The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

FACT SHEET: Visit of President Perez Molina of Guatemala, President Hernandez of Honduras, and President Sanchez Ceren of El Salvador

On July 25, the President and Vice President hosted Presidents Otto Perez Molina of Guatemala, Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras, and Salvador Sanchez Ceren of El Salvador to discuss how the United States and Central American governments are cooperating to disrupt smuggling organizations and promote safe, legal, and orderly migration.  The leaders discussed how we can work together with other members of the international community to accelerate development, economic growth, and security improvements in the region and address the systemic factors that are causing Central American citizens to undertake the dangerous journey to the United States.

Unaccompanied Migrant Children

The Administration remains greatly concerned by the numbers of unaccompanied children who are crossing into the United States. These children are some of the most vulnerable, and many become victims of violent crime, gang recruitment, exploitation, or sexual abuse along the dangerous journey.  This is a humanitarian matter and our first priority is to make sure these children are housed, fed, and receive any necessary medical treatment. We will also enforce U.S. immigration laws and the most effective way to deter the use of these dangerous human smuggling routes is to repatriate those who have crossed the border recently and have no relief from removal.  We have made clear that migrant children and adults arriving with their children are not eligible to benefit from the passage of immigration reform legislation or from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security are enhancing enforcement and removal activities.  DOJ is deploying additional immigration judges to increase capacity to process the cases of recent undocumented entrants, and to handle immigration court hearings as efficiently as possible while ensuring due process to safely return unlawful migrants to their home countries more quickly.

Shared Responsibility

The Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have coordinated closely with the United States in responding to increased irregular migration. They have implemented public awareness campaigns on the dangers of irregular migration, increased their consular presence on the border, and strengthened their enforcement efforts against smuggling organizations. In addition, the United States is working in close coordination with each country to ensure the safe, orderly, and dignified return of their citizens and to ensure adequate repatriation and reintegration resources in each country.  The United States is also providing $9.6 million in additional resources to support and expand repatriation center capacity and to provide training to immigration officials on migrant care and to increase the capacity of these governments and non-governmental organizations to provide expanded services to returned migrants.

Commitment to Central America’s Security and Development

Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador face very complex challenges that have contributed to the recent increase in individuals emigrating from their home countries, including high levels of violent crime, poverty, and lack of opportunities.  The United States recognizes these serious challenges and is committed to promoting the evolution of a Central America that is prosperous, democratic, and secure. We continue to operate robust programs to support our Central American partners providing $161.5 million this year for Central America Regional Security Initiative programs that are important to enabling Central American countries to respond to pressing security and governance challenges.  The United States also provides almost $130 million in ongoing bilateral assistance to El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala for a variety of programs related to health, education, climate change, economic growth, military cooperation, and democracy assistance.

The Administration is working to increase its support for Central America, beginning with $300 million in foreign assistance in the emergency supplemental request sent to Congress. The United States seeks to work with Central America, Mexico, Colombia, multilateral development banks, and other international partners to develop a sustained, well-coordinated plan to address the challenges facing Central America.  This effort will require the leadership of Central American governments, in close collaboration with civil society and the private sector to foster broad-based, lasting improvements in social and economic conditions in the region.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 255, H.R. 272, H.R. 291, H.R.330, H.R.356, H.R. 507, H.R. 697, H.R 876, H.R. 1158, H.R. 1216, H.R. 1376, H.R. 1813, H.R. 2337, H.R. 3110

On Friday, July 25, 2014, the President signed into law:

H.R. 255, which amends certain definitions in the Provo River Project Transfer Act;

H.R. 272, which designates the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense joint outpatient clinic to be constructed in Marina, California, as the "Major General William H. Gourley VA‑DOD Outpatient Clinic";

H.R. 291, the "Black Hills Cemetery Act," which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified parcels of National Forest System land in South Dakota to local communities;

H.R. 330, the "Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act," which designates a memorial located in Riverside, California, as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial;

H.R. 356, the "Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act," which authorizes a subsurface mineral land exchange in the State of Utah;

H.R. 507, the "Pascua Yaqui Tribe Trust Land Act," which requires, subject to certain conditions and valid existing rights, that specified land be held in trust for the benefit of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe;

H.R. 697, the "Three Kids Mine Remediation and Reclamation Act," which provides for the conveyance of 948 acres of Federal land in Clark County, Nevada, and for the remediation and reclamation of the Three Kids Mine site;

H.R 876, the "Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act," which authorizes the continued use of certain water diversion facilities located in specified wilderness areas within National Forest System land in the State of Idaho;

H.R. 1158, the "North Cascades National Park Service Complex Fish Stocking Act," which requires the Secretary of the Interior to continue stocking fish in certain lakes within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in Washington State;

H.R. 1216, which designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center in Prescott, Arizona, as the Dr. Cameron McKinley Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Center;

H.R. 1376, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the Judge Shirley A. Tolentino Post Office Building;

H.R. 1813, which redesignates the facility of the United States Postal Service in Tallmadge, Ohio, as the Lance Corporal Daniel Nathan Deyarmin, Jr., Post Office Building;

H.R. 2337, the "Lake Hill Administrative Site Affordable Housing Act," which provides for the conveyance of about 40 acres of National Forest System land to Summit County, Colorado; and

H.R. 3110, the "Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act," which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow members of the Hoonah Indian Association to collect the eggs of glaucous-winged gulls within Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.

Celebrating 24 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Taryn Williams
Taryn Williams
July 25, 2014
03:25 PM EDT

Tomorrow marks the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -- a landmark law that transformed American society for people with disabilities. It provided for full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for those of us living with disabilities, and also provided Americans with disabilities with legal remedies to safeguard all of those rights.

Watch the President’s ADA anniversary message below:

Watch on YouTube

Read the President’s proclamation in support of the anniversary here.

Taryn Mackenzie Williams is Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
Related Topics: Disabilities

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

Statement from the President on Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act

I applaud Members of Congress for passing the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act.  Last year, in response to a “We the People” petition from consumers across our country, my Administration called for allowing Americans to use their phones or mobile devices on any network they choose.  We laid out steps the FCC, industry, and Congress should take to ensure copyright law does not undermine wireless competition, and worked with wireless carriers to reach a voluntary agreement that helps restore this basic consumer freedom.  The bill Congress passed today is another step toward giving ordinary Americans more flexibility and choice, so that they can find a cell phone carrier that meets their needs and their budget.  I commend Chairmen Leahy and Goodlatte, and Ranking Members Grassley and Conyers for their leadership on this important consumer issue and look forward to signing this bill into law.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

Readout of the President’s Calls with Afghan Presidential Candidates Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ghani

The President spoke with Afghan presidential candidates Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani today to thank them for their leadership in reaching an agreement to form a national unity government and to accept the outcome of the full audit of the ballots in the June 14 run-off election currently being undertaken by the election commissions.  He commended the two candidates for putting the interests of Afghanistan first and committing to working together as partners in governance.  Noting that the audit is steadily progressing, the President encouraged both candidates to publically endorse their previously agreed political framework and continue their dialogue on the details of its implementation to ensure the Afghan people have full confidence in the ongoing electoral process and outcome.  He reiterated that there is no justification for rhetoric that threatens extra-constitutional measures and urged Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ghani to continue to move forward in the spirit of collegiality to maintain national unity during this historic democratic transition.  The President indicated that Secretary Kerry would continue his close consultations with the two candidates and President Karzai in the days to come.  The President also reaffirmed the enduring American commitment to the Afghan people and their future.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2014

NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY, 2014

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

More than six decades ago, courageous Americans joined Korean patriots as they defended their right to decide their own fate.  They fought through mud, snow, and heavy fire.  As they stood firm against the tide of Communism, nearly 37,000 Americans gave their last full measure of devotion.  Thanks to all who served and all who died, allied forces pushed invading armies back across the 38th parallel, and on July 27, 1953, they secured a hard-earned victory.  On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we honor the men and women who sacrificed so a people they had never met would know the blessings of liberty and security.

Yet our gratitude is not enough.  As a Nation, we must do more to keep faith with our veterans and the families that stand with them always.  Just as they have done their duty, we must do ours.  We will never waver in our commitment to fully account for the captured and the missing, nor will we ever stop striving to give our veterans the care and opportunities they have earned.

As we salute the men and women who made this victory possible, we reflect on the open and prosperous society that is their enduring legacy.  The Republic of Korea has risen from occupation and ruin to become one of the world's most vibrant democracies.  While carefully defending the peace won 61 years ago, the South Korean people have built an advanced, dynamic economy.  Today, the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea -- forged in war and fortified by common ideals -- remains as strong as ever.

This progress was not an accident.  It reminds us that liberty and democracy do not come easily; we must win them, tend to them constantly, and defend them without fail.  As we mark this anniversary, let us show the full care and support of a grateful Nation to every service member who fought on freedom's frontier.

