The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2013

Notice -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Situation or in Relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

NOTICE

- - - - - - -

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO
THE SITUATION IN OR IN RELATION TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
OF THE CONGO

On October 27, 2006, by Executive Order 13413, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in that country. The President took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been marked by widespread violence and atrocities that continue to threaten regional stability.

Because this situation continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13413 of October 27, 2006, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond October 27, 2013. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared in Executive Order 13413.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2013

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call with Haitian President Michel Martelly

The Vice President spoke today with Haitian President Michel Martelly, continuing their dialogue on the United States’ long-term support for Haiti’s reconstruction, development, and democratic progress. President Martelly underscored the importance of elections in solidifying Haiti’s democratic foundation.  The Vice President welcomed President Martelly’s commitment to continue working to further strengthen Haiti’s democratic institutions, including by maintaining a strong and independent legislative branch. The Vice President commended President Martelly for his efforts to work with the Haitian parliament and political parties to resolve outstanding issues, and support the work of the Transitional College of the Permanent Electoral Council in setting a date to hold elections.  President Martelly shared with the Vice President efforts his Administration is undertaking to combat corruption and corruptive practices in government.  The Vice President and President Martelly agreed that open dialogue with all relevant Haitian stakeholders is necessary so that elections can be held without further delay. The Vice President also reaffirmed that the United States remains a committed friend and partner of Haiti and looks forward to deepening our cooperation as Haiti works to build a more prosperous and secure future for its people.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2013

Readout of the President’s Phone Call with Chancellor Merkel of Germany

Today, President Obama and Chancellor Merkel spoke by telephone regarding allegations that the U.S. National Security Agency intercepted the communications of the German Chancellor.  The President assured the Chancellor that the United States is not monitoring and will not monitor the communications of Chancellor Merkel.

The United States greatly values our close cooperation with Germany on a broad range of shared security challenges. As the President has said, the United States is reviewing the way that we gather intelligence to ensure that we properly balance the security concerns of our citizens and allies with the privacy concerns that all people share.

Both leaders agreed to intensify further the cooperation between our intelligence services with the goal of protecting the security of both countries and of our partners, as well as protecting the privacy of our citizens

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2013

President Obama To Award Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, November 20, President Barack Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  Additional details about the event, including media logistics, will be released at a later date.

Please click HERE for an earlier announcement regarding the recipients.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2013

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Breakfast with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Vice President Biden hosted breakfast this morning for Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.  The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on his historic election in May, which led to the first democratic transfer of power between elected governments in Pakistan's history.  The Vice President reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in support of a strong, democratic, prosperous Pakistan.  The Vice President affirmed to the Prime Minister that together we must continue to combat terrorism and violent extremism and work to strengthen regional and global security.  The Vice President and Prime Minister also discussed many of the economic and development challenges that Pakistan faces and the steps the Prime Minister is taking to address them.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2013

Statement by the President on the Anniversary of the Attack on the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon

Thirty years ago today, 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and 3 soldiers lost their lives to a Hizballah suicide bomber who attacked the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.  Minutes later, 58 French paratroopers lost their lives when a second Hizballah suicide bomber attacked the French barracks.  This despicable act of terrorism was the deadliest single-day death toll for the U.S. Marine Corps since the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima.  Our Marines and their fellow service members were serving in Beirut as part of a multinational force during the Lebanese civil war, to help bring stability to a troubled region and to defend our strategic interests in the Middle East.  They came in peace. 

Our 241 service members will be remembered in ceremonies at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, and in homes around the United States.  We join with the families and their loved ones in paying tribute to the fallen and in sharing our deep appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made in service to our nation.  We also honor the courage and bravery of those warriors who survived the attack and spent days digging their brothers out of the rubble.  They were faithful to their comrades in arms and served with honor and distinction in the finest tradition of the U.S. military.    

The proud history of the U.S. military continues today as our service members risk their lives around the world to promote freedom and security and to deter terrorism.  We are grateful for their sacrifices and honored by their commitment to defending our nation, our citizens, and our values.     

We also renew our commitment to promoting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and independence and to our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces.  We continue to support the Lebanese people as they seek to form a government that reflects their aspirations and that will strengthen Lebanon’s ability to defend its national interests and meet its international obligations.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2013

President Obama Signs Kansas Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of July 22 to August 16, 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, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding in the counties of Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Edwards, Elk, Ellsworth, Ford, Geary, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Kingman, Kiowa, Lane, Linn, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Meade, Montgomery, Morris, Ness, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Republic, Rice, Saline, Sumner, Washington, Wilson, and Woodson.

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 Christian Van Alstyne 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
October 22, 2013

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with Prime Minister Victor Ponta of Romania

Vice President Biden met today with the Prime Minister of Romania, Victor Ponta.  The Vice President reaffirmed the enduring U.S. commitment to a strategic partnership with Romania and thanked the Prime Minister for Romania’s steadfast support on a range of regional challenges, including in Afghanistan and its hosting of a missile defense base in Deveselu in support of key NATO capabilities.  Both contributions demonstrate Romania’s unwavering dedication as a bilateral partner and NATO ally to strengthening regional and international security.  The two leaders also agreed on the importance of expanding trade and investment between our two countries, and welcomed support for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, which has the potential to generate significant increases in the already substantial number of jobs supported by U.S.-EU trade and investment.  The Vice President underscored that Romania’s success as a democratic partner with strong rule of law is vital to nourishing a healthy business climate and remains profoundly in our shared interest.    

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 21, 2013

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

The President spoke today with President Hollande of France. The United States and France are allies and friends, and share a close working relationship on a wide range of issues, including security and intelligence. The President and President Hollande discussed recent disclosures in the press – some of which have distorted our activities and some of which raise legitimate questions for our friends and allies about how these capabilities are employed. The President made clear that the United States has begun to review the way that we gather intelligence, so that we properly balance the legitimate security concerns of our citizens and allies with the privacy concerns that all people share. The two Presidents agreed that we should continue to discuss these issues in diplomatic channels moving forward.  The two leaders also discussed the ongoing violence in Syria and the importance of a political solution to the crisis.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 21, 2013

President Obama Designates Judge Patricia E. Campbell-Smith to Serve as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced that he has designated Judge Patricia E. Campbell-Smith to be the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

“I am proud to designate Judge Campbell-Smith to serve as Chief Judge on the United States Court of Federal Claims,” said President Obama.  “She has a long and distinguished record of service, and I am confident she will serve with distinction.”

Judge Patricia E. Campbell-Smith, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Judge Patricia E. Campbell-Smith currently serves on the United States Court of Federal Claims.  Previously, she served as a Special Master with the United States Court of Federal Claims from 2005 to 2011 and as Chief Special Master from 2011 to 2013.  In that role, she presided over litigation pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.  Judge Campbell-Smith also served as a career law clerk for the Honorable Emily C. Hewitt of the United States Court of Federal Claims from 1998 to 2005.  From 1993 to 1996 and again from 1997 to 1998, she worked at the law firm of Liskow & Lewis in New Orleans, where she focused on environmental regulatory law, patent infringement litigation, and toxic tort litigation.  From 1996 to 1997, she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Sarah S. Vance, and from 1992 to 1993 she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Martin L.C. Feldman, both of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Campbell-Smith received her J.D. with honors in 1992 from Tulane Law School and her B.S. with honors in 1987 from Duke University.