The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

President Obama Nominates Six to Serve on the United States District Courts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Christopher Reid Cooper, Daniel D. Crabtree, M. Douglas Harpool, Sheryl H. Lipman, Gerald Austin McHugh, Jr., and Judge Edward G. Smith for District Court judgeships.

“I am honored to put forward these highly qualified candidates for the federal bench,” President Obama said.  “They will be distinguished public servants and valuable additions to the United States District Court.”

Christopher Reid Cooper:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Christopher “Casey” Reid Cooper has been a partner at the law firm Covington & Burling LLP since February 2012.  Previously, he was a partner at Baker Botts LLP from 2001 to 2012 and an associate at Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin LLC from 1996 until it merged with Baker Botts in 2001.  In private practice, Cooper has represented a diverse set of clients in both criminal and civil investigations, with a focus on white-collar and anti-corruption matters.  From 1994 to 1996, he served as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Attorney General in the United States Department of Justice.  He began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Abner J. Mikva of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1993 to 1994.  Cooper received his J.D. with distinction in 1993 from Stanford Law School, where he was President of the Stanford Law Review, and his B.A. summa cum laude in 1988 from Yale University.

Daniel D. Crabtree:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Kansas
Daniel D. Crabtree is a partner at the law firm of Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP in Kansas City.  He joined Stinson Mag & Fizzell, PC—a predecessor of his current firm—as an associate in 1981 and has spent his entire legal career at the firm, becoming a partner in 1988.  Over the course of his career, Crabtree has represented businesses and governmental entities in complex civil litigation in federal and state courts.  He also acts as the General Counsel for the Kansas City Royals Baseball Club.  Crabtree received his B.A. in 1978 from Ottawa University and his J.D. in 1981 from the University of Kansas School of Law.

M. Douglas Harpool:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
M. Douglas Harpool has been a shareholder at the law firm Baird, Lightner, Millsap & Harpool, PC in Springfield since 2006, where he handles a broad array of civil litigation.  He previously worked at Lathrop & Gage LLP from 2004 to 2006; at Cunningham, Harpool & Cardonnier LLC from 2002 to 2003; and at Daniel, Clampett, Lilly, Dalton, Powell & Cunningham from 1980 to 2001.  From 1983 to 1992, Harpool served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives.  He received his J.D. in 1980 from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law and his B.S. cum laude in 1977 from Missouri State University.   

Sheryl H. Lipman:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
Sheryl H. Lipman has been University Counsel for the University of Memphis since 2002, having joined the University as Senior Attorney in 1999.  She is responsible for the legal interests of the University, serving as its primary in-house counsel on all major litigation and providing regulatory advice on a wide variety of issues.  Previously, Lipman practiced civil litigation while working at Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC from 1997 to 1999, served as Vice President of Comprehensive Services at the Memphis Race Relations & Diversity Institute from 1996 to 1997, and also practiced civil litigation at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP from 1991 to 1995. From 1988 to 1991, Lipman worked at Reed Smith, where she focused on white-collar criminal defense work.  She clerked for the Honorable Judge Julia S. Gibbons on the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee from 1987 to 1988.  Lipman received her J.D. in 1987 from the New York University School of Law and her B.G.S. in 1984 from the University of Michigan.

Gerald Austin McHugh, Jr.:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Gerald Austin McHugh, Jr. is a partner at the Philadelphia law firm of Raynes McCarty, where he handles complex civil litigation involving tort, insurance, and civil rights claims.  Prior to joining Raynes McCarty in 2004, McHugh was a shareholder for 23 years with the civil litigation law firm of Litvin, Blumberg, Matusow, and Young.  From 1979 to 1981, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Alfred L. Luongo of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and, in 1979, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Edmund B. Spaeth of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.  McHugh received his J.D. cum laude in 1979 from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his A.B. summa cum laude in 1976 from St. Joseph’s University.  

Judge Edward G. Smith:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Judge Edward G. Smith has served on the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas in Northampton County since 2002, handling both civil and criminal matters.  He is also a 27-year veteran of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, holding the rank of Captain, and currently serves as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Naval Justice School.  Judge Smith previously served tours as both a military trial judge and military appellate judge and has earned the Bronze Star for service during combat operations in Iraq.  From 1990 until his election to the bench, Judge Smith was a partner in the law firm of DeRaymond & Smith in Easton, Pennsylvania.  He began his legal career serving as an Assistant Force Judge Advocate in Norfolk, Virginia and then served as a Senior Trial Defense Counsel for two years in Philadelphia, representing Navy and Marine Corps personnel in various matters.  He received his J.D. cum laude in 1986 from the Dickinson School of Law and his B.A. in 1983 from Franklin and Marshall College.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

President Obama Nominates Four to Serve as U.S. Marshals

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Gary L. Blankinship, Robert L. Hobbs, Amos Rojas Jr., and Peter C. Tobin to serve as U.S. Marshals.

“These nominees have spent their careers risking their own safety to protect their fellow Americans,” President Obama said.  “Their courage and selfless dedication to the public good are unparalleled, and I am honored to nominate them today to continue their work as U.S. Marshals.”

Gary L. Blankinship, to be United States Marshal, Southern District of Texas
Gary L. Blankinship retired last year as a Senior Police Officer with the Houston Police Department and President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.  Blankinship has served in law enforcement for 35 years.  In 1993, after the death of his partner in the line of duty, Blankinship founded the Assist the Officer Foundation to provide short-term, immediate financial assistance for officers critically injured or disabled in the line of duty.  He also has served as Vice President for the National Association of Police Organizations.

Robert L. Hobbs, to be United States Marshal, Eastern District of Texas
Robert L. Hobbs is a Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, currently serving as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and as the attorney in charge of the Beaumont and Lufkin Divisions of the office.  He joined the office in 1999.  Previously, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Jefferson County (Texas) District Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 1999.  Mr. Hobbs graduated from the South Texas College of Law in 1996 and received his B.S. from Lamar University in 1987.  Between graduating from college and law school, he served as the Commander and Project Director of the Jefferson County Narcotics Task Force from 1992 to 1996; as a Senior Criminal Investigator in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office from 1984 to 1992; and as a police officer in Corpus Christi and Jefferson County from 1977 to 1984. 

Amos Rojas Jr., to be United States Marshal, Southern District of Florida
Amos Rojas Jr. currently works for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, serving as the Deputy Director of the South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force.  He previously worked for 24 years in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), including serving for eight years as the Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Regional Operations Center of the FDLE.  Prior to joining the FDLE, he served as an Investigative Supervisor in the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, and he has also served on the Huntsville (Alabama), South Miami, and Miami-Dade Police Departments.  He received his undergraduate degree in 1983 from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. 

Peter C. Tobin, to be United States Marshal, Southern District of Ohio
Peter C. Tobin has been involved with law enforcement for more than four decades, most recently serving as Superintendent of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation from 2009 to 2011; he previously served as the Narcotics Division Chief at the Bureau from 1995 to 2004.  Additionally, he has twice served as Chief of Police, first for the Powell (Ohio) Police Department and later the for London (Ohio) Police Department.  For the first 20 years of his career, he held multiple positions within the Columbus Police Department, beginning as a patrol officer and eventually becoming a SWAT Commander.  Finally, he has also served in the United States Army and in the Ohio Army National Guard. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve on the United States Courts of Appeals

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Michelle T. Friedland, Justice Nancy L. Moritz and John B. Owens for seats on the United States Courts of Appeals.

“Michelle T. Friedland, Justice Nancy L. Moritz and John B. Owens will bring an unwavering commitment to fairness and judicial integrity to the federal bench,” President Obama said.  “Their impressive legal careers are testaments to the kind of thoughtful and diligent judges they will be on the Ninth and Tenth Circuits.  I am honored to nominate them today.”

Michelle T. Friedland:  Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Michelle T. Friedland is a litigation partner in the San Francisco office of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP.  She has extensive litigation experience at the state and federal trial court and appellate levels, including litigating before the United States Supreme Court.

Friedland was born in Berkeley, California.  She received her undergraduate degree with honors in 1995 from Stanford University, then studied at Oxford University on a Fulbright Scholarship, and then attended Stanford Law School, where she graduated second in her class in 2000.  After graduating from law school, Friedland clerked for Judge David Tatel on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and then clerked for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the United States Supreme Court.  Next, Friedland completed a two-year lectureship at Stanford Law School, before she joined Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP as an associate in 2004.  She became a partner with the firm in January 2010.    

During her legal career, Friedland has represented a number of corporate clients in cases involving a wide range of legal issues, including antitrust, tax, patent, copyright, and consumer class actions.  She also has frequently represented the University of California in cases involving constitutional issues.  She maintains an active pro bono practice, for which the State Bar of California recently named her a recipient of the 2013 President’s Pro Bono Service Award.  Friedland also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia Law School, teaching a course on constitutional issues in higher education. 

Justice Nancy L. Moritz:  Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Justice Nancy L. Moritz has served as a Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court since 2011.  She has had a lengthy career as both a jurist and as an advocate, during which she has handled a broad array of legal matters before both state and federal courts.

Justice Moritz was born in Beloit, Kansas and was raised in the small community of Tipton, Kansas.  She received her B.B.A. from Washburn University in Topeka in 1982, and her J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in 1985.  Upon graduation from law school, Justice Moritz worked as a research attorney for Justice Harold Herd on the Kansas Supreme Court and then served as a law clerk on the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.  In 1989, she joined the law firm Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, where she handled civil litigation matters for six years.  Justice Moritz became an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Kansas in 1995, where she handled civil litigation matters until she was selected to serve as the Appellate Coordinator for the District in 2000.  In that capacity, Justice Moritz supervised all civil and criminal appeals and personally argued approximately 25 appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.  Justice Moritz was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals, the state’s intermediate appellate court, in October 2004.  She was appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court in 2011. 

Throughout much of her career, Justice Moritz was an active member of the Board of Editors of the Kansas Bar Journal, and she was the first woman to chair that organization.  She has also served on the Kansas CLE Commission, the Tenth Circuit Advisory Committee, and the Board of Governors of the Washburn University School of Law. 

John B. Owens:  Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
John B. Owens has been a litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP since January 2012, following more than a decade of service as a federal prosecutor in California.

Owens was born in Washington, D.C.  He received his B.A. with high distinction in 1993 from the University of California, Berkeley and then attended Stanford Law School, where he graduated first in his class in 1996.  After graduating from law school, Owens clerked for Judge J. Clifford Wallace of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and then clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the United States Supreme Court.  Following his clerkships, Owens worked as a trial attorney in the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Litigation from 1998 to 1999 and as a litigation associate at the law firm O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington, D.C., from 2000 to 2001.

In 2001, Owens became an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California.  He transferred to the Southern District of California in 2004 and became the Chief of the Criminal Division in that District in 2010.  As a prosecutor, Owens focused on white collar and border crime prosecutions, and his extensive trial and appellate experience earned him awards from the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and other federal law enforcement agencies.  He left the United States Attorney’s Office in 2012 to become a partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson, where his practice focuses on complex business and Supreme Court litigation.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

Readout of the President’s call with Palestinian Authority President Abbas

President Obama called Palestinian Authority President Abbas to commend him for his leadership and courage in resuming final status negotiations with Israel.  The President reaffirmed that the United States stands ready to support the parties in achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two state solution, and will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority to achieve this goal.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

Readout of the President’s call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

President Obama called Prime Minister Netanyahu today to commend his leadership and courage in resuming final status negotiations with the Palestinians.  The President underscored that while the parties have much work to do in the days and months ahead, the United States will support them fully in their efforts to achieve peace.  The two leaders agreed to continue the close coordination between the United States and Israel on this and other regional issues.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

Joint Statement by the United States and Yemen

In their meeting today at the White House, President Barack Obama and President Abdo Rabu Mansour Hadi of Yemen affirmed their desire to broaden and strengthen the U.S.-Yemen relationship.  President Obama reiterated the United States’ support for the stability, security, prosperity, and unity of Yemen.  He also commended the Yemeni government and people for their commitment to an inclusive democratic transition and the progress they have made thus far.  President Hadi thanked President Obama for the United States’ steadfast support to Yemen during this critical moment in its history.  He also commended the President’s efforts to advance peace, security, and opportunity in the Middle East.  The two Presidents pledged to continue working together to help the Yemeni people realize their aspirations for strengthened governance, security, and the rule of law; protection of universal human rights; and enhanced economic opportunity.  Presidents Obama and Hadi reaffirmed their commitment to a strong and enduring counterterrorism and security partnership and agreed to cooperate closely to enable the return of Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo Bay who have been designated for transfer.

Political Transition

Presidents Obama and Hadi discussed Yemen’s efforts to implement the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and the strong support of the international community for its timely completion.  President Hadi recounted Yemen’s progress restructuring the military and undertaking a comprehensive National Dialogue, and affirmed that preparations for a new voter registry, constitutional referendum, and national elections were progressing.  President Obama commended the inclusive and representative nature of Yemen’s ongoing National Dialogue and the efforts underway to develop a shared vision for the country’s future.  He praised the vital role that women, youth, and civil society are playing in Yemen’s political transition, providing a powerful example to the region.  

Economic and Social Development

President Hadi highlighted the importance of social development and economic reform for Yemen’s political transition, as well as the country’s overall stability, security, and prosperity.  The two Presidents agreed to continue working together to expand economic opportunities and foster private sector development in Yemen.  President Hadi noted his productive discussions with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank regarding how to advance Yemen’s economic reform agenda while protecting Yemen’s most vulnerable, and President Obama expressed U.S. support for these reform efforts.  The Presidents urged donors to continue supporting Yemen as it addresses a serious humanitarian crisis and begins fulfilling its commitments to responsible governance and reform.  President Hadi thanked President Obama for unprecedented levels of U.S. humanitarian and development assistance. 

Security and Counterterrorism

Presidents Obama and Hadi reaffirmed their commitment to a strong counterterrorism partnership, discussing a range of efforts to counter the threat to both countries posed by al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).  They recognized the extraordinary sacrifices of Yemeni military and security personnel killed in the fight against terrorism.  They affirmed the importance of combating terrorism within the framework of the rule of law and of supporting Yemen’s efforts to build capable, effective, and professional security forces. 

Guantanamo Bay Detainees

President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.  He noted his decision to lift the moratorium on detainee transfers to Yemen, and the two Presidents agreed their governments would work together to facilitate the repatriation of Yemeni detainees who have been designated for transfer.  President Hadi affirmed his intention to establish an extremist rehabilitation program to address the problem of violent extremism within Yemen, which could also facilitate the transfer of Yemeni detainees held at Guantanamo.  Presidents Obama and Hadi agreed to remain in close consultation on this critical matter.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

Statement from the President on the Confirmation of Samantha Power as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

I’m pleased that the Senate has confirmed Samantha Power as our next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations by a strong, bipartisan majority.  As one of our country’s leading foreign policy thinkers, Samantha knows that our nation’s interests are advanced with strong and principled American leadership.  As a long-time champion of human rights and dignity, she will be a fierce advocate for universal rights, fundamental freedoms and U.S. national interests.   I’m grateful that Samantha will continue to be a vital member of my national security team, and I know that under her leadership our U.N. Mission in New York will continue to represent American diplomacy at its best. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

President Obama Announces his Intent to Nominate John Koskinen as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate John Koskinen as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.

President Obama said, “John is an expert at turning around institutions in need of reform.  With decades of experience, in both the private and public sectors, John knows how to lead in difficult times, whether that means ensuring new management or implementing new checks and balances.  Every part of our government must operate with absolute integrity and that is especially true for the IRS.  I am confident that John will do whatever it takes to restore the public’s trust in the agency.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate John Koskinen as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service:

John Koskinen, Nominee for Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service Department of Treasury

John Koskinen served as Non-Executive Chairman of Freddie Mac from 2008 to 2011 and acting CEO in 2009.  From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Koskinen was the President of the United States Soccer Foundation.  Prior to this, Mr. Koskinen was Deputy Mayor and City Administrator of Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2003, Assistant to the President and Chair of the President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion from 1998 to 2000, and Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget from 1994 to 1997.  Prior to entering government service, Mr. Koskinen worked for 21 years for the Palmieri Company in a number of leadership positions including, CEO and Chairman, President, and Vice President.  Earlier in his career, he served as Administrative Assistant to Senator Abraham Ribicoff, Legislative Assistant to Mayor John Lindsey of New York City, and Assistant to the Deputy Executive Director of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the "Kerner Commission").  Mr. Koskinen practiced law with the firm of Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher and clerked for Judge David Bazelon, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.  He serves on the boards of AES Corp. and American Capital, Ltd.  Mr. Koskinen received a B.A. from Duke University and an L.L.B. and J.D. from Yale University School of Law.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Gary Blankinship, of Texas, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Texas for the term of four years, vice Ruben Monzon, resigned.

Christopher Reid Cooper, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Royce C. Lamberth, retired.

Daniel D. Crabtree, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, vice John W. Lungstrum, retired.

Michelle T. Friedland, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, vice Raymond C. Fisher, retired.

M. Douglas Harpool, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, vice Richard E. Dorr, deceased.

Robert L. Hobbs, of Texas, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas for the term of four years, vice John Lee Moore, term expired.

Sheryl H. Lipman, of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, vice Jon P. McCalla, retired.

Gerald Austin McHugh, Jr., of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Harvey Bartle, III, retired.

Nancy L. Moritz, of Kansas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, vice Deanell Reece Tacha, retired.

John B. Owens, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, vice Stephen S. Trott, retired.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 01, 2013

President Obama Signs Iowa Disaster Declaration

Yesterday evening, the President declared a major disaster exists in the State of Iowa and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of June 21-28, 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, tornadoes, and flooding in the counties of Allamakee,  Benton, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Clayton, Delaware, Howard, Jones, and Winneshiek.

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 Joe M. Girot as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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