the Spanish guitar and the West African banjo –- into music that is truly Made in America. And at its most pure, that’s what country music is all about -- life in America. It’s about storytelling -– giving voice to the emotions of everyday life. Brad Paisley put it simply: “This is real, this is your life in a song. This is country music.”

Country music can be about love. It can be about heartache. It can sing sad times, or it can yell out that I’m just here having a good time. And it can remind us, especially when lots of our friends and neighbors are going through tough times, of what we’ve got to fight for and who we have to be. It reminds us that this is America. This is the place where you can make it if you try. And there is a pretty good Brooks and Dunn song about that. I recommend it. (Laughter.)

So as we look forward to celebrating this holiday season, let’s take the time to appreciate the things that matter most in our lives: country, family and community. And let’s kick it off by giving thanks for an evening of down-home country music. Have fun and enjoy the evening. (Applause.)

END
7:21 P.M. EST

President Obama on the Supercommittee's Failure to Reach a Compromise

Matt Compton

November 21, 2011
07:31 PM EDT

Watch President Obama's full remarks here.

This afternoon, the group of lawmakers tasked with cutting an additional $1 trillion from the deficit announced that their effort had failed.

President Obama addressed that situation from the White House Briefing Room just before 6:00 PM ET.

While some members of Congress are talking about undoing the automatic spending cuts that will take effect in 2013 if lawmakers can't reach a compromise, the President said that kind of backpeddling is unacceptable:

I will veto any effort to get rid of those automatic spending cuts to domestic and defense spending. There will be no easy off ramps on this one.

There is still plenty of time for Congress to act, and there are a range of issues that demand their immediate attention.

That starts with the payroll tax cut. Without a vote from Congress, taxes for nearly every American will go up on January 1st.

"I'm not about to let that happen," President Obama said.

Presidential Proclamation -- 50th Anniversary of the United States Agency For International Development

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

This year, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) commemorates 50 years of progress dedicated to saving lives, building partnerships, and promoting peace and prosperity for the developing world and the American people.

Since President John F. Kennedy founded USAID in 1961, the men and women of USAID have worked on the front lines of poverty and conflict to support communities and countries as they build a better future. By promoting sustainable growth in the developing world, we spur new markets abroad and energize our economy here at home. By encouraging good governance, we empower transparency, accountability, and strong institutions that are responsive to citizens' needs. By driving innovations in agriculture, education, and global health, we strengthen global stability and advance our national security. And by delivering aid in the wake of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, we express the generosity and goodwill that unite us as a people.

The impact of these efforts is remarkable. In the past five decades, USAID has helped developing countries across the globe transform into stable and prosperous nations, vibrant trading partners, and foreign assistance donors themselves. These countries stand as beacons of hope for people striving toward democracy, free economies, and respect for human rights. The critical work of USAID enables these transitions forward, helping prevent and end conflict around the world.

Even after these successes, we know there is more to do. To advance America's interests and promote global development, USAID has instituted a series of ambitious reforms that will bring new partnerships, a greater emphasis on innovation, and a relentless focus on real results. These actions will help ensure we invest every development dollar in the most effective, efficient, and transparent way possible. And they will ensure that those with the greatest needs in this world are extended a helping hand from the American people.

On this anniversary, we honor the men and women of USAID whose dedication to public service has improved millions of lives around the world, and we honor the vision of those whose spirit of innovation has opened new frontiers in the global fight against hunger, poverty, and disease. As USAID continues to shape a brighter future for generations to come, its mission will remain of vital importance to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the 50th Anniversary of the United States Agency for International Development. I call upon all Americans to observe this anniversary with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor USAID and its workers, past and present, for their enduring commitment to a safer, more peaceful world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2011

Statement by the President on the Supercommittee

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

5:44 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. As you all know, last summer I signed a law that will cut nearly $1 trillion of spending over the next 10 years. Part of that law also required Congress to reduce the deficit by an additional $1.2 trillion by the end of this year.

In September, I sent them a detailed plan that would have gone above and beyond that goal. It's a plan that would reduce the deficit by an additional $3 trillion, by cutting spending, slowing the growth of Medicare and Medicaid, and asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.

In addition to my plan, there were a number of other bipartisan plans for them to consider from both Democrats and Republicans, all of which promoted a balanced approach. This kind of balanced approach to reducing our deficit -- an approach where everybody gives a little bit, and everyone does their fair share -- is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans -- Democrats, independents, and Republicans. It’s supported by experts and economists from all across the political spectrum. And to their credit, many Democrats in Congress were willing to put politics aside and commit to reasonable adjustments that would have reduced the cost of Medicare, as long as they were part of a balanced approach.

But despite the broad agreement that exists for such an approach, there's still too many Republicans in Congress who have refused to listen to the voices of reason and compromise that are coming from outside of Washington. They continue to insist on protecting $100 billion worth of tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans at any cost, even if it means reducing the deficit with deep cuts to things like education and medical research. Even if it means deep cuts in Medicare.

So at this point, at least, they simply will not budge from that negotiating position. And so far, that refusal continues to be the main stumbling block that has prevented Congress from reaching an agreement to further reduce our deficit.

Now, we are not in the same situation that we were -- that we were in in August. There is no imminent threat to us defaulting on the debt that we owe. There are already $1 trillion worth of spending cuts that are locked in. And part of the law that I signed this summer stated that if Congress could not reach an agreement on the deficit, there would be another $1.2 trillion of automatic cuts in 2013 -– divided equally between domestic spending and defense spending.

