The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with President Hollande of France

President Obama spoke with French President Hollande today about the worsening situation in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists, seemingly with support and coordination from Moscow, have intensified their campaign to undermine and destabilize the Ukrainian government.  The leaders underscored that Russia will face significant additional costs if it continues this behavior.  President Obama noted that the government of Ukraine has acted with great restraint and praised the Ukrainian government’s efforts to unify the country by holding free and fair presidential elections on May 25 and pursuing an inclusive constitutional reform process.  The two leaders also discussed ongoing cooperation in our bilateral relationship.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014

Vice President Biden to Travel to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON, DC – The Vice President will travel to the Federative Republic of Brazil in June to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  While in Brazil, the Vice President will attend a game of the U.S. national team. 

Additional details about the Vice President’s trip will be released at a later date. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of President Jose Mujica Cordano of Uruguay

President Obama will host President Jose Mujica Cordano of Uruguay at the White House on Monday, May 12.  The visit will highlight the close partnership we enjoy with Uruguay and our strong support for the Mujica Administration’s leadership on human rights, social inclusion, and global peace and security.  President Obama looks forward to discussing ways to grow our bilateral economic ties and improve market access for each other’s goods and services; expand our collaboration on science, technology, and health; increase educational exchanges; and consult on multilateral issues including peacekeeping.

The White House

Office of Media Affairs

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014

White House Announces 2014 Easter Egg Roll Program and Talent Line-up

The White House announces the program, activities, and talent line-up for the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition in its 136th year and the largest annual public event at the White House. 

The Easter Egg Roll will take place Monday, April 21, on the South Lawn of the White House and in support of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative is focused on promoting health and wellness with the theme, “Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape.”  The event will feature live music, sports courts, cooking stations, storytelling and, of course, Easter egg rolling.

To learn more about the Easter Egg Roll visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/EasterEggRoll. Tune in for live streams from the South Lawn on April 21, 2014 on WhiteHouse.gov/live. You can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #EasterEggRoll and get the latest updates by checking out Let’s Move! on Twitter and Facebook.

Talent Line-up

This year’s special guest is 12-year-old singing sensation, Cam Anthony. Anthony will sing the National Anthem as well as perform on the Rock ‘n’ Egg Roll Stage. 

DJ Beauty & the Beatz, Ariana Grande, Candice Glover, R5 featuring Ross Lynch, DJ Young1, and Sesame Street’s Mando, Rosita, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster, will perform on the Rock ‘n’ Egg Roll Stage.  The Official Emcee of the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll is Tommy McFly, who will introduce acts on the Ellipse music stage. The United States Marine Corps Band will perform American classics. 

Readers on the Storytime Stage will be Jim Carrey, Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri, former NFL player and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, DJ Lance Rock, Debby Ryan from the Disney Channel’s JESSIE and Sesame Street’s Mando, Rosita, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster.

Chefs Maneet Chauhan, Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Sam Kass, Marc Murphy, Charles Phan, Super Sprowtz, and the Disney Channel cast of JESSIE will prepare healthy eating demonstrations in the Play with your Food station.

In the Eggtivity Zone, Dr. Jayne Greenberg, Cornell McClellan, Donna Richardson Joyner, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, Michelle Kwan, Anthony Robles, and Shellie Pfohl will represent the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition as players and coaches from professional sports teams teach kids how to play sports and show kids easy, fun ways to stay active and fit. 

Athletes participating in the Eggtivity Zone include:

Katrina Adams (US Tennis Association)
Dwayne Allen (Indianapolis Colts)
Davy Arnuad (D.C. United)
Brian Baker (US Tennis Association)
Kelly Berger (US Lacrosse)
Bonnie Bernstein (Sports Journalist)
Bobby Boswell (D.C. United)
Stephen Bowen (Washington Redskins)
Michael Carter-Williams (Philadelphia 76ers)
Julie Chu (US Olympic Ice Hockey)
Kirk Cousins (Washington Redskins)
Monique Currie (Washington Mystics)
Martin Conlon (NBA)
Adrian Dantley (NBA)
Derrick Dockery (NFL)
Fabian Espondola (D.C. United)
Dwight Freeney (San Diego Chargers)
Maria Cruz Garcia (US Olympic Fencer)
Pierre Garçon (Washington Redskins)
Gio Gonzales (Washington Nationals)
Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins)
Richard Hamilton (NBA)
Allyson Hamlin (D.C. United)
Jamie Hampton (US Tennis Association)
Tony Hawk (Professional Skateboarder)
Daryl Homer (US Olympic Fencer)
Ryan Kerrigan (Washington Redskins)
Bradley Klahn (US Tennis Association)
Matt Lawrence (NFL)
Ivory Latta (Washington Mystics)
Nancy Lieberman (WNBA)
Nastia Liukin (US Olympic Gymnast)
Felipe (Luis) López  (NBA)
Le’Ron McClain (NFL)
Grace Min (US Tennis Association)
Tim Morehouse (US Olympic Fencer)
Dikembe Mutombo (NBA)
Lewis Neal (D.C. United)
Bill Olsen (D.C. United)
Mzingha Elaine Prescod (US Olympic Fencer)
Melanie Oudin (US Tennis Assocation)
Jeff Parke (D.C. United)
Sam Querrey (US Tennis Association)
Paul Rabil (Lacrosse)
Sanya Richards-Ross (US Olympic Track and Field)
Ruth Riley (WNBA)
Sysannah Scalon (US Olympic Fencer)
Adrian Smith (NFL)
Briana Scurry (US Soccer)
Eric Thibault (Washington Mystics)
Etan Thomas (NBA)
Charles Tillman (Chicago Bears)
Ashley Wagner (US Olympic Figure Skater)
Lardarius Webb (Baltimore Ravens)
Buck Williams (NBA)
Donna Wilkinson (D.C. Divas)
USA Field Hockey

The Hop To It Stage will offer a variety of interactive dance and other physical fun including Baby Loves Disco, Hip Hop Public Health, KidTribe, and the Ohmies.

The Ellipse will have an entertainment stage and guests can enjoy musical acts, activities, and a real NASCAR racecar as they prepare to enter the South Lawn. Tommy McFly will be on the Ellipse spinning music and getting guests excited about the event. 

This year’s costume characters include:

Abby Cadabby -- AbraKidabra! -- Angry Birds -- Arthur -- Belt from The Croods -- Big Green Rabbit -- Cabbage Patch Kids Amy Sue and Brian Josh  -- Caillou and Gilbert -- Captain Barnacles Bear and Kwazii Kitten from The Octonauts -- Charlie Brown -- Charlie and Checkers -- Clicky  -- Curious George -- Daniel Tiger -- Doc McStuffins -- Doki and Anabella from Discovery Familia -- Domino the Great -- Dora the Explorer -- Dynamike

Emmet and WyldStyle from the LEGO Movie -- Fairy Twinkletoes -- Franklin the Turtle -- Geo and Milli from Team Umizoomi -- Hatching Chick -- Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates -- Little Nutbrown Hare -- Maisy -- Mama, Papa, and Junior Bunnies -- Mario and Luigi -- Maya & Miguel -- Miffy -- Minion Tim and Minion Jerry from Despicable Me -- Mop Top the Hip Hop Scientist -- Mozzie the Mosquito -- Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head -- Olive the Ostrich -- Peg + Cat -- Peter Rabbit and Lily Bobtail -- Power Panther -- Power Rangers –

Princess Presto – Screech – Slapshot -- Smokey Bear -- Snoopy -- Sofia the First -- Spider-Man -SpongeBob SquarePants -- Squiggz from the Bug Rangers -- Super WHY! -- Talking Tom and Talking Ben -- The Cat in the Hat -- The Racing Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Thomas Jefferson -- Tommy and Tallulah from Tickety Toc -- Toothless the Dragon from How to Train Your Dragon 2 -- Topspin and Slice -- Twig Wompkee -- Witzy the Duck -- Woodsy Owl

Full List of Events

With the “Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape” theme, all of the activities on the South Lawn promote healthy and active living.  The activities include obstacle courses, yoga, dancing, playing sports with professional athletes, and of course, the traditional egg roll.  The full list of events is below:

Egg Roll Classics
An Egg Hunt & the traditional Egg Roll

Rock ‘n’ Egg Roll Stage
Live musical performances for all ages

Storytime Stage
Listen as celebrities bring books to life

Hop To It!
An instructional dance party on the South Lawn!  Get up to dance and more

Eggtivity Zone Obstacle Course
An ultimate all-in-one obstacle course! Climb, jump, and run your way through a variety of sports drills

Basketball and Tennis
Get hands-on training from basketball and tennis pros on the President’s court

Yoga Garden
Come enjoy a session of yoga from professional instructors

Eggspress Yourself
Hatch your inner artist with arts and crafts fun! Egg dying, egg decorating, and more

Play with your Food
An entertaining activity center filled with opportunities to learn about healthy eating

Eggsperiment Zone
Interactive, educational activities designed to spark scientific curiosity and creativity

Additional Information about the 2014 Easter Egg Roll

For the sixth year in a row, members of the public had the opportunity to enter an online lottery for a chance to win tickets to the event and more than 30,000 people from all 50 states and the District of Columbia have received tickets to the event. 

This year’s event will begin at 7:30 AM and end at 6:45 PM EDT.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014

Statement by Vice President Biden on the Passing of Nuala Pell

Jill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Nuala Pell. She and her husband, Senator Clairborne Pell, were among our closest friends. They embraced me in my earliest days in the Senate, after I had lost my wife and daughter. I spent many memorable evenings in their company, and through all the years we served together, I always knew I had a welcome home in Washington with the Pells. 

I also remember the love and partnership that marked their marriage. Senator Pell used to keep a pillow in his office embroidered with the words, "Happiness is being married to your best friend." Nuala and Claiborne worked side by side on every issue, whether it was on behalf of the elderly, or women's health care, or the arts and humanities, or access to education. After Claiborne passed, Nuala continued her lifetime of service, creating the Nuala Pell Leadership Program in Public Service to give future leaders the skills to enter public service. Her lifetime of service will live on through the next generation of leaders she helped grow, and in the hearts of her many friends.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2014

Statement from the President on Passover

Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Passover in the United States, in Israel, and around the world. 

On Tuesday, just as we have every year of my presidency, my family will join the millions taking part in the ancient tradition of the Seder.  We will enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, retell a timeless story, and give thanks for the freedom we are so blessed to enjoy.

Yet even as we celebrate, our prayers will be with the people of Overland Park, Kansas and the family and friends of the three innocent people who were killed when a gunman, just one day before Passover, opened fire at a Jewish community center and retirement home on Sunday.  As Americans, we will continue to stand united against this kind of terrible violence, which has no place in our society.  We will continue to come together across faiths to combat the ignorance and intolerance, including anti-Semitism, that can lead to hatred and violence.  And we will never lose faith that compassion and justice will ultimately triumph over hate and fear. 

For that is one of the great lessons of the Exodus.  The tale of the Hebrew slaves and their flight from Egypt carries the hope and promise that the Jewish people have held in their hearts for thousands of years, and it is has inspired countless generations in their own struggles for freedom around the globe.  

In America, the Passover story has always had special meaning.  We come from different places and diverse backgrounds, but we are bound together by a journey from bondage to liberty enshrined in our founding documents and continued in each generation.  As we were so painfully reminded on Sunday, our world is still in need of repair, but the story of the Exodus teaches us that with patience, determination, and abundant faith, a brighter future is possible.

Chag Sameach.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 13, 2014

Statement by President Obama on Today’s Shooting in Kansas

This afternoon we heard reports of a horrific shooting in Overland Park, Kansas.  Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends who lost a loved one and everyone affected by this tragedy.  I have asked my team to stay in close touch with our federal, state and local partners and provide the necessary resources to support the ongoing investigation. While we do not know all of the details surrounding today’s shooting, the initial reports are heartbreaking. I want to offer my condolences to all the families trying to make sense of this difficult situation and pledge the full support from the federal government as we heal and cope during this trying time.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2014

Vice President Biden to Travel to Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC – The Vice President will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, for meetings with government leaders and members of civil society on Tuesday, April 22nd.  The Vice President will underscore the United States’ strong support for a united, democratic Ukraine that makes its own choices about its future path.  While in Kyiv, the Vice President will consult with government officials on the international community’s efforts to help stabilize and strengthen Ukraine’s economy and to assist Ukraine in moving forward on constitutional reform, decentralization, anti-corruption efforts, and free and fair presidential elections on May 25th.

The Vice President will discuss the latest developments in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists, apparently with the support of Moscow, continue an orchestrated campaign of incitement and sabotage to destabilize the Ukrainian state.  In addition, the Vice President will consult on the latest steps to enhance Ukraine’s short- and long-term energy security.  The Vice President will also meet with various Ukrainian people to hear their aspirations and deepen the partnership between the United States and Ukraine.

Additional details about the Vice President’s trip will be released at a later date.  

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2014

Weekly Address: Ensuring Equal Pay for Equal Work

WASHINGTON, DC – In this week’s address, the President underscored the importance of ensuring equal pay for equal work and highlighted the steps his Administration has taken to expand opportunity and narrow the pay gap that exists between men and women. Just this week – on Equal Pay Day – the President took action to increase transparency and make it easier to recognize pay discrimination. Women make up half of America’s workforce, and are increasingly the primary-breadwinners in American families. Ensuring that women are paid fairly is a commonsense step to grow our economy.  That is why the President again called on Republicans in Congress to support the Paycheck Fairness Act and stop blocking progress that would benefit women – because when women succeed, America succeeds.

The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, April 12, 2014.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
April 12, 2014

Hi, everybody.  Earlier this week was Equal Pay Day.  It marks the extra time the average woman has to work into a new year to earn what a man earned the year before.  You see, the average woman who works full-time in America earns less than a man – even when she’s in the same profession and has the same education. 

That's wrong.  In 2014, it’s an embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work.

This is an economic issue that affects all of us.  Women make up about half our workforce.  And more and more, they’re our families’ main breadwinners.  So it’s good for everyone when women are paid fairly.  That’s why, this week, I took action to prohibit more businesses from punishing workers who discuss their salaries – because more pay transparency makes it easier to spot pay discrimination.  And I hope more business leaders will take up this cause.

But equal pay is just one part of an economic agenda for women.

Most lower-wage workers in America are women.  So I’ve taken executive action to require federal contractors to pay their federally-funded employees at least ten dollars and ten cents an hour.  I ordered a review of our nation’s overtime rules, to give more workers the chance to earn the overtime pay they deserve.  Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, tens of millions of women are now guaranteed free preventive care like mammograms and contraceptive care, and the days when you could be charged more just for being a woman are over for good.  Across the country, we’re bringing Americans together to help us make sure that a woman can have a baby without sacrificing her job, or take a day off to care for a sick child or parent without hitting hardship.  It’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a “Mad Men” episode, and give every woman the opportunity she deserves.

Here’s the problem, though.  On issues that would benefit millions of women, Republicans in Congress have blocked progress at every turn. Just this week, Senate Republicans blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act, commonsense legislation that would help more women win equal pay for equal work.  House Republicans won’t vote to raise the minimum wage or extend unemployment insurance for women out of work through no fault of their own.  The budget they passed this week would force deep cuts to investments that overwhelmingly benefit women and children – like Medicaid, food stamps, and college grants.  And of course, they’re trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act for the fiftieth or so time, which would take away vital benefits and protections from millions of women.

I’m going to keep fighting to make sure that doesn’t happen.  Because we do better when our economy grows for everybody, not just a few.  And when women succeed, America succeeds.  Thanks, and have a great weekend.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 11, 2014

President Obama Signs Tennessee Disaster Declaration

Today, the President declared a major disaster in the State of Tennessee and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm during the period of March 2-4, 2014.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in the counties of Carroll, Cheatham, Dickson, Haywood, Houston, Madison, Shelby, and Tipton.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Terry L. Quarles as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT:  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@DHS.GOV