The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 21, 2013

Weekly Address: Working Together on Behalf of the American People

WASHINGTON, DC— In his weekly address, President Obama highlighted the bipartisan budget agreement that unwinds some of the cuts that were damaging to the economy and keeps investments in areas that help us grow, and urged both parties to work together to extend emergency unemployment insurance and act on new measures to create jobs and strengthen the middle class. 

The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, December 21, 2013.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
December 21st, 2013

Hi, everybody.  This week, Congress finished up some important work before heading home for the holidays.

For the first time in years, both parties came together in the spirit of compromise to pass a budget – one that helps chart our economic course for the next two years.  This budget will unwind some of the damaging cuts that have threatened students and seniors and held back our businesses.  It clears the path for critical investments in the things that grow our economy and strengthen our middle class, like education and research.  And it will keep reducing our deficits – at a time when we’ve seen four years of the fastest deficit reduction since the end of World War II. 

Members of Congress also voted to finally allow several dedicated and well-qualified public servants to do their jobs for the American people – many of whom waited months for a simple yes-or-no vote.  These are judges, cabinet secretaries and military leaders.  They’re men and women charged with growing our economy, keeping our homeland secure, and making sure our housing system and financial system work for ordinary Americans. 

So after a year of showdowns and obstruction that only held back our economy, we’ve been able to break the logjam a bit over the last few weeks.  It’s a hopeful sign that we can end the cycle of short-sighted, crisis-driven decision-making and actually work together to get things done. 

And that’s important.  Because there’s plenty of work to do.

Right now, because Congress failed to act before leaving on vacation, more than one million Americans are poised to lose a vital source of income just a few days after Christmas.  For many people who are still looking for work, unemployment insurance is a lifeline that can make the difference between temporary hardship or lasting catastrophe.  Instead of punishing these families who can least afford it – especially now – Congress should first restore that lifeline immediately, then put their entire focus on creating more good jobs that pay good wages. 

That’s what I’ll be focused on next year, and every day I have the privilege of being your President.  Growing the economy.  Expanding opportunity.  Building an America that offers everyone who works hard the chance to get ahead, and every child a fair shot at success. 

And if Congress continues to act in the spirit of cooperation we’ve seen in recent weeks, I’m confident we can make much more progress together in the year to come.

Thank you.  Have a great weekend and a very Merry Christmas.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 185, H.R. 1402, H.R. 2251, H.R. 2871, H.R. 2922, H.R. 3458, H.R. 3588, S. 1471

On Friday, December 20, 2013, the President signed into law:

H.R. 185, which designates the United States courthouse located in Sherman, Texas, as the Paul Brown United States Courthouse;

H.R. 1402, the "VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013," which makes changes to benefits and programs related to adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and servicemembers, and extends or reauthorizes a number of expiring authorities;

H.R. 2251, which designates the United States courthouse and Federal building located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, as the Edward J. Devitt United States Courthouse and Federal Building;

H.R. 2871, which consolidates the number of divisions in the Southern Judicial District of Mississippi from five divisions to four;

H.R. 2922, which extends the authority of the Supreme Court Police to protect court officials away from the Supreme Court grounds;

H.R. 3458, the "Fallen Firefighters Assistance Tax Clarification Act of 2013," which requires payments made by a charitable organization to firefighters or the families of firefighters who were injured or killed responding to an emergency on December 24, 2012, in Webster, New York, to be treated, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code, as related to the purpose constituting the basis for the organization's tax exemption;

H.R. 3588, the "Community Fire Safety Act of 2013," which exempts fire hydrants from Safe Drinking Water Act lead level standards for pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux; and

S. 1471, the "Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act," which authorizes the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to reconsider decisions to inter or memorialize an individual in certain national cemeteries.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

President Obama Honors Outstanding Math and Science Teachers

WASHINGTON, DC -- President Obama today named 102 mathematics and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This year’s awardees represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The educators will receive their awards at a Washington, DC, event in the coming year.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates between teachers teaching kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. The 2012 awardees named today teach kindergarten through 6th grade.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and the Administration.

