The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2012

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

NOTICE

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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 on October 27, 2006, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond October 27, 2012. 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 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 21, 2012

Readout of the President’s Call to Wisconsin Governor Walker and Brookfield Mayor Ponto

This evening, the President called Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Brookfield Mayor Steven Ponto to express his condolences for the lives lost and his concern for those who were injured in today’s tragic shooting. The President told the Governor and Mayor that he had spoken with FBI director Mueller and had directed him to make sure that the federal government continues to provide whatever resources are necessary to support the ongoing response and investigation to this horrible event. The President also told the Governor and the Mayor that the citizens of Wisconsin and Brookfield, as well as the brave first responders, were in his and the First Lady’s thoughts and prayers and asked them to identify any additional needs for support as the investigation progresses.

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 21, 2012

Statement by the Press Secretary on Today's Shooting in Wisconsin

The President was informed of the tragic shooting in Wisconsin earlier today at 1:30pm EDT by his Advisor for Homeland Security, John Brennan.
 
At 2:30pm EDT, the President received a follow-up briefing from FBI Director Bob Mueller, his Chief of Staff, Jack Lew, and Advisor for Homeland Security John Brennan. The President was told there was an active shooter in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The President was informed that the shooting did not appear to be terrorism-related. The FBI is on the scene and is supporting the Brookfield, Wisconsin police department while they respond to the on-going situation. The President instructed the FBI to ensure that the state and local officials had the full support of the Federal government.
 
The President and First Lady's thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrible shooting and their families.
 
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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 21, 2012

Statement by Vice President Biden on the Passing of George McGovern

Jill and I are profoundly saddened to hear about George McGovern’s passing. I was honored to serve with him, to know him, and to call him a friend.

George believed deeply in public service. It defined him as a Senator and as a man. And he never stopped serving for his entire life – whether it was his courage in World War II, his time in Congress, or his fight to eliminate hunger at home and abroad.

Above all, George McGovern was a generous, kind, honorable man. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.

 

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George McGovern dedicated his life to serving the country he loved. He signed up to fight in World War II, and became a decorated bomber pilot over the battlefields of Europe. When the people of South Dakota sent him to Washington, this hero of war became a champion for peace. And after his career in Congress, he became a leading voice in the fight against hunger. George was a statesman of great conscience and conviction, and Michelle and I share our thoughts and prayers with his family.  

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 20, 2012

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Iran

 

It’s not true that the United States and Iran have agreed to one-on-one talks or any meeting after the American elections. We continue to work with the P5+1* on a diplomatic solution and have said from the outset that we would be prepared to meet bilaterally. The President has made clear that he will prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and we will do what we must to achieve that. It has always been our goal for sanctions to pressure Iran to come in line with its obligations. The onus is on the Iranians to do so, otherwise they will continue to face crippling sanctions and increased pressure.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 19, 2012

Statement by the Press Secretary on S. 3624

On Friday, October 19, 2012, the President signed into law:

S. 3624, the "Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012," which permits a State to issue commercial driver's licenses to members of the Armed Forces not domiciled in the State but whose duty station is located in the State, without triggering withholding of Federal funds to that State for certain Federal highway programs.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 19, 2012

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Attack in Beirut

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack today in Beirut that killed Lebanese Internal Security Forces Information Bureau Director Wissam al-Hassan and at least seven others, and wounded dozens more.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed and injured in this heinous attack and with the Lebanese people, who have sacrificed greatly to overcome war and violence.  Lebanon’s security and stability are vital both for the Lebanese people and their neighbors.  There is no justification for using assassination as a political tool.  The United States will stand by the Government of Lebanon and the people of Lebanon as they work to bring those responsible for this barbaric attack to justice and build a future where all Lebanese can live in security and dignity.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
October 18, 2012

President Obama Signs Florida Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Isaac during the period of August 27-29, 2012.
 
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 Hurricane Isaac in the counties of Bay, Collier, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Martin, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Santa Rosa.
 
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 Gracia B. Szczech 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
October 18, 2012

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Holy See to Attend the Canonization Mass of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha and Blessed Marianne Cope

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Holy See to attend the Canonization Mass of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha and Blessed Marianne Cope on October 21, 2012. 

The Honorable Miguel Humberto Diaz, United States Ambassador to the Holy See, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

Sister Agnelle Ching, Assistant General Minister, Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities; Chief Sponsorship Officer, Saint Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii

Sister Kateri Mitchell, Sister of Saint Ann (Mohawk Nation), Tekakwitha Conference National Officer, Executive Director, Great Falls, Montana