One way or another, we will be trimming the deficit by a total of at least $2.2 trillion over the next 10 years. That's going to happen, one way or another. We've got $1 trillion locked in, and either Congress comes up with $1.2 trillion, which so far they've failed to do, or the sequester kicks in and these automatic spending cuts will occur that bring in an additional $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction.

Now, the question right now is whether we can reduce the deficit in a way that helps the economy grow, that operates with a scalpel, not with a hatchet, and if not, whether Congress is willing to stick to the painful deal that we made in August for the automatic cuts. Already, some in Congress are trying to undo these automatic spending cuts.

My message to them is simple: No. I will veto any effort to get rid of those automatic spending cuts to domestic and defense spending. There will be no easy off ramps on this one.

We need to keep the pressure up to compromise -- not turn off the pressure. The only way these spending cuts will not take place is if Congress gets back to work and agrees on a balanced plan to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion. That’s exactly what they need to do. That’s the job they promised to do. And they've still got a year to figure it out.

Although Congress has not come to an agreement yet, nothing prevents them from coming up with an agreement in the days ahead. They can still come together around a balanced plan. I believe Democrats are prepared to do so. My expectation is, is that there will be some Republicans who are still interested in preventing the automatic cuts from taking place. And, as I have from the beginning, I stand ready and willing to work with anybody that’s ready to engage in that effort to create a balanced plan for deficit reduction.

Now, in the meantime, we've got a lot of work left to do this year. Before Congress leaves next month, we have to work together to cut taxes for workers and small business owners all across America. If we don’t act, taxes will go up for every single American, starting next year. And I’m not about to let that happen. Middle-class Americans can’t afford to lose $1,000 next year because Congress won’t act. And I can only hope that members of Congress who've been fighting so hard to protect tax breaks for the wealthy will fight just as hard to protect tax breaks for small business owners and middle-class families.

We still need to put construction workers back on the job rebuilding our roads and our bridges. We still need to put our teachers back in the classroom educating our kids.

So when everybody gets back from Thanksgiving, it’s time to get some work done for the American people. All around the country, Americans are working hard to live within their means and meet their responsibilities. And I know they expect Washington to do the same.

Thanks.

END
5:50 P.M. EST

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2011

Readout of the President's Call with Guatemalan President-elect Otto Perez Molina

Earlier today, President Obama called Guatemala's President-elect Otto Perez Molina to congratulate him on his recent electoral victory and to commend the Guatemalan people for their dedication to democracy. The Presidents discussed the shared responsibility for enhancing citizen security in Guatemala and underscored the importance of institutional reforms, respect for human rights, and inclusive economic growth in advancing the well being of all Guatemalans. President Obama reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working in partnership with Guatemala, noting the deep ties between the two countries, based in part on the significant contribution of Guatemalan-Americans to both countries.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2011

Statement from NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Deputy National Security Advisor McDonough’s visit to Sudan and South Sudan

At the President's request, Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough joined Special Envoy for Sudan Princeton Lyman on a visit to Sudan and South Sudan November 20-21. This follows Mr. McDonough’s short visit to Iraq with National Security Advisor to the Vice President and Deputy Assistant to the President Tony Blinken.

In Khartoum, Mr. McDonough and Special Envoy Lyman discussed the urgent crisis in the states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile in Sudan and recent cross-border attacks that threaten the peace between Sudan and South Sudan. They reiterated the United States’ deep concern over continuing fighting in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile and the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the fighting, which is exacerbated by the Government of Sudan’s blocking of international humanitarian assistance to the civilian population. The meetings also addressed the state of U.S.-Sudan relations, the importance of resolving the remaining post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues between Sudan and South Sudan, and highlighted the importance of bringing peace and justice to Darfur.

In Juba, Mr. McDonough and Special Envoy Lyman addressed these same crises and the need to respect the sovereignty of Sudan, including by ending support for the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. The meetings also discussed ways for making progress to resolve the remaining post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 21, 2011

President Obama Grants Pardons and Commutation

WASHINGTON, DC – Today President Barack Obama granted pardons to five individuals and commutation of sentence to one individual:

PARDONS:

• Lesley Claywood Berry Jr. - Loretto, Ky.

Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribute marijuana, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846.
Sentence: April 29, 1988; District of Minnesota; three years in prison.

• Dennis George Bulin - Wesley Chapel, Fla.

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 pounds of marijuana, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: March 10, 1987; Middle District of Alabama; five years of probation and $20,000 fine.

• Ricky Dale Collett - Annville, Ky.

Offense: Aiding and abetting in the manufacture of 61 marijuana plants, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: March 7, 2002; Eastern District of Kentucky; one year of probation conditioned on 60 days of home detention.

• Martin Kaprelian - Park Ridge, Ill.

Offense: Conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 371; transporting stolen property in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 2314; concealing stolen property that was transported in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 2315.
Sentence: Feb. 1, 1984; Northern District of Illinois; nine years in prison, five years of probation.

• Thomas Paul Ledford - Jonesborough, Tenn.

Offense: Conducting and directing an illegal gambling business, 18 U.S.C. § 1955.
Sentence: June 12, 1995; Eastern District of Tennessee; one year of probation conditioned on performance of 100 hours of community service.

COMMUTATION:

• Eugenia Marie Jennings - Alton, Ill.

Offense: Distribution of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
Sentence: Feb. 23, 2001; Southern District of Illinois; 262 months in prison, eight years of supervised release, $1,750 fine.
Terms of commutation: Prison sentence to expire on Dec. 21, 2011, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.