The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2012

Statement from Press Secretary Jay Carney on Small Business Jobs Bill

The President proposed a set of common sense initiatives to create jobs and help restore middle class security.  Today, the Republicans in the Senate blocked a piece of legislation that helps hard working small business owners and entrepreneurs by giving them a tax credit for hiring and giving their workers raises, alongside incentives for businesses to make new investments in America this year.  This proposal builds on the President’s continued effort to bolster small businesses, including the 18 small business tax cuts he has signed into law.  Unfortunately Republicans continue to play politics rather than supporting concrete proposals to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to get to work on behalf of the American people.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2012

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Mark A. Barnett, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, vice Judith M. Barzilay, retired.

Angela Tammy Dickinson, of Missouri, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri for the term of four years, vice Mary Elizabeth Phillips, resigned.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2012

President Obama Nominates Angela Tammy Dickinson to Serve as U.S. Attorney

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Angela Tammy Dickinson to serve as United States Attorney in the Western District of Missouri.

“Angela Tammy Dickinson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice throughout her career, and I am honored to nominate her to serve the people of Missouri as U.S. Attorney for the Western District,” saidPresident Obama.

Angela Tammy Dickinson, Nominee for United States Attorney, Western District of Missouri

Angela Tammy Dickinson currently serves as the Chief Trial Assistant for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, a position she has held since 2002.  Prior to this, Dickinson worked as Assistant Prosecutor in the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office from 1998 to 2002.  In 2002, she worked briefly at the law firm of Bartimus, Frickleton, Robertson, & Gorny, P.C.  Dickinson received her J.D. in 1998 from the University of Missouri Law School and her B.A. in 1989 from Webster University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2012

President Obama Nominates Mark A. Barnett to Serve on the U.S. Court of International Trade

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Mark A. Barnett to serve on the United States Court of International Trade.

“I am proud to nominate this outstanding candidate to serve on the United States Court of International Trade,” said President Obama.  “Mr. Barnett has a long and distinguished record of service, and I am confident he will serve on the court with distinction.”

Mark A. Barnett:  Nominee for the United States Court of International Trade

Mark A. Barnett has been Deputy Chief Counsel in the Office of Chief Counsel for Import Administration at the United States Department of Commerce since 2005 and has worked as an attorney in the same office since 1995.  From 2008 to 2009, Barnett was detailed to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, where he served as Trade Counsel for the Subcommittee on Trade.  Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Barnett was an associate at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson from 1988 to 1995.  He received his J.D. cum laude in 1988 from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. magna cum laude in 1985 from Dickinson College.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2012

Statement by the President on Passage of the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act

No veteran who fought for our nation overseas should have to fight for a job when they return home.  That’s why I’m pleased that Democrats and Republicans in Congress have come together to pass legislation that will make it easier for veterans to put their skills to work. 

This legislation complements the new partnership launched by my Administration that will make it easier for manufacturing companies to hire thousands of returning servicemembers who have the skills our country needs.  And it builds on several steps my Administration has taken to help veterans find a job. Already we have created new tax credits for businesses that hire veterans.   The Joining Forces initiative, begun by the First Lady and Dr. Biden, has helped 90,000 veterans and military spouses find jobs. And we have developed online tools to help connect veterans to employers. 

We’ve made progress, but we have much more to do. Congress needs to pass legislation creating a Veterans Job Corps so we can put our returning heroes back to work as cops and firefighters, and on projects that protect and preserve our public lands and resources. And we must all continue our efforts to ensure that these talented men and women who would be an asset to any company have every opportunity to succeed after they serve our nation.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2012

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Mali

Today, the President authorized the use of up to $10 million from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to respond to the unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs resulting from the conflict in northern Mali.  The emergency funds will be used to support the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide lifesaving protection and assistance to those fleeing the conflict.  Currently, almost 230,000 Malian refugees have fled to Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger, while an additional 155,000 Malians are internally displaced. 

