By The White House

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Sections 110(d)(4) and 110(f) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as Amended

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority conferred upon the President by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Division A of Public Law 106-386), as amended (the “Act”), to determine, consistent with sections 110(d)(4) and 110(f) of the Act, with respect to Syria for Fiscal Year 2013, that assistance described in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

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Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

George Washington University
Washington, D.C.

1:34 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, folks. Thank you for your patience.

I’d like to begin by thanking — Mr. President, thank you for offering the venue here at GW. You’re always generous, and we appreciate it a great deal. And I was — it’s terrible being dated. I was — I did speak the first year that the Center for American Progress was inaugurated, and here I’m speaking at the 10th anniversary. And the amazing thing is they're still going; that's having me speak there first.

But, Neera, thank you. We miss you. And, Rich, thank you as well. And to the ambassadors who are here, thank you very much. I’m honored that you’d take the time.

Today I want to talk to you about why and how we are pursuing our announced policy of elevated engagement in the Asia-Pacific, and where I believe — we believe — that policy is headed.

When President Obama and I came to office, to state the obvious, we inherited two wars. And it was costing us in blood and treasure and time. And we knew we had to end both those wars responsibly. We’ve done that in Iraq, and we’re doing that as I speak in Afghanistan. We’ll obviously continue to be engaged in both places. And of course we’ll continue to take the fight to Al Qaeda and its affiliates there or wherever they are. But winding down those wars has allowed us to turn to the opportunities that reflect the realities of a fast-changing world.

We ask ourselves two things in the review of how to proceed: Where should we focus additional attention and resources that would enable us to create greater opportunity at home and generate greater growth — economic growth — around the world? And where must we make strategic investments that are required to enhance not only our security but global stability?

Both — I say to the ambassadors — both pointed to the Asia-Pacific.

In terms of economics, the Asia-Pacific region —- stretching from India to the Pacific nations of the Americas -— is home to a middle class of about a billion people. Some of the fastest growing growth rates in the world are within that region. Emerging markets whose choices will shape the character of the entire global economy are within that purview.

So we reached out. We reached out to deepen economic ties and promote open markets and a rule-based competition for the 21st century.

We finished a free-trade agreement with South Korea, as well as deals with Panama and Colombia. We launched negotiations on a new Trans-Pacific Partnership that will connect diverse — economies as diverse as Singapore and Peru. We’ve worked toward a more constructive economic relationship with China, including through the Strategic and Economic …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

“We’ve got to keep pushing. We’ve got to make access to health care more available and affordable for folks living with HIV.”

— President Obama, June 13, 2013

In July 2010, President Obama released the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy. The HIV Care Continuum Initiative calls for coordinated action in response to data that has been released since the Strategy three years ago, showing only a quarter of people living with HIV in the United States have achieved the treatment goal of controlling the HIV virus. In fact, along the entire HIV care continuum – the sequential stages of care from being diagnosed to suppressing the virus—there are significant gaps. To address this need, the HIV Care Continuum Initiative will mobilize Federal efforts in line with the recent advances in our understanding of how best to prevent and treat HIV infection. It will support further integration of HIV prevention and care efforts; promote expansion of successful HIV testing and service delivery models; encourage innovative approaches to addressing barriers to accessing testing and treatment; and ensure that Federal resources are appropriately focused on implementing evidence-based interventions along the HIV care continuum in relation to other scientifically proven approaches to combatting HIV.

Scientific advances in the three years since the Strategy’s release highlight the importance of accelerating efforts to increase HIV testing, services, and treatment along the continuum:

• Federal guidelines now recommend antiretroviral treatment for all adults and adolescents living with HIV in the United States. Instead of waiting for the immune system to show signs of decline, experts now recommend starting treatment right away. Evidence indicates that treating HIV as soon as possible reduces HIV-related complications.

• Treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Along with other proven prevention methods, such as condom use, abstinence, and comprehensive drug treatment, effective treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission. An NIH-sponsored study showed that among heterosexual couples, starting treatment early reduced transmission risk by 96%.

• Screening for HIV is now recommended for all persons 15-65 in the United States. About half of Americans have never been tested for HIV, and nearly 200,000 people living with HIV in this country are unaware that they are infected. Screening all persons between 15 and 65 years of age is now a grade “A” recommendation of the independent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Towards an AIDS-Free Generation

The HIV Care Continuum Initiative will be overseen by the Office of National AIDS Policy. A workgroup including key Federal agencies is charged with implementing the Initiative. Today, as part of …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Soon after the plane crash in San Francisco, CA, the President was made aware of the incident by Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. The President will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. The President expressed his gratitude for the first responders and directed his team to stay in constant contact with the federal, state and local partners as they investigate and respond to this event. His thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost a loved one and all those affected by the crash.

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Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

South Lawn

5:58 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House. (Applause.) And Happy Fourth of July! (Applause.)

