The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 05, 2014

Statement by the President on Elections in Afghanistan

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the millions of Afghans who enthusiastically participated in today’s historic elections, which promise to usher in the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history and which represent another important milestone in Afghans taking full responsibility for their country as the United States and our partners draw down our forces.

We commend the Afghan people, security forces, and elections officials on the turnout for today’s vote –- which is in keeping with the spirited and positive debate among candidates and their supporters in the run-up to the election.

These elections are critical to securing Afghanistan’s democratic future, as well as continued international support, and we look to the Afghan electoral bodies to carry out their duties in the coming weeks to adjudicate the results –- knowing that the most critical voices on the outcome are those of Afghans themselves.

Today, we also pay tribute to the many Americans –- military and civilian –- who have sacrificed so much to support the Afghan people as they take responsibility for their own future.

The United States continues to support a sovereign, stable, unified, and democratic Afghanistan, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the new government chosen by the Afghan people on the basis of mutual respect and mutual accountability.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 05, 2014

Weekly Address: The President’s Budget Ensures Opportunity for All Hardworking Americans

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President highlighted the important differences between the budget he’s put forward – built on opportunity for all – and the budget House Republicans are advocating for, which stacks the deck against the middle class. While the President is focused on building lasting economic security and ensuring that hardworking Americans have the opportunity to get ahead, Republicans are advancing the same old top-down approach of cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans and slashing important investments in education, infrastructure, and research and development.

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 5, 2014.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
April 5, 2014

Hi, everybody. 

Today, our economy is growing and our businesses are consistently generating new jobs.  But decades-long trends still threaten the middle class.  While those at the top are doing better than ever, too many Americans are working harder than ever, but feel like they can’t get ahead.

That’s why the budget I sent Congress earlier this year is built on the idea of opportunity for all.  It will grow the middle class and shrink the deficits we’ve already cut in half since I took office.

It’s an opportunity agenda with four goals. Number one is creating more good jobs that pay good wages. Number two is training more Americans with the skills to fill those jobs. Number three is guaranteeing every child access to a great education.  And number four is making work pay – with wages you can live on, savings you can retire on, and health care that’s there for you when you need it. 

This week, the Republicans in Congress put forward a very different budget.  And it does just the opposite: it shrinks opportunity and makes it harder for Americans who work hard to get ahead. 

The Republican budget begins by handing out massive tax cuts to households making more than $1 million a year.  Then, to keep from blowing a hole in the deficit, they’d have to raise taxes on middle-class families with kids.  Next, their budget forces deep cuts to investments that help our economy create jobs, like education and scientific research. 

Now, they won’t tell you where these cuts will fall.  But compared to my budget, if they cut everything evenly, then within a few years, about 170,000 kids will be cut from early education programs.  About 200,000 new mothers and kids will be cut off from programs to help them get healthy food.  Schools across the country will lose funding that supports 21,000 special education teachers.  And if they want to make smaller cuts to one of these areas, that means larger cuts in others. 

Unsurprisingly, the Republican budget also tries to repeal the Affordable Care Act – even though that would take away health coverage from the more than seven million Americans who’ve done the responsible thing and signed up to buy health insurance.  And for good measure, their budget guts the rules we put in place to protect the middle class from another financial crisis like the one we’ve had to fight so hard to recover from.

Policies that benefit a fortunate few while making it harder for working Americans to succeed are not what we need right now.  Our economy doesn’t grow best from the top-down; it grows best from the middle-out.  That’s what my opportunity agenda does – and it’s what I’ll keep fighting for.  Thanks.  And have a great weekend.

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.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2014

President Obama Signs Oregon Disaster Declaration

Today, the President declared a major disaster in the State of Oregon and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the severe winter storm during the period of February 6-10, 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 Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn.

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 Thomas J. Dargan 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

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2014

Joint Statement by the United States of America and the Tunisian Republic

In their meeting today at the White House, President Obama and Prime Minister Jomaa reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Tunisia.  The two leaders discussed the historic progress made in Tunisia as its political and civil society leaders have worked together to advance Tunisia’s democratic transition and secure a more peaceful and prosperous future for Tunisia.  The two leaders also emphasized their commitment to advancing our shared interests in a secure, stable, and prosperous Maghreb, Africa, and Middle East and to furthering the strong friendship between the peoples of the United States and Tunisia.

