The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 08, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic of Montenegro

Vice President Biden met today with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic at the White House.  Vice President Biden praised Montenegro as a valuable partner to the United States and contributor to peace and security in the region.  The two leaders discussed developments in the Balkans as well as concerns about continued Russian pressure on Ukraine.  The Vice President welcomed the strong progress Montenegro has made in meeting the requirements for NATO membership and expressed steadfast U.S. support for Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.  He encouraged the Prime Minister to sustain its efforts in making defense, security, and rule of law reforms in order to show concrete achievements in advance of the 2014 NATO summit in Wales.  In this context, the Vice President stressed the importance of robust efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary and a free press, as well as to protect minority rights.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 08, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia

In a telephone call this afternoon, Vice President Biden and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico consulted on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and related issues of bilateral and regional concern.  The two leaders expressed concern over Russia’s continued violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and agreed on the need to support the Ukrainian people as they prepare for constitutional reforms and the May 25th presidential election.  The Vice President expressed appreciation for Slovakia’s continued efforts to work with Ukraine to help diversify its energy supplies.  Finally, the Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on the tenth anniversary of Slovakia’s entry into NATO and affirmed the strong U.S. commitment to enhancing collective defense in Europe.  Expressing appreciation for Slovakia’s contributions to global peace and security, the Vice President reaffirmed that Slovakia remains a valued strategic partner and friend to the United States.

Maria Contreras-Sweet Ceremonially Sworn In as Administrator of the Small Business Administration

Katherine Vargas
Katherine Vargas
April 08, 2014
09:56 AM EST
Vice President Joe Biden ceremonially swears in Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet,

Vice President Joe Biden ceremonially swears in Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, with her husband Ray Sweet holding the bible, in the South Court Auditorium of the White House, April 7, 2014. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Yesterday, at the White House, President Obama and Vice President Biden participated in a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony for Maria Contreras-Sweet as the new Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Mrs. Contreras-Sweet is an excellent choice to lead the SBA, having served at high levels in both the public and private sectors.  Mrs. Contreras-Sweet served as the first Latina cabinet secretary in the history of California, oversaw one of the largest state government agencies in the country, and built a successful bank dedicated to serving traditionally underserved Latino communities from scratch. 

Maria Contreras-Sweet is a champion for the success of small businesses; that’s why President Obama said during her nomination that “Maria Contreras-Sweet will help small businesses get their good ideas off the ground, to expand, to hire, to sell their products and ideas not only in our domestic markets, but also overseas.” Strengthening the economy is the President’s top priority and Mrs. Contreras-Sweet will play an integral role by supporting small businesses with expanded access to SBA loans.

Related Topics: Jobs, Small Business, Economy, California

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

Vice President Biden spoke to Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk today to welcome progress in Ukraine. The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on reaching a preliminary agreement with the IMF on a new standby arrangement to stabilize and grow the Ukrainian economy. He expressed support for finalizing the arrangement as soon as possible. Combined with contributions from other international partners, including a $1 billion U.S. loan guarantee, Ukraine will be able to meet its most pressing needs. Vice President Biden emphasized the importance of improving Ukraine’s energy security and pledged to work closely with Ukraine and other countries across Europe to ensure that no country can use energy as a political weapon. The Vice President expressed support for Ukraine moving forward with constitutional reforms in an inclusive process and as defined by the Ukrainian people. Finally, the Vice President welcomed preparations for free and fair presidential elections on May 25 with the support of international observation.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Advocates

Vice President Biden dropped by a meeting today at the White House with two of Hong Kong’s leading pro-democracy advocates, former Legislative Council member Martin Lee and former Chief Secretary Anson Chan. The Vice President underscored our long-standing support for democracy in Hong Kong and for the city’s high degree of autonomy under the “one country, two systems” framework.

West Wing Week: 4/4/14 or, “The Rosies”

Adam Garber
Adam Garber
April 04, 2014
10:00 AM EST

This week, the President wrapped up a six day trip to Europe and Saudi Arabia, spoke on the success of the first open enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act, traveled to Michigan to highlight the importance of raising the federal minimum wage, and honored both the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, and the 2014 US Olympic and Paralympic teams. That's March 28th to April 3rd or, "The Rosies."

Related Topics: Inside the White House, Michigan

West Wing Week 4/4/14 or, “The Rosies”

April 03, 2014 | 5:18 | Public Domain

This week, the President wrapped up a six day trip to Europe and Saudi Arabia, spoke on the success of the first open enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act, traveled to Michigan to highlight the importance of raising the federal minimum wage, and honored both the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, and the 2014 US Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Download mp4 (172.3MB)

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 03, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras

Vice President Biden spoke with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras today to congratulate Greece in advance of Greek Independence Day celebrations at the White House tomorrow. The Vice President expressed appreciation for the valuable role Greece continues to play as a strategic partner and NATO ally. He welcomed Greece’s continued economic progress as the government carries out its reforms, and pledged enduring U.S. support for returning Greece to economic growth and prosperity. The two leaders discussed the on-going situation in Ukraine, including support for the upcoming May elections and the need to stand united against Russian aggression. They also discussed the importance of transatlantic cooperation on energy security. Finally, Vice President Biden expressed appreciation to Greece for its support for a just and lasting settlement that reunites Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 01, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Business Executives from Information Technology Companies

As part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to help Americans obtain the skills they need to acquire good middle class jobs, Vice President Biden dropped by a meeting today with a group of business executives from leading information technology companies. The Vice President highlighted the importance of making sure our training efforts teach skills that are in demand by employers. He also encouraged the participants to expand initiatives that have proven successful, including partnerships between companies and community colleges to teach workers new skills. The group discussed how increasing the availability of on-the-job training opportunities -- like apprenticeships – can help Americans find employment and ultimately widen the aperture into the middle class.

The Vice President is working with private companies, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, education institutions, state and local leaders, and others across the country to make the workforce and training system more job-driven, integrated, and effective.

In Case You Missed It: Vice President Biden Talks About the Need for Immigration Reform

Felicia Escobar and Sherry Lachman
March 31, 2014
03:23 PM EST

Last Thursday, Vice President Biden spoke to 350 Hispanic businessmen, entrepreneurs, and community leaders at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Summit.

During his speech, he spoke passionately about the need for immigration reform and thanked the Chamber for their continued leadership on this issue.

The Vice President stated, “The single most important thing we can do for our economy, for America’s future, is pass immigration reform now.”

He cited the findings of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on the economic benefits of the immigration reform bill (S. 744) the Senate passed in June and similar legislation recently introduced by House Democrats. The CBO determined common-sense reform would increase our gross domestic product by $1.4 trillion and reduce the deficit by $850 billion over the next 20 years.

The Vice President offered several examples to illustrate why our current broken immigration system is damaging our economy.

Felicia Escobar is the Senior Policy Director for Immigration at the White House Domestic Policy Council. Sherry Lachman is Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President.
Related Topics: Immigration