PRESIDENT MAKES REMARKS ON U.S. ECONOMY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE 

Remarks by the President on the Economy -- Austin, TX

Paramount Theatre
Austin, Texas

12:48 P.M. CDT

 
THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Austin!  (Applause.)  Hey!  Hello, Austin!  (Applause.)  All right, everybody have a seat, have a seat. 
 
It’s good to be in Austin, Texas.  (Applause.)  Can everybody please give Kinsey a big round of applause for the great introduction?  (Applause.) 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  That's because I love you.  (Applause.)  Everybody knows I love Austin, Texas.  (Applause.)  Every time I come here I tell you how much I love you.  I love Austin.  I love the people.  I love the barbecue -- which I will get right after this.  (Laughter.)  I like the music.  (Applause.)  I've got good memories here, I've got good friends. 
 
I was telling somebody the last time I walked a real walk where I was kind of left alone was in Austin, Texas.  (Applause.) Right before the debate here during the primary in 2007?  2008?  It must have been 2008.  And I was walking along the river and nobody noticed me, and I felt great.  (Laughter.)  And then on the way back somebody did notice me and Secret Service started coming around and -- (laughter) -- but that first walk was really good.  So let’s face it, I just love Austin.  (Applause.)  Love the people of Austin. 
 
I want to thank a proud Texan, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, for being here today.  We appreciate her.  (Applause.) 
 
It is great to play at the Paramount.  I think I finally made it.  I finally arrived.  (Applause.)  I've enjoyed the last couple of days, just getting out of Washington.  And we started in Colorado, in Denver, and then went to Dallas and then came down here.  And at each stop I've been able to just meet people and talk about people’s lives -- their hopes, their dreams.
 
I just had some coffee, as Kinsey may have mentioned, at the Magnolia Café, which is very nice.  (Applause.)  It was fun, too, because I had a chance to -- there were a bunch of folks there and some EMT folks were there on their break after the shift, and there were a group of high school kids who were getting together -- they were about to go on a two-weeklong service trip to Peru  -- which, by the way, reminds you, you should be optimistic whenever you meet young people because they’re full of energy and idealism.  And so they were going to do this service trip and they were going to go for two days, then, to Machu Picchu -- the old Inca ruins in Peru.  And I said, I always wanted to go there. And they said, well, you can come with us if you want.  (Laughter.)  And I said, I'm really tempted, but I think there are some things I've got to do.  (Laughter.) 
 
But I got them -- in exchange for a selfie with them, they promised that they would send me a picture of them when they get there.  So I'm going to hold them to it.  We got their email and if I don't get it I'll be upset.  (Laughter.) 
 
Anyway, so I was talking to Kinsey because she wrote me a letter and I wanted to reply in person.  Because, as some of you may know, every day, we get tens of thousands of letters or correspondence, emails at the White House.  And ever since the first day I was in office, what I've asked our Correspondence Office to do is to select 10 of them for me to read every night. And in these letters, people tell me their stories.  They talk about losing a job, or finding a job.  They talk about trying to finance a college education.  They talk about challenges because maybe they’re the children of immigrants and they’re worried about their status.  They talk about the hardships they’re going through, successes they’ve had, things they hope for, things that they’re afraid of when it comes to the future and their lives.  
 
Sometimes people say thank you for something I've done or a position I've taken, and some people say, “You're an idiot.”  (Laughter.)  And that’s how I know that I’m getting a good representative sampling because -- (laughter) -- half the letters are less than impressed with me.   
 
So Kinsey wrote me to tell me about her family.  Her mom was a preschool teacher, her dad was an engineer.  Together, obviously, they worked really hard, raised a family.  They were responsible, did all the right things, were able to put their kids through college.  Then they lost their jobs.  And because they lost their jobs as mid-career persons, a lot of their resumes didn’t get answered.  And their savings started to dwindle.  And Kinsey works to pay for school, but it’s not enough. 
 
And she told me that she’s always been passionate about politics and the issues of the day, but after last year’s government shutdown, all this stuff that's happened with her family, it doesn’t seem like anybody in Washington is thinking about them.  She wrote, “I became a disgruntled citizen.  I felt as if my government, my beloved government that’s supposed to look out for the needs of all Americans had failed me.  My parents have always supported my siblings and me,” she wrote, “now it’s my turn to help them.  I want to be involved.  President Obama, what can I do?”
 
So I wanted to meet with Kinsey to let her know that I had heard her, that I listened to what was happening with her family, and I was thinking about her parents and I was thinking about her and her sisters.  And I’m here today because of Kinsey.  And I’m here today because of every American who is working their tail off and does everything right and who believes in the American Dream and just wants a chance to build a decent life for themselves and their families. 
 
And you and folks like Kinsey are the reason I ran for President in the first place -- (applause) -- because your lives are the lives that I lived.  When I listen to Kinsey I think about me and Michelle trying to finance our college education.  When I think about somebody who didn't have health care, I think about my mom when she had cancer that would ultimately end her life at about the age I am now.  When I think about equal pay, I think about my grandmother working her way up at a bank with nothing but a high school education and becoming the vice president of the bank, but always being kind of passed over for the next stage by men who were less qualified than she was. 
 
So the stories that I hear in these letters, they're my story, and they're Michelle’s story, and they're the story that we had before I became senator -- worrying about child care, trying to figure out how to have a balanced life so that if Malia or Sasha got sick we could take time off, and how do you manage all that. 
 
So that's why these letters are so important to me.  And that's why whenever I’m out of Washington, part of what I want to do is just to remember and to connect with your stories so that you know that what I’m trying to do every single day is based on that experience.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you!  (Applause.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And when you see the trajectory of Kinsey’s family, in some ways, it’s a little bit a story of what’s happened to America. 
 
The crisis in 2008 hurt us all badly -- worse financial crisis since the Great Depression.  But you think about the progress we’ve made.  Today, our businesses have added nearly 10 million new jobs over the past 52 months.  (Applause.)  Our housing is rebounding.  Our auto industry is booming.  Manufacturing is adding more jobs than any time since the 1990s. The unemployment rate is the lowest point it’s been since September of 2008.  (Applause.)  Kinsey’s dad found a new job that he loves in the field he was trained for.  (Applause.)  So a lot of this was because of the resilience and hard work of the American people.  That's what happens -- Americans bounce back.
 
But some of it had to do with decisions we made to build our economy on a new foundation.  And those decisions are paying off. We’re more energy independent.  For the first time in nearly 20 years, we produce more oil here at home than we buy from abroad. (Applause.)  The world’s largest oil and gas producer isn’t Russia; it’s not Saudi Arabia -- it’s the United States of America.  (Applause.)
 
At the same time, we’ve reduced our total carbon pollution over the past eight years more than any country on Earth.  (Applause.)  We’ve tripled the amount of electricity we generate from wind.  We’ve increased the amount of solar energy we have by 10 times.  We’re creating jobs across the country in clean energy.  (Applause.) 
 
In education, our high school graduation rate is at a record high; the Latino dropout rate has been cut in half since 2000.  (Applause.)  More young people are graduating from college than ever before.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Si se puede!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Si se peude.  (Laughter.) 
 
The Affordable Care Act has given millions more families peace of mind.  They won’t go broke just because they get sick.  (Applause.)  Our deficits have been cut by more than half. 
 
We have come farther and recovered faster, thanks to you, than just about any other nation on Earth.  (Applause.)  And so we’ve got a lot to be encouraged by, just as the story of Kinsey’s family makes us feel more encouraged.  For the first time in a decade, business leaders around the world have said the number-one place to invest is not China, it’s the United States of America.  So we’re actually seeing companies bring jobs back. (Applause.)  So there’s no doubt that we are making progress.  By almost every measure, we are better off now than we were when I took office.  (Applause.) 
 
But the fact is we’ve still got a long way to go.  We’ve still got a long way to go, because while we’re creating more jobs faster these first six months of this year than any time since 1999, we know there are still a lot of folks out there who are looking for work or looking for more full-time work or looking for a better-paying job.  Corporate profits are higher than ever.  CEOs make more than ever.  But you’re working harder than ever just to get by and pay the bills. 
 
So, as a whole, the country is doing better.  But the problem is, is that so much of the improved productivity and profits have gone to the folks at the very top, and the average person, their wages and incomes haven’t really gone up at all, and in some cases, haven’t kept up with the rising cost of health care or college or all the basic necessities that people need. 
 
And so, Austin, I’m here to say that this country is not going to succeed if just a few are doing well.  This country succeeds when everybody has got a shot.  (Applause.)  The country does better when the middle class does better, and when there are more ladders of opportunity into the middle class.  (Applause.) That’s the kind of economy that works here in America.  And that’s what’s at stake right now. 
 
Now, that’s why we’re fighting for an opportunity agenda that creates more good jobs and creates more good wages -- jobs in American manufacturing, jobs in construction.  We should be rebuilding infrastructure all across America, putting people back to work rebuilding roads and bridges and schools, creating a smart grid to transmit clean energy across the country more efficiently.  (Applause.)   
 
We can create good jobs in American energy -- (sneezes) -- bless me -- and innovation.  (Laughter.)  I’m okay, just haven’t had enough sleep.  (Laughter.) 
 
We’re fighting for an opportunity agenda that trains more workers with the skills to fill the jobs that are being created. I was talking to some folks from a community college before I came out here.  We’ve learned that if we reach out to businesses and help them design the training programs in the community colleges, then when somebody finishes that training, they know they can get a job right away.  (Applause.)
 
We’re fighting for an opportunity agenda that guarantees every child a world-class education from the time that they are three until the time that they graduate from college.
 
We’re fighting for an opportunity agenda that makes sure your hard work pays off with higher wages and equal pay for equal work, and workplace flexibility, and the overtime pay you’ve earned.  (Applause.)
 
We’re fighting for opportunity for all and the idea that no matter who you are and what you look like and where you come from and who you love, if you work hard in America, if you work hard in Austin, if you work hard in Texas, you can make it here.  (Applause.)  You can make it.  (Applause.)
 
So that's what we’re working for.  And the good news is, is that the things that we need to do are well within our capabilities, our grasp.  We know we can -- we know how to build roads.  We know how to put people back to work on infrastructure. We know that if we invest in early childhood education, every dollar we put in, we get seven dollars back, and fewer dropouts and fewer teen pregnancies, and fewer folks going into the criminal justice system.  (Applause.) 
 
We know that if we do some basic things, if we make some basic changes, we’ll see more jobs, faster economic growth, lift more incomes, strengthen the middle class.  They are common-sense things.  They're not that radical.  We know it’s what we should be doing.  And what drives me nuts -- and I know drives you nuts -- is Washington isn’t doing it.  (Applause.)
 
And let me be clear about why Washington is broken, because sometimes everybody says, well, you know what, all politicians are the same, he parties -- the Democrats, Republicans, it doesn't matter.  Look, Democrats are not perfect, I promise you. I know a lot of them.  (Laughter.)  And, yes, every member of Congress, they're thinking about, I’d like to be reelected and I’d like to keep my job.  That's human nature.  We all understand that.  But let me be clear.  On the common-sense agenda that would help middle-class families, the overwhelming number of Democrats are in favor of these things. 
 
They're in favor of minimum wage.  They're in favor of equal pay.  (Applause.)  They're in favor of extending unemployment benefits.  They're in favor of infrastructure.  They're in favor of investing in research and development.  They're in favor of making college more affordable.  They’ve got specific proposals. They're willing to compromise.  They're prepared to go forward. 
 
So when folks say they're frustrated with Congress, let’s be clear about what the problem is.  (Applause.)  I’m just telling the truth now.  I don't have to run for office again, so I can just let her rip.  (Applause.)  And I want to assure you, I’m really not that partisan of a guy.  My favorite President is the first Republican President, a guy named Abraham Lincoln.  You look at our history, and we had great Republican Presidents who  -- like Teddy Roosevelt started the National Park System, and Dwight Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System, and Richard Nixon started the EPA. 
 
The statement I’m making is not a partisan statement, it is a statement of fact.  (Applause.)  So far this year, Republicans in Congress have blocked or voted down every serious idea to strengthen the middle class.  They have said no --
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Don't boo now, because what I want you to do is vote.  (Applause.)
 
They’ve said no to raising the minimum wage.  They’ve said no to fair pay.  They said no to unemployment insurance for hardworking folks like Kinsey’s parents who have paid taxes all their lives and never depended on anything and just needed a little help to get over a hump.  They said no to fixing our broken immigration system that we know would strengthen our borders and our businesses and help families.  (Applause.)
 
Instead of investing in education that helps working families, they voted to give another massive tax cut to the wealthiest Americans.  Instead of creating jobs by rebuilding our infrastructure, our roads, our bridges, our ports that help every business, they’ve decided to protect tax loopholes for companies that are shifting jobs overseas and profits overseas. 
 
The best thing you can say about this Congress -- the Republicans in Congress, and particularly the House of Representatives -- the best you can say for them this year is that so far they have not shut down the government -- (laughter) -- or threatened to have America welch on our obligations and ruin our credit rating.  That's the best you can say.  But of course, it’s only July -- (laughter) -- so who knows what they may cook up in the next few months.
 
So even as they’re blocking policies that would help middle-class families, they keep on offering these theories of the economy that have failed over and over again.  They say, well, if we give more tax breaks to folks at the top that's going to be good.  If we make fewer investments in things like education, everything will work out.  If we loosen the rules for big banks and credit card companies and polluters and insurers, somehow that's going to make the economy better.  If we shrink the safety net and cut Medicaid and cut food stamps, and make sure that folks who are vulnerable and trying to get back on their suffer more hardship, somehow that's going to improve the economy.
 
Now, they believe these things -- sincerely, I assume -- that if they -- if we do these things, if we just take care of folks at the top, or at least if we don't empower our government to be able to help anybody, that somehow jobs and prosperity will trickle down and we’ll all be better off.
 
And that may work just fine for folks at the top.  It worked fine for me.  I don't need government.  (Laughter.)  Michelle and I now are in a position where we can pretty much finance Malia and Sasha’s college education.  But I remember when Michelle’s parents couldn’t, they needed help.  And I don't know about you, but I don't believe in pulling up the ladder once I’m up.  I believe in extending it down and making sure that everybody has a chance to climb up.  (Applause.)
 
The status quo certainly works for the special interests in Washington who like things just as they are.  They’ll be fine whether Congress ever passes a bill again or not.  But it doesn’t help you.  It doesn't help your neighbors.  It doesn't help your friends.  It doesn't help your communities.
 
And what it does, is it just feeds people’s cynicism about Washington.  It just makes people think, well, nothing can happen, and people start feeling hopeless.  And we have to understand, in the face of all evidence to the contrary in Washington, we can do better than we’re doing right now.  (Applause.)  We can do better than what we’re doing right now.
 
We know from our history, our economy does not grow from the top down, it grows from the middle up.  It grows from a rising, thriving middle class.  It grows when we got ladders of opportunity for everybody, and every young person in America is feeling hopeful and has a chance to do what they can with the God-given talents that they have.  That’s what we’re fighting for.  That is what you should be fighting for.  (Applause.)
 
And I will always look -- I’ll always look for ways to get Republicans and Democrats together in this effort.  But I’m not  -- I can't stand by with partisan gridlock that's the result of cynical political games that threaten the hard work of millions of Americans.  I’m not just going to stand by and say, okay, that's -- I guess that's the way it is.  Whenever and wherever I have the power, the legal authority to help families like yours, even if Congress is not doing anything, I will take that opportunity.  I will try to make something happen.  (Applause.)
And that’s the reason -- that's the reason why my administration has taken more than 40 different actions just this year to help working Americans -- because Congress won’t.
 
Congress won’t act to make sure a woman gets equal pay for equal work.  So I made sure more women have the protections they need to fight for fair pay in the workplace -- because I think when women succeed America succeeds.   So we went ahead and did that.  (Applause.)
 
Congress won’t act to create jobs in manufacturing or construction.  Well, I went ahead and speeded up permits for big projects.  We launched a new hub to attract more high-tech manufacturing jobs to America.  I want to make sure the next revolution in manufacturing is right here in America; it’s an American revolution, not a German or a Chinese revolution.  I want it happening right here in Austin, Texas.  (Applause.)
 
Congress so far hasn’t acted to help more young people manage their student loan debt.  So I acted with my lawful authority to give nearly 5 million Americans the chance to cap their student loan payments at 10 percent of their income so they can manage it better, so that if they go into teaching, or they go into social work, or they're doing something at a non-for-profit, that they're not encumbered by mountains of debt.  I don’t want our future leaders saddled with debt before they start out in life.  (Applause.)
 
And Republicans in Congress so far have refused to raise workers’ wages with a higher minimum wage.  So I acted to require that federal contractors pay their employees a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour -- (applause) -- which would give hundreds of thousands of workers a raise.  I asked business owners and governors and mayors and state legislators -- anybody I could work with -- do what you can on your own, I told them. 
 
Since the first time I asked Congress to raise the minimum wage, Congress hasn’t done anything, but 13 states have gone ahead and raised theirs.  (Applause.)  And, by the way -- this is important to remember just because folks are always trying to run the okey doke on you -- (laughter) -- the states that have increased their minimum wages this year have seen higher job growth than the states that have not increased their minimum wage.  (Applause.)  And more and more business owners are choosing to lift the wages for their workers because they understand that it’s going to be good to have productive workers, loyal workers, invested workers. 
 
Just yesterday, before I came down to Texas, when I was in Denver, I met with Carolyn Reed.  She owns six Silver Mine sub shops.  She started her own business.  She was working at UPS and decided she wanted to be a business owner, got her first franchise.  Her and her husband mortgaged their house.  Eventually, they got an SBA loan.  Now, she’s got six stores.  A wonderful woman.  And today, she decided to raise her hourly employees’ wages to a minimum of $10.10 an hour.  (Applause.)  She just went ahead and did it on her own, because she realized that she’ll have less turnover and she’s going to have more productive workers. 
 
As long as Congress will not increase wages for workers, I will go and talk to every business in America if I have to.  (Applause.)  There’s no denying a simple truth:  America deserves a raise, and if you work full-time in this country, you shouldn’t live in poverty.  That’s something that we all believe. (Applause.)   
 
Now, here’s where it gets interesting.  There are a number of Republicans, including a number in the Texas delegation, who are mad at me for taking these actions.  They actually plan to sue me.  (Laughter.)  Now, I don’t know which things they find most offensive -- me helping to create jobs, or me raising wages, or me easing the student loan burdens, or me making sure women can find out whether they’re getting paid the same as men for doing the same job.  I don’t know which of these actions really bug them.  (Laughter.) 
 
The truth is, even with all the actions I’ve taken this year, I’m issuing executive orders at the lowest rate in more than 100 years.  So it’s not clear how it is that Republicans didn’t seem to mind when President Bush took more executive actions than I did.  (Applause.)  Maybe it’s just me they don’t like.  I don’t know.  Maybe there’s some principle out there that I haven’t discerned, that I haven’t figure out.  (Laughter.)  You hear some of them -- “sue him,” “impeach him.”  Really?  (Laughter.)  Really?  For what?  (Applause.)  You’re going to sue me for doing my job?  Okay.  (Applause.)   
 
I mean, think about that.  You’re going to use taxpayer money to sue me for doing my job -- (laughter) -- while you don’t do your job.  (Applause.) 
 