Support for Tunisia’s Historic Democratic Transition:
Prime Minister Jomaa briefed President Obama on recent developments in Tunisia’s transition to democracy, including the ratification of the new Tunisian Constitution on January 26, 2014, that enshrines equality between women and men.  He also noted the establishment of the Independent Elections Commission and the progress that the National Constituent Assembly has made towards finalizing an elections law.  Prime Minister Jomaa reiterated the Tunisian government’s intention to give all necessary support to ensure the holding of free, fair, and transparent parliamentary and presidential elections before the end of 2014.  The President commended the compromises made by all of Tunisia’s political parties to secure the country’s democratic progress and to set out a pathway towards elections later this year.  He lauded Tunisia’s efforts to advance its democracy through the adoption of a progressive constitution that protects the rights of all its citizens.  The President welcomed Tunisia’s efforts to hold elections this year and noted that the United States is prepared to provide additional assistance for the elections and to participate in the delegation of international election observers.  Since the revolution began over three years ago, Tunisia has been a model in the region and beyond. 

Advancing Economic Cooperation and Development:
The two leaders emphasized that the United States and Tunisia are dedicated to working together to promote economic development and business opportunities in Tunisia.  The Prime Minister briefed the President on steps his government is taking to implement economic reforms, keep on track with its International Monetary Fund program, and improve Tunisia’s prospects for long-term economic stability.  To respond to Tunisia’s near-term economic challenges and support the Prime Minister’s reform agenda, the President announced the Administration’s intent to provide a second loan guarantee for $500 million to facilitate Tunisia’s access to international capital markets. 

The United States and Tunisia seek to broaden and deepen bilateral trade and business relations.  To that end, the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council will next meet on June 16, 2014 in Tunis.  The TIFA Council plans to address specific issues aimed at facilitating trade and investment, including in the areas of market access, entrepreneurship, information and communication technology services, and intellectual property.  It also expects to explore additional ideas for building a more robust bilateral trade and investment relationship and for liberalizing the exchange of goods and services.  

Recognizing the central role of the private sector in creating economic growth, the United States and Tunisia will organize a U.S.-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference this fall in Tunis that will bring a high-level U.S. business and government delegation to Tunisia.  

Educational and Cultural Cooperation:
In keeping with the importance of people-to-people ties between Tunisia and the United States and of education for advancing long-term development, the United States has provided $10 million through the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship program to support Tunisian students .  The United States has requested from Congress an additional $10 million to expand these opportunities to other deserving Tunisians.  This effort builds on the long history of educational exchange under the U.S.-Tunisia Fulbright Program and other educational and cultural exchanges.  Both leaders committed to strengthening ties and increasing mutual understanding between Tunisian and American youth and expanding the existing university linkage programs.

The Governments of Tunisia and the United States underscore their shared desire to enhance their cooperation by negotiating and concluding a new Science and Technology Agreement.  Both sides stressed the economic, educational, and commercial benefits of expanded scientific and technological cooperation.  

The President commended the Prime Minister for the support he expressed for Tunisia’s participation in the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative and for his dedication to the values it seeks to promote by connecting youth from all different age groups in the Middle East and North Africa with youth in the United States through virtual exchange.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation:
The United States and Tunisia have a shared interest in increasing security cooperation to address common threats in Tunisia and across the region.  The two leaders committed to advancing increased bilateral contacts between our governments regarding security and defense cooperation, counterterrorism programs, and security assistance.  They look forward to continued progress in these areas at the meeting of the Joint Military Commission to be held in Tunis in May 2014. 

Broader cooperation on legal matters is a priority for both countries to help advance our security goals and to combat transnational crime.  The leaders noted the progress made in negotiations on the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and committed to finalizing the treaty as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Jomaa expressed to President Obama Tunisia’s deep and sincere regret for the September 14, 2012 attack against the U.S. Embassy and the American Cooperative School of Tunis. Prime Minister Jomaa stated that his government intends to do everything in its power to resolve remaining issues, including bringing to justice those involved in the attack.  The Prime Minister emphasized the importance Tunisia places on the security of all diplomatic facilities in Tunisia and confirmed that Tunisia is continuing to provide all requested security assistance to U.S. Government facilities and personnel.

Conclusion:
The President and the Prime Minister closed the meeting by emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing ties between the United States and Tunisia.  They welcomed the progress made during the inaugural session of the U.S.-Tunisia Strategic Dialogue led by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi at the Department on April 3.  They look forward to a future session of the U.S.-Tunisian Strategic Dialogue to be held in Tunis in 2015.  Today’s meeting between the two leaders demonstrates the depth and breadth of the partnership and friendship between the United States and Tunisia as well as our shared commitment to supporting Tunisia’s historic democratic transition and its economic growth and security. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2014

FACT SHEET: The President's Framework for Investing in Tunisia

The United States strongly supports the Tunisian people and their progress toward a future of economic prosperity that strengthens civil society, empowers women and youth, and solidifies the foundation of democracy.  Since the January 2011 revolution, the United States has committed more than $400 million to support Tunisia’s transition, focusing heavily on technical and financial assistance to Tunisia’s economy and private sector, support for security in the country and along its borders, and support for its civil society and democratic practices.  Examples of U.S. initiatives include:

The Economy

  • Loan Guarantee:  Tunisia has committed to private sector-led growth and attracting international investment.  President Obama has declared his intent for the United States to provide another sovereign loan guarantee to Tunisia, enabling the Tunisian government to raise approximately $500 million from international capital markets at favorable rates.  The guarantee underscores U.S. support for Tunisia’s transition and helps to strengthen Tunisia’s ability to implement economic reforms and lay the groundwork for broad-based, economic growth.  The United States backed a $485 million loan guarantee in 2012.
  • Trade and Investment:  The United States and Tunisia seek to broaden and deepen bilateral trade and business relations.  To that end, the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council will next meet on June 16 in Tunis.  The TIFA Council will address specific issues aimed at facilitating trade and investment, including market access, entrepreneurship, information and communication technology sectors, and intellectual property and will explore additional ideas for building a more robust bilateral trade and investment relationship. 
  • Information Communication Technology (ICT) Development:  The United States is supporting a multi-year project to help position Tunisia’s ICT sector as a catalyst for private-sector growth and job creation.  The program has already resulted in approximately 2,600 new, permanent jobs for Tunisians across several skill sets using job-placement initiatives and business expansion initiatives while improving the overall business environment for ICT firms, and helping expand the ICT sector.
  • Supporting Local Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment:  The Center for Entrepreneurial and Executive Development (CEED) project provides $2.9 million in small grants to identify, train, connect, and sustain local entrepreneurs and provides training centers for entrepreneurs.  An additional $10 million in economic assistance programming is training youth entrepreneurs, placing marginalized youth in post-training employment, supporting the launch and expansion of women-led small and medium enterprises, and partnering with the Tunisian private sector and government bodies to encourage economic growth.  Over the next year, the United States will continue to support economic assistance projects, particularly those that partner with women entrepreneurs and provides assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • U.S.-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference:  Recognizing the central role of the private sector in creating economic growth, the United States and Tunisia will organize a United States-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference in Tunis this fall, which will bring a high-level U.S. business and government delegation to Tunisia.
  • The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) SME Loan Guarantee Facility:  Tunisia’s franchising sector has been underserved, partly due to the shortage of available credit for SMEs)  This $50 million OPIC loan guaranty facility will guarantee a portion of local currency denominated loans made by Tunisian financial institutions to SMEs, franchisees, and their suppliers.  The project will stimulate growth in Tunisia’s private sector resulting in job creation and improved supply chains.  Additionally, OPIC is currently completing due diligence on a “green” hotel project in Tunisia. This project will help support Tunisia’s efforts to develop its tourism and hospitality sector, in an effort to promote the private sector and boost GDP.
  • Tunisian-American Enterprise Fund:  The United States launched a Tunisian-American Enterprise Fund with $40 million in 2013, which will provide seed money to support private sector growth over the next 10 years.  The fund will leverage other investors and help Tunisians launch the small and medium enterprises that will be the engines of long-term opportunity.

