Barack Obama 2013-01-01 1 Appendix A-- Digest of Other White House Announcements The following list includes the President's public schedule and other items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this book. January 1 The White House announced that the President will travel to Honolulu, HI, in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to Honolulu, HI, arriving the following morning. January 2 In the morning, upon arrival at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, the President traveled to Kailua, HI, where he had separate telephone conversations with Gov. Christopher J. Christie of New Jersey and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York to discuss Congressional action on the Hurricane Sandy supplemental request. In the afternoon, the President signed H.R. 8, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. He also signed H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. January 3 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with House Majority Leader Eric I. Cantor and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to extend his welcome to all Members of the 113th Congress. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Speaker of the House of Representatives John A. Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to congratulate them on being redesignated to lead their respective parties in the House. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as President of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, on January 7: Daniel W. Yohannes (head of delegation); Gene A. Cretz; Johnnie Carson; and Donald G. Teitelbaum. The President announced the renomination of Robert E. Bacharach to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. The President announced the renomination of Caitlin J. Halligan and Srikanth Srinivasan to be judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The President announced the renomination of William J. Kayatta, Jr., to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The President announced the renomination of Jill A. Pryor to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. The President announced the renomination of Patty Shwartz to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The President announced the renomination of Richard G. Taranto to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The President announced the renomination of Elissa F. Cadish to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. The President announced the renomination of Valerie E. Caproni and Analisa Torres to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The President announced the renomination of Sheri Polster Chappell to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The President announced the renomination of Pamela Ki Mai Chen to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The President announced the renomination of Brian J. Davis to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The President announced the renomination of Rachelle L. "Shelly" Deckert Dick to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The President announced the renomination of Jennifer A. Dorsey and Andrew P. Gordon to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. The President announced the renomination of Katherine Polk Failla to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The President announced the renomination of Kenneth J. Gonzales to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. The President announced the renomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The President announced the renomination of Rosemary Márquez to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The President announced the renomination of Michael J. McShane to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The President announced the renomination of Raymond P. Moore to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The President announced the renomination of Troy L. Nunley to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. The President announced the renomination of Beverly Reid O'Connell to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The President announced the renomination of William H. Orrick III to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The President announced the renomination of Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro, Luis F. Restrepo, and Jeffrey L. Schmehl to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The President announced the renomination of Nelson S. Román to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The President announced the renomination of William L. Thomas to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The President announced the renomination of Derrick K. Watson to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. The President announced the renomination of Mark A. Barnett and Claire R. Kelly to be judges on the U.S. Court of International Trade. The President declared a major disaster in Ohio and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Sandy on October 29 and 30, 2012. January 4 During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will return to Washington, DC, on January 5. January 5 During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with former Sen. Charles T. Hagel to discuss his nomination to be Secretary of Defense. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following morning. January 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to the White House on January 11. January 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President met with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with his senior advisers. January 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Family Theater, he hosted a screening of NBC's "1600 Penn" program for castmembers and crew. January 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Nicholas L. Saban of the University of Alabama football team to congratulate him and his team on winning the BCS Championship. During the day, in the Roosevelt Room, the President met with his senior advisers. The President declared a major disaster in Pennsylvania and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy from October 26 through November 8, 2012. January 11 In the morning, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an expanded bilateral meeting with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan. Then, in the Oval Office, he had a restricted bilateral meeting with President Karzai. In the afternoon, in the Old Family Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch with President Karzai. The White House announced that the President will award the Medal of Honor to S. Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha, USA, on February 11. January 14 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Then, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Later, in the Oval Office, he participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S.: Ryszard Marian Schnepf of Poland, Kenichiro Sasae of Japan, Palan Mulonda of Zambia, Altangerel Bulgaa of Mongolia, Kairat Umarov of Kazakhstan, Fernando Antonio Pfannl Caballero of Paraguay, Aunese Makoi Simati of Tuvalu, Ahmed Sareer of Maldives, and Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza of Mexico. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Minister of Interior Muhammad bin Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to discuss Saudi Arabia-U.S. relations, congratulate him on his appointment as Minister of Interior, and convey his greetings to King Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud. Also during the day, in the Cabinet Room, he and Vice President Biden met to discuss proposals to reduce gun violence. January 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. January 16 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. January 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he dropped by a meeting between Deputy National Security Adviser Denis R. McDonough and President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud of Somalia. In the afternoon, the President visited the headquarters of the Presidential Inaugural Committee to thank the staff for its hard work. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss the hostage situation in Algeria, the situation in Mali, and United Kingdom-U.S. relations. January 18 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, he and Mrs. Obama hosted a "Benefactors' Brunch" for supporters of the Obama 2012 reelection campaign. In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted a reception for supporters of the reelection campaign. January 20 In the morning, the President and Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Arlington, VA, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Then, he returned to Washington, DC. Later in the morning, in the Blue Room, the President took the oath of office at the official swearing-in ceremony. Mrs. Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha attended the ceremony, and the oath was administered by Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr. January 21 In the morning, at St. John's Episcopal Church, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha attended a church service with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill T. Biden. Then, they returned to the White House. Later, they traveled to the U.S. Capitol. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, Vice President Biden, and Mrs. Biden attended the Inaugural Parade. In the evening, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the President, Mrs. Obama, Vice President Biden, and Mrs. Biden attended the Inaugural Ball. January 22 In the morning, at the National Cathedral, the President and Mrs. Obama attended a national prayer service with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill T. Biden. During the day, in the Blue Room, the President and Mrs. Obama greeted visitors during an Inaugural open house. January 23 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2012 National Basketball Association champion Miami Heat to the White House on January 28. January 24 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. January 25 In the morning, the President met with leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss immigration reform. During the day, the President met with his senior advisers. Also during the day, he had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the situations in Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Syria. The White House announced that the President will travel to Las Vegas, NV, on January 28. The President announced his intention to nominate the following individuals to be members of the National Council on the Humanities: Gerald L. Early; Patricia Nelson Limerick; Shelly C. Lowe; Daniel I. Okimoto; and Katherine H. Tachau. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the National Council on Disability: Chester A. Finn; Jonathan F. Kuniholm; Jeff Rosen; Lynnae M. Ruttledge; and Alice Wong. The President announced the appointment of Denis R. McDonough as White House Chief of Staff. The President announced the appointment of Robert L. Nabors II as Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Chief of Staff for Policy. The President announced the appointment of Antony J. Blinken as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser. The President announced the appointment of Danielle C. Gray as Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary. The President announced the appointment of Katy A. Kale as Assistant to the President for Management and Administration. The President announced the appointment of Lisa O. Monaco as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Deputy National Security Adviser. The President announced the appointment of Jennifer M. Palmieri as Assistant to the President and Communications Director. The President announced the appointment of H. Daniel Pfeiffer as Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser. The President announced the appointment of Miguel E. Rodriguez as Assistant to the President and Director of Legislative Affairs. The President announced the appointment of David Simas as Assistant to the President and Deputy Senior Adviser for Communications and Strategy. January 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to congratulate him on his party's success in the recent parliamentary election and to discuss Israel-U.S. relations. Then, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with of the Boys and Girls Club of America Youth of the Year finalists. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on January 29: Thomas J. Vilsack (head of delegation); Sung Kim; Judith E. Heumann; and Julie Petty. January 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with young people from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Then, he traveled to Las Vegas, NV. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President declared a major disaster in Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm on December 25 and 26, 2012. January 30 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton had lunch. Later, in the Library, he participated in separate television interviews with Jose Diaz-Balart of Telemundo and Maria Elena Salinas of Univision. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy to the White House on February 15. The White House announced that the President will award the 2011 National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the White House on February 1. January 31 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will travel to Minneapolis, MN, on February 4. The President announced the nomination of Jane Kelly to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The President announced the nomination of Gregory Alan Phillips to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. February 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President announced his intention to nominate Janet L. LaBreck to be Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration at the Department of Education. The President announced his intention to appoint Jonathan Safran Foer as a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The President announced his intention to appoint Robert Listenbee, Jr., as Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the Department of Justice. The President announced his intention to appoint James H. Stock as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers. February 4 In the morning, the President traveled to Minneapolis, MN, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, at the Minneapolis Police Department Special Operations Center, the President met with local leaders and law enforcement officials to discuss ways of reducing gun violence. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. February 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Roosevelt Room, he met with progressive and labor leaders to discuss immigration reform. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President met with business leaders to discuss immigration reform and its effect on economic growth and the Federal deficit. Then, in the Oval Office, he had a telephone conversation with Head Coach John Harbaugh and General Manager Ozzie Newsome, Jr., of the National Football League's Baltimore Ravens to congratulate them on their team's victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. Later, also in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Director of Speechwriting Jonathan E. Favreau and Deputy Director of Speechwriting Cody S. Keenan to prepare for his State of the Union Address. February 6 In the morning, the President traveled to Annapolis, MD, where, at the Westin Annapolis hotel, he participated in the Senate Democratic Issues Conference. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. February 7 In the morning, the President traveled to Leesburg, VA. In the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he met with members of the Cabinet to discuss immigration reform. Later, in the Oval Office, the President met with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr., to discuss HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention issues, especially in the African American community. The President announced the nomination of Raymond T. Chen and Todd M. Hughes to be judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. February 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Then, the President traveled to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will welcome the recipients of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal to the White House on February 15. February 10 The White House announced that the President will travel to the Asheville, NC, area on February 13, the Atlanta, GA, area on February 14, and Chicago, IL, on February 15. The President declared an emergency in Connecticut and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm beginning on February 8 and continuing. February 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced further details on the President's travel to Arden, NC, on February 13, and Decatur, GA, on February 14. The President announced his intention to nominate Karol V. Mason to be Assistant Attorney General for Justice Programs at the Department of Justice. The President announced his intention to appoint Catherine A. Allen as a member of the Board of Directors of the Valles Caldera Trust. February 12 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea to discuss North Korea's nuclear test, affirm close cooperation in impeding North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and discuss South Korea-U.S. relations. February 13 In the morning, the President traveled to Arden, NC, where he toured a Linamar North Carolina manufacturing facility with General Manager Mark Treffinger, Operations Manager Thomas Grein, and Group Vice President of Linamar Driveline Systems Group Global Phil McCulloch. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, he met with Sens. Richard J. Durbin, Charles E. Schumer, Robert Menendez, and Michael F. Bennet to discuss immigration reform. Vice President Joe Biden, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz, and Assistant to the President and Director of Legislative Affairs Miguel E. Rodriguez also attended. Later in the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss North Korea's recent nuclear test, international diplomatic efforts toward a response, and Japan-U.S. relations. The White House announced further details on the President's travel to Chicago, IL, on February 15. The White House announced that the President will travel to the West Palm Beach, FL, area on February 15. The President declared a major disaster in Mississippi and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on February 10 and continuing. February 14 In the morning, the President traveled to Decatur, GA. In the afternoon, the President toured College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center, where he met with students and teachers. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. February 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Chicago, IL. Upon arrival, he traveled to Hyde Park Academy High School, where he participated in a roundtable discussion with students enrolled in a school-based antiviolence program. Later, he traveled to West Palm Beach, FL, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to Palm City, FL, where he remained overnight at the Floridian Yacht and Golf Club. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to the White House on February 22. The White House announced that the annual Easter egg roll will take place on April 1. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Park Geun-hye as President of South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, on February 25: Thomas E. Donilon (head of delegation); Sung Kim; James D. Thurman; and Daniel R. Russel. February 18 In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. February 19 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had separate telephone conversations with Sens. Lindsey O. Graham, John S. McCain III, and Marco A. Rubio to discussion immigration reform and the Federal budget. February 20 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, he had separate interviews with television news anchors from the Boston, MA, Charleston, SC, Baltimore, MD, Oklahoma City, OK, Wichita, KS, San Antonio, TX, San Francisco, CA, and Honolulu, HI, media markets. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Ernest Bai Koroma as President of Sierra Leonein Freetown, Sierra Leone, on February 22: Carrie Hessler-Radelet (head of delegation); and Kathleen FitzGibbon. February 21 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. Then, also in the Oval Office, he had separate interviews for the syndicated radio programs of Alfred C. Sharpton, Jr., Joe Madison, and Yolanda Adams. February 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, they attended a meeting of the Democratic Governors Association. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. The President declared a major disaster in Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from January 8 through 17. February 23 The White House announced that the President will travel to Newport News, VA, on February 26. February 25 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the President attended a farewell reception for U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk. February 26 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with President Muhammad Mursi of Egypt to discuss Egypt-U.S. relations; democracy efforts, economic concerns, and human rights issues in Egypt; the Arab-Israeli peace process; and Secretary of State John F. Kerry's upcoming visit to Egypt. Then, also in the Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Newport News, VA. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to nominate Jannette L. Dates and Bruce M. Ramer to be members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The President announced his intention to nominate Stephen J. Hadley to be a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace. The President announced his intention to nominate Geoffrey R. Pyatt to be Ambassador to Ukraine. The President announced his intention to appoint Teresa Isabel Leger as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The President announced his intention to appoint Stephen L. Mayo as a member of the National Science Board at the National Science Foundation. February 27 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. February 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden attended the swearing-in ceremony for Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Then, in the Private Dining Room, he and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz. The White House announced that the President will welcome the BCS National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide to the White House on March 6. March 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss Russia-U.S. relations, the situation in Syria, the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) summit in Northern Ireland in June, and President Obama's visit to St. Petersburg for the Group of Twenty (G-20) meeting in September. Later, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden met with Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid, Senate Minority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell, Speaker of the House of Representatives John A. Boehner, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to discuss pending mandatory Federal spending cuts. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama had dinner with former President William J. Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The President declared a major disaster for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ordered Federal aid to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from January 14 through 17. March 2 During the day, the President had separate telephone conversations with Sens. Robert P. Corker, Jr., Robert J. Portman, and other Members of Congress to discuss tax reform legislation and the Federal budget. March 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President had separate telephone conversations with Sen. Susan M. Collins and other Members of Congress to discuss tax reform legislation and the Federal budget. March 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Bethesda, MD, where, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he met with wounded U.S. military personnel and their families, presented Purple Hearts to two servicemembers, and participated in a promotion ceremony for one servicemember. Then, he returned to Washington, DC. Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The White House announced that the President will have a signing ceremony for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 on March 7. The President declared a major disaster for the Navajo Nation and ordered Federal aid to supplement tribal efforts in the area affected by a severe freeze from December 15, 2012, through January 21, 2013. March 6 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. In the evening, at the Plume restaurant in the Jefferson hotel, the President had dinner with a group of Republican Senators and discussed tax reform legislation and the Federal budget. The White House announced that the President will welcome Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei to the White House on March 12. The White House announced that the President will visit the U.S. Capitol next week, where he will meet separately with the Democratic and Republican Caucuses of the House of Representatives and Senate to discuss his legislative agenda. March 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, the President met with leaders of Jewish organizations to discuss his upcoming trip to Israel. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President had lunch with Reps. Christopher Van Hollen, Jr., and Paul D. Ryan and discussed tax reform legislation and the Federal budget. In the evening, the President met with business leaders and renewable energy experts to discuss energy policy. March 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he met with religious leaders to discuss immigration reform. During the day, in the Roosevelt Room, the President and Vice President Biden attended the swearing-in ceremony for John O. Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. March 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. The White House announced that the President will award the Medal of Honor to Capt. Emil J. Kapaun, USA, on April 11. March 12 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Blue Room, the President had lunch with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. Then, at the U.S. Capitol, he met with the Senate Democratic Caucus. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Enda Kenny of Ireland to the White House on March 19. The President announced his intention to appoint Henry Claypool, Julian Harris, and Carol Raphael as members of the Commission on Long-Term Care. The President announced his intention to appoint Diana Shaw Clark and Greg A. Rosenbaum as members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. March 13 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, at the U.S. Capitol, the President met with the House Republican Conference. Later, in the Oval Office he and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Then, in the Situation Room, he met with business leaders to discuss cybersecurity issues. Later in the afternoon, in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the President met with business leaders to discuss immigration reform and economic issues. Then, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. The White House announced that the President will travel to the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, on March 15. The President announced his intention to nominate Deborah K. Jones to be Ambassador to Libya. The President announced his intention to nominate James Knight to be Ambassador to Chad. The President announced his intention to appoint Lesley L. Weiss as Chair and member of the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. March 14 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China to congratulate him on his new position and discuss China-U.S. relations. In the afternoon, at the U.S. Capitol, the President had separate meetings with the Senate Republican Conference and the House Democratic Caucus. Later, in the Oval Office, he had an intelligence briefing. March 15 In the morning, the President traveled to Lemont, IL. Upon arrival, he toured the facilities of Argonne National Laboratory. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the installation of Pope Francis in the Holy See (Vatican City) on March 19: Joe Biden (head of delegation); Susana Martinez; Nancy Pelosi; and John J. DeGioia. March 18 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing, followed by a meeting with his senior advisers. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Prime Minister José Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde to the White House on March 28. March 19 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he met with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister J. Martin P. McGuinness of Northern Ireland. In the evening, the President traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel, arriving the following afternoon. The President announced his intention to nominate Catherine M. Russell to be Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues at the Department of State. The President announced the nomination of Patricia E. Campbell-Smith and Elaine D. Kaplan to be judges on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. The President announced the nomination of Michael K. O'Keefe and Robert D. Okun to be judges on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The President declared a major disaster in New Hampshire and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and snowstorm from February 8 through 10. March 20 In the afternoon, at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, the President toured an Iron Dome antimissile battery. Then, he traveled to the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to the President's Residence, where he signed the guest book and participated in a tree-planting ceremony and photographic opportunity with President Shimon Peres of Israel. Then, he traveled to the Prime Minister's Residence, where he signed the guest book and was greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. In the evening, at the Prime Minister's Residence, the President and Prime Minister Netanyahu had a working dinner. Later, he returned to the King David Hotel, where he remained overnight. March 21 In the morning, the President traveled to the Israel Museum, where he and Prime Minister Netanyahu viewed the Dead Sea Scrolls. Then, also at the museum, they toured an Israeli technology exposition, where the President greeted U.S. Army veteran Theresa Hannigan, who demonstrated an apparatus designed to aid spinal cord injuries. He also met with Israeli high school students and alumni of Cisco Israel's Digital Cities Project. Later in the morning, the President traveled to Ramallah, West Bank, where, at the Muqata Presidential Compound, he participated in an arrival ceremony and photographic opportunity with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. Then, also at the Presidential Compound, he met with President Abbas. In the afternoon, at the Muqata Presidential Compound, the President had a working lunch with President Abbas. Later, he traveled to Al-Bireh, West Bank, where, at the Youth Development Resource Center, he and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad of the Palestinian Authority toured a robotics lab and watched a youth dance performance. Then, also at the Resource Center, he participated in a roundtable discussion with Palestinian youth. Later, he returned to Jerusalem. In the evening, the President traveled to the U.S. Consulate General, where he met with consular and U.S. Embassy-Tel Aviv personnel. Then, he returned to the King David Hotel. Later in the evening, the President traveled to the President's Residence. Then, he returned to the King David Hotel, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2012 Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings and the 2012 Major League Soccer champion Los Angeles Galaxy to the White House on March 26. The President announced his intention to nominate Cynthia L. Attwood to be a member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Stuart F. Delery to be Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division at the Department of Justice. The President announced his intention to nominate Fred P. Hochberg to be President of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The President announced his intention to nominate Allison M. Macfarlane to be a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and upon appointment, to designate her as Chair. The President announced his intention to nominate Patricia M. Wald to be a member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. The President declared a major disaster in Connecticut and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm from February 8 through 11. March 22 In the morning, the President traveled to Israel's national cemetery at Mount Herzl, where, accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres of Israel, he laid a wreath and stone at the grave of Theodor Herzl and signed the guest book. He also laid a wreath and stone at the grave of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and met with members of the Rabin family. Then, he traveled to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, where he, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and President Peres toured the Hall of Names, the Art Museum, and the Children's Memorial. He also laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance and signed the guest book. Later in the morning, the President returned to the King David Hotel, where he had lunch with Prime Minister Netanyahu. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Bethlehem, West Bank, where he toured the Church of the Nativity with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and met with church leaders and local government officials. He also visited the Church of Saint Catherine, where he greeted Palestinian children. Then, he traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel, where, at Ben Gurion Airport, he had a private meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Amman, Jordan, where, upon arrival, he traveled to the Royal Al Hummar Offices, the headquarters of King Abdullah II of Jordan. In the evening, at the Al Hummar Offices, the President participated in an arrival ceremony with King Abdullah II. Later, he traveled to Beit Al Urdun, where he and King Abdullah had dinner. The President declared a major disaster in Rhode Island and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm on February 8 and 9. March 23 In the morning, at the Four Seasons Amman Hotel, the President met with U.S. Embassy staff and their families. Later, he traveled to Petra, Jordan, where he toured the ancient ruins and monuments with Professor Suleiman A.D. Al Farajat of the University of Jordan. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Amman, Jordan, where, at Queen Alia International Airport, he was greeted by King Abdullah II of Jordan. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. March 25 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a signing ceremony establishing the Río Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico, the First State National Monument in Delaware, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland, the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio, and the San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington. Vice President Biden and Secretary of the Interior Kenneth L. Salazar also attended. In the evening, in the Old Family Dining Room, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted a Seder to mark the beginning of Passover. The President declared a major disaster in Maine and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, snowstorm, and flooding on February 8 and 9. March 26 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The White House announced that the President will travel to Miami, FL, on March 29. The President announced his intention to appoint Julia A. Pierson as Director of the U.S. Secret Service at the Department of Homeland Security. March 27 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Blue Room, the President participated in separate television interviews with Lourdes Meluza of Univision and Lori Montenegro of Telemundo. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden participated in a swearing-in ceremony for Julia A. Pierson as Director of the U.S. Secret Service at the Department of Homeland Security. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore to the White House on April 2. The White House announced that the President will travel to Mexico and Costa Rica from May 2 through 4. March 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Then, also in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President signed Executive Order 13639 establishing the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. March 29 In the morning, the President traveled to Miami, FL, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, at PortMiami, the President toured a tunnel infrastructure project. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. March 30 The White House announced that the President will travel to Denver, CO, on April 3. March 31 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha attended an Easter Sunday service at St. John's Church. April 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, on the South Lawn, he and Mrs. Obama participated in the annual Easter egg roll. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Robbie Novak, who stars as "Kid President" in self-made YouTube videos, and gave him a personal tour of the Oval Office. The White House announced that the President will travel to Northern California on April 3 and 4. The President announced his intention to nominate Brian C. Deese to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force: Janine Davidson; Dennis M. McCarthy; F. Whitten Peters; and Margaret C. Harrell. The President announced his intention to appoint Hyman Bass, Carlos Castillo-Chavez, and Joseph S. Francisco as members of the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science. April 2 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing, followed by a meeting with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. Then, in the Family Theater, he and Mrs. Obama hosted a screening of the film "42" for members of Jackie Robinson's family, castmembers, and crew. April 3 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later he traveled to Denver, CO, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, at the Denver Policy Academy, the President met with local law enforcement officials and community leaders to discuss gun control. Later, he traveled to San Francisco, CA. In the evening, the President traveled to the Intercontinental San Francisco hotel, where he remained overnight. April 4 In the morning, the President traveled to Atherton, CA. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President will award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Capt. Emil J. Kapaun, USA, on April 11. The White House announced that the President will welcome Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, to the White House on April 16. The White House announced that the President will travel to Hartford, CT, on April 8. April 5 In the morning, in the Blue Room, the President met with religious leaders. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a telephone interview with Cliff Kelley and Matt McGill of WVON in Chicago, IL. The White House announced that the President will welcome Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations to the White House on April 11. The White House announced that the President will award the 2012 Commander in Chief's Trophy to the U.S. Naval Academy football team at the White House on April 12. The White House announced that the President will welcome Amir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar to the White House on April 23. The White House announced that the President will welcome King Abdullah II of Jordan to the White House on April 26. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to the White House on May 16. April 7 The White House announced that the President will travel to West Hartford, CT, on April 8. April 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with his senior advisers. Later, he traveled to West Hartford, CT, where, at the University of Hartford, he met with the families of victims killed in the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, on December 14, 2012. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC, accompanied aboard Air Force One by family members of victims killed in the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. The President declared a major disaster in Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm from February 24 through 26. April 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to discuss the transition of security operations to Afghan forces, preparations for Afghanistan's 2014 elections, Afghan-led peace and reconciliation efforts, and Afghanistan-U.S. relations. The President announced his intention to nominate Mark G. Pearce to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board and, upon appointment, to designate him as Chairman. The President announced his intention to nominate Harry I. Johnson III and Philip A. Miscimarra to be members of the National Labor Relations Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Tammie Kahn, George Kerscher, and Jacquelyn K. Sundstrand as members of the National Museum and Library Services Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Samuel N. Gordon and Maureen Schulman as members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The President announced his intention to appoint Melanie N. Roussell as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. April 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Also in the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Geno Auriemma of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team to congratulate him on his team's victory in the NCAA championship game. In the evening, in the Old Family Dining Room, the President had dinner with Republican Senators. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Rick Pitino of the University of Louisville men's basketball team to congratulate him on his team's victory in the NCAA championship game. Also during the day, he met with Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to discuss U.S. policies regarding the detention of alleged terrorists at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. April 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he met with members of the Financial Services Forum to discuss the national economy. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President participated in a conference call with local elected officials and business and community leaders from around the Nation to discuss youth employment opportunities. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with family members of victims killed in the December 14, 2012, shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, to discuss Senate action on gun control legislation. The White House announced that the President will welcome the BCS National Champion University of Alabama football team to the White House on April 15. The White House announced that the President will welcome 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski to the White House on April 16. The President announced his intention to nominate Matthew C. Armstrong to be a member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The President announced his intention to nominate Rick Lowe to be a member of the National Council on the Arts. The President announced his intention to nominate Tulinabo Salama Mushingi to be Ambassador to Burkina Faso. The President announced his intention to appoint Eric P. Schwartz as a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. April 12 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. April 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. Later, in the Library, he taped a television interview with Savannah Guthrie of NBC's "Today" program for later broadcast. In the afternoon, the President was notified of the explosions that occurred at the Boston Marathon in Boston, MA. Later, in the Oval Office, he received a teleconference briefing from Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller III, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, and White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough on the ongoing investigation of the explosions. Then, he had separate telephone conversations with Gov. Deval L. Patrick of Massachusetts and Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston, MA, to extend his condolences for the loss of life, express his concern for those injured, and offer Federal assistance. Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S.: Maria Cecilia Nahon of Argentina, Cui Tiankai of China, Mohktar Chaouachi of Tunisia, Archil Gegeshidze of Georgia, and Ruben Ignacio Zamora Rivas of El Salvador. Later, he received an update from Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller III and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet A. Napolitano on the explosions in Boston, MA. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Park Geun-hye of South Korea to the White House on May 7. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom in London, United Kingdom, on April 17: George Shultz and James A. Baker III (heads of delegation); Barbara Stephenson; and Louis Susman. The President announced his intention to nominate Vernon S. Broderick to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The President announced his intention to nominate Rachel E. Barkow, Charles R. Breyer, and William H. Pryor, Jr., to be Commissioners on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas Murray as a member of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee. April 16 In the morning, the President received a briefing on the ricin-laced letters sent to the White House and the office of Sen. Roger Wicker. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet A. Napolitano, Deputy National Security Adviser Antony J. Blinken, National Security Adviser to the Vice President Jake Sullivan, Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller III to discuss the ongoing investigation into the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston, MA. Then, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President had a working lunch with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates. Later, on the South Lawn, he welcomed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski to congratulate him on his victory and thank him for NASCAR's public service. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with Sens. John S. McCain III and Charles E. Schumer to discuss immigration reform. Later, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. In the evening, the President received an update on the ricin-laced letters sent to the White House and the office of Sen. Roger Wicker. The White House announced that the President will travel to Boston, MA, on April 18. The White House announced that the President's planned visit to Lawrence, KS, on April 19 had been canceled. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend a commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Warsaw, Poland, on April 19: Stephen D. Mull (head of delegation); Douglas A. Davidson; Lesley L. Weiss; Joseph D. Gutman; and Estelle W. Laughlin. April 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President was briefed on the ongoing investigation into the terrorist attack in Boston, MA. Later, he had an intelligence briefing followed by a meeting with his senior advisers. Also in the morning, he received an update on the ricin-laced letters sent to the White House and the office of Sen. Roger Wicker. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with the recipients of the 2013 Goldman Environmental Prize. During the day, in the Roosevelt Room, the President and Vice President Biden met with the families of victims killed in the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, on December 14, 2012. In the evening, at the Jefferson hotel, the President had dinner with members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to discuss immigration reform, gun control, and the national economy. The White House announced further details on the President's travel to Boston, MA, on April 18. The President announced his intention to nominate Avril D. Haines to be Legal Adviser at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Andrea Levere to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. The President announced his intention to appoint Brian Kamoie as Assistant Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the Department of Homeland Security. The President announced his intention to appoint Jim W. Balsiger and Gary T. Smith as U.S. Commissioners of the U.S. Section of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission. The President declared an emergency in Massachusetts and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from explosions in Boston on April 15 and covering eligible activities through April 22. April 18 In the morning, the President received a briefing on the investigation into the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston, MA, from Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco. Then, he and Mrs. Obama traveled to Boston, MA. In the afternoon, at Massachusetts General Hospital, the President visited with survivors of the bombings, their family members, and hospital staff. Later, he and Mrs. Obama returned to Washington, DC. Later in the afternoon, in the East Room, the President hosted a reception for Greek Independence Day. The White House announced that the President will host the White House Science Fair on April 22. April 19 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. Later, in the Situation Room, he was briefed by his national security team on the latest developments in the investigation into the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston, MA, and the manhunt for surviving bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Watertown, MA. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President was briefed by his national security team on the latest developments in the investigation into the Boston terrorist attack. Then, he had separate telephone conversations with Gov. Deval L. Patrick of Massachusetts and Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston, MA, to express his condolences for the death of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Officer Sean A. Collier, who was fatally shot in pursuit of bombing suspects Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Dzokhar Tsarnaev on the evening of April 18. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to accept his condolences for the loss of life in the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston and discuss Russia's support and continued cooperation on counterterrorism and security matters. The President declared a major disaster in Massachusetts and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, snowstorm, and flooding on February 8 and 9. The President declared an emergency in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from an explosion beginning on April 17 and continuing. April 20 In the morning, in the Situation Room, the President met with Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, National Security Adviser Thomas E. Donilon, Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller III, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet A. Napolitano, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper, Jr., and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John O. Brennan to discuss the ongoing investigation into the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston, MA. Vice President Joe Biden also participated via video conference. The White House announced that the President will honor the 2013 National Teacher of the Year and finalists on April 23. April 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the East Garden and State Dining Room, the President viewed science fair projects at the White House Science Fair. Later, in the Oval Office, he observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston, MA. Then, he had separate telephone conversations with Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers and Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis to commend the professionalism, bravery, and coordination of the Joint Terrorism Task Forces and the Boston Police Department. The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will travel to Dallas, TX, on April 24. The White House Announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will travel to Waco, TX, on April 25. April 23 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, he met with his senior advisers. In the evening, in the State Dining Room, the President had dinner with a bipartisan group of women Senators. The President announced his intention to nominate D. Michael Bennett to be a Governor on the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service. The President announced his intention to nominate Roberto R. Herencia to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The President announced his intention to nominate Yvette Roubideaux to be Director of the Indian Health Service at the Department of Health and Human Services. The President declared a major disaster in New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm on February 8 and 9. April 24 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Then, he and Mrs. Obama traveled to Dallas, TX, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to the Omni Dallas Hotel, where they remained overnight. April 25 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University, where they toured the center, posed for a photograph with former Presidents and First Ladies, and attended a luncheon. In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Waco, TX, where, at Baylor Univeristy's Ferrell Center, he met with families of the victims of the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to nominate Nanci E. Langley to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Howard A. Shelanski to be Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget. The President announced his intention to nominate William S. Jasien to be a member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Brent F. Nelsen to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. April 26 In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President met with a group of U.S. business leaders to discuss expanding U.S. commerce in Mexico and Central America. The President declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a snowstorm from February 20 through 23. The President declared a major disaster in North Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from flooding beginning on April 22 and continuing. April 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to offer his condolences for the loss of life in the April 26 fire at Psychiatric Hospital No. 14 in Ramenskiy, continuing Russia-U.S. counterterrorism and security cooperation, the upcoming 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, and the situation in Syria. Then, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President and Vice President Biden met with Latino leaders to discuss the President's upcoming travel to Mexico and Costa Rica. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with pediatric brain cancer patient Jack Hoffman of Atkinson, NE, and signed a football for him. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the investiture of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on April 30: Adm. James G. Stavridis, USN (head of delegation); and Fay Hartog-Levin. April 30 In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The President announced his intention to nominate Colin S. Bruce to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. The President announced his intention to nominate Sara Lee Ellis and Andrea R. Wood to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. May 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Later, also in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. May 2 In the morning, the President traveled to Mexico City, Mexico, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, in the Salon de Recepciones at the Palacio Nacional, he met with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico. Later, at the InterContinental Presidente Hotel, he met with U.S. Embassy personnel. In the evening, at Los Pinos, the official residence of the President of Mexico, the President and President Peña Nieto had a working dinner. The White House announced that the President will travel to Columbus, OH, on May 5. May 3 In the morning, at the National Anthropology Museum, the President met with Mexican entrepreneurs. In the afternoon, the President traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica. Later, upon arrival in San Jose, he traveled to the InterContinental Real Hotel, where he met with U.S. Embassy personnel. Then, at the Casa Amarilla, the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, he met with President Laura Chinchilla Miranda of Costa Rica. Later in the afternoon, at the Casa Amarilla, the President and President Chinchilla participated in a cultural event with Costa Rican youth. In the evening, at the National Theater, the President participated in a group photo and a working dinner with President Chinchilla and the leaders of the Central American Integration System. The President declared a major disaster in Minnesota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm from April 9 through 11. May 4 In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. May 5 In the morning, the President traveled to Columbus, OH. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. May 6 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Joint Base Andrews, MD, where he played golf with Sens. Robert P. Corker, Jr., Saxby Chambliss, and Mark E. Udall. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will travel to the Austin, TX, area on May 9. The President declared a major disaster in Iowa and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm from April 9 through 11. May 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, they met with President Park Geun-hye of South Korea. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch with President Park. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. Then, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. Later in the afternoon, at the St. Regis Washington, D.C. Hotel, the President attended a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. May 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, at the Department of Energy, the President met with energy utility executives and trade association leaders to discuss lessons learned and actions taken since Hurricane Sandy as well as joint preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Later in the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President met with leaders from the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community to discuss immigration reform, health care, and the national economy. In the evening, at the Jefferson hotel, the President had dinner with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss regional security and peace efforts in the Middle East and Israel-U.S. security cooperation. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to the White House on May 13. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Sebastian Piñera Echenique of Chile to the White House on June 4. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Ollanta Humala of Peru to the White House on June 11. The President announced his intention to nominate Joseph W. Nega and Michael B. Thornton to be judges on the U.S. Tax Court. The President announced his intention to nominate Davita Vance-Cooks to be Public Printer of the United States at the Government Printing Office. The President announced his intention to appoint Margaret W. Burcham as a Commissioner on the Mississippi River Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Leonard Forsman as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. May 9 In the morning, the President traveled to Austin, TX, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Manor, TX, where, at Manor New Technology High School, he toured classrooms, viewed technology and engineering projects, and visited with students and staff. Then, he traveled to Austin, TX, where, at Stubb's Bar-B-Q restaurant, he had lunch with local residents Tyson Simmons, Caroline Sweet, Joe Alonzo, and Agnes Wommack. Then, at Capital Factory, a technology startup incubator and coworking space, he toured the facility with founder Joshua Baer and visited with resident entrepreneurs. Later in the afternoon, at Applied Materials, Inc., the President toured manufacturing facilities with Michael R. Splinter, chief executive officer, Rick G. Gesing, vice president of global operations manufacturing, and Mary Humiston, senior vice president of global human resources, and visited with staff. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with King Mohammed VI of Morocco to discuss Morocco-U.S. relations. The President announced the nomination of Madeline Hughes Haikala to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The President announced the nomination of Gregory H. Woods to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. May 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will travel to New York City on May 13. The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will travel to the United Kingdom and Germany from June 17 through 19. The President announced his intention to nominate Ryan C. Crocker to be a member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The President declared a major disaster in South Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm from April 8 through 10. The President declared a major disaster in Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding from April 16 through May 5. May 13 In the afternoon, the President traveled to New York City. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia to congratulate him on his party's victory in the recent parliamentary elections and discuss Malaysia-U.S. relations. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. May 14 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Nawaz Sharif, president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, to congratulate him on his party's success in the recent parliamentary elections and discuss Pakistan-U.S. relations. Then, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The White House announced that the President will travel to Baltimore, MD, on May 17. May 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Sen. John S. McCain III to discuss immigration reform and other issues. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew and other senior Treasury Department officials to discuss the situation related to the Internal Revenue Service's process for approving tax-exempt status. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Thein Sein of Burma to the White House on May 20. The White House announced that the President will travel to Atlanta, GA, on May 19. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel R. Russel to be Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Richard T. Metsger to be a member of the National Credit Union Administration Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Michael G. Whitaker as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The President announced his intention to appoint Alphonso Maldon, Jr., as a member and Chairman of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Mary C. Pete as a member of the Arctic Research Commission. May 16 In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other Defense Department officials to discuss sexual assault in the military. Then, in the Oval Office, the President met with his senior advisers. In the evening, in the Red Room, the President and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey had a working dinner. The President announced his intention to nominate Jon M. Holladay to be Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Agriculture. The President announced his intention to appoint Natalie Wyeth Earnest as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of the Treasury. The President announced his intention to appoint Gregory L. Parham as Assistant Secretary for Administration at the Department of Agriculture. The President announced his intention to appoint Gabrielle D. Giffords as a member of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The President announced the nomination of Debra M. Brown to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. The President announced the nomination of Carolyn B. McHugh to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The President announced the nomination of Pamela L. Reeves to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The President announced the nomination of Elizabeth A. Wolford to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The President announced the appointment of Daniel I. Werfel as Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. May 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, he traveled to Baltimore, MD, where, at Moravia Park Elementary School, he participated in a literacy lesson in the library with prekindergarten students. In the afternoon, at Ellicott Dredges, LLC, the President toured the manufacturing facility with President and Chief Executive Officer Peter A. Bowe, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Martin E. Barnes, Jr., and General Manager Robert E. Croom. Later, at the Center for Urban Families, he participated in a roundtable discussion with current and former students, employers, and trainers from the STRIVE Baltimore Employment Training program. Then, he returned to Washington, DC. Later in the afternoon, the President met with incoming acting Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Daniel I. Werfel. May 19 In the morning, the President traveled to Atlanta, GA. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. May 20 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon to discuss the situation in Syria and commend President Sleiman's leadership in overseeing the political transition in Lebanon. He also had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Enrico Letta of Italy to congratulate him on his election victory and discuss the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) nations summit in Northern Ireland, the situation in Syria, and Italy-U.S. relations. Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with senior advisers. In the evening, in the Oval office, the President had separate telephone conversations with Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Rep. Thomas J. Cole, and Mayor Glenn Lewis of Moore, OK, to express his concern for those affected by the tornadoes and severe weather in Oklahoma and to discuss Federal assistance for recovery efforts. The White House announced that the President will meet with President Xi Jinping of China at Sunnylands Estate in Rancho Mirage, CA, on June 7 and 8. The White House announced that the President and First Lady will travel to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania from June 26 through July 3. The President declared a major disaster in Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and tornadoes beginning on May 18 and continuing. May 21 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet A. Napolitano, Federal Emergency Management Agency Deputy Administrator Richard A. Serino, White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco, and other members of his homeland security team on the Federal Government's ongoing response to the tornadoes and severe weather that struck Oklahoma on May 19 and 20. Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, they met with young immigrants and the families of undocumented immigrants to discuss immigration reform. In the afternoon, the President had separate telephone conversations with Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma and Mayor Glenn Lewis of Moore, OK, to express his concern for those affected by the tornadoes and severe weather in Oklahoma and to discuss Federal assistance for recovery efforts. Later, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with Sen. James M. Inhofe to express his concern for those affected by the tornadoes and severe weather in Oklahoma and to discuss Federal assistance for recovery efforts. The President announced his intention to appoint Robert F. Bauer and Benjamin L. Ginsberg as Cochairs of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration: Brian Britton; Joe Echevarria; Charles M. "Trey" Grayson III; Harvard "Larry" Lomax; Michele Coleman Mayes; Ann McGeehan; Tammy Patrick; and Christopher M. Thomas. May 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval office, the President met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel M. Tangherlini to be Administrator of the General Services Administration. The President made additional disaster assistance available to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians by authorizing an increase in Federal funding for public assistance projects undertaken as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from January 14 through 17. May 23 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with senior advisers. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. The President announced his intention to nominate Katherine Archuleta to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The President announced his intention to nominate William I. Althen to be a member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Ann Marie Buerkle to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael S. Piwowar and Kara M. Stein to be Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate James F. Entwistle to be Ambassador to Nigeria. The President announced his intention to nominate Chai R. Feldblum to be a Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Douglas E. Lute to be U.S. Permanent Representative on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The President announced his intention to nominate Victoria J. Nuland to be Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel A. Sepulveda for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Communications and Information Policy at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Mark E. Schaefer to be Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere at the Department of Commerce. The President announced his intention to nominate John H. Thompson to be Director of the Census at the Department of Commerce. The President announced his intention to appoint Calvin L. Holmes as a member of the Community Development Advisory Board. The President announced his intention to appoint John C. Padalino as Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service at the Department of Agriculture. The President announced his intention to appoint Clark W. Stevens as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. The President announced the nomination of Landya B. McCafferty to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The President announced the nomination of Brian Morris and Susan P. Watters to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. The President announced the nomination of Zachary T. Fardon to be U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The President made additional disaster assistance available to New York by authorizing an increase in Federal funding for public assistance projects undertaken as a result of Hurricane Sandy from October 27 through November 8, 2012. May 24 In the morning, the President traveled to Annapolis, MD. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will travel to Oklahoma City, OK, on May 26. The White House announced that the President will travel to Asbury Park, NJ, on May 28. May 26 In the morning, the President traveled to Tinker Air Force Base, OK, where he met with servicemembers whose off-base homes were affected by severe storms on May 20. Then, he traveled to Moore, OK. In the afternoon, the President toured neighborhoods damaged by an F5 tornado with Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate, and local officials. Then, at Moore Fire Department Station No. 1, he met with first responders, Federal and local officials, and the families of Plaza Towers Elementary students who died in the tornado. Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Tinker Air Force Base, where he greeted National Weather Service forecasters before boarding Air Force One. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President will travel to Chicago, IL, on May 29 and 30. May 27 In the morning, in the State Dining Room, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted a breakfast in honor of Gold Star families. Later, they traveled to Arlington, VA, where, at Arlington National Cemetery, they participated in a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the afternoon, at Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, the President and Mrs. Obama met with cemetery visitors. Then, they returned to Washington, DC. May 28 In the morning, the President traveled to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. Upon arrival, he and Gov. Christopher J. Christie of New Jersey traveled to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. While en route aboard Marine One, they toured areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. In the afternoon, at the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk, the President greeted sand sculptor Ed Jarrett and played an arcade game. Then, he traveled to Asbury Park, NJ, where he met with State and local officials. Later, the President returned to Washington, DC, where, upon arrival on the South Lawn, he greeted students from Union Beach Memorial School in Union Beach, NJ, and Long Beach Island Grade School in Surf City, NJ. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The White House announced that the President will welcome Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the White House on May 31. May 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with his senior advisers. Later, he traveled to Chicago, IL. In the evening, the President traveled to his Hyde Park-Kenwood residence, where they remained overnight. The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will welcome President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil to the White House on October 23. The President declared a major disaster in North Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area affected by flooding from April 22 through May 16. May 30 In the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, in the Situation Room, the President attended the annual hurricane preparedness briefing. May 31 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President and Vice President Joe Biden will host the National Conference on Mental Health at the White House on June 3. The White House announced that the President will welcome the Super Bowl XLVII champion Baltimore Ravens to the White House on June 5. The President declared a major disaster in Iowa and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding from April 17 through 30. June 3 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with his senior advisers. The White House announced that the President will travel to Mooresville, NC, on June 6. June 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, he traveled to Bethesda, MD, where, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he met with wounded U.S. military personnel and their families. Then, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will travel to San Jose, CA, on June 6. The White House announced that the President will travel to Los Angeles, CA, on June 7. The White House announced that the President will travel to Rancho Mirage, CA, to meet with President Xi Jinping of China on June 7. The President announced his intention to appoint Kenny Alameda as U.S. Commissioner on the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The President announced his intention to appoint Joye Frost as Director of the Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice. The President announced his intention to appoint Marlene Sallo as Staff Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The President announced his intention to appoint Robert Wolf as a member of the President's Export Council. The President announced his intention to appoint Steve Bennett and Angel Ruiz as members of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. June 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. The White House announced that the President will travel to Berlin, Germany, on June 19. The President announced his intention to nominate Thomas C. Carper to be a Director on the Board of Directors of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). The President announced his intention to nominate Avi Garbow to be General Counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. The President announced his intention to nominate Howard A. Husock to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. June 6 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Mooresville, NC, where, upon arrival, he toured Mooresville Middle School. Later, he traveled to Palo Alto, CA, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to Portola Valley, CA. Later, he traveled to San Jose, CA. June 7 In the morning, the President traveled to Los Angeles, CA. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Rancho Mirage, CA. Later, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, he participated in a photographic opportunity with President Xi Jinping of China. In the evening, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, the President had a working dinner with President Xi. The President announced the nomination of Jeffrey A. Meyer to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. The President announced the nomination of Timothy L. Brooks to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. June 8 In the morning, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, the President met with President Xi Jinping of China. Later, he participated in a departure tea with President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan. June 9 In the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the afternoon. June 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President met with his senior advisers. Then, in the Private Dining Room, he and Vice President Biden had lunch. The White House announced that the President will travel to Boston, MA, on June 12. The White House announced that the President will travel to Miami, FL, on June 12. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel B. Baer to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador, at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael G. Carroll to be Inspector General at the U.S. Agency for International Development. The President announced his intention to nominate James Cole, Jr., to be General Counsel at the Department of Education. The President announced his intention to nominate Keith M. Harper to be U.S. Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, with the rank of Ambassador, at the Department of State The President announced his intention to nominate Catherine E. Lhamon to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education. The President announced his intention to nominate Stephen W. Preston to be General Counsel at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Mark T. Nethery to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. The President announced his intention to appoint Anthony C. Funkhouser as a Commissioner for the Mississippi River Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Betsey Stevenson as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers. June 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. Later, in the Family Theater, he hosted a screening of the film "The Presidents' Gatekeepers." The White House announced that the President will welcome the WNBA Champion Indiana Fever to the White House on June 14. June 12 In the morning, the President traveled to Boston, MA. Upon arrival, accompanied by Rep. Edward J. Markey, he traveled to Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe, where he purchased lunch and visited with patrons. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, where he met with family members of fallen Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer Sean A. Collier, who was killed on April 19 in pursuit of the suspected bombers in the April 15 terrorist attack in Boston, MA. Later, he traveled to Miami, FL. Then, he traveled to Miami Beach, FL. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, President Obama's recent meetings with President Xi Jinping of China, peace and security efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. The President announced his intention to nominate Stephanie Sanders Sullivan to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo. The President announced his intention to nominate Joseph Y. Yun to be Ambassador to Malaysia. The President announced his intention to appoint Avril D. Haines as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The President announced his intention to appoint Michael J. Morell as a member of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. June 13 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with Rep. John D. Dingell, Jr. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with families of victims of the December 14, 2012, shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Sens. Patrick J. Leahy, Charles E. Schumer, Richard J. Durbin, Robert Menendez, and Michael F. Bennet to discuss immigration reform legislation. The President declared a major disaster in Vermont and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from May 22 through 26. June 14 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the State Dining Room, the President hosted a Father's Day luncheon with members of the Becoming a Man program at Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago, IL. In the afternoon, in the Situation Room, the President participated in a videoconference with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, President François Hollande of France, Prime Minister Enrico Letta of Italy, and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to discuss the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) nations summit in Northern Ireland, the situation in Syria, and democracy efforts in Libya. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Gov. John W. Hickenlooper of Colorado to discuss the recent wildfires in the Black Forest and Royal Gorge areas, express his condolences for the loss of life and extensive damage, and offer continued Federal assistance to State and local response efforts. The President announced his intention to nominate Liliana Ayalde to be Ambassador to Brazil. The President announced his intention to nominate James Costos to be Ambassador to Spain. The President announced his intention to nominate John B. Emerson to be Ambassador to Germany. The President announced his intention to nominate Rufus Gifford to be Ambassador to Denmark. The President announced his intention to nominate Kenneth F. Hackett to be Ambassador to the Holy See. The President announced his intention to nominate Patricia M. Haslach to be Ambassador to Ethiopia. The President declared a disaster under the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as amended, due to the ongoing severe drought in the northern half of the country. June 16 In the afternoon, in the Library, the President taped an interview with Charlie Rose of PBS's "Charlie Rose" program for later broadcast. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland, arriving the following morning. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with President Park Geun-hye of South Korea to discuss regional security issues and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. June 17 In the morning, upon arrival at Belfast International Airport, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to the Belfast Waterfront convention center. Later, he traveled to Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, where, at the Lough Erne Resort, he visited with staff members. In the afternoon, at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School, the President and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom visited with teachers and students. Then, he returned to the Lough Erne Resort, where he met with Prime Minister Enrico Letta of Italy. Later, he participated in an official arrival ceremony for leaders attending the Group of Eight (G-8) nations summit. Then, he participated in the G-8 summit's first plenary session. In the evening, the President participated in a G-8 summit working dinner. He remained overnight at the Lough Erne Resort. June 18 In the morning, the President attended the second plenary session of the G-8 summit. Then, he participated in an official photograph with G-8 summit leaders. Later, he participated in a separate photographic opportunity with Prime Minister Stephen J. Harper of Canada. Then, he attended the third G-8 summit plenary session. In the afternoon, the President participated in a photographic opportunity with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Enda Kenny of Ireland. Then, he participated in a photographic opportunity with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico. Later, he had a working lunch with G-8 leaders followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Cameron, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, President François Hollande of France, Prime Minister Enrico Letta of Italy, and Prime Minister Ali Zaydan of Libya. Then, he participated in the concluding plenary session of the G-8 summit. Later in the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Berlin, Germany, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to the Ritz- Carlton, Berlin hotel, where they remained overnight. The President declared a major disaster in Michigan and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding from April 16 through May 14. June 19 In the morning, at the Ritz-Carlton, Berlin hotel, the President met with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. Then, he traveled to the Schloss Bellevue, the residence of President Joachim Gauck of Germany, where he signed the guest book, participated in an arrival ceremony with military honors, and met with President Gauck. Later, he traveled to the German Chancellery, where he met with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. In the afternoon, at the German Chancellery, the President had a working lunch with Chancellor Merkel. Then, he traveled to the Lindencorso building, where he met with Mayor Klaus Wowereit of Berlin and signed the Golden Book of Berlin. Later, he met with Peer Steinbrueck, the Social Democratic Party candidate for Chancellor in the upcoming elections. Later in the afternoon, the President returned to the Ritz- Carlton, Berlin hotel. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to the Schloss Charlottenburg, where, in the Rotunda, they posed with Chancellor Merkel and her husband Joachim Sauer for an official photograph. Later, he, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following morning. June 20 The President announced the nomination of James Donato and Beth L. Freeman to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The President announced the nomination of Jennifer P. May-Parker to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. June 21 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing, followed by a meeting with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the National Basketball Association's Miami Heat to congratulate him on his team's victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. During the day, in the Situation Room, the President met with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Lee E. Goodman and Ann Miller Ravel to be Commissioners of the Federal Election Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Denise Campbell Bauer to be Ambassador to Belgium. The President announced his intention to nominate M. John Berry to be Ambassador to Australia. The President announced his intention to nominate Reuben E. Brigety II to be U.S. Representative to the African Union with the rank of Ambassador. The President announced his intention to nominate J. Walter Brewster, Jr., to be Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel A. Clune to be Ambassador to Laos. The President announced his intention to nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate David Hale to be Ambassador to Lebanon. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael A. Hammer to be Ambassador to Chile. The President announced his intention to nominate Terence P. McCulley to be Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire. The President announced his intention to nominate Terrell McSweeny to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Brian A. Nichols to be Ambassador to Peru. The President announced his intention to nominate David D. Pearce to be Ambassador to Greece. The President announced his intention to nominate Lori Gilbert to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The President announced his intention to nominate Jon T. Rymer to be Inspector General at the Department of Defense. The President announced the appointment of Caroline M. Atkinson as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for International and Economic Affairs. June 22 The White House announced that the President will deliver remarks on climate change at Georgetown University on June 24. June 24 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss the situations in Syria and Turkey and joint counterterrorism efforts. Then, also in the Oval Office, he had an intelligence briefing, followed by a meeting with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President was briefed by Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew on Acting Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Daniel I. Werfel's report on the Internal Revenue Service's process for approving tax-exempt status. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Robert L. Nabors II and Director of Legislative Affairs Miguel E. Rodriguez. June 25 In the morning, in the Situation Room, the President had a video teleconference with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to discuss the transition of operational lead to Afghan security forces, Afghan-led peace and reconciliation efforts, preparations for Afghanistan's 2014 elections, and Afghanistan-U.S. relations. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with his senior advisers. Then, in the Private Dining Room, he and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with congressional leaders. Then, also in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of Defense Charles T. Hagel. The President declared a major disaster in Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding from May 17 through June 11. The President declared a major disaster for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ordered Federal aid to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from May 25 through June 1. The President declared a major disaster in Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from May 30 through June 3. The President made additional disaster assistance available to New Jersey by authorizing an increase in Federal funding for public assistance projects undertaken as a result of Hurricane Sandy from October 26 through November 8, 2012. June 26 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Dakar, Senegal, arriving in the evening. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with White House Counsel Kathryn H. Ruemmler to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor and California's Proposition 8 in Hollingsworth v. Perry. Then, he had a telephone conversation with Edith Windsor, the plaintiff in United States v. Windsor, followed by a teleconference call with Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, and Kristin Perry, Sandra Stier, Paul Katami, and Jeffrey Zarillo, the plaintiffs in Hollingsworth v. Perry, to congratulate them on their victories in the cases. In the evening, upon arrival in Dakar, Senegal, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to the Radisson Blu Hotel, where they remained overnight. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the celebration of the accession of Croatia to the European Union in Zagreb, Croatia, on June 30: Kenneth H. Merten (head of delegation); and Philip T. Reeker. The President announced the nomination of Pedro A. Delgado Hernández to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The President announced the nomination of Bruce H. Hendricks and Alison R. Lee to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. June 27 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to the Presidential Palace in Dakar, Senegal, where, upon arrival, he had a restricted bilateral meeting followed by an expanded bilateral meeting with President Macky Sall of Senegal. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Goree Island, Senegal. They were accompanied by President Macky Sall of Senegal and his wife Marieme Faye Sall. Later in the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters returned to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dakar, where the President met with U.S. Embassy personnel. In the evening, the President had separate telephone conversations with Sens. Lindsey O. Graham, John S. McCain III, Michael F. Bennet, and Charles E. Schumer to congratulate them on Senate passage of immigration reform legislation. He also had separate telephone conversations with Speaker of the House of Representatives John A. Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to discuss immigration reform. The President announced his intention to nominate Krysta L. Harden to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. The President announced his intention to nominate Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. The President announced his intention to nominate Ronald J. Binz to be a Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and upon appointment, designate him as Chair. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert Bonnie to be Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the Department of Agriculture. The President announced his intention to nominate Ellen C. Herbst to be Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration at the Department of Commerce. The President announced his intention to nominate Katherine M. O'Regan to be Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The President announced his intention to nominate Susan J. Rabern to be Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Steve A. Linick to be Inspector General at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Patrick H. Gaspard to be Ambassador to South Africa. The President announced his intention to nominate James C. Swan to be Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The President announced his intention to nominate Kirk W.B. Wagar to be Ambassador to Singapore. The President announced his intention to nominate Alexa Lange Wesner to be Ambassador to Austria. The President announced the nomination of Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., to be U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana. June 28 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, arriving in the evening. In the evening, upon arrival in Johannesburg, the President traveled to the U.S. consulate, where he met with U.S. Embassy personnel. Then, he traveled to the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg, in Johannesburg, where he remained overnight. During the evening, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg, the President met with senior advisers and had a telephone conversation with President Muhammad Mursi of Egypt to discuss the situation in Egypt. The President declared a major disaster in South Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornado, and flooding from May 24 through 31. June 29 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Pretoria, South Africa, where, at the Union Buildings, they were greeted in an official arrival ceremony by President Jacob Zuma of South Africa and his wife Thobeka S. Madiba-Zuma. Later, also at the Union Buildings, he met with his senior advisers. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa. Later, at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, he met with family members of former President Nelson R. Mandela of South Africa and signed a copy of President Mandela's book "Conversations With Myself." Later, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg, he and Mrs. Obama had a telephone conversation with former President Mandela's wife Graça Machel to discuss former President Mandela's health and express their support. In the evening, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg, the President met with Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of the African Union Commission. Then, he traveled to Pretoria, South Africa. Later, he and Mrs. Obama returned to Johannesburg, South Africa. June 30 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Cape Town, South Africa. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha toured Robben Island, where former President Nelson R. Mandela of South Africa and other political prisoners were held during the apartheid era. Then, they returned to Cape Town. Later in the afternoon, at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Center, the President and Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town Desmond M. Tutu toured classrooms and met with students. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to the Table Bay hotel in Cape Town, where they remained overnight.