The United States is deeply concerned about the situation of the Malian people.  We call on all parties to support the restoration of democratically elected civilian governance in Mali as soon as possible.  Specifically, we ask that the interim government issue its roadmap for elections without delay so that preparations can begin in earnest.  We reiterate our call for the military-led National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy (CNRD) to refrain from any interference in political matters. We strongly condemn the attacks against civilians in northern Mali, as well as the reported destruction and looting of religious, historical and cultural sites in Timbuktu.  We call on the rebel groups in northern Mali to renounce any connection with terrorist groups and enter into legitimate political negotiations.  In addition, we urge all parties to ensure neutral, impartial, and unhindered humanitarian access to all populations in northern Mali

The United States continues to support the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its mediation efforts and will continue to consult with ECOWAS and other regional stakeholders on the best way to facilitate the political transition and restore peace and security across Mali.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 11, 2012

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Dorothy Kosinski, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016, vice Ricardo Quinones, term expired.

Dawn M. Liberi, of Florida, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Burundi.

Stephen D. Mull, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Poland.

Walter North, of Washington, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Papua New Guinea, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Solomon Islands and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Vanuatu.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 11, 2012

Statement by the President on the Easing of Sanctions on Burma

Today, the United States is easing restrictions to allow U.S. companies to responsibly do business in Burma.  President Thein Sein, Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma continue to make significant progress along the path to democracy, and the government has continued to make important economic and political reforms. Easing sanctions is a strong signal of our support for reform, and will provide immediate incentives for reformers and significant benefits to the people of Burma.

Burma’s political and economic reforms remain unfinished. The United States Government remains deeply concerned about the lack of transparency in Burma’s investment environment and the military’s role in the economy.  As we indicated in May, the armed forces and Ministry of Defense-owned entities will not be covered by these General Licenses.  In addition, U.S. companies will be asked to report on their activities in line with international corporate governance standards. I have also signed a new Executive Order that expands the Secretary of the Treasury’s existing sanctions authorities to those who undermine the reform process, engage in human rights abuses, contribute to ethnic conflict, or participate in military trade with North Korea.  This Order is a clear message to Burmese government and military officials:  those individuals who continue to engage in abusive, corrupt, or destabilizing behavior going forward will not reap the rewards of reform.  

Americans for decades have stood with the Burmese people in their struggle to realize the full promise of their extraordinary country. Responsible investment will help facilitate broad-based economic development, and help bring Burma out of isolation and in to the international community. My Administration will continue to support the Government of Burma in its efforts to work toward international standards for economic growth, responsible governance, and human rights. And in all that we do, we are committed to working with the people of Burma as they shape a future of greater freedom and prosperity future, and continue their national reconciliation and democratic transition.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 11, 2012

Message to Congress -- Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Burma

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order (the "order") that modifies the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13047 of May 20, 1997, as modified in scope in Executive Order 13448 of October 18, 2007, and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13310 of July 28, 2003, Executive Order 13448 of October 18, 2007, and Executive Order 13464 of April 30, 2008, and takes additional steps with respect to that national emergency.

In Executive Order 13047, the President found that the Government of Burma committed large-scale repression of the democratic opposition in Burma after September 30, 1996, and further determined that the actions and policies of the Government of Burma constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. To address that threat and to implement section 570 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104-208), the President in Executive Order 13047 prohibited new investment in Burma. On July 28, 2003, the President issued Executive Order 13310, which contained prohibitions implementing certain provisions of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–61) and blocked the property and interests in property of persons listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13310 or determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to meet designation criteria specified in Executive Order 13310. In Executive Order 13448, the President expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13047, incorporated existing designation criteria set forth in Executive Order 13310, blocked the property and interests in property of persons listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13448, and provided additional criteria for designations of other persons. In Executive Order 13464, the President blocked the property and interests in property of persons listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13464 and provided additional criteria for designations of other persons.

While the Government of Burma has made progress towards political reform in a number of areas, including by releasing hundreds of political prisoners, pursuing ceasefire talks with several armed ethnic groups, and pursuing a substantive dialogue with the democratic opposition, this reform is fragile. I support this reform in Burma and the building of a democratic political process that will allow all of the people of Burma to be represented. However, I have found that the continued detention of political prisoners, efforts to undermine or obstruct the political reform process, efforts to undermine or obstruct the peace process with ethnic minorities, military trade with North Korea, and human rights abuses in Burma particularly in ethnic areas, effectuated by persons within and outside the Government of Burma, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. To address this situation, the order imposes additional measures with respect to Burma.

The order provides criteria for designations of persons determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with or at the recommendation of the Secretary of State:

  • to have engaged in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Burma, such as actions that have the purpose or effect of undermining or obstructing the political reform process or the peace process with ethnic minorities in Burma;
     
  • to be responsible for or complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, or to have participated in, the commission of human rights abuses in Burma;
     
  • to have, directly or indirectly, imported, exported, reexported, sold or supplied arms or related materiel from North Korea or the Government of North Korea to Burma or the Government of Burma;
     
  • to be a senior official of an entity that has engaged in the acts described above;
     
  • to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the acts described above or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the order; or
     
  • to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the order.

I have delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury the authority, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the order.

All agencies of the United States Government are directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of the order.

I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
July 11, 2012

First Lady Michelle Obama Announces Winners of Let’s Move! Video Challenge

Faith and Community Leaders From California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee chosen for work to solve childhood obesity

WASHINGTON—First Lady Michelle Obama today announced the winners of the Let’s Move! Communities on the Move video challenge, which invited faith and community leaders to share their stories about their efforts to promote wellness and solve the problem of childhood obesity in their communities. Mrs. Obama launched the challenge during the celebration of the second anniversary of Let’s Move!  at an event at Northland, A Church Distributed in Longwood, Florida. The First Lady encouraged participating organizations to create videos that showcased programs related to Let’s Move Faith and Communities that were creative, effective, sustainable, replicable and inspirational. Videos focused on at least one Let’s Move Faith and Communities focus area, including efforts to promote physical activity, access to healthy, affordable food for children and healthy eating using MyPlate, the federal government’s new food icon.  Communities across the country responded enthusiastically to the challenge, submitting videos that represented a broad range of programs, strategies and age groups -- from toddlers to teenagers -- with submissions from 21 states. A panel of judges from Let’s Move!, USDA and HHS chose one winner and several Honorable Mentions. The Popular Choice Award was given to the eligible video with the most votes online. All the winners will be invited to the White House and will meet First Lady Michelle Obama at a date to be announced.

“With lots of creativity and a great sense of fun, these congregations and organizations have shown us the inspiring work being done across the country to help our children lead healthier lives,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “Everyone wants to see our nation become healthier, and these contest winners have shown us that by taking steps big or small, each of us can play a role in solving the problem of childhood obesity. I hope more people are inspired by these organizations to work together for our children’s health.”

The winners of the Let’s Move! Communities on the Move video challenge include:

Macedonia  Missionary Baptist Church – First Prize
Eatonville, FL
Video: Macedonia on the Move

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville, Florida has devised a multigenerational approach to motivate families and communities to take an active role in striving for good health and living life to the fullest. Youth health programs at Macedonia put an emphasis on obesity prevention through physical activity, nutrition education, gardening and group motivation. The Macedonia on the Move video shows their “Fit With Faith” weekly exercise program, Zumba classes and Fitness Boot Camps that infuse some friendly competition into physical activity. The church has partnered with several community organizations and has parents and church leaders serving as role models by engaging in activities that promote health and wellness.

Hispanic Health Council – Honorable Mention
Hartford, CT
Video: Puppets & Peers .....On the Move!    To Prevent Childhood Obesity

The Hispanic Health Council is an organization that uses community-based research, evidence-based direct services and policy advocacy to improve the health and well-being of Latinos and other diverse communities in Hartford, Connecticut. The video highlights their early childhood “PANA” Program, which is funded by USDA’s SNAP-Education program and reaches 30,000 children annually. PANA provides six engaging and informative puppet shows that promote nutrition and physical activity in early childhood centers and school districts in seven of Connecticut's poorest cities. Kids learn through this program that broccoli and other vegetables can be delicious! The Hispanic Health Council also runs a breastfeeding program, supported in part by USDA’s WIC program, which provides support for low-income women who choose to breastfeed, an important component of childhood obesity prevention.