Democracy, Education, and Civil Society Partnerships

  • Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program:  This $10 million initiative launched in 2012 is sending approximately 400 Tunisian undergraduate students for one academic year of undergraduate studies at U.S. universities and community colleges.  This year, the United States plans to double this program with an additional $10 million, pending Congressional approval.  This Tunisia scholarship program enhances youth employability, promotes direct people-to-people engagement, and furthers long-term economic growth in Tunisia by developing human capital.
  • Democratic Governance and Civil Society:  The United States is providing nearly $50 million to strengthen participatory and inclusive political processes, build the capacity of civil society to stay connected to citizens through ongoing civic education and engagement, and promote freedom of expression.  The United States is committed to supporting Tunisia’s democratic process, and has identified over $6 million in additional elections assistance for the 2014 elections. 
  • Open Government Partnership (OGP):  The United States provided technical support in the lead up to Tunisia joining the OGP and is supporting the Tunisian government and civil society to implement Tunisia’s first action plan for the OGP, which brings together a growing number of nations who are embracing openness as the new standard for governance.  The United States is prioritizing programs to promote transparency.
  • Education, Culture, and Media Capacity Building:  These programs include over $2.25 million creating linkages between eight U.S. and Tunisian universities as well $1.15 million to fund 2-year English language scholarships for over 800 underprivileged Tunisian youth in 12 schools throughout Tunisia.  In 2013 the United States sent over 250 Tunisian students and professionals to the United States to participate in exchange programs to strengthen the friendship between our countries and to create greater educational, cultural, and economic opportunities between our countries.
  • PNB-NAPEO Chapter:  Launched in June 2011, the Tunisia Local Chapter of the Partners for a New Beginning’s North Africa Partnership for Economic Opportunity has been working to identify regional and local economic opportunities, foster advances in science and technology, and enhance educational opportunities through public-private partnerships.
  • Equal Futures Partnership:  Tunisia was a founding member of the Equal Futures Partnership, an innovative U.S.-led multi-lateral platform designed to drive country commitments including legal, regulatory, and policy reforms to ensure women fully participate in public life at the local, regional, and national levels, and that they lead and benefit from inclusive economic growth.

Security

  • Security and Justice Sector Reform:  The United States is working with Tunisia to enhance the capacities of its security forces to collect and analyze crime data.   The United States will help the police establish community and media relations offices, update inspector general processes, and modernize police training and academy operations.  In the justice sector, the United States will work to strengthen judicial integrity and independence, in part by improving the technical capacity of judicial and legal personnel to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate complex criminal matters, including corruption and financial crimes.  The United States also will support strengthening Tunisia’s corrections system to effectively and properly incarcerate offenders.  This complements our immediate efforts to bolster basic capacities through the provision of training and equipment to meet emergent needs in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime.  The United States has dedicated more than $30 million to support these activities since 2011. 
  • Military Cooperation:  Encompassing a broad range of activities including Foreign Military Financing and International Military Education and Training, the United States has provided more than $100 million since 2011 to help professionalize and improve the capabilities of the Tunisian armed forces. 
  • Anti-Terrorism Assistance:  The United States has provided nearly $6 million in training for law enforcement agencies in Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 to combat international terrorists and terrorist organizations while respecting international human rights norms.  The United States has provided an additional $5 million in equipment such as unmanned aerial systems, mobile crime labs and command units, and vehicles to the Ministry of Interior. 

