White House Daily Roundup 2/3/10White House Daily Roundup 2/3/10
PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
LETTER TO CONGRESS Advising of
Removal of North Koreas As Sponsor of Terrorism
In part: “I am providing a classified report prepared by my Administration. This report includes information on our examination of the conduct of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from June 26, 2008, through November 16, 2009, and concludes that the DPRK does not meet the statutory criteria to again be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.”
INDIA NUCLEAR SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT
No. 2010-04
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
I hereby determine and certify that:
1. The Agreement between the Government of India and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities, as approved by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency on August 1, 2008 (the “Safeguards Agreement”), has entered into force; and
2. The Government of India has filed a declaration of facilities pursuant to paragraph 13 of the Safeguards Agreement that is not materially inconsistent with the facilities and schedule described in paragraph 14 of the Separation Plan presented in the national parliament of India on May 11, 2006, taking into account the later initiation of safeguards than was anticipated in the Separation Plan. You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.
BARACK OBAMA
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT ON NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
National Girls & Women in Sports Day is a time for us all to commemorate the participation of women and girls in sports and athletics – and celebrate their achievements. Women compete at all levels today, in large part due to the foundation laid by Title IX, which has done much to advance the number of women taking part in collegiate athletic programs and has increased access to the classroom. Today, as we celebrate, we must also recognize that more needs to be done and we should recommit ourselves to achieving true equality for all.
EVENTS
The President’s motorcade drove through snow flurries down Pennsylvania Avenue and arrived at the rear entrance of the Newseum around 10:00 am. The President spoke to the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Issues Conference, remarks here, and then took questions from the eight Senators facing tough challenges in November.
GOVERNORS ENERGY MEETINGS At a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors from around the country, the President laid out three measures that will work in concert to boost biofuels production. Obama said they will be implementing the long-term renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022, reported a new proposal to increase the conversion of biomass to bioenergy, and unveiled a strategy to advance the development and commercialization of a sustainable biofuels industry.
On Thursday morning, the President, First Lady and Vice President will attend the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton.
VICE PRESIDENT
11:00 Recovery Act Implementation Cabinet Meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
2:00 Attended Governors meeting with President, remarks here.
E.J. Dionne released interview from Tuesday afternoon, wherein the Vice President gets riled up when asked about America being in 2nd place, which Biden calls “ridiculous”. “Give me a break. So many people have bet on our demise that it absolutely drives me crazy. . . . There’s sort of an attitude that is both politically directed by our Republican friends but also believed by a fair number of people that we just can’t make this transition in the 21st century.”
FIRST LADY
AN INTERVIEW of The First Lady was televised on The Today show this morning, where she discussed everything from being on a “hot” list in Maxxim to a dinner table tradition of sharing the day’s “thorns and roses”. When asked by Matt Lauer whether she would be a reserved First Lady like Laura Bush, or more involved and controversial like Hillary Clinton, she responded that she would “just like to help”. Click Here for more of this great interview.
WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCED Members of The Committee for the Preservation of the White House, created in 1964 by Executive Order. The Committee advises the President, the First Lady, and the Director of the National Park Service on preserving the museum quality of the public spaces of the White House. Their work will include preservation and interpretation as well as advising on additions to the permanent White House collection of fine art and decorative arts objects.
First Lady Michelle Obama said, “One of our priorities has been to open the doors of the White House, invite more visitors in and truly make it the ‘People’s House’. When people come here for public tours and events, we want them to have a truly educational and enjoyable experience. As a partner in this effort, the Committee for the Preservation of the White House will advise us on what modifications and acquisitions need to be made so that the White House remains an historically accurate, open, living museum.”
President Obama said, “I’m grateful that such a diverse and accomplished group of people have agreed to devote their talents to ensuring that the White House provides an inspirational and enlightening experience for its visitors.”