Barack Obama

Only a political settlement can bring peace for people in Syria.

We condemn the actions of the Syrian regime and its foreign backers, especially Russia.

Policies that ensure fair pay for all Americans and that help businesses to attract the strongest talent can not only narrow the pay gap, but also boost productivity and benefit our economy.

We give thanks to the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who faced down fear itself.

Ann Begeman, of South Dakota, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2020.

The images of dying children are heart breaking.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Thomas J. Murphy, of Colorado, to be Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs, vice Allison A. Hickey, resigned.

Our ability to fight terrorism successfully is going to require effective cooperation with our allies and partners around the world.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Rebecca Emily Rapp, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019, vice Sharon L. Browne, resigned.

Italy will remain one of the United States' closest and strongest allies and an indispensable partner.

H.R. 5143 would severely weaken these reforms.

I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Richard A. Kennedy, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for a term expiring May 30, 2022.

This type of requirement would significantly impair U.S. interests at both the IAIS and the Financial Stability Board.

His senior advisors would recommend he veto the bill.

The restrictions that this legislation seeks to place on United States representatives in international insurance matters would raise serious constitutional concerns.

I am confident that these outstanding individuals will serve the American people well, and I look forward to working with them.

Ensuring that our counterterrorism programs are rooted in our values makes those programs more effective, more sustainable.

One of them is ensuring that those programs and those operations are grounded in our values.

Federal agencies shall consider the potential public health and safety impacts of invasive species.

Collaboration across Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial government is critical to minimizing the spread of invasive species.

The United States complies with all applicable domestic and international law in conducting operations against these enemies.

Adherence to these standards strengthens us, just as it isolates those nations who do not follow such standards.

An American community has been devastated, and many people—including young men and women with their whole futures ahead of them—have tragically lost their lives.

I want to thank the dedicated first responders who have been working tirelessly for days to contain the situation, recover victims, and treat the wounded.