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 July 27, 2014, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor our distinguished Korean War veterans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

 BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act

ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2014

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Over two decades ago, Americans -- some in wheelchairs, some using sign language, and all with an abiding belief in our Nation's promise -- came together to strengthen our commitment to equality for all.  At a time when people with disabilities were turned away at movie theaters, rejected for employment, and measured by what so many thought they could not do, leaders and activists refused to accept the world as it was.  In small towns and big cities, they spoke out.  They staged sit-ins, authored discrimination diaries, and scaled the Capitol steps.  Finally, they realized their call for simple justice in one of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in our country's history.  On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we honor those who fought against discrimination, and we recommit to tearing down barriers and guaranteeing all Americans the right to pursue their own measure of happiness. 

The ADA promises equal access and equal opportunity -- regardless of ability.  It secures each person's right to an independent life, and it enables our country and our economy to benefit from the talents and contributions of all Americans.

Even as we commemorate this milestone, we recognize that too often, casual discrimination or fear of the unfamiliar still prevent disabled Americans from achieving their full potential.  That is why my Administration is pushing to fulfill the promise of and better enforce the ADA.  Fifteen years after the Olmstead decision -- in which the Supreme Court ruled it discrimination to unjustifiably institutionalize someone with a disability -- we have increased the number of homes integrated into communities that are available for persons with disabilities.  Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are banned from discriminating on the basis of pre-existing conditions, medical history, or genetic information.  Expanding on my Executive Order to establish the Federal Government as a model employer of individuals with disabilities, my Administration is also providing Federal contractors with the tools and resources to recruit, retain, and promote people with disabilities.

The nearly one in five Americans living with a disability are our parents, children, neighbors, colleagues, and friends.  They are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as everyone else.  Today, we celebrate their accomplishments, stand against discrimination in all its forms, and honor all who sacrificed so future generations might know a more equal society.

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 July 26, 2014, the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I encourage Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 24th anniversary of this civil rights law and the many contributions of individuals with disabilities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this  twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2014

MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK, 2014

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation thrives when we fulfill the promise of opportunity for all -- when each of us has the same chance to succeed, when every American can find pride and independence in their work, when our shared prosperity rests upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class.  With talent, dedication, and bold ideas, minority entrepreneurs reach for that promise.  They bring jobs and services to communities across our country.  They innovate and create.  They open new markets to goods stamped "Made in the U.S.A."  During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we celebrate their essential role in our economy and our communities.

Minority-owned businesses employ millions of Americans, and my Administration is proud to invest in their success.  We have increased access to contracts and capital, reduced burdensome paperwork, and connected more minority enterprises to booming export markets.  Since I took office, my Administration has made more loans to small business owners than any other.  By hosting workshops and through www.Business.USA.gov, we are empowering minority entrepreneurs with the tools to help their businesses grow.

America's great strength lies in our diversity -- of people, perspectives, and ideas.  We cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it.  But if we invest in small businesses and give all our entrepreneurs a chance to compete, new opportunities will open, and we will flourish -- as individuals and as a 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 July 27 through August 2, 2014, as Minority Enterprise Development Week.  I call upon all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of our Nation's minority enterprises. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

A Day in the Life: Deric from Baltimore

Lindsay Holst
Lindsay Holst
July 25, 2014
11:23 AM EDT

Meet Deric.

Deric Richardson had been out of work for over a year. He had a GED and a Microsoft Office certificate, but needed an opportunity to improve his skills. That opportunity came in the form of tuition-free training in laboratory skills provided by the nonprofit BioTechnical Institute of Maryland. Shortly after successfully completing the training, Deric was hired by Baltimore-based Paragon Bioservices in July 2010.

Today, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez is traveling to Baltimore to meet with him.

Deric’s story is just one great example of how job-driven training is working for Americans across the country. When we talk about "job-driven" training, we're talking about making sure we're providing people with the skills that employers are looking for right now to fill available jobs. Earlier this week, President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which will elevate more job-driven programs like BTI.

This is the second in a series of “day in the life” trips Secretary Perez -- in addition to other secretaries across the President's cabinet -- will be taking over the next few months. It's a chance to talk directly with the people the Labor Department works for every day.

We want to make sure you see what he sees, too. Follow along today to see live updates and highlights from Secretary Perez’s day.

Related Topics: Jobs, Manufacturing, Skills, Economy, Middle Class Security, Technology, Maryland

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 24, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Abbott of Australia

President Obama spoke with Australian Prime Minister Abbott again this evening to discuss Malaysia Airlines flight 17.  The President thanked Prime Minister Abbott for Australia’s leadership on this issue, including for Australia’s willingness to send investigators to the crash site as well as federal police if necessary.  The two leaders agree that a prompt, full, unimpeded and transparent international investigation is an imperative, and they expressed their resolve to push for full, immediate, and secure access for international investigators to the crash site.  The President underscored that the U.S. will continue to support and coordinate closely with Australia, including at the United Nations Security Council, as this issue moves forward.