LiveWell Wheat Ridge – Honorable Mention
Wheat Ridge, CO
Video: LiveWell Wheat Ridge
 
LiveWell Wheat Ridge, a community coalition in Colorado, actively applies evidence-based practices to reduce the impact of adult and childhood obesity in Wheat Ridge. Working with diverse members of the community, LiveWell Wheat Ridge is implementing sustainable programs, policies and environmental change to support healthy eating and active living, particularly for those community members and children who are most disparately affected. Their video submission shows their work to increase opportunities for physical activity in Wheat Ridge by building a network of bike paths and constructing a skate park. It also highlights their participation in USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and the promotion of urban agriculture in their suburban Denver community, Wheat Ridge.

Long Island Head Start – Honorable Mention
Patchogue, NY
Video: Sowing The Seeds Of The Future

Long Island Child and Family Development Services provides a comprehensive learning environment for at-risk children and assists families in reaching self-sufficiency by giving children a “head start” in life. Their program teaches the importance of nutrition and physical activity to reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Their video shows the children gardening, learning where their food comes from and eating healthy meals and snacks through their participation in the Child and Adult Food Care Program. Long Island Head Start also teaches children yoga, which promotes physical activity, as well as concentration, focus and anxiety relief. The program emphasizes exploration, nature, teamwork and cooperation.

Martha O’Bryan Center – Honorable Mention
Nashville, TN
Video: Martha O’Bryan - Highway to Health
 
The Martha O’Bryan Center empowers children, youth and adults to transform their lives through education, work and fellowship.  The Center also promotes healthy living in the Nashville area, specifically within the public and low-cost housing communities. Their program focuses on food, exercise and health. Their video shows the Center’s use of USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program for their “Kid’s Café,” which serves approximately 50,000 healthy meals to children in Nashville each year. The Martha O’Bryan Center has also partnered with Fizeek, a group that teaches fitness and health education to children each week.
 
Philadelphia Campaign for Healthier Schools – Honorable Mention
Philadelphia, PA
Video: HYPE! Healthy You. Positive Energy.

The Philadelphia Campaign for Healthier Schools works with 175 public schools to promote healthy eating and active living in the school environment. Participating schools assess their health environments, create improvement plans and receive training and resources to implement wellness goals. 1,000 youth from 100 schools across Philadelphia participated in the Youth for Healthy Change Leadership Summit to develop leadership skills and learn how to plan healthy campaigns for their schools. The video features Healthy You. Positive Energy (HYPE) youth leaders speaking about healthy choices, leading exercise breaks for younger students and brainstorming about how they can make Philadelphia schools healthier and more active.

San Jose State University/Most Holy Trinity Church Food Justice Ministry – Honorable Mention
San Jose, CA
Video: SJSU/MHT Food Justice Communities on the Move Video Challenge
 
The Most Holy Trinity Church Food Justice Ministry is a partnership between San Jose State University and the Most Holy Trinity Church in Santa Clara, California. With participation from students, parishioners and collaborative partner organizations, the program utilizes key messages about healthy eating and physical activity from Let’s Move! to address high rates of obesity in low-income populations living in East San Jose. Their video shows youth enjoying music and dancing. They also participate in Share Our Strength’s “Cooking Matters” nutrition education classes and multi-lingual pulpit announcements about the CalFresh (SNAP) program and the “double-up bucks” program, enabling parishioners to shop for fresh produce at a local farmers market.

South Valley Family YMCA – Honorable Mention
San Jose, CA
Video: A Community on The Move- South Valley Family YMCA

The South Valley Family YMCA’s programs provide creative opportunities for children and families to exercise through sports, group games, cultural dances and Zumba classes. The video shows their afterschool program, where South Valley YMCA offers nutrition education using MyPlate, cooking classes and tasting activities for families to promote fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthy foods. The organization utilizes partnerships with schools, local churches, food banks and government agencies to reach low-income youth who are at risk of academic failure and provides them with a safe, healthy and enriching place to be after school.

City of San Fernando Partnership for Healthy Families – Popular Choice Award
San Fernando, CA
Video: 100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future

The 100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future program is a collaborative effort of the City of San Fernando Partnership for Healthy Families. The video highlights their fitness program in San Fernando parks, staffed by Kinesiology student volunteers who are trained in the delivery and benefits of physical activity. The 100 Citizens program promotes the idea that a healthy childhood begins at home, and the program works to help adults establish healthy lifestyles so they can be role models for regular physical activity and good nutrition for their children. The program includes Zumba, body sculpting and cycle spinning and emphasizes that physical activity is fun!