“These teachers are inspiring today’s young students to become the next generation of American scientists, mathematicians, and innovators,” President Obama said. “Through their passion and dedication, and by sharing their excitement about science, technology, engineering, and math, they are helping us build a promising future for all our children.”

Excellent math and science teachers, exemplified by these awardees, are critical to getting more students engaged in the increasingly important science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. That’s why President Obama has committed to strengthening STEM education and has called for preparing 100,000 excellent science and mathematics teachers over the next decade—a goal that inspired the creation of “100kin10,” a coalition of leading corporations, philanthropies, universities, service organizations, and others working to train and retain STEM teachers across the Nation. The President has also proposed to further strengthen the STEM teaching profession by launching a new STEM Master Teacher Corps, leveraging the expertise of some of our nation’s best and brightest teachers in science and mathematics to elevate the teaching of these subjects nationwide. 

Nominations for the 2014 PAEMST are open through April 1, 2014. For more information about PAEMST, please visit www.paemst.org.
 
The recipients of the 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are:

Alabama
Danielle Peterson, Hoover (Math)
Rita Schell, Homewood (Science)

Alaska
Rebecca Himschoot, Sitka (Science)
Amy Laufer, Anchorage (Math)

Arizona
Allison Davis, Chandler (Math)
Cindy Piano, Glendale (Science)

Arkansas
Jennifer Richardson, Greenbrier (Science)
Christi Snow, Springdale (Math)

California
Jamie Garner, Turlock (Math)
Alma Park, East Palo Alto (Science)

Colorado
Elizabeth Grabois, Denver (Science)
Joan Standefer, Boulder (Math)

Connecticut
Mary Servino, Bridgeport (Science)
Maren Sussman, Ellington (Math)

Delaware
Timothy Dalby, Wilmington (Science)
Jeanine Moore, Millsboro (Math)
 
Department of Defense Education Activity
Carol Fears (Math)
Marilyn Hawks (Science)

District of Columbia
Katrina Abdussalaam (Math)
Martha Estroff (Science)

Florida
Nancy Bourne, Jupiter (Math)
Barbara Wilcox, Cocoa (Science)

Georgia
Christy Garvin, Powder Springs (Science)
Jeanne Rast, Hapeville (Math)

Hawaii
Laura Fukumoto, Honolulu (Math)
Dave Morishige, Mililani (Science)

Idaho
Tauna Johnson, Genesse (Science)
Donna Wommack, Genesse (Math)

Illinois
Lisa Feltman, Algonquin (Math)
Bryan Lake, Urbana (Science)

Indiana
Teresa Gross, Greenwood (Science)
Jay Vahle, Carmel (Math)

Iowa
Josie Burg, Des Moines (Math)
Mason Kuhn, Shell Rock (Science)

Kansas
Lindsey Constance, Shawnee (Science)
Cathy Wilber, Wamego (Math)

Kentucky
Suzanne Farmer, Danville (Math)
Patricia Works, Lexington (Science)

Louisiana
Donna Lamonte, Baton Rouge (Math)
Amanda Warren, Mandeville (Science)

Maine
Karen Jagolinzer, Yarmouth (Math)
Elizabeth Heidemann, Cushing (Science)

Maryland
Timothy Emhoff, Indian Head (Science)
Kris Hanks, Glen Burnie (Math)

Massachusetts
Erin Dukeshire, Roxbury (Science)
Jessica Findlay, Douglas (Math)

Michigan
Brian Peterson, Rochester (Science)
Emily Theriault-Kimmey, Ann Arbor (Math)

Minnesota
Cathy Kindem, Apple Valley (Science)
Michael Wallus, Saint Paul (Math)

Mississippi
Catherine Tebo, Jackson (Math)

Missouri
Laura Parn, Wentzville (Math)
Ragan Webb, Columbia (Science)

Montana
Elizabeth Matthews, Gallatin Gateway (Science)
Melissa Romano, Helena (Math)

Nebraska
Alysia Augustus, Bellevue (Math)
Kimberly Humphrey, Kearney (Science)

Nevada
Ryan Doetch, Sparks (Math)
Traci Loftin, Reno (Science)

New Hampshire
Holly Doe, Pelham (Science)

New Jersey
Jennifer Basner, Berlin (Math)
Jeanette Scillieri, Leonia (Science)

New Mexico

Anna Suggs, Las Cruces (Science)

Vivian Valencia, Espanola (Math)

 

New York
Helen Rogosin, New York (Science)
Joshua Rosen, Dobbs Ferry (Math)

North Carolina
Teresa Cowan, Swannanoa (Science)
Tonya Kepley, China Grove (Math)

North Dakota
Kristine Brandt, Fargo (Math)
Kathleen Lentz, Valley City (Science)

Ohio
Natalie Harr, Mantua (Science)
Elizabeth Pitzer, Arcanum (Math)

Oklahoma
Carol Huett, Moore (Science)
Patricia Reece, Bokoshe (Science)

Oregon
Kerry Morton, Bend (Math)

Pennsylvania
Susan Bauer, Macungie (Science)
Michael Soskil, Newfoundland (Math)

Puerto Rico
Maria Cerra-Castaner, Rio Pierdras (Math)
 
Rhode Island
Regina Kilday, Exeter (Math)
Clare Ornburn, Ashaway (Science)

South Carolina
John Dearybury III, Spartanburg (Science)
Donald Sarazen, Columbia (Math)

South Dakota
Ann Anderson, Belle Fourche (Science)
Erin Marsh, Pierre (Math)

Tennessee
Margaret Hawkins, Lebanon (Science)
Amber Hodge, Knoxville (Math)

Texas
Wendy Hendry, Colleyville (Math)
Kent Page, San Antonio (Science)

Utah
Rebecca Elder, Murray (Math)
Julie Hammari, Spanish Fork (Science)

Vermont
Carol Joy Dobson, Weybridge (Math)
Mary Ellis, Enosburg Falls (Math)

Virginia
Stephanie Chlebus, Alexandria (Math)
Elizabeth Miller, Richmond (Science)

Washington
Pamela Nolan-Beasley, Waitsburg (Science)
Nancy Pfaff, Redmond (Math)

West Virginia
Barbara Black, Hurricane (Science)
Gabrielle Rhodes, Buckhannon (Science)

Wisconsin
Mary Fernan, Milton (Math)
Kathleen Hiteman, Middleton (Science)

Wyoming
Laurie Graves, Big Horn (Science)
Kathleen Kniss, Laramie (Math)

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

Presidential Determination -- Taiwan

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY

SUBJECT: Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

I have considered the proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, along with the views, recommendations, and statements of the interested agencies.

I have determined that the performance of the Agreement will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security. Pursuant to section 123 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153(b)), I hereby approve the proposed Agreement and authorize the Secretary of State to arrange for its execution.

The Secretary of State is authorized to publish this determination in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

President Obama Signs Texas Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of October 30-31, 2013.

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 storms and flooding in the counties of Caldwell, Hays, and Travis Counties. 

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 William J. Doran III 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.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

Statement by the President on the Confirmation of John Koskinen as IRS Commissioner

I applaud the bipartisan majority of Senators who today confirmed John Koskinen as the next commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.  John has decades of private and public-sector experience, and he has led institutions in challenging times.  Throughout his career, John has always acted with the absolute integrity Americans demand from those in public service, and his strong leadership and unquestioned expertise make him the right person to lead the IRS.  I want to thank Daniel Werfel for his outstanding service as principal deputy commissioner of the IRS, and I look forward to working with John as he takes on this new role.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

President Obama Announces his Intent to Nominate Senator Max Baucus as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Senator Max Baucus as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

President Obama said, “For more than two decades Max Baucus has worked to deepen the relationship between the United States and China.  The economic agreements he helped forge have created millions of American jobs and added billions of dollars to our economy, and he’s perfectly suited to build on that progress in his new role.” 

