Barack Obama 2015-07-01 2 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. July 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Nashville, TN, accompanied by Medina, OH, resident and health care reform advocate Natoma A. Canfield. En route to Taylor Stratton Elementary School in Nashville, he stopped by the residence of Kelly Bryant, who had written him a letter on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to pick her up for the event, where she later introduced him. Later, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy to discuss the economic situation in Greece and the need for structural reforms. He also participated in a Twitter question-and-answer session on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the U.S. National Day at Expo 2015 Milan in Milan, Italy, on July 4: Thomas J. Vilsack (head of delegation); John R. Phillips; Betty McCollum; Douglas T. Hickey; Eric Goldstein; Samuel Kass; Marianne Smith Edge; Angela Tagtow; and Susan Ungaro. July 2 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, the President traveled to La Crosse, WI. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the 2015 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup final game in Vancouver, Canada, on July 5: Jill T. Biden (head of delegation); Joseph R. Biden, Jr.; Bruce Heyman; Evan Ryan; Cobi Jones; and Mia Hamm. July 3 In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will welcome Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phú Trong of Vietnam to the White House on July 7. July 4 The White House announced that the South Lawn Independence Day barbecue for military servicemembers and their families had been canceled due to weather conditions. In the evening, on the South Lawn, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted an Independence Day celebration for White House staff, guests, and military servicemembers and their families. July 6 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the economic unrest in Greece and the need for reforms combined with growth and debt sustainability within the eurozone. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with the U.S. women's soccer team to congratulate them on winning the World Cup, applaud Coach Jill Ellis for her leadership, and commend Carli Lloyd's outstanding performance in the championship game. July 7 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the economic unrest in Greece and the need for reforms combined with growth and debt sustainability within the eurozone. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Alexios Tsipras of Greece to discuss the Prime Minister's ideas for a path forward between Greece and its creditors and the need for a mutually acceptable agreement. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. In the evening, in the State Dining Room, the President met with members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. The President announced his intention to nominate Brad R. Carson to be Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Peter W. Bodde to be Ambassador to Libya. The President announced his intention to nominate Catherine Ebert-Gray to be Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The President announced his intention to nominate Dennis B. Hankins to be Ambassador to Guinea. The President announced his intention to nominate Elisabeth I. Millard to be Ambassador to Tajikistan. The President declared a major disaster in Wyoming and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from May 24 through June 6. July 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. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Also in the afternoon, in the Situation Room, he and his national security team had a secure video conference with Secretary of State John F. Kerry, Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz, and members of the U.S. negotiating team in Vienna to discuss the progress of international diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The White House announced that the President will host and deliver remarks at the White House Conference on Aging on July 13. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 11: William J. Clinton (head of delegation); Maureen E. Cormack; Roger F. Wicker; C. Jeanne Shaheen; Eliot L. Engel; Peter T. King; Madeleine K. Albright; Rosemary A. DiCarlo; Victoria Nuland; and Stephen J. Rapp. July 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 Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. The President announced his intention to nominate Mary K. Wakefield to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. The President announced his intention to nominate Anthony R. Coscia to be a Director on the AMTRAK Board of Directors. The President announced his intention to nominate Matthew R. Jeppson to be Director of the Mint at the Department of the Treasury. The President announced his intention to nominate Andrew M. Slavitt to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the Department of Health and Human Services. The President announced his intention to nominate Derek Tai-Ching Kan to be a Director on the AMTRAK Board of Directors. The President announced the nomination of Darlene M. Soltys to be a judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. July 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will travel to Philadelphia, PA, on July 14. July 11 In the morning, the President traveled to the Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, MD, arriving in the afternoon. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. July 13 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 signed 46 commutations of the prison sentences of nonviolent drug offenders and released a video of the signing to publicize efforts to reform the U.S. criminal justice system. Later, in the Private Dining Room, he and Vice President Biden had lunch. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough, Senior Director for Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf States Jeffrey Prescott, National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Deputy National Security Adviser for Counterterrorism Avril D. Haines, and Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Benjamin J. Rhodes to discuss the multilateral agreement reached in Vienna, Austria, to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Then, he had a telephone conversation with Secretary of State John F. Kerry to thank him for his role in negotiating the agreement between the P5-plus-1 and Iran to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. Also during the day, the President dropped by a meeting between Vice President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk of Ukraine. In the evening, the President had separate telephone conversations with various Members of Congress to discuss the Iran nuclear agreement reached in Vienna. Also in the evening, he had a telephone conversation with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to discuss the Iran nuclear agreement. The White House announced that the President will travel to Durant, OK, and Oklahoma City, OK, on July 15 and 16. The President declared a major disaster in Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from May 18 through June 20. July 14 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President recorded an interview with Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times for later broadcast online. Later, he traveled to Philadelphia, PA. While en route to the Philadelphia Convention Center, he had a telephone conversation with King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to discuss the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran's nuclear program, security assurances discussed with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members at Camp David, MD, in May, and the situation in Yemen. Then, at the Convention Center, he met with formerly incarcerated individuals to discuss reintegration following their release and work they are doing to help other formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth through community service, mentorship, and education. Later in the afternoon, at the Rittenhouse hotel, the President attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. During the day, the President had separate telephone conversations with President François Hollande of France, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to discuss the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding Iran's nuclear program, thank the leaders for their important role in achieving the agreement, and reaffirm close coordination as the JCPOA is implemented. The President also welcomed the July 13 agreement between Greece and its creditors and urged a path toward growth and debt stability in Greece through continued economic reforms. Also during the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss the Iran nuclear agreement and underscore the strong U.S. commitment to Israel's security. He also had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Iran nuclear agreement, security assurances discussed with Gulf Cooperation Council members, and the situation in Yemen. July 15 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Denison, TX. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran's nuclear program, thank President Putin for his important role in achieving the agreement, and review the situation in Syria. Upon arrival in Denison, TX, he traveled to Durant, OK, where, at Durant High School, he met with youth from the Choctaw, Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), and Chickasaw Nations. During the day, outside the West Wing, the President met with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John F. Kerry, National Security Adviser to the Vice President Colin Kahl, and National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice. In the evening, the President traveled to Denison, TX. Then, he traveled to Oklahoma City, OK, where, at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel, he remained overnight. The President announced his intention to nominate Susan Coppedge to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with the rank of Ambassador at Large, at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Jessie Hill Roberson to be a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Marc J. Sievers to be Ambassador to Oman. The President announced his intention to nominate Kenneth D. Ward for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to appoint Elizabeth C. Wesman as Chair of Presidential Emergency Board No. 248. The President announced his intention to appoint Barbara Deinhardt and Ann Kenis as members of Presidential Emergency Board No. 248. The President announced his intention to appoint Regina T. Jefferson as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. July 16 In the morning, the President traveled to El Reno, OK, where, at the Federal Correctional Institution El Reno, he had a roundtable discussion with Jesus Chavez, Tyrone Ramsey, Arnell Stewart, Timothy Jordan, and other inmates and toured the prison facility's Cell Block B with Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Charles E. Samuels, Jr., and correctional officer Ronald Warlick. Then, also at the El Reno correctional facility, he recorded an interview with Shane Smith of VICE News for later broadcast. Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with former President George H.W. Bush to wish him a speedy recovery after injuries resulting from a fall at his home in Kennebunkport, ME, and extend best wishes on behalf of himself and Mrs. Obama. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. During the day, the President was briefed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James B. Comey, Jr., Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, and members his national security team on the shootings at the U.S. military facilities in Chattanooga, TN. The White House announced that the President will travel to New York City on July 17 and 18. The President announced the nomination of Mark A. Young to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The President declared a major disaster in Colorado and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from May 4 through June 16. July 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Adil al-Ahmad al-Jubayr of Saudi Arabia. In the afternoon, the President and his daughter Sasha traveled to New York City, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to a private residence, where he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. Later, he and his daughter Sasha traveled to the Hilton Manhattan East hotel, where they remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will travel to Pittsburgh, PA, on July 21. The White House announced that the President will travel to New York City on July 21. July 18 In the morning, the President and his daughters Malia and Sasha visited Central Park, where, joined by the President's sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and her husband Konrad Ng, they took a short walk through the park. In the afternoon, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, the President, his daughters Malia and Sasha, and his sister Maya and brother-in-law Konrad attended a performance of the Broadway musical "Hamilton." In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. July 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 East Room, the President dropped by a meeting of the American Legion's Boys Nation, where he greeted delegates and staff members. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China to express his appreciation for the role China played in the nuclear deal achieved among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran, and discuss China-U.S. relations ahead of President Xi's visit to the White House in September. The President announced his intention to nominate Kathryn M. Dominguez to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The President declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery effort in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from May 4 through June 21. July 21 In the morning, the President traveled to Pittsburgh, PA. In the afternoon, the President traveled to New York City, where, at the Daily Show Studios, he recorded an interview with Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" for later broadcast. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced the nomination of Leonard T. Strand to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. July 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Situation Room, he had a video teleconference with President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah of Afghanistan to commend them for the progress made in curbing corruption and improving the economy and discuss ways to strengthen the Afghan national security forces and encourage regional counterterrorism cooperation. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss strengthening cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, review efforts to bring security and stability to the Middle East, and condemn the July 20 and July 22 terrorist attacks in Suruc and Ceylanpinar, Turkey. The President declared a major disaster in New Jersey and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm on June 23. July 23 In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President recorded an interview with Jon Sopel of BBC News for later broadcast. In the evening, the President traveled to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, arriving the following morning. While en route aboard Air Force One, he was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the shooting at the Grand Theatre 16 in Lafayette, Louisiana. The President announced his intention to nominate Richard C. Howorth to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. The President announced his intention to nominate Harry K. Thomas, Jr., to be Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The President announced his intention to nominate Victoria M. Baecher Wassmer to be Under Secretary for Management and Performance at the Department of Energy. The President announced his intention to appoint Sandra E. Black as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers. The President announced his intention to appoint Raymond Cook as Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The President announced his intention to appoint Brooke D. Anderson and Robert L. Stein as members of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Barbara K. Rimer as Chair and Owen N. Witte as a member of the President's Cancer Panel. July 24 In the morning, the President traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, he traveled to the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel, where he had dinner with his sister Auma Obama, grandmother Sarah Onyango Obama, and other Kenyan relatives. He remained overnight at the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel. The President announced the designation the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, CA, on July 25: Michelle Obama (head of delegation); Maxine M. Waters; Adam B. Schiff; Janice Hahn; and Alan Lowenthal. July 25 In the morning, at the United Nations Compound in Nairobi, Kenya, the President toured the Power Africa Innovation Fair with U.S. Agency for International Development Acting Administrator Alfonso E. Lenhardt and Power Africa Coordinator Andrew M. Herscowitz. During the tour, he met with fair participants Sam Goldman, cofounder and chief customer officer, d.light; Katherine Lucey, founder and chief executive officer, Solar Sister; June Muli, head of customer care, M-Kopa Solar; Michael Wanyonyi, founder and chief executive officer, Mibawa Suppliers Ltd.; Amos Nguru, chief executive officer, Afrisol Energy Ltd.; and Charles Ogingo, cofounder and chairman, Pfoofy Power and Light Ltd. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the U.S. Embassy, where he visited with Embassy personnel and their families. Then, he traveled to Memorial Park, where he met with survivors and family members of the victims of the 1998 Embassy bombing, signed the guest book, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the victims. Later, at the State House, he participated in an arrival ceremony with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. Then, he traveled to the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel. In the evening, the President traveled to the State House. Later, he returned to the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel, where he remained overnight. July 26 In the morning, the President traveled to the Safaricom Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya. In the afternoon, at the Safaricom Indoor Arena, the President met with Kenyan opposition leaders Raila Amolo Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement party; Sen. Moses Masika Wetangula, leader of the Forum for Restoration of Democracy-Kenya party; Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya party; and Martha Karua, leader of the National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya party. Later, he traveled to Kenyatta University in Nairobi, where, at the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center, he participated in a live radio interview with Olive Burrows of Capital FM in Nairobi. Later, he traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the evening, upon arrival in Addis Ababa, the President traveled to the U.S. Embassy, where he visited with Embassy personnel and their families. Then, he traveled to the Sheraton Addis hotel, where he remained overnight. July 27 In the morning, at the National Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the President participated in an arrival ceremony with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, at the National Palace, the President met with President Mulatu Teshome of Ethiopia. Later, he returned to the Sheraton Addis Hotel, where he met with Prime Minister Hailemariam, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Ahmad 'Abd al-Aziz Ghandour of Sudan, and Chairperson Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma of the African Union Commission to discuss conflict resolution efforts in South Sudan, regional counterterrorism cooperation, and efforts to strengthen the Government of Somalia. In the evening, the President traveled to the National Palace, where he viewed the fossil skeleton of the early human ancestor known as Lucy with Zeresenay "Zeray" Alemseged, senior curator of anthropology at the California Academy of Sciences, and Yonas Desta Tsegaye, director general of the National Museum of Ethiopia. The Australopithecus fossil was discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and is permanently housed at the National Museum. Later in the evening, the President returned to the Sheraton Addis hotel, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain to the White House on September 15. July 28 In the morning, at the Sheraton Addis hotel, the President met with Ethiopian civil society activists. In the afternoon, at African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, the President met with Chairperson Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma of the African Union Commission. Later, he traveled to Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. July 29 In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President hosted a working reception for House Democrats to discuss his legislative priorities, including the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran's nuclear program. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Vice President Biden. The President declared a major disaster in Vermont and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm and flooding on June 9. July 30 In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had lunch. During the day, in the East Room, the President greeted American Legion's Girls Nation delegates and posed for a group photograph. In the evening, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a conference call with grassroots supporters to discuss the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran's nuclear program. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert P. Jackson to be Ambassador to Ghana. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael H. Michaud to be Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training at the Department of Labor. The President announced his intention to nominate John E. Sparks to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. The President announced his intention to nominate Eric D. Eberhard to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. The President announced the nomination of Elizabeth J. Drake, Jennifer Choe Groves, and Gary S. Katzmann to be judges on the U.S. Court of International Trade. The President announced the nomination of Susan Paradise Baxter, Robert J. Colville, and Marilyn J. Horan to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The President announced the nomination of Inga S. Bernstein to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The President announced the nomination of Gary R. Brown to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The President announced the nomination of Dax E. López to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The President announced the nomination of John M. Younge to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The President declared a major disaster in South Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from June 17 through 24. July 31 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. During the day, in the East Room, the President greeted recipients of the 2013 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and posed for a group photograph. The President declared a major disaster in Iowa and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from June 20 through 25. August 1 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Camp David, MD. August 2 In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. August 3 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the evening, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S. The White House announced that the President will deliver remarks at American University on August 5. August 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, in the State Dining Room and Red Room, he viewed projects on exhibit for the White House Demo Day. Later, in the Cabinet Room, he met with U.S. Jewish community leaders to discuss the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran's nuclear program. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the 50th National Day celebration in Singapore on August 9: Ronald Kirk (head of delegation); and Kirk W.B. Wagar. August 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President participated in a roundtable interview with foreign policy columnists to discuss the agreement among the P5-plus-1, the European Union, and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran's nuclear program. The President announced his intention to nominate Richard O. Buckius to be Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation. The President announced his intention to nominate T.F. Scott Darling III to be Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the Department of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate Linda I. Etim to be Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa at the U.S. Agency for International Development. The President announced his intention to nominate Laura S.H. Holgate to be U.S. Representative to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador, and U.S. Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the rank of Ambassador. The President announced his intention to nominate Marcel J. Lettre II to be Under Secretary for Intelligence at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Patrick J. Murphy to be Under Secretary of the Army. The President announced his intention to nominate Cherry A. Murray to be Director of the Office of Science at the Department of Energy. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert D. Reischauer to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security trust funds. The President announced his intention to nominate Charles P. Blahous III to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security trust funds. The President declared a major disaster in the Northern Mariana Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Typhoon Soudelor from August 1 through 3. August 6 In the afternoon, in the Map Room, the President recorded separate interviews with Fareed Zakaria of CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" program and Jake Horowitz of Mic.com for later broadcast. Then, in the Cabinet Room, he recorded an interview with Steve Inskeep of NPR's "Morning Edition" program for later broadcast. The White House announced that the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha will travel to Martha's Vineyard, MA, on August 7. August 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Map Room, the President recorded an interview with Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times for later broadcast online. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughter Sasha traveled to Chilmark, MA, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, they traveled to their vacation residence, where they remained overnight. The President declared a major disaster in Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from May 15 through July 27. August 8 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. In the evening, the President returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark, MA, where he remained overnight. The President declared a major disaster in West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 10 through 14. The President declared a major disaster for the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and ordered Federal aid to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding from May 8 through 29. August 9 In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to West Tisbury, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, MA, where they remained overnight. August 10 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark, MA, arriving in the evening, where he remained overnight. August 12 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. Later, he returned to his vacation residence Chilmark, MA. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Edgartown, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, where they remained overnight. He also had a telephone conversation with former President Jimmy Carter to extend his and Mrs. Obama's best wishes following President Carter's recent announcement of his cancer diagnosis. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Park Geun-hye of South Korea to the White House on October 16. The President declared a major disaster in Kentucky and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 11 through 20. August 13 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, MA, where they remained overnight. August 14 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark, MA, arriving in the evening, where they remained overnight. August 15 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Edgartown, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark. Then, he traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. In the afternoon, at the Farm Neck Golf Club, the President played a round of golf with former President William J. Clinton, former U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk, and civil rights leader Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark, MA. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA, where, at the Farm Neck Golf Club, they attended a birthday party for Mr. Jordan. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, where they remained overnight. August 17 In the morning, the President traveled to Edgartown, MA. In the afternoon, the President returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark, where he remained overnight. August 18 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Edgartown, MA. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, where they remained overnight. August 19 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters and Malia and Sasha traveled to Tisbury, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, where they remained overnight. He was also briefed on the wildfires affecting Western States, including the deaths of three firefighters in Washington. August 20 In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Aquinnah, MA, where they spent time at the beach with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline B. Kennedy and her family. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, where they remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will travel to Las Vegas, NV, on August 24. August 21 In the morning, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. In the afternoon, the President returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, where they remained overnight. Also in the evening, the President was briefed on the shooting aboard a train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris, France, in which suspected gunman Ayoub El Khazzani was subdued and restrained by several passengers, including U.S. servicemembers Aleksander Skarlatos and Spencer Stone. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2014 Women's National Basketball Association Champion Phoenix Mercury to the White House on August 26. The President declared an emergency in Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 13 and continuing. August 22 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Tisbury, MA. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, MA. He also had separate telephone conversations with A1C Spencer Stone, USAF, National Guard Spc. Aleksander Skarlatos, USA, and U.S. student Anthony Sadler to commend and congratulate them on their courageous actions aboard a high-speed train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris, France, which forestalled an attempted mass shooting on August 21. He also wished Airman Stone a speedy recovery from injuries he sustained in restraining suspected gunman Ayoub El Khazzani. During the day, the President was briefed on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. He also had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the August 21 attempted mass shooting on the Paris-bound train, the brave actions of the three U.S. citizens who helped to subdue the suspected gunman, and their joint commitment to combating terrorism. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to a private residence in Edgartown, MA. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Chilmark, MA, where they remained overnight. The White House announced that the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha will return to Washington, DC, on August 23. August 23 In the morning, the President traveled to Oak Bluffs, MA. In the afternoon, the President returned to his vacation residence in Chilmark, MA. Later, he, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. August 24 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 Las Vegas, NV. Then, he traveled to Henderson, NV, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to the Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino, and Spa in Las Vegas, NV, where he remained overnight. The President made additional disaster assistance available to the Northern Mariana Islands by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for the Commonwealth as a result of Typhoon Soudelor from August 1 through 3. August 25 In the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the afternoon. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to commend the Prime Minister for his August 14 expression of remorse for the suffering caused by Japan during the World War II era, encourage further reconciliation efforts, and reaffirm key areas of Japan-U.S. cooperation. The White House announced that the President will travel to New Orleans, LA, on August 27. August 26 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 Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, international diplomatic efforts to reduce violence and tensions in Eastern Europe, the migration crisis in Europe, in particular the plight of Syrian refugees entering Europe. Later, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, he recorded separate "Live From the White House" television interviews with Carolyn Clifford of WXYZ in Detroit, MI, Sally-Ann Roberts of WWL in New Orleans, LA, Monica Malpass of WPVI in Philadelphia, PA, Steve Raible of KIRO in Seattle, WA, and Maureen Bunyan of WJLA in Washington, DC, for later broadcast. The President announced his intention to appoint Jay C. Shambaugh as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers. The President announced his intention to appoint M. Tia Johnson as Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. The President announced his intention to appoint Doreen E. Brown and Aaron Payment as members of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. The President announced his intention to appoint Joan McDonald as a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. The President announced his intention to appoint Lisa Funderburke Hoffman as a member of the National Museum and Library Services Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Carmen A. Corrales as a member of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. August 27 In the morning, the President traveled to New Orleans, LA, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President participated in a walking tour of the Tremé neighborhood with Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu of New Orleans and visited with local residents. Then, he traveled to Willie Mae's Scotch House restaurant, where he had lunch with Mayor Landrieu, Rep. Cedric L. Richmond, Cabinet Secretary Broderick D. Johnson, and Victor York-Carter, Garland Sipper, Caswick Naverro, and Denzel Shine, local youth and "My Brother's Keeper" initiative participants who have rebuilt their lives over the past 10 years since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Later, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President will welcome King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to the White House on September 4. August 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, the President participated in an interview with Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief of Forward.com. In the afternoon, at the Fiola restaurant, the President attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. The White House announced that the President will travel to Anchorage, AK, from August 31 through September 2. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Joachim Gauck of Germany to the White House on October 7. The President announced his intention to appoint James O'Brien as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to appoint Charles "Chip" Lyons as U.S. Representative to the Executive Board of the U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF). The President announced his intention to appoint Aaron Williams as U.S. Alternate Representative to the Executive Board of the U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF). The President announced his intention to appoint Esther Brimmer and Michael Guest as members of the National Security Education Board. August 30 The White House announced that the President will travel to Dillingham and Kotzebue, AK, on September 2. August 31 In the morning, the President traveled to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, arriving in the afternoon. He was joined on the flight by Gov. William M. Walker of Alaska. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Kathleen Goforth, wife of Harris County Deputy Sheriff Darren Goforth, who was killed at a gas station in Cypress, TX, on August 28, to offer condolences on behalf of Mrs. Obama and the Nation and restate his commitment to honoring the bravery and service of law enforcement personnel. In the afternoon, upon arrival in Anchorage, AK, the President traveled to Hotel Captain Cook. Later, he traveled to the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to the Hotel Captain Cook. In the evening, the President traveled to the residence of Alice Rogoff, publisher of the Alaska Dispatch News, where he had dinner. Later, he returned to the Hotel Captain Cook, where he remained overnight. September 1 In the morning, while en route to Seward, AK, the President stopped at Snow City Cafe in Anchorage, where he ordered breakfast and greeted patrons. In the afternoon, upon arrival in Seward, the President hiked to Outlook Point at Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Later, while hiking in the park, he recorded an interview with Bear Grylls of NBC's "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" program for later broadcast. In the afternoon, at the Sweet Darlings shop in Seward, the President purchased gelato for himself and the travel pool of reporters accompanying him. Later, he traveled to Seward Harbor, where he embarked on boat tour of the Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay with Laura Sturtz, National Park Service Operations Supervisor for Interpretation, and viewed local wildlife and geographic features. In the evening, the President returned to Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, where he remained overnight. September 2 In the morning, the President traveled to Dillingham, AK. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Kanakanak Beach, where he met with local fishermen and their families and viewed a demonstration of local salmon preparation methods. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Dillingham Middle/High School, where he attended and participated in a student cultural performance featuring Yup'ik dancing. Then, at N&N Market, he met with patrons. Later, he traveled to Kotzebue, AK. While en route aboard Air Force One, he participated in a fly-over of the island village of Kivalina, an Alaska Native community of 400 people whose coastline has begun receding into the ocean as a result of rising sea levels. In the evening, at Kotzebue Middle/High School, the President participated in an interview and photo shoot with Jeff Goodell of Rolling Stone magazine for later publication. Later, he traveled to the site of the Shore Avenue Erosion Project, where he viewed the city's beach reconstruction and erosion-prevention efforts. Then, at the sea wall overlooking the Kotzebue Sound, he continued his interview with Rolling Stone's Jeff Goodell. Also at the sea wall, he recorded a self-narrated video on the impact of climate change on Alaska's landscape and native cultures for later online broadcast. Later in the evening, while en route to Anchorage, AK, the President stopped at the huskie kennel of John Baker, the 2011 Iditarod dog sledding champion, where he met with Mr. Baker and his family, was presented with a Team Baker hat and jacket, and held two of Mr. Baker's puppies. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following morning. September 3 In the evening, the President published a comment on a Humans of New York Facebook post about a young Iranian boy whose father remarked that the boy strives to help those in need. The White House announced that the President will travel to Boston, MA, on September 7. The White House announced that the President will award the 2014 National Medal of Arts and the National Humanities Medal on September 10. September 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had a working lunch with King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. Then, in the Oval Office, he participated in departure photographs with Maurice Owens, outgoing Special Assistant to the White House Chief of Staff, and members of his family. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2015 NCAA Champion Duke University men's basketball team to the White House on September 8. September 5 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, to offer his condolences for the deaths of 45 Emirati servicemembers fighting Houthi rebels in Sana'a, Yemen, on September 4. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. September 6 The White House announced that the President and Jill T. Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, will travel to Warren, MI, on September 9. September 7 In the morning, the President traveled to Boston, MA. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Union Oyster House restaurant, where he purchased clam chowder and visited with patrons. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. September 8 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 the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. The President announced the nomination of Clare E. Connors to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. The President announced the nomination of Stephanie A. Gallagher to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The President announced the nomination of Mary S. McElroy to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The President announced the nomination of Edward L. Gilmore to be U.S. marshal for the Northern District of Illinois. The President announced the appointment of the following individuals as members of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board: Regina D. Blye; Christopher S. Hart; Mathew McCollough; Victor S. Pineda; and Karen M. Tamley. September 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President and Jill T. Biden, wife of Vice President Biden, traveled to Warren, MI, where, at Macomb Community College, they toured the Michigan Technical Education Center with Engineering and Advanced Technology Workforce and Continuing Education Director Holger Ekanger and met with students. Then, at the college's Sports and Expo Center, they met with members of the College Promise Advisory Board. Later, they returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will greet Pope Francis on his arrival in the U.S. at Joint Base Andrews, MD, on September 22. September 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President held a conference call with over 500 rabbis in observance of Rosh Hashanah. During the call, he discussed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, Israel's security, and Israel-U.S. relations. The President announced his intention to nominate Barbara J. Lee, Christopher H. Smith, and Cassandra Q. Butts to be Representatives of the United States to the 70th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. September 11 In the morning, on the South Lawn, the President and Mrs. Obama participated in a moment of silence to mark the 14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Later, in the Oval Office, he had an intelligence briefing followed by a meeting with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Fort Meade, MD, where, at the National Security Agency, he met with military and civilian intelligence personnel to thank them for their ongoing support in defense of the Nation. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will travel to Des Moines, IA, on September 14. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2015 NCAA Champion University of Connecticut women's basketball team to the White House on September 15. September 14 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Des Moines, IA. Then, he traveled to the Ola Babcock Miller Building, where, at the State Library of Iowa, he was greeted by State Librarian Michael Scott and participated in an interview with novelist Marilynne Robinson for the New York Review of Books. Later, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. September 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, he and Mrs. Obama greeted King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore to congratulate him on his party's victory in recent elections and discuss U.S.-Singapore relations. He also had separate telephone conversations with outgoing Prime Minister Anthony J. Abbott and Prime Minister-elect Malcolm B. Turnbull of Australia to thank Prime Minister Abbott for his strong support of Australia-U.S. relations and wish him well in the future, congratulate Prime Minister-elect Turnbull on his selection as Prime Minister, and pledge to continue working with Australia on a range of issues of mutual interest. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Xi Jinping of China to the White House on September 25. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert M. Califf to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the Department of Health and Human Services. The President announced his intention to nominate Eduardo Castell to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The President announced his intention to nominate Deborah R. Malac to be Ambassador to Uganda. The President announced his intention to nominate Lisa J. Peterson to be Ambassador to Swaziland. The President announced his intention to nominate H. Dean Pittman to be Ambassador to Mozambique. The President announced his intention to nominate Linda A. Puchala to be a member of the National Mediation Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Eric S. Rubin to be Ambassador to Bulgaria. The President announced his intention to nominate Kyle R. Scott to be Ambassador to Serbia. The President announced his intention to appoint Octaviana Trujillo as a member of the Joint Public Advisory Committee of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. The President announced the nomination of Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. September 16 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Bethesda, MD, where, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he visited with wounded U.S. servicemembers and their families. Later, he traveled to the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center, a facility of the National Institutes of Health, to visit with another wounded U.S. servicemember. Then, he returned to Washington, DC. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with Gov. Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown, Jr., of California to receive an update on the recent wildfires, express his concern about the severe damage in California and its impact on citizens, offer his gratitude for the firefighters, local authorities, and emergency managers working to combat the fires and evacuate people from harm's way, and reiterate his support for assisting California in building resilience toward climate change. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to the White House on November 9. September 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he had a telephone conversation with King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to follow up on their September 4 meeting at the White House, discuss regional issues, including the humanitarian situation in Yemen and recent violence and tensions at the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and reaffirm Saudi Arabia-U.S. relations. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Later, at the St. Regis Washington, DC hotel, he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. September 18 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President and Vice President Biden met with members of the President's Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. Later, he had a telephone conservation with President Raúl Castro Ruz of Cuba to discuss the normalization of Cuba-U.S. relations in advance of Pope Francis's upcoming visits to Cuba and the United States, commend the role that Pope Francis played in advancing Cuba-U.S. diplomatic ties, and note the cooperation between U.S. and Cuban medical professionals during the U.S. Naval Ship Comfort's recent humanitarian mission to Haiti. The President announced his intention to nominate Ricardo A. Aguilera to be Assistant Secretary for Financial Management at the Department of the Air Force. The President announced his intention to nominate Janine A. Davidson to be Under Secretary of the Navy. The President announced his intention to nominate Lisa S. Disbrow to be Under Secretary of the Air Force. The President announced his intention to nominate Eric K. Fanning to be Secretary of the Army. The President announced his intention to nominate Shoshana M. Lew to be Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate Jennifer M. O'Connor to be General Counsel at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., to be Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Department of State. September 21 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 Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman to thank him for his efforts to secure the release of Scott Darden and Sam Farran, U.S. citizens detained in Sanaa, Yemen, by Shiite Houthi rebels fighting Government forces and for his continued assistance in attending to the situation in Yemen. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo of Indonesia to the White House on October 26. September 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill T. Biden traveled to Joint Base Andrews, MD, where they greeted Pope Francis upon his arrival. Later, the President and Mrs. Obama returned to the White House. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to discuss the refugee crisis in Europe and the need for EU countries to accept their fair share of refugees and reiterate the importance of Russia's adherence to the Minsk agreements in resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine. The President announced a major disaster in California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the Valley Fire beginning on September 12 and continuing. September 23 In the morning, in the Grand Foyer and Red Room, the President participated in a gift presentation with Pope Francis. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with the Pope. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico to discuss the status of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, the importance of concluding the trade deal expediently, and Mexico-U.S. relations. September 24 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the evening, at the Blair House, the President had a working dinner for President Xi Jinping of China. Vice President Biden also attended. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss the refugee crisis in Europe, the situation in Syria, their joint commitment to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and the importance of reaching a strong international agreement at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. He also had a telephone with Prime Minister Alexios Tsipras of Greece to congratulate him on his election victory and his party's success in the recent parliamentary elections, discuss the refugee crisis in Europe, and reaffirm Greek-U.S. relations. Also during the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Ollanta Moises Humala Tasso of Peru to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and other economic issues. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships: Carroll A. Baltimore; Preeta Bansal; David Beckmann; Kara Bobroff; Jennifer Butler; Steve Gutow; Aziza Hasan; Lanae Erickson Hatalsky; David Jeffrey; Jo Anne Lyon; Michael McBride; Nipun Mehta; Kevin Ryan; Gabriel A. Salguero; Stephen Schneck; Jasjit Singh; Alexie Torres-Fleming; and Deborah Weinstein. September 25 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with President Xi Jinping of China. Later, in the Cabinet Room, the President had an expanded bilateral meeting with President Xi. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Speaker of the House of Representatives John A. Boehner to discuss his resignation from Congress. Later, he traveled to Arlington, VA. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. In the evening, on the North Portico, the President and Mrs. Obama greeted President Xi of China and his wife Peng Liyuan. Then, on the Grand Staircase, they participated in a photog opportunity with President Xi and Madam Peng. The White House announced that the President will travel to New York City on September 27. September 27 In the morning, the President traveled to New York City. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of Chile to discuss Chile-U.S. economic relations, the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, the upcoming U.N. General Assembly meetings, and the Our Ocean Conference to be hosted by Chile in October. He also reiterated his condolences for the loss of life caused by the September 16 earthquake in central Chile. Upon arrival in New York City, he traveled to the Lotte New York Palace hotel. In the afternoon, the President traveled to United Nations Headquarters. Later, at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, he met with Mission employees and their families. Then, he returned to the Lotte New York Palace hotel. Later, he traveled to Gotham Hall. In the evening, the President returned to the Lotte New York Palace hotel, where he remained overnight. September 28 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to United Nations Headquarters in New York City. In the afternoon, in the Economic and Social Council Chamber at U.N. Headquarters, the President participated in a family photograph for the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping. Also at U.N. Headquarters, on the sidelines of the United Nations Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping, he met with President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine. Later, in the Security Council Consultations Room, he met with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the situations in Ukraine and Syria. In the evening, the President returned to the Lotte New York Palace hotel, where, in the Villard Ballroom, he and Mrs. Obama hosted a reception for visiting heads of state and government attending the U.N. General Assembly. They remained at the hotel overnight. September 29 In the morning, the President traveled to United Nations Headquarters, where, in Conference Room C, he met with President Raúl Castro Ruz of Cuba to discuss Cuba-U.S. relations, the recent visit of Pope Francis to both countries, U.S. regulatory changes regarding travel by U.S. citizens to Cuba, and human rights in Cuba. Later, following the Leaders' Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism, in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, he met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq. In the afternoon, in Conference Room C, the President met with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan. Later, he and Mrs. Obama returned to Washington, DC. September 30 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. The President was also briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the Federal Government's preparations for Hurricane Joaquin. In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President greeted wounded U.S. servicemembers and their families during a tour of the White House. October 1 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 the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. During the day, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the Federal Government's preparations for Hurricane Joaquin. He also had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Malcolm B. Turnbull of Australia to discuss Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and the situation in Syria. October 2 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 was briefed by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, and other senior staff on the Federal Government's preparations for Hurricane Joaquin. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he recorded a video message to be broadcast to participants in the Our Ocean Conference in Chile on October 5. The White House announced that the President will travel to Emmitsburg, MD, on October 4. The President announced his intention to nominate Todd C. Chapman to be Ambassador to Ecuador. The President announced his intention to nominate Steven M. Haro to be Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Commerce. The President announced his intention to nominate John F. Kotek to be Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy. The President announced his intention to nominate Carolyn N. Lerner to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel. The President announced his intention to nominate Matthew J. Matthews for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as U.S. Senior Official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael J. Missal to be Inspector General at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The President announced his intention to appoint Pamela K. Anderson and Gebisa Ejeta as members of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development. The President announced his intention to appoint Ronald A. Cass, Jonathan Sallet, and Jane Sherburne as members of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the U.S. The President announced his intention to appoint Bo Thao-Urabe as a member of the President's Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. October 3 During the day, the President was briefed on the U.S. military airstrike on a Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, that killed and injured several patients and staff. The President declared an emergency in South Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on October 1 and continuing. October 4 In the morning, the President traveled to Emmitsburg, MD. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. October 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Map Room, the President recorded an interview with Bill Simmons of HBO followed by a photo shoot in the Diplomatic Reception Room for publication in GQ magazine. Then, in the Library, he participated in a photo shoot with Ryan Pfluger of Out magazine. The President declared a major disaster in South Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on October 1 and continuing. October 6 In the morning, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, at the Department of Agriculture, the President and Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack recorded an interview with Tom Steever of Brownfield Ag News Radio for later broadcast. Also at the Department of Agriculture, he recorded an interview with Kai Ryssdal of NPR's "Marketplace" program for later broadcast. Then, in the Private Dining Room, he and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he recorded an interview with Steve Kroft of CBS's "60 Minutes" program for later broadcast. October 7 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International President Joanne Liu to apologize and offer condolences for the loss of life and injury among patients and MSF staff as a result of the mistaken U.S. military airstrike on a hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, on October 3, offer assurances that the Department of Defense would conduct a thorough, objective, and transparent investigation into the incident, and pledge full cooperation with the joint investigations being conducted with NATO and the Afghan Government. Then, he had a telephone conversation with President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai of Afghanistan to commend the bravery of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, offer his condolences for the deaths and injuries caused by the U.S. airstrike on the MSF hospital in Kunduz, and discuss 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 and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. The White House announced that the President will travel to the San Francisco, CA, area on October 9 and 10. The White House announced that President will travel to the Los Angeles, CA, area on October 10. The White House announced that President will travel to the San Diego, CA, area from October 10 through 12. October 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will travel to Roseburg, OR, on October 9. The President announced his intention to nominate Dana J. Boente to be U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert L. Capers to be U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The President announced his intention to nominate John P. Fishwick, Jr., to be U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia. The President announced his intention to nominate Channing D. Phillips to be U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. The President announced his intention to nominate Emily Gray Rice to be U.S. attorney for the District of New Hampshire. The President announced his intention to nominate Randolph J. Seiler to be U.S. attorney for the District of South Dakota. The President announced his intention to nominate Amos J. Hochstein to be Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources at the Department of State. The President announced his intention to nominate David McKean to be Ambassador to Luxembourg. The President announced his intention to appoint Raymond Dolan as a member of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. October 9 In the morning, the President traveled to Roseburg, OR, arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival at Roseburg Regional Airport, he was joined by Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon, who updated the President on the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg on October 1 and the State's ongoing efforts to provide support and resources to the families affected. In the afternoon, the President and Gov. Brown traveled to Roseburg High School, where he met with families of the victims killed in the shooting at Umpqua Community College. Then, also at Roseburg High School, he met with first responders and college administrators to thank them for their admirable response to the shooting and express his condolences to the school community. Later, he traveled to Seattle, WA, where, at the Westin Seattle hotel, he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the evening, the President traveled to San Francisco, CA, where, at a private residence, he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. Later, he traveled to the Fairmont San Francisco hotel, where he remained overnight. October 10 In the morning, the President traveled to Los Angeles, CA, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, at a private residence, the President attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser. In the evening, the President traveled to Rancho Santa Fe, CA, where, at the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, he remained overnight. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to offer his condolences for the injuries and loss of life due to the terrorist attack at a peace rally in Ankara, Turkey, and reaffirm U.S. solidarity with Turkey in the effort to combat terrorism. October 12 In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. October 13 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 Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. October 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. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Then, in the Roosevelt room, the President recorded an interview with John Kopp of Fox News for the documentary "Destiny and Power--The Private Diaries of George Herbert Walker Bush," for later broadcast. The White House announced that the President will host a White House Astronomy Night event for students, teachers, scientists, astronauts, and others on October 19. The White House announced that the President will award the Medal of Honor to Capt. Florent A. Groberg, USA, on November 12. October 15 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 Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Women's National Basketball Association's Minnesota Lynx, to congratulate her on her team's victory in the WNBA Finals. Then, he had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss strengthening Turkey-U.S. cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, reiterate his condolences for the October 10 terrorist attack in Ankara, and stress the urgent need to stop the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attacks in Turkey. The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe windstorm on August 29. October 16 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Oval Office, the President met with actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, recipient of the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Later, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with President Park Geun-hye of South Korea. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Vice President Biden had a working lunch with President Park. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, to discuss the importance of establishing conditions for a political transition in Syria and the urgency of expanding humanitarian assistance in Yemen. The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe windstorm on August 29. October 19 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts Scott J. Kelly and Kjell N. Lindgren aboard the International Space Station. Later, also in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. The White House announced that the President will travel to Charleston, WV, on October 21. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan to the White House on October 22. The White House announced that the President will host the White House Tribal Nations Conference on November 5. October 20 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with 2014 Enrico Fermi Award recipients Claudio Pellegrini and Charles V. Shank. 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 State John F. Kerry. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister-designate Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada to congratulate him on his party's victory in parliamentary elections and discuss Canada-U.S. relations, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the upcoming U.N. climate change conference in Paris, France. Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. Then, also in the Oval Office, he recorded an interview with Partisan Pictures President Peter Schnall, director and producer of the documentary "The White House: Inside Story," for later broadcast on PBS. The President announced his intention to nominate Hester M. Peirce and Lisa M. Fairfax to be Commissioners on the Securities and Exchange Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Linda I. Etim to be a member of the Board of Directors for the African Development Foundation. The President announced his intention to nominate Jean E. Manes to be Ambassador to El Salvador. The President announced his intention to nominate Scot A. Marciel to be Ambassador to Burma. The President announced his intention to nominate Linda Swartz Taglialatela to be Ambassador to Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by wildfires and mudslides from August 9 through September 10. October 21 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, the President had a separate meeting with Vice President Biden. Then, he had a telephone conversation with outgoing Prime Minister Stephen J. Harper of Canada to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and the Trans-Pacific Partnership and wish him well in his future endeavors. In the afternoon, in the Rose Garden, the President attended Vice President Biden's announcement that he would not be a candidate in the 2016 Presidential election. Then, he traveled to Charleston, WV. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. In the evening, in the State Dining Room, the President hosted a working reception for House and Senate Democrats to discuss trade issues. The White House announced that the President will host a panel discussion on criminal justice reform on October 22. The White House announced that the President will welcome the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team to the White House on October 27 to congratulate them on their victory in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. October 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. October 23 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Map Room, the President recorded a video address for broadcast during the October 31 peace rally in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel. Then, also in the Map Room, he recorded a Facebook video post on the administration's call to reduce standardized testing in K-12 schools for online broadcast on October 24. Later, at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel, he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. October 25 In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, to discuss international diplomatic efforts to address the situation in Syria, ongoing political unrest and violence in Yemen, the political situation in Libya, and efforts to combat Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and other terrorist groups. The White House announced that the President will travel to Chicago, IL, on October 27 and 28. October 26 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with teachers and representatives of States and school districts to discuss shared efforts to reduce the amount of time students spend on redundant or low-quality tests, while still ensuring that teachers and parents have the information they need on student progress. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Acting Secretary-designate of Education John B. King, Jr., also attended. In the afternoon, the President, White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough, and Director of Legislative Affairs Katherine Beirne Fallon walked to the Metropolitan Club, where the President attended a luncheon hosted by former Sens. Thomas A. Daschle and George J. Mitchell. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. The White House announced that the President will travel to Turkey, the Philippines, and Malaysia from November 14 through 22. October 27 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to discuss cooperative efforts to counter the shared threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, international diplomatic efforts to achieve a political transition in Syria, the situation in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia-U.S. relations. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Chicago, IL, where, in the North Service Hallway of the McCormick Place conference center, he met with spouses and children of law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. Also at McCormick Place, in the East Service Corridor, he met with the families of bystander victims of gun violence in Chicago. Later, at the PowerReviews headquarters, he attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the evening, at the United Center, the President attended a basketball game between the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. Later, he traveled to his Hyde Park-Kenwood residence, where he remained overnight. October 28 In the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with outgoing Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition To Counter ISIL John R. Allen. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Rep. Paul D. Ryan to congratulate him on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives and wish him well in his new responsibilities. October 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to discuss the importance of achieving a successful political transition in Syria and international diplomatic efforts to facilitate a resolution to the conflict, underscore their support for the United Nations role in continued political negotiations in Libya, and review joint efforts to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization and other extremist groups. 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 Defense Ashton B. Carter. In the evening, the President traveled to McLean, VA, where, at a private residence, he attended a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee roundtable fundraiser. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. October 30 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi of Iraq to discuss the political and security situation in Iraq, underscore U.S. support for Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, note recent progress made by Iraqi security forces in Bayji and Ramadi, and commend the Prime Minister's efforts to combat corruption and implement governance reforms critical to promoting Iraq's political stability and economic prosperity. In the afternoon, on the South Portico, the President and Mrs. Obama greeted local schoolchildren and children of U.S. servicemembers trick-or-treating at the White House for Halloween. The White House announced that the President will travel to Newark, NJ, on November 2. The White House announced further details on the President's participation in the White House Tribal Nations Conference on November 5. The President declared a major disaster in Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm on August 27. November 1 The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Alassane Dramane Ouattara as President of Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on November 3: Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. (head of delegation); Terence P. McCulley; and Linda Thomas-Greenfield. November 2 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Newark, NJ. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Manager Edgar F. "Ned" Yost III of Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals to congratulate him on his team's victory in the World Series. Upon arrival in Newark, he traveled to Integrity House, a nonprofit substance abuse rehabilitation center, where he toured the facilities and met with Sen. Cory A. Booker, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Integrity House President and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Budsock, Women's Outpatient Program and Halfway House Director Robin Shorter, residents Daryl Rose, Stephanie Luna, and Sharon Boatwright, and other center staff and residents. Then, in the Green Room of the Integrity House, he recorded an interview with Lester Holt of NBC's "Nightly News With Lester Holt" program for later broadcast. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to the Rutgers University-Newark campus, where, in the Reading Gallery of the Center for Law and Justice building, he participated in a roundtable discussion on prisoner reentry and rehabilitation programs with Mayor Baraka, Sen. Booker, U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey Madeline Cox Arleo, U.S. Probation Officer Kevin Egli, Forem Facility Management President David Forem, and former inmates Amarilis Diamond-Rodriguez, Dquan Rosario, and Terry Williams. Later, in the New Jersey Reference Room, he recorded another interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt. Then, he traveled to New York City. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. November 3 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, the President met with Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski and Rep. Nita M. Lowey to discuss the appropriations process and the Federal budget. November 4 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 teleconference call with Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in-person assisters and volunteers to discuss open enrollment in the Federal health insurance exchange. Later, he traveled to Potomac, MD. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. November 5 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 recorded separate "Live From the White House" interviews with Mary Shedden of WUSF in Tampa, FL, Alice Rios of KRLD in Dallas, TX, E.J. Becker of KMBZ in Kansas City, MO, Dave Ross of KIRO in Seattle, WA, and Ryan Cameron of WVEE in Atlanta, GA, to discuss the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the importance of reducing the number of people without health insurance. The President announced his intention to nominate Karen Brevard Stewart to be Ambassador to the Marshall Islands. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert A. Riley III to be Ambassador to Micronesia. The President announced his intention to nominate Vik Edwin Stoll to be a judge on the U.S. Tax Court. The President announced his intention to appoint Jaime Castillo as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. November 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. The White House announced further details on the President's awarding of the Medal of Honor to Capt. Florent A. Groberg, USA, on November 12. November 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice and Secretary of State John F. Kerry prior to his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of State Kerry. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. Then, also in the Oval office, he had separate telephone conversations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey to congratulate the Turkish people on the November 1 elections and preview the upcoming Group of Twenty (G-20) summit in Antalya, Turkey. They also discussed the situation in Syria, efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and the need to prevent terrorist attacks in Turkey by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization. November 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss India-U.S. relations, the upcoming Group of Twenty (G-20) summit, East Asia Summit, and U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, and implementation of the Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. The President also noted that their conversation represented the first use of the new secure line between the two leaders and wished Prime Minister Modi a happy Diwali. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with 2015 Nobel Prize winners William C. Campbell, Angus Deaton, Paul Modrich, and Aziz Sancar, Sweden's Ambassador to the U.S. Bjorn Lyrvall, and Norway's Ambassador to the U.S. Kare Aas. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Reuven Rivlin of Israel to the White House on December 9. The President announced his intention to nominate Beth F. Cobert to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management. November 11 In the morning, in the State Dining Room, the President hosted a Veterans Day breakfast for veterans and their families. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. Later, he and Vice President Biden traveled to Arlington, VA, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to discuss the upcoming U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, the situation in Burundi, and President Obama's November 5 notification to Congress regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act. He also expressed his condolences for the death of a South African citizen in the November 9 shooting at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center in Amman, Jordan. In the evening, the President had separate telephone conversations with National League for Democracy Party Leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein of Burma to discuss the November 8 parliamentary elections. He congratulated Aung San Suu Kyi on her party's success in the elections and discussed with both leaders the importance for all parties to respect the official results once announced and work together to form an inclusive, representative Government. He also noted that the election and formation of a new Government could be an important step forward in Burma's democratic transition. November 12 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, to discuss the situations in Syria and Yemen and the need to support the Iraqi Government's efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President recorded an interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC's "This Week" program for later broadcast. During the day, the President was briefed on a U.S. airstrike in Raqqa, Syria, targeting Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization member Mohammed "Jihadi John" Emwazi. The President announced his intention to appoint Joshua M. Javitz as Chair of Presidential Emergency Board No. 249. The President announced his intention to appoint Elizabeth Neumeier and Nancy E. Peace as members of Presidential Emergency Board No. 249. November 13 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the upcoming U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris and Group of Twenty (G-20) summit in Antalya, Turkey. Then, also in the Oval Office, he met with Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, DC; and Monsignor Ronny Jenkins, General Secretary of the USCCB. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the terrorist attacks in Paris, France. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough, and White House Press Secretary Joshua R. Earnest also attended. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to express his condolences for the terrorist attacks in Paris, France, offer U.S. support in the investigation, and pledge continued France-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation. November 14 In the afternoon, in the Situation Room, the President met with the National Security Council to review the latest intelligence concerning the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, France, review the U.S. security posture in light of the attacks, reaffirm close coordination with French authorities investigating the attacks, and discuss diplomatic security measures at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Then, he traveled to Antalya, Turkey, arriving the following morning. November 15 In the morning, upon arrival in Antalya, Turkey, the President traveled to the Calista Luxury Resort. Later, he traveled to the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort. In the afternoon, at the Regnum Carya Resort, the President participated in an arrival ceremony for Group of Twenty (G-20) leaders. Then, he participated in a family photograph with G-20 leaders followed by a working lunch in the Leaders Dining Room. Later, also at the Regnum Carya Resort, in Plenary Hall, he attended a working session for G-20 leaders. During the day, at the Regnum Carya Resort, the President met with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia on the margins of the G-20 summit to discuss the situation in Syria, the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, France, the need for all nations to confront the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, international diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation in Ukraine, and the loss of Russian life in the October 31 crash of Metrojet Flight 9268 over Egypt. In the evening, in Villa 6300 of the Regnum Carya Resort, the President met with King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to discuss efforts to defeat ISIL, the terrorist attacks in Paris, France, the urgency of achieving a cease-fire and political transition in Syria, the need to provide robust support to the moderate Syrian opposition, and methods to support the Iraqi Government's efforts to combat ISIL. Secretary of State John F. Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economics Caroline M. Atkinson, National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf Region Robert Malley, and Special Envoy for the Global Coalition To Counter ISIL Brett H. McGurk also attended. Then, in the Leaders Dining Room, he had a working dinner with G-20 leaders. Later, he returned to the Calista Luxury Resort, where he remained overnight. November 16 In the morning, in Candor Hall 2 of the Calista Luxury Resort, the President visited with U.S. Embassy personnel. Then, he traveled to the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort, where, in Plenary Hall, he met with Group of Twenty (G-20) leaders. In the afternoon, in the Leaders Dining Room at the Regnum Carya Resort, the President had a working lunch for G-20 leaders. Later, in Villa 6300, he met with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius of France to discuss the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, the urgency of continuing and enhancing multilateral action to counter the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, the international commitment to achieving a diplomatic resolution to the situation in Syria, efforts to mitigate the plight of those displaced by the Syrian conflict, and their agreement to maintain sanctions against Russia until full implementation of the Minsk agreements to resolve the situation in Ukraine is achieved. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice also attended. Later, he traveled to the Hotel Riu Kaya Palazzo 5 resort in Belek, Turkey. In the evening, the President traveled to Manila, Philippines, arriving the following morning. The White House announced that the President will present the Medal of Freedom on November 24. November 17 In the morning, upon arrival in Manila, Philippines, the President traveled to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Manila Harbor, where he toured the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a former U.S. Coast Guard frigate now part of the Philippines Navy, with the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Vincent Sibala. Later, he traveled to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome President François Hollande of France to the White House on November 24. November 18 In the afternoon, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel, in the garden tent, the President participated in a family photograph with the leaders of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations. Later, he traveled to the Philippine International Convention Center, where he attended a Pacific Alliance meeting. Then, he returned to the Sofitel. In the evening, the President traveled to the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines, where he participated in a family photograph for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders. Then, he attended an APEC welcome dinner and cultural performance. Later, he returned to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel in Manila, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President was briefed on the law enforcement action undertaken in St. Denis, France, as part of the ongoing investigation into the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris. November 19 In the morning, the President traveled to the Philippine International Convention Center, where he participated in a family photograph for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders. Then, in Meeting Room 1 of the convention center, he attended the opening session of the APEC retreat. In the afternoon, the President returned to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel. Later, he traveled to the Philippine International Convention Center, where, in Meeting Room 1, he attended the second session of the APEC retreat. Later, also in Meeting Room 1, he attended the closing session of the APEC retreat. In the evening, the President returned to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel, where he remained overnight. He also had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the latest developments in the investigation into the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris and reiterate their joint commitment to counter the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. The President announced his intention to nominate Phillip H. Cullom to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment. The President announced his intention to nominate Swati A. Dandekar to be a U.S. Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank, with the rank of Ambassador. The President announced his intention to nominate Harry R. Hoglander to be a member of the National Mediation Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel B. Maffei to be a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Georgette Mosbacher to be a member of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. The President announced his intention to nominate Patrick Pizzella to be a member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. The President announced his intention to appoint Dave Eggers as a member of the Advisory Committee on the Arts for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The President announced his intention to appoint William H. Graham as a member of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. The President announced his intention to appoint David C. Hill as a Commissioner of the Mississippi River Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Barry Jackson as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The President announced the appointment of Anthony M. Reardon as a member of the Federal Salary Council and member of the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations. November 20 In the morning, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel, in the garden tent, the President visited with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. Later, he traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Taylor's University in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. In the evening, the President traveled to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. He also had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy to discuss counterterrorism cooperation, the campaign to counter the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and the urgent need to end the conflict in Syria. Later, he traveled to the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur hotel, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President received a briefing on the terrorist attack and hostage crisis at the Radisson Blu Bamako Hotel in Bamako, Mali, from National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice. The White House announced that the President will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden on November 25. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the state commemoration service for former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt of Germany in Hamburg, Germany, on November 23: Henry A. Kissinger (head of delegation); and John B. Emerson. November 21 In the morning, the President traveled to the Dignity for Children Foundation, where he toured the school and training center and met with students. In the evening, the President traveled to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, where, in Conference Room 2, he participated in a group photograph with Ambassadors to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Then, in Exhibition Halls 1 and 2, he attended an East Asia Summit gala dinner. Later, he returned to the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur hotel, where he remained overnight. November 22 In the morning, at the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur hotel, in the Banquet Hall, the President met with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following morning. November 24 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with President François Hollande of France. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss Turkey's downing of a Russian aircraft, U.S.-NATO support of Turkey's right to defend its sovereignty, and the importance of reducing tensions with Russia, and reiterate their joint commitment to counter the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. November 25 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Crystal Sanchez and Kenneth Huertas of Lawndale, CA, Urbana Anam and Jannatul "Alifa" Rowshan of New York City, Rachel Gorgas of Encinitas, CA, and Joseph Fortuno of Hercules, CA, winners of youth entrepreneurship competitions sponsored by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and Junior Achievement. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President-elect Mauricio Macri of Argentina to congratulate him on his election victory and discuss Argentina-U.S. relations. Then, at St. Luke's Mission Center, he, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha helped serve a Thanksgiving meal to individuals and families of the Friendship Place homeless center. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the state funeral of former President Kim Young-sam of South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, on November 26: Mark W. Lippert (head of delegation); and Kathleen Stephens. The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from October 22 through 31. November 26 In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with U.S. servicemembers representing each branch of the Armed Forces to thank them for their service and wish them a happy Thanksgiving. November 27 In the evening, the President was notified about the shooting at the Planned Parenthood Colorado Springs Westside center in Colorado Springs, CO, by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco. November 28 In the afternoon, in recognition of Small Business Saturday, the President and his daughters Malia and Sasha visited Upshur Street Books, where they purchased books and met with staff and patrons, and Pleasant Pops, where they purchased popsicles and met with staff and patrons. November 29 In the morning, the President traveled to Paris, France, arriving in the evening. Then, he traveled to the Bataclan concert hall, arriving early the following morning. During the day, the President posted an entry on his Facebook feed about his travel to Paris, expressing continued U.S. support for France in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, and the administration's commitment to achieving the goals of the U.N. Climate Change Conference. November 30 In the early morning, at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris, France, the President laid a rose at a memorial display for the victims of the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris. He was joined by President François Hollande of France and Mayor Anne Hildago of Paris. Then, he traveled to the U.S. Ambassador's residence. Later in the morning, the President traveled to Le Bourget, France, where, in La Seine Plenary Hall at the Parc des Expositions, he participated in the opening ceremony of the U.N. Climate Change Conference. Then, at the Parc des Expositions, the President participated in a family photograph with leaders of nations participating in the U.N. Climate Change Conference. In the afternoon, at the Parc des Expositions, the President attended a lunch hosted by President François Hollande of France. Later, he returned to the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Paris. During the day, at the Parc des Expositions, on the margins of the U.N. Climate Change Conference, the President met with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the situations in Syria and Ukraine. President Obama expressed his regret for the death of a crewmember in the downing of a Russian military aircraft by Turkey, reiterated U.S. support for the deescalation of tensions between Russia and Turkey, and stressed the need for President Bashar al-Asad of Syria to leave power and the imperative of focusing military efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. President Obama also emphasized the importance of working toward a diplomatic solution to the crisis in eastern Ukraine and noted that following full implementation of the Minsk agreement, international and U.S. sanctions against Russia could be rolled back. In the evening, the President traveled to Paris, where, at L'Ambroisie restaurant, he attended a working dinner with President Hollande. Later, he returned to the U.S. Ambassador's residence, where he remained overnight. The President announced the nomination of Steven N. Berk and Elizabeth Carroll Wingo to be judges on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. December 1 In the morning, the President traveled to Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, where, at the OECD Development Centre, he met with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. In the afternoon, at the OECD Development Centre, he participated in a family photograph with President Anote Tong of Kiribati, President Christopher Jorebon Loeak of the Marshall Islands, Prime Minister Peter Paire O'Neill of Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, and Prime Minister Freundel Stuart of Barbados. Later, also at the OECD Development Centre, he recorded a television interview with Laurence Haïm of France's CANAL+/iTELE television network for later broadcast. Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. December 2 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, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, CA. Then, in the Roosevelt and Cabinet Rooms, he recorded an interview with Norah O'Donnell of CBS News for later broadcast. December 3 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Cabinet Room, the President met with a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives to discuss criminal justice reform legislation. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates, Senior Adviser Valerie B. Jarrett, White House Counsel W. Neil Eggleston, Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Muñoz, and Cabinet Secretary Broderick D. Johnson also attended. Prior to the meeting, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James B. Comey, Jr., briefed the group on the December 2 shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, CA. Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Mayor R. Carey Davis of San Bernardino, CA, to discuss the shooting. In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President met with departing White House interns and participated in a question-and-answer session. The President announced his intention to nominate Marcela Escobari to be Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean at the U.S. Agency for International Development. The President announced his intention to nominate Charlotte Power Kessler and Esperanza Spalding to be members of the National Council on the Arts. The President announced the appointment of Tom A. Bernstein as Chairperson of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The President announced the appointment of Allan M. Holt as Vice Chairperson of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. December 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss the British Parliament's decision to authorize airstrikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization targets in Syria and United Kingdom-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation. The President also accepted the Prime Minister's condolences for the loss of life in the December 2 shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, CA. Also in the morning, the President was briefed on the shooting in San Bernardino. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with former Rep. Gabrielle D. Giffords and her husband Mark E. Kelly to discuss ways to reduce gun violence. White House Senior Adviser Valerie B. Jarrett also attended. December 5 In the morning, in the Situation Room, the President received an update from Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James B. Comey, Jr., Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh C. Johnson, and members of his national security team on the ongoing investigation into the December 2 shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, CA, potential evidence of radicalization on the part of suspected perpetrators Tashfeen Malik and Syed Rizwan Farook, and the FBI's efforts to coordinate with State and local law enforcement to pursue every angle of the inquiry. Vice President Joe Biden participated via video teleconference. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the shooting in San Bernardino, CA, accept President Hollande's condolences for the loss of life in the attack, update President Hollande on the latest details of the investigation, and pledge continued France-U.S. cooperation in the fight against terrorism. They also discussed negotiations underway at the U.N. Climate Conference in Paris, France. The White House announced the cancellation of the President's scheduled attendance at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors Gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 6. The White House announced that the President will address the Nation on the shooting in San Bernardino, CA, operations to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and ongoing efforts to counter terrorist threats at home and abroad on December 6. The White House announced that the President will attend the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors Gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following his Oval Office address to the Nation on December 6. December 6 In the evening, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the President and Mrs. Obama attended the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors Gala. December 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Cabinet Room, he met with the Ambassadors to the United Nations of the 15 current U.N. Security Council members along with those of the 5 countries whose 2-year elected terms on the Council would begin in January 2016 to discuss efforts to promote peace and security for people around the world, including strengthening human rights, reducing the impact of infectious diseases, and combating international terrorism. U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power and National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice also attended. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President had lunch with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Then, in the Oval Office, he recorded an interview with comedian Jerry Seinfeld of the online series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" for later broadcast. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President Dilma Vana Rousseff of Brazil to discuss ongoing progress in the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, and their joint commitment to reaching an ambitious climate change agreement. In the evening, on the State Floor, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted the Congressional Ball. December 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss the ongoing U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, and emphasize their joint interest in securing a strong climate change agreement. The President accepted the Prime Minister's condolences for the loss of life in the December 2 terrorist attack San Bernardino, CA. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. Later, at the Jefferson Washington, DC hotel, he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. December 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President posted a comment to a Humans of New York Facebook entry welcoming Syrian refugee Refaai Hamo, who had resettled in Detroit, MI. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Mauricio Macri as President of Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 10: Anthony R. Foxx (head of delegation); Noah Mamet; and Roberta S. Jacobson. The White House announced that the President will deliver remarks and sign the Every Student Succeeds Act on December 10. December 10 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to discuss the status of the ongoing negotiations at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, and underscore their firm commitment to reaching an ambitious and durable climate change agreement. President Obama also thanked President Hollande for deploying the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Persian Gulf to undertake naval strike operations to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President recorded an interview with Olivier Knox of Yahoo! News for later broadcast. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China to discuss coordinated efforts at the ongoing U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, and their joint commitment to achieving an ambitious climate agreement. The President announced his intention to nominate Andrew Mayock to be Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget. The President announced his intention to nominate Edith Ramirez to be a Commissioner and Chair of the Federal Trade Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Alan J. Kreczko and James R. White to be members of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board. The President announced his intention to appoint John F. Kirby as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of State. December 11 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. The White House announced that the President will deliver remarks during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives and Records Administration on December 15. December 12 During the day, the President posted an entry to his Facebook feed announcing the adoption of the Paris Agreement by all nations participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France. December 13 In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China to express his appreciation for the important role China played in securing the climate agreement at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, on December 12, review the contributions made by their joint announcement of climate targets in November 2014 and joint statement on climate in September 2015, and pledge the close coordination of their negotiating teams in Paris toward securing the agreement. December 14 In the morning, the President traveled to Arlington, VA, where, in Meeting Room 869 at the Pentagon, he had a meeting with the National Security Council to discuss the campaign to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Also in the afternoon, he posted an entry to his Facebook feed commemorating the third anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, on December 14, 2012. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to thank and congratulate him and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius for their leadership in achieving the historic multilateral agreement reached at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, on December 12 and discuss joint efforts toward implementation of the agreement. He also had a telephone conversation with President Dilma Vana Rousseff of Brazil to thank and congratulate her and Minister of the Environment Izabella Teixeira for the successful Paris agreement and Brazil's important role in achieving a comprehensive climate implementation plan. Also during the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations to thank him for his leadership in achieving the historic U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change agreement in Paris, underscore their joint commitment to implementing the agreement, and discuss the deteriorating situation in Burundi and the urgent need to begin internationally mediated dialogue. December 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had lunch. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, the President participated in an off-the-record interview with several news columnists, including David Ignatius of the Washington Post. During the day, the President was informed of the decision by the Los Angeles Unified School District to close all public schools for the day in response to a bomb threat received by members of the Los Angeles Board of Education. Also during the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Sen. Bernard Sanders. December 16 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to thank him for his vision and leadership in achieving the climate agreement at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, on December 12, underscore the importance of implementing the agreement, including through the Mission Innovation initiative, and discuss close and strong India-U.S. cooperation on a range of issues. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York City to discuss efforts to prevent gun violence and thank Mayor Bloomberg for his leadership as U.N. Special Envoy for Cities and Climate in helping to achieve the historic U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change agreement in Paris. White House Senior Adviser Valerie B. Jarrett also attended. Later, also in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. The White House announced that the President will travel to San Bernardino, CA, en route to Honolulu, HI, on December 18 The President announced his intention to appoint Marie Greene as a member of the Arctic Research Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the Panel of Arbitrators of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes: Joan Donoghue; Paolo Di Rosa; David Huebner; Rosemary Barkett; Lucinda A. Low; and Pedro Martinez-Fraga. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking: Evelyn Chumbow; Harold d'Souza; Minh Dang; Tina Frundt; Ima Matul Maisaroh; Ronny Marty; Florencia Molina; Bukola Love Oriola; Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman; Sheila White; and Shandra Woworuntu. The President announced the nomination of Paul L. Abrams to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The President announced the nomination of Suzanne Mitchell and Scott L. Palk to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The President announced the nomination of Ronald G. Russell to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. December 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, the President traveled to McLean, VA, where, in Room OP200 of the National Counterterrorism Center, he received a briefing from his national security team. Vice President Biden also attended. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, in the Cabinet Room, he recorded an interview with Steve Inskeep of NPR's "Morning Edition" program for later broadcast. The White House announced further details on the President and Mrs. Obama's travel to San Bernardino, CA, on December 18. The White House announced that the President and the First Family will travel to Honolulu, HI, on December 18. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael O. Johanns to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The President announced his intention to nominate Adam H. Sterling to be Ambassador to Slovakia. The President announced his intention to nominate Morton H. Halperin to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The President announced his intention to nominate Dain Borges, Thavolia Glymph, and Deborah Wong to be members of the National Council on the Humanities. December 18 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, the President participated in a photo opportunity with Gold Star families who were at the White House attending a private screening of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Also in the afternoon, the President made separate telephone calls to Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul D. Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid to congratulate them on the passage of H.R. 2029, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. He also signed the bill into law. Later in the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to San Bernardino, CA, arriving in the evening. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss the current dispute between Turkey and Iraq over recent Turkish military action in northern Iraq, efforts to deescalate tensions, the need for Turkey to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, and the importance of continued diplomatic efforts between the U.S., Turkey, and Iraq to coordinate military efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization and work toward a broader resolution of the situation in Syria. Also during the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, to express appreciation for the United Arab Emirates commitment to an expanded role in international efforts to destroy ISIL, international diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation in Syria, and the urgent need for all parties in Yemen to adhere to the negotiated cease-fire and engage the U.N.-facilitated peace talks as an opportunity to advance a deescalation of the fighting. In the evening, upon arrival in San Bernardino, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Indian Springs High School, where, in the library, they visited privately with the families of victims of the terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on December 2. Then, also at Indian Springs High School, in the Resource Room, he met with local first responders and law enforcement professionals, including individuals who responded to the incident. Later, he, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Honolulu, HI, arriving the following morning. December 19 In the morning, upon arrival at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to their vacation residence in Kailua, HI. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 20 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to the Hawaii Nature Center in Honolulu, HI. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to their vacation residence in Kailua, HI. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Honolulu. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 21 In the morning, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Mid Pacific Country Club. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 22 In the morning, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. Later, he and Mrs. Obama traveled to Koko Head District Park in Honolulu, HI. Then, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 23 In the morning, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. Later, he traveled to Kapolei, HI. In the evening, the President returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President declared a major disaster in Idaho and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm and straight-line winds on November 17. December 24 In the morning, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. Later, he and his daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to the Judd Memorial Trail, part of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System in Honolulu, HI. In the afternoon, the President and his daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, HI. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Honolulu. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. Also during the day, the President had separate telephone conversations with deployed U.S. servicemembers from each branch of the Armed Forces to thank them for their service and dedication. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré as President of Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on December 29: Linda Thomas-Greenfield (head of delegation); Tulinabo S. Mushingi; and David M. Rodriguez. December 25 In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI, where they visited with U.S. servicemembers and their families. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama returned to their vacation in Kailua, HI, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 26 In the afternoon, the President traveled Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Later, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 27 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, HI. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Kailua, HI, where, at Island Snow, they purchased shave ice and greeted customers and staff. Then, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua. Later, they traveled to Honolulu, HI, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. December 28 In the morning, the President traveled Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI, where he received an update on the progress made by Iraq's security forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization in Ramadi, Iraq. He also had a telephone conversation with Gov. Gregory W. Abbott of Texas to receive an update on the severe winter storms in Texas, offer Federal assistance for recovery efforts, and express his and Mrs. Obama's condolences for the loss of life due to the severe weather that affected the area from December 24 through 27. Later, he traveled to the Mid Pacific Country Club. In the afternoon, the President returned to his vacation residence in Kailua. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Honolulu, HI. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada to the White House on March 10, 2016. December 29 In the morning, the President traveled Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Hanauma Bay, HI. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon of Colombia to the White House on February 4, 2016. The President declared a major disaster in Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and flooding from November 27 through 29. December 30 In the morning, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. Also in the morning, he had a telephone conversation with Gov. Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon of Missouri to receive an update on the State's response to severe weather, offer Federal support and assistance, and express his and Mrs. Obama's condolences for the loss of life due to major flooding. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Mokuleia, HI. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The White House announced that the President will travel to Hannover, Germany, in late April 2016. December 31 In the morning, the President traveled Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Then, he returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. Later, he traveled to Honolulu, HI. In the afternoon, the President returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, arriving in the evening, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing.