The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

President Obama to Sign Transportation and Student Loan Interest Rate Bill at Event with Construction Workers, Students

WASHINGTON—On Friday, July 6, in the late afternoon, President Obama will hold an event at the White House with construction workers and college students to sign HR 4348, which will put Americans to work repairing the nation’s crumbling roads and bridges and will prevent interest rates from doubling for more than 7 million students. More details will be released as they become available.

President Obama Remembers Andy Griffith

Matt Compton
Matt Compton
July 03, 2012
03:03 PM EDT

Andy Griffith, who charmed audiences for half a century as an actor, comedian, and gospel singer, died today in his home in Manteo, North Carolina. He was 86.

Griffith, known for his iconic roles as the sheriff of Mayberry and the defense attorney Ben Matlock, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

This afternoon, President Obama marked his passing, saying, "A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps."

Related Topics: Inside the White House, North Carolina

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

Statement by the President on the Passing of Andy Griffith

Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Griffith this morning.  A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps.  He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family.

America the Beautiful

Adam Garber
Adam Garber
July 03, 2012
01:36 PM EDT

Musician Keb Mo recently visited the White House and performed his bluesy rendition of "America the Beautiful" in the East Reception Room.  Enjoy some great scenes of America and the President set to this classic song in celebration of Independence Day. Check it out here:

Related Topics: Inside the White House

Celebrating Independence Day at the White House

Matt Compton
Matt Compton
July 03, 2012
12:07 PM EDT

In each of the past three years, President Obama has marked Independence Day with a celebration at the White House featuring a concert, organized by the USO, to honor members of the U.S. military and their families.

And that tradition will continue this year with a performance from country music star Brad Paisley.

You can watch the concert beginning tomorrow, just after 8:00 on WhiteHouse.gov/live, and if you stick around, you'll get a great view of the National Mall fireworks show -- from the South Lawn of the White House.

In the mean time, check out video from Independence Day celebrations past:

Fourth of July 2009

Fourth of July 2010

Fourth of July 2011

Related Topics: Inside the White House, Veterans

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

President Obama to Deliver Remarks at a Naturalization Ceremony for Active Duty Service Members at the White House

WASHINGTON, DC – On July 4, President Obama will deliver remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members in the East Room. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas will present the countries of the candidates for naturalization and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will deliver the oath of allegiance. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2012

Statement by the President on Last Night’s Crash of North Carolina Air National Guard C-130

Yesterday, a military C-130 from the North Carolina Air National Guard crashed while supporting firefighting efforts in South Dakota.  The full details are still under investigation, but the crew of this flight – along with their families and loved ones – are in our thoughts and prayers.  The men and women battling these terrible fires across the West put their lives on the line every day for their fellow Americans.  The airmen who attack these fires from above repeatedly confront dangerous conditions in an effort to give firefighters on the ground a chance to contain these wildfires – to save homes, businesses, schools, and entire communities. They are heroes who deserve the appreciation of a grateful nation.  I know Americans across the country share my concern for the well-being of the surviving members of the crew and my deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. And I know that Americans join me in expressing my deepest gratitude for the selfless determination they and thousands of men and women involved in this fight in states across the country demonstrate every day.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2012

Readout of President Obama’s Call to President-elect Peña Nieto of Mexico

Today the President called Enrique Peña Nieto, President-elect of Mexico, to congratulate him on his victory based on the initial results issued by Mexico’s electoral authorities.  The two leaders reaffirmed the close bilateral partnership the United States and Mexico enjoy based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the deep connections between our people.  The President reiterated his commitment to working in partnership with Mexico, and looks forward to advancing common goals, including promoting democracy, economic prosperity, and security in the region and around the globe, in the coming years.  The President also congratulated the Mexican people who have once again demonstrated their commitment to democratic values through a free, fair, and transparent election process.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2012

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Korea to attend United States National Day at the Yeosu Expo 2012

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Korea to attend the United States National Day at the Yeosu Expo 2012.

The Honorable Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, will lead the delegation on July 4, 2012.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable Sung Kim, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and United States Commissioner to Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea

Ms. Wendy S. Cutler, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs

The Honorable Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Mr. Daniel Dae Kim, Honorary United States Cultural Ambassador to the 2012 World Expo

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 01, 2012

Statement by the Press Secretary on Recent Attacks in Kenya

The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks on innocent civilians attending church services in Kenya.  The attacks on two churches in Garissa follow shortly after the killing of one aid worker and the kidnapping of four others in Dadaab refugee camp this week, as well as an attack on a nightclub in Mombasa last weekend.  The perpetrators of these attacks have shown no respect for human life and dignity, and must be brought to justice for these heinous acts.

At a time of transition, peace and stability are essential to Kenya's progress.  We support those who recognize Kenya’s ethnic and religious diversity as one of the country’s greatest strengths.

The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and to those wounded by these attacks, and we stand with the Kenyan people at this difficult time.