The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Debra M. Brown, of Mississippi, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi, vice W. Allen Pepper, Jr., deceased.

Carolyn B. McHugh, of Utah, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, vice Michael R. Murphy, retired.

Pamela L. Reeves, of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee, vice Thomas W. Phillips, retiring.

Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York, vice Charles J. Siragusa, retired.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve on the United States District Court

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Debra M. Brown,  Pamela L. Reeves and Elizabeth A. Wolford for District Court judgeships.

"These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system," said President Obama.  "I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident that they will apply the law with the utmost impartiality and integrity."

Debra M. Brown:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
Debra M. Brown has been a shareholder at the law firm of Wise Carter Child & Caraway, P.A. in Jackson since 2012, where she handles a wide variety of commercial litigation matters before both federal and state courts.  Previously, she worked at Phelps Dunbar LLP for more than 14 years.  Brown received her J.D. in 1997 from the University of Mississippi School of Law and her B.Arch. in 1987 from Mississippi State University.  Between college and law school, Brown worked as an architect in the Washington, D.C. area.  From 2003 to 2004, she served as President of the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association.         

Pamela L. Reeves:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Pamela L. Reeves has worked at the law firm of Reeves, Herbert & Anderson, P.A. in Knoxville since 2002, where she has both mediation and litigation practices concentrating on employment and contract matters.  Prior to forming Reeves, Herbert & Anderson, she spent approximately 14 years at the law firm previously known as Watson, Hollow & Reeves.  She began her legal career as an associate attorney at the law firms Morrison, Morrison, Tyree & Dickinson, from 1985 to 1987, and Griffin, Burkhalter, Cooper & Reeves, from 1979 to 1985.  Reeves received her J.D. in 1979 from the George C. Taylor College of Law at the University of Tennessee and her B.A. with highest honors in 1976 from the University of Tennessee.  From 1998 to 1999, she was the first woman to serve as President of the Tennessee Bar Association. 

Elizabeth A. Wolford:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of New York
Elizabeth A. Wolford is a partner at The Wolford Law Firm LLP in Rochester, New York, where she concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial, employment, and personal injury litigation before both federal and state courts.  Wolford joined the law firm upon graduating from law school.  She received her J.D. in 1992 from the University of Notre Dame Law School and her B.A. in 1989 from Colgate University.  Throughout her legal career, Wolford has been actively involved in the Rochester legal community, including serving as President of the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar from 2010 to 2012 and as President of the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys from 2003 to 2004.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

President Obama Nominates Judge Carolyn B. McHugh to Serve on the United States Court of Appeals

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Carolyn B. McHugh to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

“Judge Carolyn B. McHugh has displayed exceptional dedication to the legal profession through her work and I am honored to nominate her to serve the American people as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals,” President Obama said. "She will be a diligent, judicious and esteemed addition to the Tenth Circuit bench."

Judge Carolyn B. McHugh: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Judge Carolyn B. McHugh is the Presiding Judge of the Utah Court of Appeals, a bench on which she has served since her appointment in 2005.  Judge McHugh previously worked at the Salt Lake City law firm of Parr Brown Gee & Loveless for 22 years, joining the firm as an associate in 1983 and becoming a partner in 1987.  Her practice primarily focused on complex civil litigation with an emphasis on environmental matters.  Prior to joining the firm, Judge McHugh served as a law clerk to the Honorable Bruce S. Jenkins of the United States District Court for the District of Utah from 1982 to 1983.  She has also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah College of Law and the University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science. Judge McHugh received her B.A. magna cum laude in 1978 from the University of Utah and her J.D. in 1982 from the University of Utah College of Law, where she graduated Order of the Coif and served on the editorial board of the Utah Law Review. 

Since becoming a judge on the Utah Court of Appeals, Judge McHugh has handled more than 1,100 criminal and civil cases and issued 285 opinions.  Throughout her career, Judge McHugh has been actively involved in community service organizations, and participated in local and national bar activities.  For her work, Judge McHugh has received awards including the Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year Award from Women Lawyers of Utah, and the Utah State Bar’s Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

President Obama Calls on Congress to Fully Fund Embassy Security

Today, the President called on Congress to support and fully fund the Administration’s budget request to improve security of our embassies around the world.  In addition, the President called on Congress to support the full implementation of the recommendations of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board (ARB), including recommendations associated with additional support, authorities, and resources for the State Department.  Finally, the President called on Congress to support our efforts to enhance our Marine Security Guard detachments around the world as a part of our effort to better secure high-risk posts.

Every day, thousands of American men and women are serving our nation overseas – military service members, diplomats, development workers and others. They accept the risks that come with service because they understand that they are making vital contributions to our national interests and national security.  We owe it to all of them to do everything in our power to protect our personnel serving overseas.

In the wake of the attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in September 2012, the Department of State reviewed its global security posture and took steps necessary to address security vulnerabilities, including submitting a request to reallocate $1.4 billion in FY 2013 resources to begin work this year that was approved by the Congress.

In addition to the $1.4 billion requested in FY 2013, the FY 2014 budget request provides over $4 billion for the Department of State’s embassy security programs, fully supporting this critical priority.  As part of this effort, the budget includes $2.2 billion to support increased embassy security construction recommend by the Benghazi Accountability Review Board (ARB).

The budget fully supports the resources necessary to address all recommendations made by the Benghazi ARB including increased embassy security construction, expanded Marine Security Guard detachments at US diplomatic facilities, increased security training, and support for a 5% increase in diplomatic security staff.

In addition to resources, the Department of State needs authority to address immediate security concerns.  The Department should have authority to transfer resources that are necessary to provide secure facilities for our personnel overseas.  For instance, in doing so, it should have the authority to draw from other State Department operating accounts.

The President will continue to do everything in his power to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.  But as the President said, we can’t do this alone and the President will continue to urge members of Congress to work together on behalf of the American people.

(BA in Millions)

2012

Actual

2013

Enacted

2014

Request

Operations (WSP)                                                                        

 $1,591   $2,250   $2,182

Construction (WSU)                                                                            

 $775  $1,897    $1,864

Total State Security Programs1                                                    

 $2,366    $4,147  $4,046

1FY 13 Enacted include the Department of State’s $1.4 billion for embassy security in the wake of the September 11, 2012 Benghazi Attacks

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Robert James Grey, Jr., of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2014.  (Reappointment)

Richard T. Metsger, of Oregon, to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring August 2, 2017, vice Gigi Hyland, resigned.

Daniel R. Russel, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (East Asian and Pacific Affairs), vice Kurt M. Campbell, resigned.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

Statement by the President on the Confirmation of Ernest Moniz as the Next Secretary of Energy

I am pleased that today, by a unanimous vote, the Senate confirmed Ernest Moniz as our next Energy Secretary. Dr. Moniz is a world-class scientist with expertise in a range of energy sources and a leader with a proven record of bringing prominent thinkers and innovators together to advance new energy solutions. He also shares my conviction that the United States must lead the world in developing more sustainable sources of energy that create new jobs and new industries, and in responding to the threat of global climate change. I am thrilled that Ernie is joining my team, and I look forward to his counsel on these issues as my Administration continues to increase our nation’s energy security, strengthen our nuclear security, develop the next-generation of clean energy technologies, and compete for the jobs of the 21st century.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

  • Jon M. Holladay – Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture

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

  • Natalie Wyeth Earnest – Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of the Treasury
  • Gregory L. Parham – Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of Agriculture
  • Gabrielle Giffords – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board

President Obama said, “I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join this Administration and serve our country.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

Jon M. Holladay, Nominee for Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture
Jon M. Holladay is currently the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a role he has held since 2008.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Holladay served as USDA's Associate Chief Financial Officer for Financial Policy and Planning from 2004 to 2006.  From 1999 to 2003, he served as a Supervisory Program Analyst in the Office of the CFO, and from June 2003 to December 2003, was detailed to USDA’s National Finance Center as the Acting Deputy Director.  Mr. Holladay served as a Supervisory System Accountant in the Office of the CFO from 1997 to 1999, as a Staff Accountant from 1995 to 1997, and as a Member of the Chief Financial Officer’s Financial Statement’s Task Force from 1992 to 1995.  Mr. Holladay received a B.S. in Accounting from George Mason University School of Business.

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

Natalie Wyeth Earnest, Appointee for Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of the Treasury
Natalie Wyeth Earnest is a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a position she has held since 2011.  Ms. Wyeth Earnest first joined the Department in 2009 as Spokesperson for International Affairs.  Before joining the Administration, she served as a spokesperson for the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Prior to this, Ms. Wyeth Earnest was the Deputy Communications Director for Obama for America in Colorado and Press Secretary for the Democratic National Convention Committee.  From 2006 to 2007, she was the Press Secretary for the Louisiana Recovery Authority.  Ms. Wyeth Earnest received a B.A. from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Gregory L. Parham, Appointee for Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of Agriculture
Dr. Gregory L. Parham is the Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a role he has held since June 2012.  Dr. Parham has served in a number of roles at USDA since 1982, including Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Chief Information Officer for APHIS, Associate Chief Information Officer in the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and Executive Director of USDA’s “Year 2000 Program Office”.  He first joined USDA as a Staff Epidemiologist for the Food Safety and Inspection Service and later served as National Program Leader for Veterinary Medicine and Livestock Production for the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service.  Dr. Parham was an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland from 1987 to 1997.  He began his federal service as an Epidemic Intelligence Officer at the Center for Disease Control from 1980 to 1982.  Dr. Parham received a B.S. and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University and a M.A.S. from Johns Hopkins University.

Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Appointee for Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
Representative Gabrielle Giffords founded Americans for Responsible Solutions, an advocacy organization, in 2013.  She represented the Eighth District of Arizona in the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012.  In Congress, she served on the Committee on Armed Services, and from 2011 to 2012, she was Ranking Member of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.  Ms. Giffords served in the Arizona State Senate from 2000 to 2005.  Before her election to public office, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of El Campo Tire, Inc.  In 2013, she received the Profile in Courage award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.  As a Fulbright Scholar, Ms. Giffords served in Mexico from 1993 to 1994.  Ms. Giffords received a B.A. from Scripps College and an M.R.P. from Cornell University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

President Obama Appoints Daniel Werfel as Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue

WASHINGTON – President Obama today announced the appointment of Daniel Werfel as Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue, effective Wednesday, May 22.  As Acting Commissioner, Mr. Werfel will lead efforts to ensure the IRS implements new safeguards to restore public trust and administers the tax code with fairness and integrity.  Mr. Werfel has agreed to serve through the end of the fiscal year.

President Obama said, “Throughout his career working in both Democratic and Republican administrations, Danny has proven an effective leader who serves with professionalism, integrity and skill.  The American people deserve to have the utmost confidence and trust in their government, and as we work to get to the bottom of what happened and restore confidence in the IRS, Danny has the experience and management ability necessary to lead the agency at this important time.”

Mr. Werfel, 42, currently serves as Controller of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he has led efforts across the federal government to improve Federal program integrity, including all areas of financial management, financial reporting, accounting standards, improper payments, and financial systems, among others. Prior to his current role, Mr. Werfel served in multiple career civil service capacities at OMB, including as Deputy Controller, Chief of the Financial Integrity and Analysis Branch, Budget Examiner in the Education Branch, and Policy Analyst in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Mr. Werfel has also served as a Trial Attorney in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division.

Mr. Werfel is a recipient of both national and local awards from the Association of Government Accountants for his contributions to Federal financial management. During the Bush Administration, he was the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service. Mr. Werfel also served as a member of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board from 2006 to 2009.

Mr. Werfel holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Duke University, a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelors Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

Fact Sheet: U.S.-Turkey Partnership

The United States and Turkey share a strong partnership and friendship, rooted in common values and strategic interests, and reinforced by the enduring links between the people of both countries.  The United States is firmly committed to broadening and deepening this partnership, and together we have taken great strides in recent years.  A shared vision for how to advance bilateral, regional, and global issues continues to drive the United States and Turkey ever closer.  The vital people-to-people connections that thrive across an extensive range of sectors and topics ensure this relationship continues to modernize and advance.  Following are key areas of this important partnership. 

Global Partners:  The United States welcomes Turkey’s leadership on the world stage to address a range of challenges that we are stronger confronting together.  Our leaders meet often and work as partners on topics such as encouraging a political transition in Syria, promoting Middle East Peace, supporting economic reform and growth throughout the Middle East/North Africa region, advancing a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, normalizing relations with Armenia, and encouraging the highest standards for human rights, democracy, and governance at home and abroad.

Economic and Trade Partners:  We have a strong and growing trade and investment relationship, and we remain committed to strengthening it even further.  Over the last four years, our bilateral trade has grown 75 percent to nearly $20 billion, and U.S. exports have more than doubled.  Prospects for the future are even brighter, as American and Turkish companies are collaborating across a range of sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and infrastructure.  Our aerospace companies are moving ahead with a $3.5 billion deal to jointly build our most advanced helicopter.  The Cabinet-level Framework for Strategic Economic & Commercial Cooperation (FSECC) that the United States and Turkey launched in 2009 is the focal point for efforts to improve the trade and investment climate in both countries by working through obstacles to increased market access, and identifying new areas of collaboration.  The United States’ proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the European Union (EU) could have an impact on Turkey, given its Customs Union with the EU.   With that in mind, the United States and Turkey decided today to establish a bilateral High Level Committee led by the Ministry of Economy of Turkey and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, associated with the Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation, with the ultimate objective of continuing to deepen our economic relations and liberalize trade.

Partners in Countering Terrorism:  Our countries are stronger when we work together on common challenges, such as safeguarding our citizens.  Recent terrorist attacks in both the United States and Turkey remind us of the continuing threat of terrorism and the risks we take to maintain an open, democratic, and free society.  As co-chairs of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, Turkey and the United States are working together to build the international cooperation and capacities that are essential to addressing this problem over the long-term.

Security Partners:  Turkey is a strategic partner to the United States, a longstanding NATO Ally, and a valued friend.  Turkey contributes to international security alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, the seas near Somalia, and in the Mediterranean.  In response to Turkey’s request, the United States contributed to the NATO deployment of Patriot systems to augment Turkey’s air defense capabilities, which became operational earlier this year.  This deployment, as well as our work together, underscores how our military-to-military collaboration is addressing some of the many complex potential threats we face today, in particular those emanating from Syria.

Partners in Education, Science, and Innovation:  Nearly 12,000 Turks studied in the United States in the 2011-2012 academic year – more than any other European country.  American and Turkish scientists lead collaborative research to improve energy efficiency, health, and education under our recently ratified U.S.-Turkey Science and Technology Agreement.  We are also fostering public-private partnerships that support technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship, vital to a knowledge-based economy.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2013

Fact Sheet: U.S.-Turkey Economic Partnership

In April 2009, President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan agreed to elevate U.S.-Turkish bilateral economic relations to a strategic level commensurate with our historically close political-military ties.  In the last four years, U.S.-Turkish commercial relations have touched new highs; bilateral trade reached record levels of nearly $20 billion in 2011, with U.S. FDI in Turkey of over $5 billion and Turkish FDI in the United States of nearly $1 billion.  

The Framework for Strategic Economic & Commercial Cooperation (FSECC)  

President Obama and Prime Minister Erdogan launched the Framework for Strategic Economic & Commercial Cooperation (FSECC) in 2009 as part of our bilateral commitment to strengthen the economic component of the bilateral relationship.   A Cabinet-level dialogue, chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative for the United States and the Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy and Minister of Economy for Turkey, the FSECC has become a core institution for aligning bilateral economic priorities and advancing our mutual trade and investment policy objectives.  Additionally, the United States’ proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the European Union (EU) could have an impact on Turkey, given its Customs Union with the EU.   With that in mind, the United States and Turkey decided today to establish a bilateral High Level Committee led by the Ministry of Economy of Turkey and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, associated with the Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation, with the ultimate objective of continuing to deepen our economic relations and liberalize trade.

Cooperation to Promote Clean Energy

Developing the market sector for clean energy technologies is critical to meeting Turkey’s energy demand and is ripe for U.S.-Turkish cooperation.  As Turkey seeks to accommodate rapidly growing energy demand, it recognizes the need to identify new energy sources and to further improve its energy efficiency.  To meet Turkey’s plans to achieve 30 percent renewable energy production by 2023, and $40 billion in investment in clean energy sector by 2020, the United States and Turkey have accelerated their cooperation on clean energy issues.  These activities include partnering to implement a pilot project of the “Near Zero Zone.”  This project has helped industrial companies operating in the Izmir Ataturk Organized Industrial Zone reduce their energy usage through a series of cost-effective efficiency upgrades.  The United States is seeking to support the Turkish replication of the Near Zero Zone in other industrial zones across Turkey, including the Kayseri and Dudullu Industrial Zones, by providing technical training to Turkish industrial zone managers to target specific industrial zone technical issues and to Turkish Energy Service Companies to share U.S. technical skills and experience, and new efficiency technologies. 

Leading the Innovation Economy

The United States and Turkey recognize that the innovation economy is critical to creating good jobs and robust economic growth in both of our countries.  So we are working together in priority sectors for our economies – including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and information and communications technology – and in policy areas at the heart of the innovation agenda – including the protection of intellectual property rights, regulatory transparency, and the ease of doing business – to foster a closer collaboration on innovation between our countries.   This work reinforces our collaboration, including through our bilateral Science and Technology Dialogue, to enhance research collaboration on a range of common priorities, including medicine, energy, and agriculture.  Turkey is also one of six countries participating in the BOOST program, which helps young entrepreneurs understand how to identify and commercialize their technologies.  American companies are also eager to participate in Turkey’s Movement to Enhance Opportunities and Improve Technology (FATIH) project.  The multi-billion dollar FATIH project – the single largest investment in education that Turkey has ever committed to – will bring high-speed Internet access to 42,000 secondary schools, and over 620,000 classrooms will be transformed into “smart classrooms” through the use of the latest technology. 

Forging Alliances Between our Companies 

Between 2009 and 2011, U.S. exports to Turkey increased 106 percent and, from 2010 to 2011, U.S. FDI in Turkey nearly tripled.  Over 1,200 U.S. companies now operate in Turkey – an increase of nearly 50 percent since 2007.  Over the last two years, new investments by Cummins, Pratt and Whitney, AES, Dow, GE, 3M, AMGEN, and Pfizer are illustrative of increasing U.S. private sector interest in Turkey.  Many of the new successful joint ventures between U.S. and Turkish firms are designed to manufacture innovative products in Turkey for both domestic production and export to third country markets.  Examples include:

  • General Electric invested $900 million in 2012, AmGen made a $700 million acquisition, and 3M announced a $500 million project.  

  • Ozkan Steel is planning to invest $150 million in a plant in Louisiana that will produce steel for the shipbuilding industry.  

  • Borusan Mannesmann intends to manufacture steel pipes for shale gas production, investing $150 million in a construction facility that should become operational in the second half of 2014.  These two projects will create hundreds of jobs in the United States.

  • DOW recently partnered with the Turkish firm AKSA to produce carbon fiber in Turkey – a $1 billion in investment in Turkey over the next five years – with plans to re-export to third markets in the future.  

  • Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has been selected to supply a $3.5 billion order for 109 S-70i Blackhawk helicopters to Turkish Aerospace Industries.  

Going forward, the United States and Turkey will continue, through the FSECC and other bilateral initiatives, to build on these efforts, focusing on important policy areas and high-growth sectors. With this focused strategy and high-level commitment to bolstering our trade and investment ties, the future looks bright for U.S.-Turkish economic relations.