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 Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 03, 2014

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Steven Cohen – Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation
  • Thomas P. Kelly III – Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, Department of State
  • Jane Nishida – Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency
  • Sunil Sabharwal – United States Alternate Executive Director, International Monetary Fund
  • Gordon O. Tanner – General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense 

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Karen L. Braitmayer – Member, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board
  • Janice Lehrer-Stein – Member, National Council on Disability
  • Benro T. Ogunyipe – Member, National Council on Disability
  • Katherine D. Seelman – Member, National Council on Disability
  • Royal P. Walker, Jr. – Member, National Council on Disability

President Obama said, “I am grateful these accomplished men and women have agreed to join this Administration, and I’m confident they will serve ably in these important roles. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Steven Cohen, Nominee for Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation
Steven Cohen is the founder and President of the Cohen Law Group and a co-founder of the Whistleblower Advocates Network.  Mr. Cohen is also Of Counsel to the firm Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym.  He is on the Board of Trustees for Beloit College and the TCS Education System, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Mikva Challenge Foundation.  He serves on the President’s Council of the Taxpayers Against Fraud Educational Fund and the Northwestern University Center on Wrongful Convictions.  He was first appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation in 2012.  Mr. Cohen received a B.A. from Beloit College and a J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law. 

Thomas P. Kelly III, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, Department of State
Thomas P. Kelly III, a career member of the Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the Department of State, a position he has held since 2011.  From 2010 to 2011, he was Consul General and Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  He served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 2007 to 2010 and as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania from 2004 to 2007.  From 2000 to 2004, he served in the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, first as Economic Officer and then as Economic Counselor.  From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Kelly was Director for Japan Policy Planning at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington, D.C. , and from 1994 to 1998 he served as Trade Attaché at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France.  His previous assignments with the Department of State include: Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, Staff Assistant and Financial Economist in the Bureau of Economic Affairs, and Commercial Attaché and Vice Consul at the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador.  Mr. Kelly received a B.S. in Foreign Service and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University, and an M.A. in International Development Policy from Stanford University.

Jane Nishida, Nominee for Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency
Jane Nishida is the Acting Assistant Administrator for International Affairs and Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for International Affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency, a position she has held since December 2013.  Prior to this, Ms. Nishida served as the Director of the Office of Regional and Bilateral Affairs within the Office of International and Tribal Affairs from 2011 to 2013.  Previously, Ms. Nishida was the Senior Environmental Institutions Specialist at the World Bank from 2004 to 2011, and the Senior Policy Advisor at the Planning and Development Corporation from 2002 to 2004.  From 1995 to 2002, Ms. Nishida was Secretary of the Maryland Department of Environment, and served as the Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation from 1991 to 1995.  From 1984 to 1991, she served as Deputy and Assistant Legislative Officer for the Governor of Maryland.  Ms. Nishida was Committee Counsel to the House Environmental Matters Committee and Senate Economic Affairs Committee of the Maryland General Assembly from 1980 to 1984.  She received a B.A. from Lewis and Clark College and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. 

Sunil Sabharwal, Nominee for United States Alternate Executive Director, International Monetary Fund
Sunil Sabharwal has been an independent investor in the payments sector since 2006.  He was the Chairman of the Board of Ogone, a European ecommerce payment services company, from 2011 to 2013.  He advised Warburg Pincus on its acquisition of easycash, a German network services company, subsequently becoming a Board Advisor from 2006 to 2009.  From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Sabharwal was Senior Vice President of Strategic Investments at First Data Corporation/Western Union.  From 1997 to 2003, he held several positions at GE Capital, including Managing Director. From 1992 to 1996 he worked at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, most recently as Principal Banker.  Mr. Sabharwal received a B.S. from The Ohio State University and an M.S. from the London Business School.

Gordon O. Tanner, Nominee for General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense
Gordon O. Tanner is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, a position he has held since 2013.  From 2012 to 2013, Mr. Tanner served as the Principal Deputy General Counsel of the Air Force.  From 2011 to 2012, Mr. Tanner served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs, after serving as the Deputy General Counsel of the Air Force for Environment and Installations from 2008 to 2011.  He was the Associate General Counsel of the Office of the Air Force General Counsel from 2000 to 2008.  Mr. Tanner worked in the private sector providing counsel to international real estate joint ventures, technology and financial institutions from 1977 to 1997, and he has 27 years of service in the Air Force, including active duty from 1973 to 1977.  Mr. Tanner received a B.A. from the University of Alabama and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University.

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Karen L. Braitmayer, Appointee for Member, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board
Karen L. Braitmayer is the founder of Karen Braitmayer, FAIA, an architectural consulting firm specializing in accessibility and accessible design located in Seattle, Washington.  She advises state agencies, local governments, school districts, developers, and architects on accessibility for housing, commercial, retail, institutional and educational projects.   Ms. Braitmayer is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and served on the Advisory Board of the Northwest ADA Center and the Board of the Northwest Center.  She was first appointed to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board in 2010.  Ms. Braitmayer is a member of the Association for Women in Architecture and the Disability Initiative Advisory Committee of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.  She served as a member of the Washington State Building Code Council from 1994 to 2001.  Ms. Braitmayer received a B.A. from Rice University and an M.Arch. from the University of Houston.

Janice Lehrer-Stein, Appointee for Member, National Council on Disability
Janice Lehrer-Stein is a former labor and employment discrimination litigator in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, California. She was first appointed to the National Council on Disability in 2011, and serves as its Chairperson of Access and Integration. She served as its Vice Chairperson from 2011 to 2013.  She is a National Trustee of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.  Ms. Lehrer-Stein is a member of the California and New York Advisory Boards of Disability Rights Advocates, a non-profit law firm that seeks to improve access and secure the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.  She is a former member of the board of Medical Research Charities.  Ms. Lehrer-Stein,  who is legally blind, received a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Toronto.

Benro T. Ogunyipe, Appointee for Member, National Council on Disability
Benro T. Ogunyipe is an Accessibility Specialist for the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), a position he has held since 2004.  He also serves in various roles at the DHS Bureau of Accessibility and Job Accommodation in Chicago, including Bureau Legislative Liaison and Communications Access Trainer.  He is a member of Chicagoland Black Deaf Advocates, the National Association of the Deaf, and the Illinois Association of the Deaf.  He served as President of National Black Deaf Advocates, Inc. from 2011 to 2013, and served as Vice President and Chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2011.  He was a Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission from 2007 to 2012.  Mr. Ogunyipe received a B.A. from Gallaudet University and an M.P.A. from the School of Public Service at DePaul University.

Dr. Katherine D. Seelman, Appointee for Member, National Council on Disability
Dr. Katherine D. Seelman is Associate Dean and Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh, a position she has held since 2001.  From 2006 to 2013 she served as Co-Research Director of the National Science Foundation Quality of Life Technology Engineering Center, before becoming Senior Policy Advisor in 2013.  Dr. Seelman was Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the U.S. Department of Education from 1994 to 2001.  She was Director of Program Development for the Administration of Developmental Disabilities at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1993 to 1994, and previously, she was a Research Specialist at the National Council on Disability from 1989 to 1993.  Dr. Seelman was one of two members from the U.S. to serve on the World Health Organization/World Bank’s international committee guiding the development of the first World Report on Disability.  She presented a section of the report for which she was principle author at its  launch in 2011 at the United Nations.  She serves on the Advisory Board at George Mason University’s Center for the Study of Chronic Illness and Disability, and a member of the Society for Disability Studies and the American Public Health Association.  Dr. Seelman received a B.A. from Hunter College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University.

Royal P. Walker, Jr., Appointee for Member, National Council on Disability
Royal P. Walker, Jr. is currently Executive Director of the Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, a position he has held since 2008.  He first joined the Institute for Disability Studies as Associate Director and Instructor in 1992.  Additionally, Mr. Walker is a consultant at Royal Walker, Jr., J.D. & Associates, Inc., a strategic planning and training firm he founded in 1992.  He was Executive Director of the Gaming Commission of the Mississippi State Tax Commission from 1991 to 1992, and Director of the Division of Budget and Policy Development at the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration from 1990 to 1991.  Mr. Walker is a past president of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.  He has served on the board of directors of the American Task Force for the Homeless, the Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council for Children with Special Needs, the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Mississippi March of Dimes.  Mr. Walker received a B.A. from Jackson State University and a J.D. from Texas Southern University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 03, 2014

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

André Birotte, Jr., of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, vice Gary Allen Feess, retired.

Randolph D. Moss, Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Robert Leon Wilkins, elevated.