So we've tried to plan a proper Fourth of July celebration. We're grilling some food. We've got the fireworks coming. We've got lots of music. The band fun. is here with us today. (Applause.) And we've got multiple groups from our Marine Band
— we've got the Marine Concert Band. We've got the Dixieland Band. We've got the Marching Band. And we've got Free Country, the country band. (Applause.)

So we hope everybody has a great time. We are incredibly grateful for your service, and we're thankful that you get a chance to spend the Fourth here with us. And by the way, it's Malia's birthday, so she is appreciative that you're all going to be wishing her happy birthday as well. (Applause.)

So I don't want to keep you from the food, but let me just say this. There are children all over the world right now asking their parents what's so special about today. And maybe some of those little ones are running around even here on the South Lawn, thinking, well, this is just an excuse for some hotdogs. (Laughter.) But it's worth remembering what happened 237 years ago on this date and what it meant to the world.

On July 4, 1776, a small band of patriots declared that we were a people created equal, free to think and worship and live as we please; that our destiny would not be determined for us, it would be determined by us. And it was bold and it was brave. And it was unprecedented, it was unthinkable. At that time in human history, it was kings and princes and emperors who made decisions.

But those patriots knew there was a better way of doing things, that freedom was possible, and that to achieve their freedom they'd be willing to lay down their lives, their fortunes and their honor. And so they fought a revolution. And few would have bet on their side, but for the first time in many times to come, America proved the doubters wrong.

And now, 237 years later, this improbable experiment in democracy, the United States of America, stands as the greatest nation on Earth. (Applause.) And what makes us great is not our size or our wealth, but our values and our ideals and the fact that we're willing to fight for them. A land of liberty and opportunity; a global defender of peace and freedom; a beacon of hope for people everywhere who cherish those ideals.

And we have also earned it — you have earned it — because as part of a long line of folks who are willing to fight for those ideals, we've been able to not only preserve and make more perfect this union, but also …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

President Obama spoke by phone today with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who offered condolences on the tragic deaths of 19 firefighters in Arizona. The President and the Chancellor discussed the recent reports of surveillance activities allegedly conducted by the U.S. National Security Agency. The President assured the Chancellor that the United States takes seriously the concerns of our European allies and partners. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued close cooperation between our respective intelligence services in the fight against terrorism and other threats to the security of the United States, Germany, and our allies. The leaders agreed to hold a high-level meeting of U.S. and German security officials in the coming days to discuss these matters in greater detail. They also looked forward to the initiation of a U.S.-EU/EU Member State dialogue on the collection and oversight of intelligence and questions of privacy and data protection, as proposed by Attorney General Eric Holder, as early as July 8. Finally, the leaders reiterated their strong support for the launch of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations and welcomed the upcoming first round of discussions.

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Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Earlier today from Air Force One, the President called Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia. In his call with Prime Minister Rudd, the President congratulated the Prime Minister on his return to office. The President also reiterated the enduring strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance and his confidence that the United States and Australia will continue to work together closely on important global and regional issues. The two leaders also discussed the importance of completing the high standard Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. In his call with former Prime Minister Gillard, President Obama thanked her for her warm friendship and close partnership in deepening cooperation between the United States and Australia, and he wished her well in her future endeavors.

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Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

4:07 P.M. SAST

MR. DHOLOMO: Thank you very much, Mrs. Obama, for joining us. That was a very inspirational speech. We're joined by a lot of students from across the world — we're crossing over to New York City, we're crossing over to L.A., we're crossing over to Kansas City, we're crossing over to Texas as well.

MRS. OBAMA: Houston.

MR. DHOLOMO: Houston, yes, yes. So it's going to be great. And we're also joined by Mr. John Legend, as you can see, as well as — (applause ) — as well as Victoria Justice.

MRS. OBAMA: Hey, John!

MR. DHOLOMO: That’s going to be great.

MR. LEGEND: Hello.

MRS. OBAMA: Hi, Victoria. Thank you, guys. (Applause.)

MR. DHOLOMO: Now, ma'am, I was thinking, just as an cebreaker, I'd teach you a South African greeting — I'm Zulu myself — so are you willing to try this?

MRS. OBAMA: I'm game. (Laughter.)

MR. DHOLOMO: Okay, cool. Let's try this — say “Sawubona.”

MRS. OBAMA: Sawubona.

AUDIENCE: Yebo.

MRS. OBAMA: Yebo. I like that. (Laughter.)

MR. DHOLOMO: “Ninjani.”

MRS. OBAMA: Ninjani.

AUDIENCE: Si yaphila.

MRS. OBAMA: All right.

MR. DHOLOMO: All right, now we're going to get started.

MRS. OBAMA: Okay, we're ready.

MR. DHOLOMO: Now, on a serious note, why was this project important to you?

MRS. OBAMA: First of all, you all, as young people, inspire me — not just because I'm First Lady, but I'm a mom. And I know that kids are our future.

And one of the things that I think is so important that I want to have happen or begin to happen here is that young people all across the world, you guys start to talk to each other and share with each other and start inspiring one another across the globe. That is the beauty of technology. That’s what we should be using Twitter and all that stuff for — for you — (laughter) — yes, I'm still working on it — (laughter) — for you guys to begin to talk to each other and realize that you have so much in common — whether you are in Soweto or Houston or anywhere in the world, there's so much that you all can do together.

And I want you all to start thinking about being citizens of the world. And in order to do that, you've got to start reaching out, and this is just the beginning.

MR. DHOLOMO: Absolutely. I mean, I like the point you brought up about Twitter and social networks, so I'm actually going to cross over to Kansas right now — I don’t know if you guys can hear me. Can you guys hear me?

AUDIENCE: Yes.

MR. …read more

Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

Today the President announced Power Africa, a new initiative to double access to power in sub-Saharan Africa. More than two-thirds of the population of sub-Saharan Africa is without electricity, and more than 85 percent of those living in rural areas lack access. Power Africa will build on Africa’s enormous power potential, including new discoveries of vast reserves of oil and gas, and the potential to develop clean geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy. It will help countries develop newly-discovered resources responsibly, build out power generation and transmission, and expand the reach of mini-grid and off-grid solutions.

According to the International Energy Agency, sub-Saharan Africa will require more than $300 billion in investment to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. Only with greater private sector investment can the promise of Power Africa be realized. With an initial set of six partner countries in its first phase, Power Africa will add more than 10,000 megawatts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity. It will increase electricity access by at least 20 million new households and commercial entities with on-grid, mini-grid, and off-grid solutions. And it will enhance energy resource management capabilities, allowing partner countries to meet their critical energy needs and achieve greater energy security.

Power Africa is Rooted in Partnership

The United States and its partners will work with an initial set of Power Africa partner countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Tanzania. These countries have set ambitious goals in electric power generation and are making the utility and energy sector reforms to pave the way for investment and growth. Power Africa will also partner with Uganda and Mozambique on responsible oil and gas resources management.

Power Africa will bring to bear a wide range of U.S. government tools to support investment in Africa’s energy sector. From policy and regulatory best practices, to pre-feasibility support and capacity building, to long-term financing, insurance, guarantees, credit enhancements and technical assistance Power Africa will provide coordinated support to help African partners expand their generation capacity and access.

The United States will commit more than $7 billion in financial support over the next five years to this effort, including:

• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide $285 million in technical assistance, grants and risk mitigation to advance private sector energy transactions and help governments adopt and implement the policy, regulatory, and other reforms necessary to attract private sector investment in the energy and power sectors.
• The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will commit up to $1.5 billion in financing and insurance to energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) will make available up to $5 billion in support of U.S. exports for the development of power projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
• The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will invest up to $1 billion in African power systems through its country compacts to increase access and the reliability and sustainability of electricity supply through investments in …read more

  Source: White House Press Office

By The White House

The United States is the world’s leading donor in global health. We are strongly committed to working with partner nations to reach our goal of an AIDS-free generation, to ending preventable child and maternal deaths, and to supporting countries as they work to provide for the health of their own citizens.

Since 2008, the United States has tripled the number of people directly supported by the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with lifesaving treatment for AIDS. Our efforts have contributed to a 16% decline in under-five child mortality in 24 priority countries, and we have been a key multilateral partner on strengthening the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.

We will continue to work with our partners and Allies around the world to deliver global health results and eradicate extreme poverty. And we will continue to speak out in support of universal rights and fundamental freedoms for all, including LGBT populations, people living with HIV, and women and girls.

Progress towards an AIDS-Free Generation

The United States is committed to turning the tide on HIV/AIDS. In June 2013, we reached the one millionth baby born HIV-free because of PEPFAR support. In Fiscal Year 2012 alone, PEPFAR’s investments meant that over 230,000 babies were born HIV-free. In sub-Saharan Africa, the number of AIDS-related deaths decreased by 32% from 2005 to 2011, and the number of new HIV infections fell by 33% from 2001 to 2011.

During this same period, PEPFAR also supported over one million voluntary medical male circumcisions, and provided HIV testing and counseling for more than 46 million people. Today, we are announcing an additional $10 million to support South Africa’s ongoing efforts to expand voluntary medical male circumcision services, which reduces men’s risk of becoming infected with HIV by approximately 60%.

We are delivering on the President’s 2011 commitment to support 6 million people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) by the end of 2013, and are working to increase the impact and sustainability of our investments. The number of people in Africa receiving antiretroviral treatment has increased from less than 1 million in 2005 to 7.1 million in 2012, with nearly 1 million added in the last year alone. PEPFAR directly supports more than 5.1 million people with lifesaving ART, up from 1.7 million in 2008.

South Africa, for example, is rapidly scaling up access to HIV treatment, with a 20% increase in the number of people receiving therapy from 2011-2012 alone. Sixteen countries—Botswana, Ghana, Gambia, Gabon, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—now ensure that more than three-quarters of pregnant women living with HIV receive antiretroviral medicine to prevent transmission to their child.

Eleven African countries—Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have reached a critical programmatic “tipping point,” where the annual increase in adults on treatment …read more

Source: White House Press Office