There’s a great movie called “The Departed” -- a little violent for kids.  But there’s a scene in the movie where Mark Wahlberg -- they’re on a stakeout and somehow the guy loses the guy that they’re tracking.   And Wahlberg is all upset and yelling at the guy.  And the guy looks up and he says, “Well, who are you?”  And Wahlberg says, “I’m the guy doing my job.  You must be the other guy.”  (Laughter and applause.)  Sometimes, I feel like saying to these guys, I’m the guy doing my job, you must be the other guy.  (Applause.) 
 
So rather than wage another political stunt that wastes time, wastes taxpayers’ money, I’ve got a better idea:  Do something.  (Applause.)  If you’re mad at me for helping people on my own, let’s team up.  Let’s pass some bills.  Let’s help America together.  (Applause.)   
 
It is lonely, me just doing stuff.  I’d love if the Republicans did stuff, too.  (Laughter.)  On immigration issues, we’ve got -- and to their credit, there are some Republicans in the Senate who actually worked with Democrats, passed a bill, would strengthen the borders, would help make the system more fair and more just.  But the House Republicans, they haven’t even called the bill.  They won’t even take a vote on the bill.  They don’t have enough energy or organization or I don’t know what to just even vote no on the bill.  (Laughter.)  And then they’re made at me for trying to do some things to make the immigration system work better.  So it doesn’t make sense.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I’m sorry, what are you yelling about now?  Sit down, guys.  I’m almost done.  Come on, sit down.  I’ll talk to you afterwards, I promise.  I’ll bring you back.  I’m wrapping things up here.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I understand.  See, everybody is going to start -- I’m on your side, man.  Sit down, guys, we’ll talk about it later, I promise.
 
So, look, here’s what we could do.  We could do so much more -- you don’t have to escort them out.  They’ll sit down.  I promise, I’ll talk to you afterwards. 
 
We could do so much more if Republicans in Congress would focus less on stacking the deck for those on the top and focus more on creating opportunity for everybody.  And I want to work with them.  I don’t expect them to agree with me on everything, but at least agree with me on the things that you used to say you were for before I was for them.  (Applause.) 
 
You used to be for building roads and infrastructure.  Nothing has changed.  Let’s go ahead and do it.  (Applause.)  Ronald Reagan passed immigration reform, and you love Ronald Reagan.  Let’s go ahead and do it.  (Applause.)   
 
I mean, what changed?  I’m just saying.  (Laughter.)  That’s what made our country great, a sense of common purpose, a sense we’re all in it together as one nation, as one people.  We can debate the issues, we can have our differences, but let’s do something.  (Applause.)  Let’s rally around an economic patriotism that says, instead of giving more tax breaks to millionaires, let’s give tax breaks to working families to help pay for child care or college. 
 
Instead of protecting tax loopholes that let corporations keep their profits overseas,  let’s put some of that money to work right here in the United States rebuilding America.  (Applause.)  We can rebuild our airports, create the next generation of good manufacturing jobs, make sure those are made in America. 
 
Let’s rally around a patriotism that says we’re stronger as a nation when we cultivate the ingenuity and talent of every American, and give every 4-year-old in America access to high-quality education -- good-quality preschool.  (Applause.)  Let’s redesign our high schools to make them more relevant to the 21st century economy.  Let’s make college more affordable.  Let’s  make sure every worker, if you lose your job, you can get a good job training that gives you an even better job.  (Applause.) 
 
Let’s embrace the patriotism that says it’s a good thing when our fellow citizens have health care.  It’s not a bad thing. (Applause.)  That’s not a bad thing.  It’s a good thing when women earn what men do for the same work.  That’s an all-American principle.  (Applause.)  Everybody has got a mom out there or a wife out there or a daughter out there.  They don’t want them to not get treated fairly.  Why would you be against that? 
 
It’s a good thing when parents can take a day off to care for a sick child without losing their job or losing pay and they can’t pay their bills at the end of the month.  It’s a good thing when nobody who works full-time is living in poverty.  That is not radical.  It’s not un-American.  It’s not socialist.  That’s how we built this country.  It’s what America is all about, us working together.  (Applause.)   
 
So let me just wrap up by saying this:  The hardest thing to change in politics is a stubborn status quo.  Our democracy is designed where folks who have power, who have clout -- they can block stuff, they can keep things as they are.  It’s hard.  It’s even harder when Washington seems focused on everything but your concerns, Kinsey’s concerns. 
 
There are plenty of people who count on you getting cynical and count on you not getting involved so that you don’t vote, so you give up.  And you can’t give into that.  America is making progress, despite what the cynics say.  (Applause.)  Despite unyielding opposition and a Congress that can’t seem to do anything, there are workers with jobs who didn’t have them before; there are families with health insurance who didn’t have them before; there are students in college who couldn’t afford it before; there are troops who served tour after tour who are home with their families today.  (Applause.)   
 
Cynicism is popular.  Cynicism is popular these days.  It’s what passes off as wisdom.  But cynics didn’t put a man on the moon.  Cynics never won a war.  Cynics didn’t cure a disease, or start a business, or feed a young mind.  Cynicism didn’t bring about the right for women to vote, or the right for African Americans to be full citizens.  Cynicism is a choice. 
 
Hope is a better choice.  Hope is what gave young soldiers the courage to storm a beach.  Hope is what gave young people the strength to march for women’s rights and civil rights and voting rights and gay rights and immigrant rights.  (Applause.) 
 
Hope is what compelled Kinsey to sit down and pick up a pen, and ask “what can I do,” and actually think maybe the President might read that story and it might make a difference.  (Applause.)  And her voice rang out here in the Paramount Theatre.  And it’s her voice and your voice that’s going to change this country.  That’s how we’re going to make sure that we remain the greatest nation on Earth -- not by asking what we can do for ourselves, but what we can do for each other and what we can do for our country. 
 
And so, as President, I’m going to keep a promise that I made when I first ran:  Every day, I will keep asking the same question, and that is, how can I help you?  And I’ll keep treating your cares and your concerns as my own.  And I will keep fighting to restore the American Dream for everybody who’s willing to work for it. 
 
And I am going to need you to be right there with me.  (Applause.)  Do not get cynical.  Hope is the better choice. 
 
Thank you, Texas.  Thank you, Austin.  God bless you.  (Applause.) 
 
END
1:28 P.M. CDT

U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT CONTRACTS FOR JULY 10, 2014

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Astrium Services Government, Inc., Rockville, Maryland (FA8814-14-D-0001); Harris Corp. Government Communications Systems Business Unit, Palm Bay, Florida (FA8814-14-D-0002); Space Systems/Loral, LLC, Palo Alto, California (FA8814-14-D-0003); Millennium Engineering & Integration Company, Arlington, Virginia (FA8814-14-D-0004); Surrey Satellite Technology, Englewood, Colorado (FA8814-14-D-0005); Orbital Sciences Corp., Dulles, Virginia (FA8814-14-D-0006); The Boeing Co., El Segundo, California (FA8814-14-D-0007); Exoterra Resources, Littleton, Colorado (FA8814-14-D-0008); Lockheed Martin Corp., Littleton, Colorado (FA8814-14-D-0009); Merging Excellence and Innovation Tech, Inc., Houston, Texas (FA8814-14-D-0010); ViviSat, LLC, Beltsville, Maryland (FA8814-14-D-0011); Intelsat General Corp., Bethesda, Maryland (FA8814-14-D-0012); SES Government Solutions, McLean, Virginia (FA8814-14-D-0013); and Eutelsat America Corp., Washington, District of Columbia (FA8814-14-D-0014), have each been awarded a $494,900,000 maximum firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract under the Hosted Payload Solutions (HoPS) program. The purpose of the multiple awarded HoPS IDIQ contract is to provide a rapid and flexible means for the government to acquire commercial hosting capabilities for government payloads. The contract is designed to create a pool of qualified vendors to meet the government's needs for various hosted payload missions. The HoPS IDIQ scope includes procurement of hosted payload missions and procurement of hosted payload studies. Procurement of hosted payload missions includes a fully-functioning on-orbit hosted payload space and ground system for government-furnished payloads on commercial platforms. In addition to the space and ground systems, the HoPS mission will also include related on-orbit support for data transfer from the hosted payload to the government end-user(s). The HoPS studies include those study activities related to enabling hosted payloads. This award is the result of a full and open competitive acquisition. The contract has a five-year ordering period from the date of award. Work will be performed predominantly at the contractors' locations mentioned above, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2029. A total of 19 firms were solicited and a total of 14 offers were received. This is not a multiyear contract. Fiscal 2014 research and development funds in the amount of $975,696 are being obligated at time of award. The Space and Missile Systems Center Contracting Directorate, El Segundo, California, is the contracting activity.

ARMY

MW Builders, Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded a $47,777,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction services for a new five-story barracks/company operations facility, a common cooling tower with support facility, and associated site improvements. Work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, with an estimated completion date of June 21, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet with eight received. Fiscal 2014 military construction funds in the amount of $47,777,000 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-14-C-4009).
Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $15,581,037 firm-fixed-price multi-year foreign military sales contract (Australia, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman and Taiwan) for Javelin Life Cycle contractor support for maintenance of command launch units and training devices. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of July 8, 2016. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $6,429,497, and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $1,207,760, are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-14-C-0127).

Carothers Construction, Inc., Oxford, Mississippi, was awarded a $13,543,293 firm-fixed-price contract with options for construction of the Bridgeport Army Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Branford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 13, 2015. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Fiscal 2010 ($13,080,293) and fiscal 2011($282,000) military construction funds, and fiscal 2014 ($181,000) operations and maintenance (Army) funds, are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-14-C-0024).

Fortis Networks, Inc.*, Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $9,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract with options for military and civil works construction services in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division with an estimated completion date of July 9, 2019. Bids were solicited via the internet with 14 received. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-14-D-0005).

Raass Brothers, Inc.*, Provo, Utah, was awarded an $8,898,317 firm-fixed-price contract with options for building renovation. Work will be performed in buildings 7416 and 7418, Fort Carson, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 14, 2016. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Fiscal 2010 military construction funds in the amount of $892,148 and fiscal 2013 military construction funds in the amount of $7,091,169 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-14-C-0018).

Parsons Government Services, Inc., Pasadena, California, was awarded an $8,000,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery contract for architectural and engineering services for construction management support for the Mobile District and South Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with an estimated completion date of July 9, 2019. Bids were solicited via the internet with 97 received. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama is the contracting activity (W91278-14-D-0044).

NAVY

General Technical Systems,* Virginia Beach, Virginia, is being awarded an $11,825,274 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the development of a prototype Gatekeeper On The Move - Biometrics (GOTM-B) in support of reconnaissance and surveillance payloads, sensors, delivery systems and platforms. The GOTM-B system is an innovative, non-contact, on the move, multimodal biometric (3D Finger, Face, and Iris) identity operations and force protection capability. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Virginia (80 percent) and Tampa, Florida (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2017. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation (defense-wide) funds in the amount of $3,312,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement and one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-14-C-0183).
Triumph Gear System, Inc., Park City, Utah, is being awarded a $9,640,283 five year firm-fixed-price contract for the repair of a gearbox accessory in support of F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Park City, Utah, and work is expected to be completed by July 2020. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Fiscal 2014 Navy working capital funds will be obligated as delivery orders are issued. No contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source requirement in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). The NAVSUP Weapon System Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-14-D-025D).

CACI Inc.-Federal, Chantilly, Virginia, is being awarded a $9,423,610 modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00033-09-D-6503) with firm-fixed-price and/or firm-fixed-price level-of-effort task orders for systems development support services in support of Military Sealift Command’s Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems directorate. Work will be performed in Chantilly, Virginia (70 percent); Arlington, Virginia (5 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (3 percent); Ledyard, Connecticut (20 percent), and overseas worldwide (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2015. Fiscal 2014 working capital funds in the amounts of $9,423,610 will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00033-09-D-6503).

Defense Logistics Agency

CORRECTION: The contract announced on July 8, 2014, for BP Products North America Inc., Chicago, Illinois (SP0600-14-D-8542), for $25,706,502, was announced with an incorrect maximum dollar amount and an incorrect award date. The correct maximum dollar amount is $112,842,240 and the correct award date is July 9, 2014.

*Small Business

U.S. WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF UN SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Appointment of Staffan de Mistura as UN Special Envoy for Syria

Press Statement

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

July 10, 2014

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The United States welcomes the decision by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to appoint Staffan de Mistura as the new UN Special Envoy for Syria. Special Envoy de Mistura is a distinguished diplomat who brings a wealth of experience to this pressing crisis from his work on Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan, and the former Yugoslavia.

We applaud his readiness to continue the important mission of trying to bring an end to the suffering and brutal violence inside Syria and to forge a path toward a political transition consistent with the principles of the Geneva Communique that ultimately leads to an inclusive government and fulfills Syrians’ aspirations for freedom and dignity. We encourage Special Envoy de Mistura to build upon the outstanding work of his predecessor, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, and expand upon UN engagement with Syrians from all strata of society.

We look forward to supporting Special Envoy de Mistura as he works to achieve a negotiated political solution, which we believe is the best way to address all dimensions of this crisis and to end the conflict sustainably.

REMARKS BY SECRETARY KERRY AT ECOPARTNERSHIPS SIGNING CEREMONY IN BEIJING, CHINA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Remarks at EcoPartnerships Signing Ceremony

Remarks

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Great Hall of the People

Beijing, China

July 10, 2014

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Well, State Councilor Yang and all of our ecopartners today who traveled so far in order to sign these landmark agreements, we are delighted to be here. I was sitting here, thinking, listening to the State Councilor -- the amazing journey we have traveled in very few years.
I was in Rio in 1992 for the first Earth Day for the Earth Summit, when we first began to discuss, globally, the challenge of climate change. And even five years ago, when I was in the United States Senate, I would not have imagined that we would have been standing here in Beijing, joining together in this kind of initiative. And the reason we are here is because the science is growing so significantly, and coming back at us not just with the truth of what was predicted, but coming back in greater quantities, faster than anybody predicted.

And so, it is no secret that China and the United States have a very special role to play together in combating climate change. Our words and our actions will set the tone. Either we create the momentum to galvanize global action in order to deal with this, or we risk a global catastrophe. That is the science. You can't be half pregnant on this. If you accept the science, and it tells you what is happening, you have to also listen to the people as they give us warnings about what will happen if we don't take action.

All of us in this room recognize that governments cannot meet this challenge alone. And that is why we are harnessing the ingenuity and the innovation of the private sector, universities, civil society, in order to promote economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. And our EcoPartnerships program is a tremendous jumping-off point to help us do exactly what we need to do in those three objectives.

Some of you here are working on biofuels and battery storage technology. Some of you are focused on reducing air pollution in ports, and promoting low-emission cities, creating city planning that works on sustainability and efficiency, and also developing clean technologies. But all of you are turning a singular challenge into a moment of great opportunity.

The former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, my friend -- I had the privilege of serving with him -- Speaker Tip O'Neill, had a terrific saying, that all politics is local. Well, our ecopartnerships are applying the Tip O'Neill doctrine to climate. If you want to make progress globally, start locally.

And I will just share one example. The Center for Climate Strategies in the United States has been working very closely with the Global Environmental Institute in China in order to develop ideas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And the Center has already worked with 36 states in the United States on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it is transferring these best practices to Chinese provinces. It is doing so directly. In the next three years, the partnership will develop 30 low-carbon plans across China. And that is exactly how we are going to make the most progress in this fight.

Now, it is easy to get caught up in the conventional wisdom that says no big change is going to be able to happen without big bureaucracies, big government, big decisions. But, frankly, a lot of us have learned in the last 20 years that you've got to begin somewhere.

I still remember participating, back in 1970, in the first Earth Day in the United States of America. On that day, 20 million Americans came out of their homes and demonstrated, because they didn't want to grow up drinking water that came from pollution from local dumps, or from toxic chemical sites, and so forth. We had no Environmental Protection Agency in 1970 in America. We had no laws preventing paint from being used in people's homes or on babies’ cribs that was lead and could do injury, if not death to those children. We had no one that was safeguarding our public drinking water. Polluters were even dumping medical waste directly into the oceans. And by 1970, our rivers were so dirty that, famously, one particular river in one of our states actually caught fire.

The explosion of our activism at that moment in time, on that very first Earth Day, was people-driven, local citizens demanding something better. And that first Earth Day led, ultimately, to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, signed into law by Richard Nixon; the passage of the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Safe Drinking Water Act; the Marine Mammal Protection Act; the Coastal Zone Management Act; and the EPA, itself. So, I have seen the power of grass roots action, of local efforts becoming magnified and ultimately creating action at a larger, federal level. And I see that same kind of drive, that same kernel of innovation, and of demand for a difference right here, today.

What one country does with respect to the environment impacts the livelihoods of people in other countries. And what we all do to address climate change will now determine the kind of planet that our children and our grandchildren will live on. That is not a question about who wins and who loses. If you tackle climate change and you lead the way to a clean energy future, the fact is it is win-win-win: win for China, win for America, and win for the world. And today, these ecopartnerships are a signal to everybody that we are serious, we are on our way, and we intend to seize the opportunity. Thank you. (Applause.)

SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS AT CEO ROUNDTABLE IN BEIJING, CHINA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Remarks at Opening of CEO Roundtable

Remarks

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Secretary of Treasury Jacob Lew, State Councilor Yang Jiechi

Diayuotai State Guesthouse

Beijing, China

July 10, 2014

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MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Special representatives, friends of the business community, (inaudible) joining us in the Strategic and Economic Dialogue through a cultural performance, then the roundtable is a routine program of this cultural show. So I will first give the floor to State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

STATE COUNCILOR YANG: (Via interpreter) Vice Premier Wang, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Lew, business leaders from China and the United States, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First of all, let me warmly welcome all the business leaders from China and the United States at this breakfast. I’ve seen many old friends and new friends here today. So all of the four special representatives are here, and we also have the leading figures from important ministries and agencies of China, and I think this shows – the presence of them shows how much importance our two governments attach to our business relationship. And I’ll be looking forward to the remarks from all the business leaders as well as your insights.

And business is a backbone of China-U.S. economic relationship. Over the past 35 years, our bilateral trade increased by over 200 times. It was up from U.S. $2.45 billion in 1979 to $520 billion in 2013. Bilateral investment, which was hardly in existence, grew to U.S. $100 billion last year. So without your hard work, there would not have been such big progress in our bilateral economic relationship and trade.

The businesses also drive our cooperation. Trade and investment between our businesses’ leaders – businesses not only brings goods and jobs to us, but also mutual understanding and friendship among our peoples. Over the past 35 years, we have been expanding the areas of our cooperation and have seen a big increase in our people-to-people exchanges, and we ought to thank our enterprises for their hard work.

Finally, the business is also the pillars for our new model of major-country relationship, which is an unprecedented and innovative endeavor. We need to work very hard and work continuously. And we also look forward to the active support and participation of people from all sectors so that our companies and businesses play very important roles.

And I believe that the government departments from those countries will attach great importance to your views and your comments, and we will try our best to include them into the agenda of S&ED so as to remove the obstacles for cooperation between our two – between the companies of the two sides and create a better development environment for all of you. Thank you.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Secretary Jacob Lew please.

