Barack Obama

Salvador Mendoza, Jr., of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, vice Lonny R. Suko, retired.

Gustavo Velasquez Aguilar, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice John D. Trasvina, resigned.

These fine public servants bring both a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles.

The Prime Minister and I noted the ongoing progress on dismantling Syria's chemical weapons program.

Nina Hachigian, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a term of fourteen years from February 1, 2014. (Reappointment)

I expressed support for the Prime Minister's ongoing efforts to encourage the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan to take concrete steps toward peace and stability.

Maria Conteras-Sweet, of California, to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration, vice Karen Gordon Mills, resigned.

Matthew H. Tueller, of Utah, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Yemen.

Staci Michelle Yandle, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois, vice John Phil Gilbert, retiring.

We got distracted by Iraq.

Afghanistan has to be the central focus, the central front [in] our battle against terrorism.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy.

Together, they made it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to get loans, to win contracts, to hire more people.

I deeply believe in small businesses that can help to drive and continue the growth that we've already seen.

We've got to make sure that the recovery doesn't leave anybody behind.

That's what America is all about.

It is absolutely preferable...that this be resolved peacefully.

I do hereby proclaim that the lands hereinafter described are excepted from transfer to the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under section 1(a) of the Act.

Strengthening education is a priority for our administration.

We need to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and build the middle class.

This type of 'teaching factory' provides a unique opportunity for education and training of students and workers at all levels.

That's the power of small business.

Together, we can and must do more to get more low-income students prepared for college, enrolled in quality institutions, and graduating.

Every child, rich or poor, has the opportunity for a quality college education so they can get ahead.