President Obama announced his intent to nominate Senator Max Baucus as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China:

Senator Max Sieben Baucus, Nominee for Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Department of State

Senator Max Sieben Baucus is the senior United States Senator from Montana.  He has served in the U.S. Senate since 1978.  He is Montana’s longest serving U.S. Senator and has the third longest tenure among those currently serving in the U.S. Senate.  Senator Baucus is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation, and a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.  He is a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and chairs its Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Senator Baucus was a member of the U.S.  House of Representatives from 1975 to 1978.  He previously served in the Montana House of Representatives from 1973 to 1974.  He received both a B.A. and a J.D. from Stanford University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2013

Statement by the President on Eliminating Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces

Earlier this year I directed Secretary Hagel, Chairman Dempsey and our entire defense leadership team to step up their game exponentially in preventing and responding to the serious crime of sexual assault in our military.  As Commander in Chief, I’ve made it clear that these crimes have no place in the greatest military on earth.  Since then, our armed forces have moved ahead with a broad range of initiatives, including reforms to the military justice system, improving and expanding prevention programs, and enhancing support for victims.   I commend the Pentagon leadership for their hard work on this critical issue of vital importance to our nation.

Yet, so long as our women and men in uniform face the insider threat of sexual assault, we have an urgent obligation to do more to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes, as appropriate under the military justice system.  Members of Congress, especially Senators Gillibrand and McCaskill, have rightly called attention to the urgency of eradicating this scourge from our armed forces.  As a result, there were a broad range of reforms proposed in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.  The White House and the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies in my Administration will continue to work with Congress to address this corrosive problem, which is a violation of the values our armed forces stand for, destroys trust among our troops, and undermines our readiness. 

Today, I instructed Secretary Hagel and Chairman Dempsey to continue their efforts to make substantial improvements with respect to sexual assault prevention and response, including to the military justice system.  I have also directed that they report back to me, with a full-scale review of their progress, by December 1, 2014.  If I do not see the kind of progress I expect, then we will consider additional reforms that may be required to eliminate this crime from our military ranks and protect our brave service members who stand guard for us every day at home and around the world.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 19, 2013

Statement by the President on South Sudan

In 2011, millions of South Sudanese voted to forge a new nation, founded on the promise of a more peaceful and prosperous future for all of South Sudan’s people.  In recent years, against great odds, South Sudan has made great progress toward breaking the cycle of violence that characterized much of its history.

Today, that future is at risk.  South Sudan stands at the precipice.  Recent fighting threatens to plunge South Sudan back into the dark days of its past.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.  South Sudan has a choice.  Its leaders can end the violence and work to resolve tensions peacefully and democratically.  Fighting to settle political scores or to destabilize the government must stop immediately.  Inflammatory rhetoric and targeted violence must cease.  All sides must listen to the wise counsel of their neighbors, commit to dialogue and take immediate steps to urge calm and support reconciliation.  South Sudan’s leaders must recognize that compromise with one’s political enemy is difficult; but recovering from unchecked violence and unleashed hatred will prove much harder.

Too much blood has been spilled and too many lives have been lost to allow South Sudan’s moment of hope and opportunity to slip from its grasp.  Now is the time for South Sudan’s leaders to show courage and leadership, to reaffirm their commitment to peace, to unity, and to a better future for their people.  The United States will remain a steady partner of the South Sudanese people as they seek the security and prosperity they deserve.

###

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 19, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Michael P. Boggs, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, vice Julie E. Carnes.

Julie E. Carnes, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, vice James Larry Edmondson, retired.

Tanya S. Chutkan, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice an additional position in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 133(b)(1).

Mark Howard Cohen, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, vice Clarence Cooper, retired.

Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, vice Fortunato P. Benavides, retired.

M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, vice James R. Spencer, retiring.

Leigh Martin May, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, vice Beverly B. Martin, elevated.

Eleanor Louise Ross, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, vice Charles A. Pannell, Jr., retired.

Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice Joseph L. Tauro, retired.

James Alan Soto, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, vice David C. Bury, retired.