SECRETARY LEW: Thank you very much, Vice Premier. On behalf of President Obama and all of my colleagues in the States, I’d like to thank our Chinese colleagues for hosting this morning’s discussions, and to all the business leaders who’ve come (inaudible). As we all know, we’re in the middle of our sixth U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and over the past five years, this has really become a foundation of our economic engagement.
I think that the dialogue itself is the government-to-government engagement. But what’s really driving a lot of what we do economically is the people-to-people engagement that goes on in the business world. I think it’s important to remember that before we had diplomatic relations, we did have commercial relations. They were small, and as the State Councilor noted, they’ve grown tremendously over the last 35 years. But it began with relationships in commerce and grew into government-to-government relationships.

Today, strengthening the commercial relationship remains an important task ahead of us. It’s a way of creating economic growth and jobs in our two countries, and it’s a way to help drive the global economy forward. You, the business leaders, are the strongest champions of the robust, fair and expanding U.S.-Chinese relationship.

The United States welcomes foreign direct investment. It has been the backbone of our economy for our entire history, and we look forward to discussions that will continue (inaudible) the next few years. Foreign direct investment from China in the United States has grown tenfold, and we hope that we can, through conversations like this, continue to identify opportunities (inaudible) in both countries.

Last year marked the first time that Chinese direct investment in the United States was greater than investment from the United States into China. Chinese firms are making important contributions to U.S. output and employment and are valued members of the communities in which they invest.

U.S. firms, which, I believe, are the most dynamic and innovative in the world, likewise are contributing to the Chinese economy. And they’re capable contributing to even more of China’s efforts to transform its development model, develop its services industry, deepen financial sector reform, and improve access to capital and boost domestic demand. It’s important that these firms are able to participate in healthy competition on a level playing field that will produce benefits to both our nations and the global economy.

And that’s where each of you, the business leaders here this morning, comes in. Each of your firms plays a pivotal role in helping to propel the U.S.-China relationship forward. And with that, I look forward to hearing your comments this morning about the successes you’ve had in the collaboration, and importantly, the challenges you face where we, as government officials, can perhaps play a role to help make things easier on both sides.

With that, I look forward to hearing what all of my colleagues on both sides – the government part of the table, but mostly what the business side of the table – have to say here this morning. Thank you very much.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Secretary Kerry please.

SECRETARY KERRY: Vice Premier Wang, thank you very, very much. Thank you very much for your generous welcome here over the last 48 hours. We’re really delighted to be here with so many high-level, extraordinarily successful, confident business leaders. And I’m very happy to be joined with a very strong American delegation. Our – in addition to the Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew, we have our Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, our Trade Representative Mike Froman, our Counselor to the President John Podesta, our ambassador – well, Senator Max Baucus. And we really have come here to listen to you. We want to hear your thoughts.

But I would just say as a preface to that, the State Department today is very clear that economic policy is foreign policy and foreign policy is economic policy. And all of our people – the people of China, the people of the United States, really the people of the world – are looking for their fair opportunities. That was part of the unrest that we see in certain parts of the world. Huge numbers of young people connected to everybody in the world, every day, all the time. So everything that happens anywhere is now known to everybody.

The fact is that it’s a world of rising expectations, but it’s also a world of rising possibilities. And nobody defines that more than your businesses. When half the world is still living on less than $2 a day and a large percentage of it on $1, there’s immense opportunity for growth and development. How we manage that is really what is going to define, I think, this century.
And the fact is that you’ve heard the figures. Thirty-five years ago, $2 billion of trade in goods; now, well over 500 and growing, with foreign direct investment moving in both directions – not yet even, but something we need to work at, but it doubled last year from China to the United States. We want to do better. We are in the middle of negotiating now a bilateral investment treaty. We’ll want to get that completed. We want to have an intellectual/technology trade agreement. We need to make sure we’re protecting intellectual property rights; make sure we’re creating transparency in the regulatory process; make sure that we are raising the bar for everybody in a sense, in terms of the standards by which we do business.

China and the United State represent the greatest economic alliance trading partnership in the history of humankind, and it is only going to grow. So this is a very important meeting and we really look forward to hearing from you your thoughts about how we, in the Obama Administration, can grow these possibilities, meet your needs, strengthen our countries, and strengthen the security relationship as well, which grows out of the economic relationship at the same time.

So thank you for coming today, and we thank the Vice Premier and the State Councilor for convening us.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) I want to thank the three special representatives for their opening remarks. Now I will open up the floor.

REMARKS BY SECRETARY KERRY, CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AT GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Remarks With Chinese President Xi Jinping

Remarks

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Great Hall of the People

Beijing, China

July 10, 2014

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PRESIDENT XI: (Via interpreter.) A historical experience in our relationship is a valuable asset that both sides need to keep in mind. President Obama and I have agreed that we will work together to build a new model of major country relations between China and the United States. And from my words and the words of President Obama, people can see our sheer determination to do that. I hope through the joint efforts of both sides, we can make sure the China-U.S. relationship will make some progress in the right direction, and as we stress here, that China will continue to make unrelenting efforts in that direction.

When you go back, please send my best greetings and warm regards to President Obama and Vice President Biden. I welcomed President Obama to come to China in November for the APEC meeting and a bilateral visit, which will give us another opportunity (inaudible).
Now I’d like to listen to your comments please.

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Mr. President, first of all, thank you on behalf of President Obama and our entire delegation. We’re very grateful to you and your team for the excellent dialogue over these two days.

And thank you for your strong (inaudible) yesterday (inaudible) the dialogue. I think that it helped to raise the level of discussion, and I know that President Obama is very much looking forward to being here for the APEC conference. He wants that conference to be a success, and we hope that these two days have helped to provide the building blocks for that success.
As you know, Mr. President, that Secretary Lew led the economic discussion, and we were engaged with principally State Councilor Yang Jiechi on the security dialogue. And I would just say to you very quickly and I think Secretary Lew would like to say the same thing. President Obama wants to emphasize that the United States welcomes and wants a strong, prosperous, stable China.

And we mean what we say when we emphasize that there is no U.S. strategy to try to push back against or be in conflict with China. There were many, many issues that we discussed. We really covered the waterfront, as we say. But I do want to emphasize that we reached agreement that we need to both do more and we are prepared to do (inaudible) in order (inaudible) Korea on the subject of denuclearization. Secondly, we came to agreement that must press forward together in unity with respect to Iran’s nuclear program, and we look forward to continuing to cooperate in the P5+1.

And third, and I think very importantly, because of your directives last year, because of the meetings we’ve held over this past year, we have really made significant progress in defining our mutual leadership role on climate change. And we believe there’s an enormous opportunity to be able to help (inaudible) internationally , and we’re very grateful to you for your serious effort that your team has made with us to sign EcoPartnerships, to designate specific measures you will take, and to continue to work on that very challenging (inaudible).

NASA SCIENCECASTS: A SUMMER OF SUPER MOONS

EX-IM BANK CLAIMS IT'S OPENING DOORS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN CHINA

FROM:  U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK 

The Export-Import Bank Continues to Open Doors for U.S. Small Businesses to Export to China in 2014

Direct and indirect small business support part of record-high $1.8 billion authorizations for exports to China year-to-date

SHENZHEN, CHINA – As the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) Chairman and President Fred Hochberg tours China to encourage the purchase of Made-in-America goods and services and participates in the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, new statistics reveal that Ex-Im Bank is on track to hit a new record for transactions supporting U.S. exports to China in fiscal year 2014. Already totaling more than $1.8 billion, Ex-Im Bank financing contributes to a more balanced trade relationship with China, where exports from American companies have nearly doubled since 2009.


”As the world’s second largest economy, and the third largest importer of U.S. goods, China represents an incredible opportunity for U.S small businesses,” said Chairman Hochberg. “Both through direct sales to China and supplying larger U.S. exporters, American small businesses, with the help of Ex-Im Bank are competing on a more level playing field while expanding their exports to China and creating jobs in the United States.”

Ex-Im Bank does not compete with private banks or lenders, but still continues to play a vital role in opening China’s vast market to U.S. small businesses through its loan-guarantee and trade-credit-insurance programs. That’s because, often times, small business exporters have shipments that are too small for commercial banks to deem worth their time. With just over 400 employees, Ex-Im Bank is nimble enough that there is no American small business exporter that is too small for Ex-Im to support.

“We are finding that the ability to talk about and offer a loan is critical to our success for fire apparatus and equipment sales in many parts of China,” said Peter Darley, vice president of W.S. Darley of Itasca, Illinois. “Due to the Ex-Im framework agreement, interested Fire Departments are able to purchase products from the U.S. and can spread out their payments, affording them the opportunity to purchase the right amount of equipment with the desired quality and technology. We have a lot of good people working for us that are employed because we are able to offer project financing that is backed by Ex-Im Bank.”

As a result of Ex-Im support, small businesses across the U.S. have been able to directly export to China in FY 2014, including:

Bassett’s Ice Cream – Philadelphia, PA. Bassett’s is a fifth-generation frozen dessert distributor and a Philadelphia tradition since 1861.

Cypress Creek Hardwoods – Austin, TX. Cypress Creek Hardwoods sells hardwood lumber to China.

Lions Gate Inc. – Honaunau, HI. Lions Gate exports Kona Coffee.

South Coast Products – Houston, TX. South Coast produces lubricants, greases, thread compound, sealants, lubrication equipment, and laboratory equipment and accessories used for testing/analysis of greases and lubricants.

Teledynamics LLC – Towaco, NJ. Teledynamics manufactures and supplies mail and material monorail systems for hospitals, libraries, and law firms.

W.S. Darley – Itasca, IL. Darley is a leading provider of firefighting equipment, rescue gear, tools and supplies.

READOUT: DEPUTY AG COLE'S TOUR OF BORDER STATION IN MCALLEN, TX

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Readout of Deputy Attorney General’s Tour of Border Station in McAllen, Texas
Deputy Attorney General James Cole made a return trip today to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s McAllen Station and processing facility to discuss steps the Department of Justice is taking to help address the influx of migrants crossing the southwest border.

Chief Patrol Agent Kevin Oaks and Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz gave the Deputy Attorney General a tour of the facility and a briefing on the operations at McAllen.  McAllen staff discussed the numbers of migrants that are arriving each day, including the numbers of unaccompanied children, families and adults; and the reasons, including violence in Central American countries, that many are giving for making the dangerous trek to the U.S. border.  Cole also viewed the station’s processing facility, where migrants who have arrived in the past few days are housed.

During his talk with McAllen staff, Cole took the opportunity to highlight the Justice Department’s commitment to prioritizing adjudication of cases that fall into the following four groups: unaccompanied children who recently crossed the border; families who recently crossed the border and are held in detention; families who recently crossed the border but are on “alternatives to detention;” and other detained cases, including border crossers and significant public safety threats.  He also emphasized that the department’s intention to reassign immigration judges in immigration courts around the country from their current dockets to hear the cases of individuals falling in these four groups.

Cole noted that the department is also seeking new funding for as many as 40 more immigration judges and to provide technical assistance to Central American countries in identifying and dismantling smuggling operations that take advantage of migrants seeking to enter the U.S.  He also noted that the department has requested funding to provide technical assistance in combating transnational crime and the threat posed by criminal gangs.  Cole reiterated that the department continues to focus on investigating and prosecuting smugglers who exploit and victimize vulnerable migrants, including children, in partnership with DHS and foreign governments. The discussion with McAllen staff also included a productive exchange of ideas on strategic ways to combat smuggling.

The Deputy Attorney General was impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the McAllen staff and thanked them for their service.  Cole last visited the facility in November 2013.

WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY MAKES STATEMENT ON INDONESIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE 

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Indonesian Presidential Election

We congratulate the people of Indonesia on the successful completion of their historic presidential election.  The high voter turnout, spirited campaign, and strong participation by Indonesia’s public, civil society, and media underscore the strength and dynamism of Indonesia’s maturing democracy.

As the world’s second and third largest democracies, the United States and Indonesia have many shared interests and values, including a strong belief in the importance of respect for human rights, inclusive governance, and equal opportunities for all people.  The Comprehensive Partnership that our two countries launched in 2010 is a long-term commitment to build on our common interests to broaden, deepen and elevate bilateral relations between the United States and Indonesia, as well as to promote mutual understanding and work together on issues of regional and global concern.  The President looks forward to continuing that important partnership with the new Indonesian President, as well as with the recently elected parliament.

President Obama and his Administration have valued the partnership with President Yudhoyono, who has worked closely with the United States to strengthen our bilateral relationship and our engagement with ASEAN. As President Yudhoyono nears the end of his term, he can look back on an important legacy of helping Indonesia achieve strong economic growth, strengthened democratic institutions, and a role as a regional and global leader. This Administration recognizes with deep appreciation his efforts to build greater understanding between Indonesia and the United States, and we look forward to continuing close ties going forward.

FDA APPROVES MEDTRONIC COREVALVE SYSTEM

FROM:  U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 

Medtronic CoreValve System - P130021/S002

This is a brief overview of information related to FDA’s approval to market this product. See the links below to the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data (SSED) and product labeling for more complete information on this product, its indications for use, and the basis for FDA’s approval.

Product Name: Medtronic CoreValve System
PMA Applicant: Medtronic CoreValve LLC
Address: Medtronic CoreValve LLC, 3576 Unocal Place, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Approval Date: June 12, 2014
Approval Letter: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/ cdrh_docs/pdf13/P130021S002a.pdf

What is it? The Medtronic CoreValve System (often referred to as the CoreValve) consists of a catheter-based artificial aortic heart valve and accessories used to implant the valve without open-heart surgery. The valve is made of pig tissue attached to a flexible, self-expanding, nickel-titanium frame for support.

How does it work? The CoreValve is compressed and placed on the end of a tube-like device called a delivery catheter. It is then inserted through the femoral artery in the leg. If the femoral arteries are not suitable, the valve can also be inserted through other arteries or through the aorta. The catheter is pushed through the blood vessels until it reaches the diseased aortic valve. The valve is then released from the catheter, it expands on its own, and anchors to the diseased valve. The CoreValve functions the same as a normal valve, helping the blood flow properly by opening and closing like a door to force the blood to flow in the correct direction.

When is it used? The CoreValve is used in patients whose own aortic heart valve is diseased due to calcium build up, which causes the valve to narrow (aortic stenosis) and restricts blood flow through the valve. As the heart works harder to pump enough blood through the smaller opening, the heart eventually becomes weak. This can lead to symptoms and life-threatening heart problems such as fainting, chest pain, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or cardiac arrest. Once symptoms of severe aortic stenosis occur, over half of the patients die within two years if the diseased valve is not replaced.

The CoreValve should only be used in patients who cannot undergo, or are at high risk for open heart surgery as determined by their heart team (a cardiologist and surgeon).

What will it accomplish? The CoreValve can help correct the blood flow problem associated with aortic stenosis in patients who need open-heart surgery to replace the diseased valve, but the surgical procedure is highly risky, or too risky. In the U.S. clinical trial, the CoreValve was shown to be reasonably safe and effective for those patients without the need for open-heart surgery. However, implanting the CoreValve also carries the risk of serious complications such as death, stroke, acute kidney injury, heart attack, bleeding, complications with the arteries used to insert the valve, and the need for a permanent pacemaker. For some patients with coexisting conditions or diseases, the risks may be especially high. Patients should discuss with their doctors the benefits and risks of this device.

When should it not be used? The CoreValve should not be used in patients who:

have an infection in the heart or elsewhere.
have an artificial (mechanical) aortic valve.
cannot tolerate blood thinning medicines.
have sensitivity to Nitinol (Titanium or Nickel) or to fluid used during the procedure to   see internal structures (contrast media).
Additional information: The Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data and labeling are available online.

BNP PARIBAS PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRING TO VIOLATE TRADING WITH THE ENEMY ACT

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

BNP Paribas Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Violate U.S. Economic Sanctions in Manhattan Federal Court

Court Accepts Plea Agreement Requiring BNP Paribas to Forfeit More Than $8.8 Billion and to Pay a Criminal Fine of $140 Million

BNP Paribas S.A. (BNPP), a global financial institution headquartered in Paris, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield in the Southern District of New York to a one-count information charging the bank with conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA), for its role in processing billions of dollars of U.S. dollar transactions through the U.S. financial system on behalf of Sudanese, Iranian, and Cuban entities subject to U.S. economic sanctions from 2004 through 2012.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for the Southern District of New York made the announcement.

In accepting BNPP’s guilty plea, the court accepted the plea agreement that had been entered into by the government and BNPP on June 30, 2014, under which BNPP agreed to forfeit a total of $8.8336 billion, pay a criminal fine of $140 million, cooperate with U.S. authorities, and be subject to a five-year term of probation, during which BNPP must enhance its compliance policies and procedures in accordance with settlement agreements BNPP has entered into with its principal U.S. regulators, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the New York State Department of Financial Services.

According to the plea agreement, statements made during today’s plea proceeding, and the statement of facts containing further admissions by BNPP, BNPP knowingly and willfully moved more than $8.8 billion through the U.S. financial system on behalf of entities subject to U.S. embargo from 2004 through 2012, including more than $4.3 billion in transactions involving entities that were specifically designated by the U.S. government as being cut off from the U.S. financial system.

BNPP admitted that the majority of illegal payments were made on behalf of sanctioned entities in Sudan, which was subject to U.S. embargo based on the Sudanese government’s role in facilitating terrorism and committing human rights abuses.   BNPP processed approximately $6.4 billion through the United States on behalf of Sudanese sanctioned entities from July 2006 through June 2007, including approximately $4 billion on behalf of a financial institution owned by the government of Sudan, even as internal emails showed BNPP employees expressing concern about the bank’s assisting the Sudanese government in light of its role in supporting international terrorism and committing human rights abuses during the same time period.   Indeed, in March 2007, a senior compliance officer at BNPP wrote to other high-level BNPP compliance and legal employees reminding them that certain Sudanese banks with which BNPP dealt “play a pivotal part in the support of the Sudanese government which . . . has hosted Osama Bin Laden and refuses the United Nations intervention in Darfur.”

One way in which BNPP processed illegal transactions on behalf of Sudanese sanctioned entities was through a sophisticated system of “satellite banks” set up to disguise both BNPP’s and the sanctioned entities’ roles in the payments to and from financial institutions in the United States.   As early as August 2005, a senior compliance officer at BNPP warned several legal, business, and compliance personnel at BNPP’s subsidiary in Geneva that the satellite bank system was being used to evade U.S. sanctions: “As I understand it, we have a number of Arab Banks (nine identified) on our books that only carry out clearing transactions for Sudanese banks in dollars. . . . This practice effectively means that we are circumventing the US embargo on transactions in USD by Sudan.”

Similarly, BNPP admitted that it provided Cuban sanctioned entities with access to the U.S. financial system by hiding the Cuban sanctioned entities’ involvement in payment messages.   From October 2004 through early 2010, BNPP knowingly and willfully processed approximately $1.747 billion on behalf of Cuban sanctioned entities.   In the statement of facts, BNPP admitted that it continued to do U.S. dollar business with Cuba long after it was clear that such business was illegal in order to preserve BNPP’s business relationships with Cuban entities.   BNPP further admitted that its conduct with regard to the Cuban embargo was both “cavalier” and “criminal,” as evidenced by the bank’s 2006 decision, after certain Cuban payments were blocked when they reached the United States, to strip the wire messages for those payments of references to Cuban entities and resubmit them as a lump sum in order to conceal from U.S. regulators the bank’s longstanding, and illicit, Cuban business.

BNPP also admitted to engaging in more than $650 million of transactions involving entities tied to Iran, and this conduct continued into 2012 – nearly two years after the bank had commenced an internal investigation into its sanctions compliance and had pledged to cooperate with the government.   The illicit Iranian transactions were done on behalf of BNPP clients, including a petroleum company based in Dubai that was effectively a front for an Iranian petroleum company, and an Iranian oil company.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s Washington Field Division and the FBI’s New York Field Office.   This case is being prosecuted by the Money Laundering and Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section (AFMLS) and the Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.   Trial Attorneys Craig Timm and Jennifer E. Ambuehl of AFMLS and Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Goldstein, Martin S. Bell, Christine I. Magdo and Micah W.J. Smith of the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office also conducted its own investigation alongside the Department of Justice on this investigation.   The Department of Justice expressed its gratitude to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the New York State Department of Financial Services, and the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their assistance with this matter.

U.S. EXTENDS BEST WISHES TO PEOPLE OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN ON THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

The Republic of South Sudan's Independence Day

Press Statement

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

July 9, 2014

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On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, we extend our best wishes to the people of the Republic of South Sudan on the third anniversary of their country’s independence.

Three years ago I witnessed the people of South Sudan vote to forge a new nation, founded on the promise of a more peaceful and prosperous future for all of South Sudan’s people.
Now that promise for which the people of South Sudan suffered and sacrificed so much is being threatened by the current conflict. Too much blood has been spilled, and too many lives have been lost, to allow South Sudan’s moment of hope and opportunity to slip from its grasp. As I told President Kiir when I visited South Sudan on May 2 of this year, and have discussed with President Kiir and Riek Machar in numerous phone conversations, it is high time to honor fully the Cessation of Hostilities agreement of January 23 to end the violence, especially the violence being targeted against civilians. The people of South Sudan need their leaders to use the Intergovernmental Authority on Development peace process to end the conflict and establish a transitional government that can ensure stability, prosperity, and peace for all. Now is the time for South Sudan’s leaders to show courage and leadership, and to reaffirm their commitment to unity, to reconciliation and accountability, and to a better future for the people of South Sudan.

The United States remains committed to supporting the people of South Sudan during this time of incredible difficulty, and continuing to lead the international response to the looming humanitarian and refugee crisis. Looking forward, the United States will continue to be a steadfast partner to the South Sudanese people in support of their efforts to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous future for their young country.

U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT CONTRACTS FOR JULY 9, 2914

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Alliant Techsystems Operations, LLC, Plymouth, Minnesota (W15QKN-14-D-0061); Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio (W15QKN-14-D-0062); Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (W15QKN-14-D-0063); Concurrent Technologies Corp., Johnstown, Pennsylvania (W15QKN-14-D-0064); General Dynamics Ordinance Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Florida (W15QKN-14-D-0065); and Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia (W15QKN-14-D-0066), were awarded a $300,000,000 multiple award order dependent contract to obtain materials and services to meet the Armament, Research, Development, and Engineering Center's mission requirements with an estimated completion date of July 9, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with nine received. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

R. J. Zaval & Sons Inc.*, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, was awarded a $12,272,783 firm-fixed-price contract for the Roseau Flood Risk Management Project to construct a 6,500 foot diversion channel, a channel inlet structure, a concrete restriction structure and drainage system. Work will be performed in Roseau, Minnesota, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 12, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet with five received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $12,272,783 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul, Minnesota, is the contracting activity (W912ES-14-C-0011).

NAVY

Spry Methods Inc.,* Arlington, Virginia (N65236-14-D-4158); Gateway Ventures Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N65236-14-D-4159); Gemini Industries Inc.,* Burlington, Massachusetts (N65236-14-D-4160); and MH Harbor, LLC,* North Charleston, South Carolina (N65236-14-D-4161), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, with provisions for cost-plus-fixed-fee task orders, performance based multiple award contract for the procurement of Information Dominance Program and financial management support services. The cumulative, estimated value (ceiling) of the base year combined is $33,326,967. The contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value (ceiling) of these contracts to an estimated $99,980,901. Work will be performed worldwide. Work is expected to be completed by July 2015. If all options are exercised, work could continue until July 2017. SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic Navy working capital funds in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated at the time of award as the minimum guarantee and will be split among the four awardees; these funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action establishes a potential ceiling value, in which funds are obligated on individual task orders. The multiple award contracts were competitively procured by full and open competition after exclusion of sources under small business set-aside provisions (10 U.S.C. 2304(b)(2)) via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website and the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 13 offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity.

Atlas Executive Consulting,** Charleston, South Carolina (N65236-14-D-4162); CBAIA Logistics,** Fredericksburg, Virginia (N65236-14-D-4163); and Compendium Federal Technology,** Lexington Park, Maryland (N65236-14-D-4164), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, with provisions for cost-plus-fixed-fee task orders, performance based multiple award contract for the procurement of program management and financial management support services including non-inherently governmental services to perform analyses and research. The cumulative, estimated value (ceiling) of the base year combined is $33,326,967. These contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of these contracts to an estimated $99,980,901. Work will be performed worldwide. Work is expected to be completed by July 2015. If all options are exercised, work could continue until July 2017. SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic Navy working capital funds in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated at the time of award as the minimum guarantee and will be split among the three awardees; these funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action establishes a potential ceiling value, in which funds are obligated on individual task orders. The multiple award contracts were competitively procured by full and open competition after exclusion of sources (100% service disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside) via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website and the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 12 offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $15,866,612 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-4408) for USS Decatur (DDG 73) fiscal 2014 Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability. A Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by February 2015. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation; fiscal 2014 working capital funds (Navy); and fiscal 2014 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $15,866,612 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $12,035,470 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
Atlantic Diving Supply Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Virginia, is being awarded $9,695,389 for firm-fixed-price Blanket Purchase Agreement call 0001 for the procurement of 2,136 advanced integrated solar power case assemblies in support of the Marine Corps Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy System program under the Program Manager for Expeditionary Power Systems. Work will be performed in Lafayette, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by August 2015. Fiscal 2014 procurement funding (Marine Corps) in the amount of $9,695,389 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the General Services Administration eBuy website, with two offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-14-A-5019).

AIR FORCE

The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded an estimated $10,111,976 (P00005) modification to the firm-fixed-price contract (FA8119-12-D-0009) to extend the ordering period of a requirements contract for the repair of 23 B-1B Aircraft Secondary Structural Components. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $30,003,960. The contract modification is for the exercise of Option 1, a two-year option. Work will be performed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and completed by July 9, 2016, with delivery to be cited on each individual order. No working capital funds are being obligated at time of award. This is not a multiyear contract. Air Force Sustainment Center/PZABC, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.

Kaman Precision Products, Inc., Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a $8,475,368.48 firm-fixed-price modification (P00016) to FA8681-13-C-0029 for Lot 11 Production of Joint Programmable Fuze systems. The contract modification provides for the exercise of an option for an additional quantity of 3,069 state-of-the-art fuze systems being produced under the basic contract. Work will be performed at Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by September 2016. This contract is 8 percent foreign military sales for Morocco and Singapore. Fiscal 2012, 2013 and 2014 ammunition procurement funds in the amount of $8,475,368 will be obligated at time of award. This is not a multiyear contract. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/EBDK, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Georgia, has been awarded a $8,074,584 firm-fixed-price modification (P00293) to FA8625-07-C-6471 for the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP) Production. The modification provides additional funding for Over and Above legacy work associated with Lot 5 aircraft. This Over and Above work allows Lockheed Martin Aero to complete necessary repairs related to legacy issues found during the course of the C-5 RERP aircraft modification. All work will be performed at Marietta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 15, 2015. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $8,074,584 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WLSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Custom Manufacturing & Engineering,*** Pinellas Park, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $7,085,250 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for purchase of power supplies for various weapons systems. This contract was a competitive acquisition and nine offers were received. Location of performance is Florida, with a July 8, 2015 performance completion date. This is a one-year base contract with two one-year option periods. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2015 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland (SPRBL1-14-D-0018).

DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY

InfoReliance Corporation, Fairfax, Virginia, has been awarded a time-and-materials and firm- fixed-price contract (HDTRA1-14-F-0017) with an estimated maximum amount of $8,932,350 for Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) in support of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Directorate of Information Operations (J6). The contract award was made off the GSA schedule. There are only six vendors who are licensed to provide MCS; Defense Threat Reduction Agency solicited all six vendors, and received two quotes and one no bid. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 research and development and operations and maintenance funds. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, at the DTRA facility with a July 8, 2016, completion date. The contracting activity is Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

*Small business
**Service disabled veteran-owned small business
***Woman-owned small disadvantaged business

DOJ ANNOUNCES "NEW PRIORITIES" TO DEAL WITH MIGRANT BORDER CROSSING SURGE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Department of Justice Announces New Priorities to Address Surge of Migrants Crossing into the U.S.

Justice Department Proposes Establishing Legal and Law Enforcement Advisors to Aid in Disrupting and Dismantling Immigrant Smuggling Operations
Deputy Attorney General James Cole announced today that the Justice Department will implement a series of steps to help address the influx of migrants crossing the southern border of the United States.  These include refocusing immigration court resources to adjudicate the cases of recent migrants; providing support and training to help address violence in Central America; and redoubling efforts to work with other federal agencies and the Mexican government to investigate and prosecute those who smuggle migrants to the United States.

“Individuals who embark on the perilous journey from Central America to the United States are subject to violent crime, abuse, and extortion as they rely on dangerous human smuggling networks to transport them through Central America and Mexico,” Deputy Attorney General Cole said.  “We have an obligation to provide humanitarian care for children and adults with children who are apprehended on our borders, but we also must do whatever we can to stem the tide of this dangerous migration pattern.  The efforts we are announcing today are intended to address the challenges of this influx in a humane, efficient and timely way.”

Cole announced that the department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) will refocus its resources to prioritize cases involving migrants who have recently crossed the southwest border and whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings -- so that these cases are processed both quickly and fairly to enable prompt removal in appropriate cases, while ensuring the protection of asylum seekers and others.

“This refocusing of resources will allow EOIR to prioritize the adjudication of the cases of those individuals involved in the evolving situation at the southwest border,” said EOIR Director Juan P. Osuna.  “Although our case management priorities are shifting, our immigration judges will continue to evaluate and rule upon cases consistent with all substantive and procedural rights and safeguards applicable to immigration proceedings.”
         
To augment its capacity to adjudicate cases as promptly as possible, EOIR is committed to hiring more immigration judges.  EOIR this week will also publish a regulation allowing for the appointment of temporary immigration judges.  Further, EOIR plans both to expand its existing legal access programs, and enhance access to legal resources and assistance for persons in removal proceedings.

Cole also announced that the Department is seeking new funding, as a part of the President’s emergency supplemental appropriations request, to assist Central American countries in combatting transnational crime and the threat posed by criminal gangs.  This regional strategy for law enforcement capacity building would be aimed at addressing the issues that have been a factor in forcing many migrants to flee Central America for the United States.

The department will also redouble its efforts to work with Mexican authorities to identify and apprehend smugglers who are aiding unaccompanied children in crossing the U.S. border.  Later this week, the Deputy Attorney General will also be meeting with the five U.S. Attorneys who represent the southwest border districts to strategize on ways to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations on the border that are facilitating the transportation of unaccompanied minors and others.

Today, Deputy Attorney General Cole will go to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s McAllen Station and processing facility to see the urgent situation at the border.  EOIR Director Osuna will be testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to highlight the Justice Department’s efforts to aid in the administration-wide response to the migrant influx.

SECRETARY KERRY'S PRESS STATEMENT ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOURNALIST PAUL KLEBNIKOV'S MURDER

FROM:   U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Marking the 10th Anniversary of the Murder of American Journalist Paul Klebnikov

Press Statement

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

July 9, 2014

---

Ten years ago today, an American journalist was shot and killed as he left his Moscow office. Paul Klebnikov did more than write about politics and business in Russia. He was a voice of conscience in the fight against corruption.

Paul’s senseless murder was a sickening punch in the gut. Ten years later, we remain deeply troubled that the mystery of who ordered the murder is still unsolved. We continue to call on Russia, as we have over the last decade, to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

It’s not lost on any of us that the unvarnished truth-telling and investigative journalism to which Klebnikov dedicated his life continues to be under attack in Russia. The space for independent voices in Russian media is rapidly shrinking.

Today of all days, we honor the memory of Paul Klebnikov and the other journalists in Russia who have lost their lives. We call on the Russian government to protect journalists from attacks and to respect fundamental freedoms of expression.

U.S. MARINES PROVIDE SECURITY IN HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

U.S. Marines provide security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. 1st Class Michael Fabregat scans his sector while providing security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. Fabregat, a rifleman, is assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lucas A. Bankson observes his surroundings during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. Bankson, a squad leader, is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.

U.S. "STRONGLY CONDEMNS" TERRORIST ATTACK ON PRESIDENTIAL COMPOUND IN SOMALI

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Al-Shabaab Attack on Presidential Compound

Press Statement

Jen Psaki

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

July 8, 2014

---

The United States strongly condemns today's terrorist attack against Villa Somalia, the headquarters and residence of several Somali government officials in Mogadishu.

We offer our condolences to the victims and their families.

Incidents such as this further demonstrate that insecurity in Mogadishu persists, including very real threats from al-Shabaab. This is why we continue to support the efforts of the Somali National Security Forces and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) to expand security and stability in Somalia. These forces stopped today’s attackers and prevented further harm.

The United States stands as a firm partner to the people of Somalia and the Somali government as they continue to forge their path towards stability.

NEW PRECIPITATION SATELITE SEES 2014'S 1ST ATLANTIC HURRICANE

HHS SAYS $100 MILLION AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT NEW HEALTH CENTER SITES

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

HHS announces the availability of $100 million in Affordable Care Act funding to expand access to primary care through new community health centers
HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced today the availability of $100 million from the Affordable Care Act to support an estimated 150 new health center sites across the country in 2015. New health center sites will increase access to comprehensive, affordable, high quality primary health care services in the communities that need it most.  Later today, Secretary Burwell will also visit a Community Health Center in Decatur, Georgia to talk with its health care professionals about the important work they are doing to connect the community with high quality primary care.

“In communities across the country, Americans turn to their local Community Health Center for vital health care services that help them lead healthy, productive lives,” said Secretary Burwell.  “That’s why it’s so important that the Affordable Care Act is supporting the expansion of health centers.”

The investment announced today will add to the more than 550 new health center sites that have opened in the last three years as a result of the Affordable Care Act.  Today, nearly 1,300 health centers operate more than 9,200 service delivery sites that provide care to more than 21 million patients in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin.  Health centers are also playing a critical role in helping the public learn about new coverage opportunities under the Affordable Care Act, by conducting outreach and enrollment activities that link individuals to affordable coverage options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

“Since last fall, health centers have provided enrollment assistance to more than 4.7 million people across the country,” said HRSA Administrator Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. “We are pleased that the Affordable Care Act is supporting the establishment of additional health center sites to provide expanded opportunities for the newly insured to receive care.”

SEC CHARGES SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH MISLEADING BOND INVESTORS

FROM:  U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged a school district in California with misleading bond investors about its failure to provide contractually required financial information and notices.  The case is the first to be resolved under a new SEC initiative to address materially inaccurate statements in municipal bond offering documents. 

The SEC found that in the course of a 2010 bond offering, Kings Canyon Joint Unified School District affirmed to investors that it had complied with its prior continuing disclosure obligations.  The statement was inaccurate because between at least 2008 and 2010, the school district had failed to submit some required disclosures.  The California school district agreed to settle the charges without admitting to or denying the findings.

Under the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation (MCDC) initiative, the SEC’s Enforcement Division agreed to recommend standardized settlement terms for issuers and underwriters who self-report or were already under investigation for violations involving continuing disclosure obligations.  The 2014 initiative, launched on March 10, expires on September 10.

“The integrity of the municipal securities market requires that issuers carefully comply with all of their disclosure obligations,” said Andrew J. Ceresney, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.  “Our MCDC initiative is one piece of our efforts to ensure that issuers meet their obligations going forward.”

LeeAnn Ghazil Gaunt, chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Municipal Securities and Public Pensions Unit added, “An important component of the MCDC program is that it provides issuers who were already under investigation the opportunity to accept the standard terms and resolve their enforcement matters in a fair and efficient manner.  We are pleased that King’s Canyon has taken advantage of the program and we continue to encourage all eligible issuers and underwriters to do so while the MCDC terms are still available.”

The SEC’s order instituting settled administrative proceedings finds that in three bond offerings between 2006 and 2007, Kings Canyon contractually agreed to disclose annual financial information and notices of certain events pertaining to those bonds.  When it conducted a $6.8 million bond offering in November 2010, Kings Canyon was required to describe any instances where it had failed to materially comply with its prior disclosure obligations.  In the 2010 offering document, Kings Canyon inaccurately affirmed that there was “no instance in the previous five years in which it failed to comply in all material respects with any previous continuing disclosure obligation.”  Because Kings Canyon failed to submit some of the contractually required disclosures relating to the 2006 and 2007 offerings, the November 2010 bond offering document contained an untrue statement of a material fact.

Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, Kings Canyon consented to an order to cease and desist from committing or causing any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act.  It also agreed to adopt written policies for its continuing disclosure obligations, comply with its existing continuing disclosure obligations, cooperate with any subsequent investigation by the Enforcement Division, and disclose the terms of its settlement with the SEC in future bond offering materials.   

The SEC’s investigation was conducted by Monique C. Winkler and was supervised by Cary Robnett.  Both are in the SEC’s San Francisco Regional Office and are members of the Enforcement Division’s Municipal Securities and Public Pensions Unit.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT OF HURRICANE RELIEF WORKERS BASED ON RACE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Racially-Motivated Assault on Hurricane Relief Workers

Josh Jambon, 52, a resident of Grand Isle, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today in front of U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to two counts of federal civil rights violations, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite Jr. for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

In connection with his plea, Jambon admitted that he assaulted two female African-American Hurricane Isaac relief workers because of their race and because of their employment status.  On Sept. 18, 2012, in Grand Isle, Jambon approached a work crew tasked with cleaning up debris from Hurricane Isaac.  During an interaction with the work crew, Jambon used racial slurs against two female African-American crew members, M.R. and N.S.  Jambon then approached N.S. and hit her in the face, because of her race and because of her employment with the work crew, then proceeded to assault M.R. in the same manner.  When Jambon saw a third crew member, B.W., filming the incident on her cell phone, Jambon initiated a physical struggle with B.W. in an attempt to take her cell phone so that he could delete the video.

“Hate-fueled violence has no place in a civilized society,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department is committed to using all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal to prosecute acts motivated by racial bias.”

“By holding Mr. Jambon accountable for his racially-motivated criminal conduct, our office once again demonstrates its commitment to protecting the civil rights of all residents in Southeast Louisiana,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite Jr. for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

For each count, Jambon faces a statutory maximum penalty of one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine and a $25 special assessment.

The case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI.