FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Real Estate Developer Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for $50 Million Dollar Securities Fraud Scheme
A commercial real estate developer and mortgage broker was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison today for his role in a $50 million securities fraud scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Laura E. Duffy of the Southern District of California and Special Agent in Charge Douglas G. Price of the FBI’s Phoenix Division made the announcement. U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo of the Southern District of California imposed the sentence.
Bradley Holcom, 57, of Canby, Oregon, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with the sale of approximately $50 million worth of promissory notes to more than 150 investors located throughout the United States.
Holcom admitted that he solicited investors to provide funds for the development of raw land for commercial and residential purposes through an investment program he called the Trust Deed Investment Program. Holcom falsely told investors who purchased notes through the program that they would receive a lien on a specific piece of property, and that the lien would be in first position. Holcom admitted, however, that he never provided investors with a lien, and instead conveyed a lesser interest that did not allow investors to directly foreclose on the property to protect their investment. In addition, he admitted that while promising investors that their purported lien would be in first position, he knew the properties were already encumbered by first position liens. Holcom also admitted that he sold the properties that were supposedly serving as the security for the promissory notes without informing investors. Despite his declining financial condition in 2008 and 2009, Holcom continued to solicit investors by misrepresenting the manner in which he would use their investments. As a result of the scheme, Holcom admitted that his conduct caused approximately $50 million in losses to investors.
In addition to the prison sentence, Holcom was ordered to pay restitution to his victims, with the final amount to be determined at a subsequent hearing.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Phoenix Division – Yuma Resident Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Henry P. Van Dyck and Deputy Chief Daniel Braun of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Pletcher of the Southern District of California. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also provided substantial assistance.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
International Education Week
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 14, 2014
The Departments of State and Education celebrate the 15th annual International Education Week November 17-21, 2014. During this week, literally thousands of events will be held around the world to highlight the benefits of global learning and student exchanges.
To understand why this is important, we have only to consider the consequences when people lack what international education provides – namely an objective understanding of the world that exists outside the narrow boundaries of our own communities and lives.
We know that, in some places, children are educated to see the globe as divided between “us” and “them.” They are told that personal fulfillment can only come by refighting ancient battles or by crushing the dreams of another.
That is the opposite of the kind of learning we honor during International Education Week.
At the Department of State, we see international education as a core component of our diplomacy. This is because, in the work we do every day, we see how vital it is that young people absorb what true international education teaches: how to think critically, the importance of civility, and a willingness to respond to contrary opinions with hard questions -- not bitter denials or an insistence on dogma.
The development of these abilities is essential, but it does not happen automatically. It happens because of the dedication of our educators and the leadership of the academic community. It happens because so many top universities have made a commitment to helping our young people learn more about themselves by learning first-hand about the world. It happens because many businesses and foundations understand that global education is an extraordinarily wise and effective investment in the future.
The United States welcomes international students because they help bring a new and wider perspective into classrooms, because they contribute more than $27 billion each year to our economy, and because – upon returning home – they contribute to a better understanding of American ideals, policies, and culture.
Wherever I go in the world, I run into foreign ministers, prime ministers, businesspeople and activists who have studied in the United States. Here in the United States, I interact constantly with talented men and women who have spent a part of their education in study abroad. Recent surveys are clear that major employers value the skills and experience that international education provides.
It is evidence of this issue’s importance that President Obama has placed a strong emphasis on reaching out to young leaders on every continent and to do so by increasing both the size and the diversity of our student exchange programs. As Secretary of State, I echo this call and urge U.S. students from all walks of life to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.
It has been said that all history is a race between education and catastrophe. Obviously, that is a race we must win, and international education provides a platform for victory.
International Education Week
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 14, 2014
The Departments of State and Education celebrate the 15th annual International Education Week November 17-21, 2014. During this week, literally thousands of events will be held around the world to highlight the benefits of global learning and student exchanges.
To understand why this is important, we have only to consider the consequences when people lack what international education provides – namely an objective understanding of the world that exists outside the narrow boundaries of our own communities and lives.
We know that, in some places, children are educated to see the globe as divided between “us” and “them.” They are told that personal fulfillment can only come by refighting ancient battles or by crushing the dreams of another.
That is the opposite of the kind of learning we honor during International Education Week.
At the Department of State, we see international education as a core component of our diplomacy. This is because, in the work we do every day, we see how vital it is that young people absorb what true international education teaches: how to think critically, the importance of civility, and a willingness to respond to contrary opinions with hard questions -- not bitter denials or an insistence on dogma.
The development of these abilities is essential, but it does not happen automatically. It happens because of the dedication of our educators and the leadership of the academic community. It happens because so many top universities have made a commitment to helping our young people learn more about themselves by learning first-hand about the world. It happens because many businesses and foundations understand that global education is an extraordinarily wise and effective investment in the future.
The United States welcomes international students because they help bring a new and wider perspective into classrooms, because they contribute more than $27 billion each year to our economy, and because – upon returning home – they contribute to a better understanding of American ideals, policies, and culture.
Wherever I go in the world, I run into foreign ministers, prime ministers, businesspeople and activists who have studied in the United States. Here in the United States, I interact constantly with talented men and women who have spent a part of their education in study abroad. Recent surveys are clear that major employers value the skills and experience that international education provides.
It is evidence of this issue’s importance that President Obama has placed a strong emphasis on reaching out to young leaders on every continent and to do so by increasing both the size and the diversity of our student exchange programs. As Secretary of State, I echo this call and urge U.S. students from all walks of life to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.
It has been said that all history is a race between education and catastrophe. Obviously, that is a race we must win, and international education provides a platform for victory.
JOINT STATEMENT ON INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE FUNDAMENTAL LABOR RIGHTS AND PRACTICES IN MYANMAR
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
November 13, 2014
Joint Statement
November 14, 2014
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the United States of America, Japan, Denmark and the International Labour Organization (ILO) today are jointly launching a new Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labor Rights and Practices in Myanmar. The Initiative is designed to: 1) improve Myanmar’s system of labor administration through a multi-year labor law reform and capacity building plan (labor reform plan); and 2) foster strong relations among businesses, workers, civil society organizations, and the Government of Myanmar through a stakeholder consultative mechanism. The Initiative is intended to build upon Myanmar’s existing labor reform efforts, including ongoing legislative reform activities supported by the ILO. To that end, the labor reform plan developed under this Initiative is intended to serve as a blueprint to prioritize legal changes, coordinate donor assistance, and strengthen government capacity to implement those reforms in close cooperation with civil society representatives. The stakeholder consultative mechanism is intended to provide a forum for business, labor, and other civil society representatives to provide guidance on the development of the labor reform plan to the government and to foster constructive relationships among them.
As an initial step in the development of the Initiative, the Government of Myanmar established the Technical Committee Cluster on Labor Law Reform and Institutional Capacity Building (“Labor Law Reform Cluster”) in October 2014 under the Employment Opportunities Sector Working Group (EOSWG). The EOSWG is one of 15 Sector Working Groups established by the Government of Myanmar under the Nay Pyi Taw Accord for Effective Development Cooperation. This Labor Law Reform Cluster is intended to provide donor partners, stakeholders, and the ILO a forum to support the Government of Myanmar and civil society in the development of the labor reform plan. To support this process, the United States is providing initial funding to the ILO for a labor law expert to advise the government on its reform efforts. The Initiative participants also envision organizing a broad stakeholder forum in Myanmar in early 2015 to provide input on the development of the labor reform plan.
The participating governments and the ILO welcome the engagement of other interested governments, stakeholders, and institutions in support of this Initiative. Myanmar is at a pivotal stage of its political and economic development, and the country’s future depends on its ability to grow its economy, create decent work, and re-integrate into the global economy. Governments and stakeholders have a unique opportunity to promote lasting positive development in Myanmar by working together to improve an important component of its investment environment – its labor regime. The Initiative is designed to support the government and stakeholders in promoting international labor standards and responsible business practices, helping to make Myanmar an attractive sourcing and investment destination, protecting Myanmar’s workers and supporting its businesses, and advancing Myanmar’s overall sustainable growth and development.
November 13, 2014
Joint Statement
November 14, 2014
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the United States of America, Japan, Denmark and the International Labour Organization (ILO) today are jointly launching a new Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labor Rights and Practices in Myanmar. The Initiative is designed to: 1) improve Myanmar’s system of labor administration through a multi-year labor law reform and capacity building plan (labor reform plan); and 2) foster strong relations among businesses, workers, civil society organizations, and the Government of Myanmar through a stakeholder consultative mechanism. The Initiative is intended to build upon Myanmar’s existing labor reform efforts, including ongoing legislative reform activities supported by the ILO. To that end, the labor reform plan developed under this Initiative is intended to serve as a blueprint to prioritize legal changes, coordinate donor assistance, and strengthen government capacity to implement those reforms in close cooperation with civil society representatives. The stakeholder consultative mechanism is intended to provide a forum for business, labor, and other civil society representatives to provide guidance on the development of the labor reform plan to the government and to foster constructive relationships among them.
As an initial step in the development of the Initiative, the Government of Myanmar established the Technical Committee Cluster on Labor Law Reform and Institutional Capacity Building (“Labor Law Reform Cluster”) in October 2014 under the Employment Opportunities Sector Working Group (EOSWG). The EOSWG is one of 15 Sector Working Groups established by the Government of Myanmar under the Nay Pyi Taw Accord for Effective Development Cooperation. This Labor Law Reform Cluster is intended to provide donor partners, stakeholders, and the ILO a forum to support the Government of Myanmar and civil society in the development of the labor reform plan. To support this process, the United States is providing initial funding to the ILO for a labor law expert to advise the government on its reform efforts. The Initiative participants also envision organizing a broad stakeholder forum in Myanmar in early 2015 to provide input on the development of the labor reform plan.
The participating governments and the ILO welcome the engagement of other interested governments, stakeholders, and institutions in support of this Initiative. Myanmar is at a pivotal stage of its political and economic development, and the country’s future depends on its ability to grow its economy, create decent work, and re-integrate into the global economy. Governments and stakeholders have a unique opportunity to promote lasting positive development in Myanmar by working together to improve an important component of its investment environment – its labor regime. The Initiative is designed to support the government and stakeholders in promoting international labor standards and responsible business practices, helping to make Myanmar an attractive sourcing and investment destination, protecting Myanmar’s workers and supporting its businesses, and advancing Myanmar’s overall sustainable growth and development.
SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS ON VELVET REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
On the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 13, 2014
Twenty-five years ago, the people of Czechoslovakia rose up to peacefully demand their freedom during the Velvet Revolution. Those students, artists, and union workers led by Vaclav Havel helped usher in the historic wave of freedom that swept across Central and Eastern Europe liberating millions of people who lived behind the Iron Curtain.
The American people were inspired as the Velvet Revolution took hold, the Communist state collapsed, and the barbed wire was pulled down along the borders of West Germany and Austria. We watched with admiration as a Czech nation that had seen its dreams deferred – but had never lost its faith – overcame a system of tyranny with the force of non-violent protest and a simple demand for svobodne volby – free elections.
Today, the democracies of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are strong EU partners and NATO Allies of the United States who are committed to building a peaceful and prosperous world.
On this historic anniversary, I salute the bravery and spirit of those who poured into the streets of Bratislava and Prague a quarter century ago to demand a free and better life. And I congratulate the people of the Czech Republic and Slovakia on 25 years of freedom and democratic governance.
On the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 13, 2014
Twenty-five years ago, the people of Czechoslovakia rose up to peacefully demand their freedom during the Velvet Revolution. Those students, artists, and union workers led by Vaclav Havel helped usher in the historic wave of freedom that swept across Central and Eastern Europe liberating millions of people who lived behind the Iron Curtain.
The American people were inspired as the Velvet Revolution took hold, the Communist state collapsed, and the barbed wire was pulled down along the borders of West Germany and Austria. We watched with admiration as a Czech nation that had seen its dreams deferred – but had never lost its faith – overcame a system of tyranny with the force of non-violent protest and a simple demand for svobodne volby – free elections.
Today, the democracies of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are strong EU partners and NATO Allies of the United States who are committed to building a peaceful and prosperous world.
On this historic anniversary, I salute the bravery and spirit of those who poured into the streets of Bratislava and Prague a quarter century ago to demand a free and better life. And I congratulate the people of the Czech Republic and Slovakia on 25 years of freedom and democratic governance.
COMPANY AND AFFILIATES AGREE TO PAY OVER $25 MILLION TO SETTLE FALSE CLAIMS ALLEGATIONS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Careall Companies Agree to Pay $25 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations
CareAll Management LLC and its affiliated entities (collectively “CareAll”) have agreed to pay $25 million, plus interest, to the United States and the state of Tennessee to resolve allegations that CareAll violated the False Claims Act by submitting false and upcoded home healthcare billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Department of Justice announced today. CareAll is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is one of Tennessee’s largest home health providers.
“Home health agencies may only bill Medicare and Medicaid for care that is necessary and covered by the programs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement is another example of the department’s commitment to ensuring that home health care dollars – which are so vital to ensure the care of homebound patients – are spent for their intended purposes.”
This settlement resolves allegations that between 2006 and 2013, CareAll overstated the severity of patients’ conditions to increase billings and billed for services that were not medically necessary and rendered to patients who were not homebound.
“This case demonstrates that enforcement of the False Claims Act is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera for the Middle District of Tennessee. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the public and vigorously pursuing all those who knowingly submit false claims affecting the Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
This is CareAll’s second settlement of alleged False Claims Act violations within the last two years. In 2012, CareAll paid nearly $9.38 million for allegedly submitting false cost reports to Medicare. As part of the settlement announced today, the companies agreed to be bound by the terms of an enhanced and extended corporate integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) in an effort to avoid future fraud and compliance failures.
“Fraudulent home-based services are surging across the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of HHS-OIG in Atlanta. “We will continue to protect both Medicare and taxpayers, and ensure that funds are not siphoned off by companies more concerned with the bottom line than patient care.”
Under the False Claims Act, private citizens, known as relators, can bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The relator in this case, Toney Gonzales, will receive more than $3.9 million as his share of the recovery.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of HHS. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $23.1 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $14.8 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, HHS-OIG and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The case is docketed as United States ex rel. Gonzales v. J.W. Carell Enterprises, Inc., et al., No. 12-0389 (M.D. Tenn.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Careall Companies Agree to Pay $25 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations
CareAll Management LLC and its affiliated entities (collectively “CareAll”) have agreed to pay $25 million, plus interest, to the United States and the state of Tennessee to resolve allegations that CareAll violated the False Claims Act by submitting false and upcoded home healthcare billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Department of Justice announced today. CareAll is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is one of Tennessee’s largest home health providers.
“Home health agencies may only bill Medicare and Medicaid for care that is necessary and covered by the programs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement is another example of the department’s commitment to ensuring that home health care dollars – which are so vital to ensure the care of homebound patients – are spent for their intended purposes.”
This settlement resolves allegations that between 2006 and 2013, CareAll overstated the severity of patients’ conditions to increase billings and billed for services that were not medically necessary and rendered to patients who were not homebound.
“This case demonstrates that enforcement of the False Claims Act is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera for the Middle District of Tennessee. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the public and vigorously pursuing all those who knowingly submit false claims affecting the Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
This is CareAll’s second settlement of alleged False Claims Act violations within the last two years. In 2012, CareAll paid nearly $9.38 million for allegedly submitting false cost reports to Medicare. As part of the settlement announced today, the companies agreed to be bound by the terms of an enhanced and extended corporate integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) in an effort to avoid future fraud and compliance failures.
“Fraudulent home-based services are surging across the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of HHS-OIG in Atlanta. “We will continue to protect both Medicare and taxpayers, and ensure that funds are not siphoned off by companies more concerned with the bottom line than patient care.”
Under the False Claims Act, private citizens, known as relators, can bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The relator in this case, Toney Gonzales, will receive more than $3.9 million as his share of the recovery.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of HHS. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $23.1 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $14.8 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, HHS-OIG and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The case is docketed as United States ex rel. Gonzales v. J.W. Carell Enterprises, Inc., et al., No. 12-0389 (M.D. Tenn.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: 'U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC RELATIONS'
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
November 12, 2014
FACT SHEET: U.S.-China Economic Relations
President Obama and President Xi recognize the importance of economic relations at the core of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship. The two Presidents commit to deepen bilateral economic ties. To this end, the United States and China commit to pursue policies that promote more open and market-driven bilateral and international trade and investment. This includes pursuing a high-standard and comprehensive bilateral investment treaty that embodies the principles of non-discrimination, fairness, openness, and transparency. The Presidents also commit to work together to address global economic challenges, to deepen the cooperation between the two sides under the framework of the G20, and improve and strengthen the rules-based international economic system.
The United States and China welcome the bilateral agreement reached in November 2014 on the expansion of the WTO Information Technology Agreement, and call for swift resumption and conclusion of plurilateral negotiations in Geneva.
The United States and China commit to continue to pursue Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) negotiations as a top priority in their economic relations, devoting all the resources necessary toward the achievement of a high-standard and comprehensive BIT that embodies the principles of non-discrimination, fairness, openness, and transparency. U.S. and Chinese leaders commit to actively work to advance the negotiations to ensure they are achieving these objectives. The two sides commit to periodically report to their respective leaders on the status of the negotiations to ensure that maximum and continual progress is being achieved, with a first report following the exchange of proposed “negative lists” early in 2015.
The United States and China reached consensus to intensify science-based agricultural innovation for food security. The United States and China commit to strengthen dialogue to enable the increased use of innovative technologies in agriculture.
As part of the reforms set out in the Third Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee, China continues to implement its market-oriented exchange rate reform, reduce foreign exchange intervention as conditions permit, increase exchange flexibility, and enhance the transparency of its economic and financial data.
In 2012, the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies and exporters, demonstrated their joint leadership in the global trading system by making a historic commitment to launch multilateral negotiation of new international export credit guidelines in the International Working Group on Export Credits (IWG). Through six meetings, and based on numerous strong contributions from developed and emerging market country IWG members, the IWG has made significant progress and is now at a critical juncture as it works to develop guidelines that, taking into account varying national interests and situations, are consistent with international best practices.
The United States and China commit to take all steps necessary to advance the IWG initiative, including by starting negotiation of horizontal guidelines as soon as possible. The United States and China further reaffirm their support for IWG guideline coverage that includes official export credit support provided by or on behalf of a government.
The United States and China intend to discuss as soon as possible new areas for cooperation to build African energy capacity and to expand dramatically power generation and access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa consistent, with the vision of Africa’s leaders and people for the continent’s development.
November 12, 2014
FACT SHEET: U.S.-China Economic Relations
President Obama and President Xi recognize the importance of economic relations at the core of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship. The two Presidents commit to deepen bilateral economic ties. To this end, the United States and China commit to pursue policies that promote more open and market-driven bilateral and international trade and investment. This includes pursuing a high-standard and comprehensive bilateral investment treaty that embodies the principles of non-discrimination, fairness, openness, and transparency. The Presidents also commit to work together to address global economic challenges, to deepen the cooperation between the two sides under the framework of the G20, and improve and strengthen the rules-based international economic system.
The United States and China welcome the bilateral agreement reached in November 2014 on the expansion of the WTO Information Technology Agreement, and call for swift resumption and conclusion of plurilateral negotiations in Geneva.
The United States and China commit to continue to pursue Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) negotiations as a top priority in their economic relations, devoting all the resources necessary toward the achievement of a high-standard and comprehensive BIT that embodies the principles of non-discrimination, fairness, openness, and transparency. U.S. and Chinese leaders commit to actively work to advance the negotiations to ensure they are achieving these objectives. The two sides commit to periodically report to their respective leaders on the status of the negotiations to ensure that maximum and continual progress is being achieved, with a first report following the exchange of proposed “negative lists” early in 2015.
The United States and China reached consensus to intensify science-based agricultural innovation for food security. The United States and China commit to strengthen dialogue to enable the increased use of innovative technologies in agriculture.
As part of the reforms set out in the Third Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee, China continues to implement its market-oriented exchange rate reform, reduce foreign exchange intervention as conditions permit, increase exchange flexibility, and enhance the transparency of its economic and financial data.
In 2012, the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies and exporters, demonstrated their joint leadership in the global trading system by making a historic commitment to launch multilateral negotiation of new international export credit guidelines in the International Working Group on Export Credits (IWG). Through six meetings, and based on numerous strong contributions from developed and emerging market country IWG members, the IWG has made significant progress and is now at a critical juncture as it works to develop guidelines that, taking into account varying national interests and situations, are consistent with international best practices.
The United States and China commit to take all steps necessary to advance the IWG initiative, including by starting negotiation of horizontal guidelines as soon as possible. The United States and China further reaffirm their support for IWG guideline coverage that includes official export credit support provided by or on behalf of a government.
The United States and China intend to discuss as soon as possible new areas for cooperation to build African energy capacity and to expand dramatically power generation and access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa consistent, with the vision of Africa’s leaders and people for the continent’s development.
SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS AT U.S. VISA EVENT
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at a U.S. Visa Event
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
U.S. Embassy Beijing
Beijing, China
November 12, 2014
MR. KRITENBRINK: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome. My name is Dan Kritenbrink, and I’m the deputy chief of mission here at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. It is a great honor to have everyone here this afternoon, including members of the press, staff of the Embassy’s consular section, and of course, our group of distinguished visa applicants. Expanding economic cooperation and increasing people-to-people exchanges are key elements of America’s policy toward China. As evidence of our commitment to that goal, today we celebrate the first day in a new era for millions of people who wish to travel between the United States and China.
We are, of course, particularly honored to be joined today by the U.S. Secretary of State, and our boss, Secretary John Kerry. Secretary Kerry will tell us about this exciting new development in our bilateral relationship. So now won’t you please join me in warmly welcoming Secretary of State John Kerry. (Applause.)
SECRETARY KERRY: Ni hao. And I hope that didn’t need a translation. (Laughter.) This is very exciting for me. I’m really happy to be here. I see a lot of smiling faces. And I think most of them are on the faces of those about to receive their visas.
I’m delighted to be here with Dan Kritenbrink and I thank him for the tremendous work that he is doing as the DCM here in the Embassy. He has mastered the language and he has risen through the ranks of the Department at lightning speed, and – first as a political officer here in Beijing, and as director for the Office for Chinese and Mongolian Affairs in Washington, and now as DCM. Let me say that we’re particularly grateful to Dan and all of the folks at the Embassy, all those of you in the Embassy staff who helped to support the visits of Michelle Obama and also Vice President Biden, who came here for the Strategic and Economic Dialogue; and of course, my own visit earlier in the year with Secretary Lew for the same. So we thank you for the tremendous work you’re doing.
The ambassador as I think you know is escorting the President to the airport, and so that’s the reason that he isn’t here to celebrate this with us. But he is very excited about this program. And I’m very glad he’s going to help make sure the President gets out alright because the sooner the President’s plane gets out of here, the easier it is for my plane (inaudible). (Laughter.)
I want to thank all of the folks who work here at the Embassy first before I say a word about the visas. One of our most sacred, important responsibilities in the State Department is to work hard to show people everywhere who we are and what our values are. And that’s what all of the people who work here do every single day in a large embassy like this or in small posts somewhere in the world – they help people to try to understand who we are, what we believe, and we’re particularly appreciative to all the people locally who come and share the burden of attempting to reach out and touch so many people.
And I say this all the time and I mean it: No matter what rank you are, no matter where you are in the Embassy, whether you’re one year in or months in or you’ve been here for years, everybody is an ambassador. Everybody carries with them the responsibility to be an ambassador for those values and for our country. And every time you go out of the Embassy and you go down An Jia Lou Road, you carry with you those values and the face of America. And by the way, An Jia Lou Road is not named after Angelia Jolie. (Laughter.)
So when you go out and you promote American business in Pudong or right here in Beijing with a company like Xiaomi, or you show people the best of American effort to bring a company to America or to bring a company here, you are really engaged in the best of entrepreneurial spirit. And I want to emphasize how important that is in this globally, totally interconnected world that we are living in and working in and competing in. In this new world and new age that we’re living in, foreign policy is economic policy, and economic policy is foreign policy. And I say this all the time. I want every officer in the State Department to be an economic officer because that’s the world we’re living in.
And that is why what we are doing here today is really so important. This is – visas are a critical part of that interconnected world and high-speed business world that we live in. That is why I’m so proud to announce today that effective immediately – and we mean immediately, when I stop talking (laughter) – we will be issuing the first ten-year visas to Chinese tourists and business men and women on a reciprocal basis. I want to say a special thank you to our consular chief, Chuck Bennett, who’s over here, who’s worked so hard – and the whole consular section – to be able to make this possible.
With this announcement, we are making an important investment in our relationship, U.S.-China. And believe me, this will pay huge dividends for American and Chinese citizens, and it will strengthen both of our economies. Because of this, if you’re one of the 2 million Chinese or American citizens who travel between our countries every year – and that will grow, but if you’re one of those two million now, you will not have to reapply and pay the application fee every year. If you’re a business that operates in both China and the United States, you will be able to travel back and forth and develop your business, interview your employees, invest, travel, do all the things you need to do to grow your business, and you’ll do it with much greater ease, with less burden.
If you’re a businesswoman in Shanghai, for instance, and you need to suddenly go to a business meeting in San Francisco, you don’t have to wait and apply for a visa. You go to the – buy your ticket, go to the airport. (Laughter.) If you’re a grandparent from Chongqing, you don’t have to apply every single year or every time you want to go visit your grandchildren in Boston, for instance.
And I’m proud to say that this is just the latest step that the Obama Administration is taking in order to facilitate travel. Over the last years, we’ve increased staffing, we’ve changed our procedures, we’ve extended our hours, we’ve done enormous efforts in order to be able to make it easier for people to get a visa, to take less time, so that now we’ve kept the wait times for interview appointments in China under one week for the last three years. And most people are in and out of those interviews in less than an hour.
Now, I want to emphasize that visa validity is a two-way street. And that’s why we’re working very hard to make sure that ten-year Chinese visas will also be available within a very short time for people who want to travel to China. But let me emphasize: What I am talking about today, this ten-year proposal from America, is not a one-time deal; it’s not just for a short time, this is here, it’s here to stay. And this is not a reciprocal – it’s a long-term reciprocal arrangement, but when we say it’s here to stay, we mean it. We will issue a ten-year visa to qualified applicants tomorrow, next month, and next year, and that’s our commitment.
So I get to stand up here today and bring you the good news. And that’s my privilege as Secretary of State, but it’s the people behind these windows, and Chuck and his team and people back in Washington who work so hard in order to make this possible. And they’re the ones who will implement it each day and I want everybody here to say thank you to them for their (inaudible). Thank you. (Applause.)
So in a couple of moments we’re going to make history here. We’re going to issue some of the first ten-year visas to Chinese businessmen and women. So those of you who get the visas and all of you folks in the consular section here, you are literally helping to write the next great chapter of the history between the United States and China.
The Chinese have a beautiful saying: (In Chinese.) (Laughter.) “Follow the past, herald the future.” So that’s what brings us here today. And everybody here and millions of people out there, actually one billion-three, have a huge stake in this, as do the 330 million people in the United States of America. This will help to grow our economies, create more jobs, and to bring us together as friends, and I’m very proud to be here today to share in that. Thank you.
So Dan and Chuck, let’s help some businesspeople and create some jobs. (Applause.)
Remarks at a U.S. Visa Event
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
U.S. Embassy Beijing
Beijing, China
November 12, 2014
MR. KRITENBRINK: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome. My name is Dan Kritenbrink, and I’m the deputy chief of mission here at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. It is a great honor to have everyone here this afternoon, including members of the press, staff of the Embassy’s consular section, and of course, our group of distinguished visa applicants. Expanding economic cooperation and increasing people-to-people exchanges are key elements of America’s policy toward China. As evidence of our commitment to that goal, today we celebrate the first day in a new era for millions of people who wish to travel between the United States and China.
We are, of course, particularly honored to be joined today by the U.S. Secretary of State, and our boss, Secretary John Kerry. Secretary Kerry will tell us about this exciting new development in our bilateral relationship. So now won’t you please join me in warmly welcoming Secretary of State John Kerry. (Applause.)
SECRETARY KERRY: Ni hao. And I hope that didn’t need a translation. (Laughter.) This is very exciting for me. I’m really happy to be here. I see a lot of smiling faces. And I think most of them are on the faces of those about to receive their visas.
I’m delighted to be here with Dan Kritenbrink and I thank him for the tremendous work that he is doing as the DCM here in the Embassy. He has mastered the language and he has risen through the ranks of the Department at lightning speed, and – first as a political officer here in Beijing, and as director for the Office for Chinese and Mongolian Affairs in Washington, and now as DCM. Let me say that we’re particularly grateful to Dan and all of the folks at the Embassy, all those of you in the Embassy staff who helped to support the visits of Michelle Obama and also Vice President Biden, who came here for the Strategic and Economic Dialogue; and of course, my own visit earlier in the year with Secretary Lew for the same. So we thank you for the tremendous work you’re doing.
The ambassador as I think you know is escorting the President to the airport, and so that’s the reason that he isn’t here to celebrate this with us. But he is very excited about this program. And I’m very glad he’s going to help make sure the President gets out alright because the sooner the President’s plane gets out of here, the easier it is for my plane (inaudible). (Laughter.)
I want to thank all of the folks who work here at the Embassy first before I say a word about the visas. One of our most sacred, important responsibilities in the State Department is to work hard to show people everywhere who we are and what our values are. And that’s what all of the people who work here do every single day in a large embassy like this or in small posts somewhere in the world – they help people to try to understand who we are, what we believe, and we’re particularly appreciative to all the people locally who come and share the burden of attempting to reach out and touch so many people.
And I say this all the time and I mean it: No matter what rank you are, no matter where you are in the Embassy, whether you’re one year in or months in or you’ve been here for years, everybody is an ambassador. Everybody carries with them the responsibility to be an ambassador for those values and for our country. And every time you go out of the Embassy and you go down An Jia Lou Road, you carry with you those values and the face of America. And by the way, An Jia Lou Road is not named after Angelia Jolie. (Laughter.)
So when you go out and you promote American business in Pudong or right here in Beijing with a company like Xiaomi, or you show people the best of American effort to bring a company to America or to bring a company here, you are really engaged in the best of entrepreneurial spirit. And I want to emphasize how important that is in this globally, totally interconnected world that we are living in and working in and competing in. In this new world and new age that we’re living in, foreign policy is economic policy, and economic policy is foreign policy. And I say this all the time. I want every officer in the State Department to be an economic officer because that’s the world we’re living in.
And that is why what we are doing here today is really so important. This is – visas are a critical part of that interconnected world and high-speed business world that we live in. That is why I’m so proud to announce today that effective immediately – and we mean immediately, when I stop talking (laughter) – we will be issuing the first ten-year visas to Chinese tourists and business men and women on a reciprocal basis. I want to say a special thank you to our consular chief, Chuck Bennett, who’s over here, who’s worked so hard – and the whole consular section – to be able to make this possible.
With this announcement, we are making an important investment in our relationship, U.S.-China. And believe me, this will pay huge dividends for American and Chinese citizens, and it will strengthen both of our economies. Because of this, if you’re one of the 2 million Chinese or American citizens who travel between our countries every year – and that will grow, but if you’re one of those two million now, you will not have to reapply and pay the application fee every year. If you’re a business that operates in both China and the United States, you will be able to travel back and forth and develop your business, interview your employees, invest, travel, do all the things you need to do to grow your business, and you’ll do it with much greater ease, with less burden.
If you’re a businesswoman in Shanghai, for instance, and you need to suddenly go to a business meeting in San Francisco, you don’t have to wait and apply for a visa. You go to the – buy your ticket, go to the airport. (Laughter.) If you’re a grandparent from Chongqing, you don’t have to apply every single year or every time you want to go visit your grandchildren in Boston, for instance.
And I’m proud to say that this is just the latest step that the Obama Administration is taking in order to facilitate travel. Over the last years, we’ve increased staffing, we’ve changed our procedures, we’ve extended our hours, we’ve done enormous efforts in order to be able to make it easier for people to get a visa, to take less time, so that now we’ve kept the wait times for interview appointments in China under one week for the last three years. And most people are in and out of those interviews in less than an hour.
Now, I want to emphasize that visa validity is a two-way street. And that’s why we’re working very hard to make sure that ten-year Chinese visas will also be available within a very short time for people who want to travel to China. But let me emphasize: What I am talking about today, this ten-year proposal from America, is not a one-time deal; it’s not just for a short time, this is here, it’s here to stay. And this is not a reciprocal – it’s a long-term reciprocal arrangement, but when we say it’s here to stay, we mean it. We will issue a ten-year visa to qualified applicants tomorrow, next month, and next year, and that’s our commitment.
So I get to stand up here today and bring you the good news. And that’s my privilege as Secretary of State, but it’s the people behind these windows, and Chuck and his team and people back in Washington who work so hard in order to make this possible. And they’re the ones who will implement it each day and I want everybody here to say thank you to them for their (inaudible). Thank you. (Applause.)
So in a couple of moments we’re going to make history here. We’re going to issue some of the first ten-year visas to Chinese businessmen and women. So those of you who get the visas and all of you folks in the consular section here, you are literally helping to write the next great chapter of the history between the United States and China.
The Chinese have a beautiful saying: (In Chinese.) (Laughter.) “Follow the past, herald the future.” So that’s what brings us here today. And everybody here and millions of people out there, actually one billion-three, have a huge stake in this, as do the 330 million people in the United States of America. This will help to grow our economies, create more jobs, and to bring us together as friends, and I’m very proud to be here today to share in that. Thank you.
So Dan and Chuck, let’s help some businesspeople and create some jobs. (Applause.)
STUDY FINDS 15.7% OF OEF/OIF DEPLOYED VETERANS SCREENED POSITIVE FOR PTSD
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
PTSD in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
PTSD is a significant public health problem in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) deployed and non-deployed Veterans and should not be considered an outcome solely related to deployment.
A study finds that 15.7% of OEF/OIF deployed Veterans screened positive for PTSD compared to 10.9% of non-deployed Veterans. Overall 13.5% of study participants screened positive for PTSD.
Researchers determined if Veterans screened positive for PTSD by looking at survey answers to the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C). The PCL-C is a screening instrument routinely used in VA.
PTSD Among Recent Veterans – Who Screens Positive?
The National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans is a health survey of 60,000 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans, and non-deployed Veterans who served during the same time period. Researchers sent Veterans a survey which included questions that help VA health care providers screen Veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is the first study to report positive screens for PTSD in OEF/OIF-era Veterans who were not deployed and those who do not use VA health care.
Overall screening positive for PTSD: deployed Veterans, 15.7%; non-deployed Veterans, 10.9%. The overall percentage of study participants screening positive for PTSD was 13.5%
Screened positive by VA health care user status: deployed VA health care users, 24.7%; non-deployed VA health care users, 17.5%; deployed VA health care non-users, 9.8%; non-deployed VA health care non-users, 7.9%.
Screened positive by service branch: deployed Army Veterans, 18.6%; non-deployed Army Veterans, 13.8%; deployed Air Force Veterans, 6.6%; non-deployed Air Force Veterans, 6.2%; deployed Navy Veterans, 12.3%; non-deployed Navy Veterans, 10.1%; deployed Marine Corps Veterans, 20.6%; non-deployed Marine Corps Veterans, 10.5%.
Screened positive by unit component: deployed active duty, 18.5%; non-deployed active duty, 13.2%; deployed National Guard, 14.5%; non-deployed National Guard, 7.5%; deployed Reserves, 11.9%; non-deployed Reserves, 7.2%.
Screened positive by gender: deployed males, 16.2%; non-deployed males, 10.5%; deployed females, 12.5%; non-deployed females, 12.3%. Deployed males were 1.39 times more likely to screen positive for PTSD than deployed females. Among females, prevalence of a positive screen for PTSD was nearly equal among deployed and non-deployed Veterans.
Screened positive by race/ethnicity: deployed Hispanics, 19.7%; non-deployed Hispanics, 13.7%; deployed White non-Hispanic, 14.1%; non-deployed White non-Hispanic, 9.2%; deployed African American non-Hispanic, 21.9%; non-deployed African American non-Hispanic, 15.7%; deployed non-Hispanics other race, 16.2%; non-deployed non-Hispanics other race, 15.7%; deployed missing race/ethnicity, 23.5%; non-deployed missing race/ethnicity, 10.1%.
PTSD is a significant public health problem among OEF/OIF deployed and non-deployed Veterans and is not solely related to deployment.
These data are from the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans.
Findings from the New Generation Study
The findings are from the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans, a long-term study on the health of 30,000 OEF/OIF Veterans and 30,000 Veterans from the same era who were not deployed.
This is the first study to report positive screens for PTSD in OEF/OIF-era Veterans who were not deployed and those who do not use VA health care. Read the study abstract.
Health concerns?
Talk to your health care provider if you are concerned about PTSD. Effective treatments for PTSD exist.
Not enrolled in the VA health care system? Find out if you qualify. OEF, OIF, and Operation New Dawn combat Veterans are eligible for VA health care for five years after leaving the military. There are other ways to qualify too, including by having a service-connected disability.
Sources
Bliese PD, Wright KM, Adler AB, Cabrera O, Castro CA, Hoge CW. Validating the primary care posttraumatic stress disorder screen and the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist with soldiers returning from combat. J Consult Clin Psychol 2008; 76: 272-281.
PTSD in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
PTSD is a significant public health problem in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) deployed and non-deployed Veterans and should not be considered an outcome solely related to deployment.
A study finds that 15.7% of OEF/OIF deployed Veterans screened positive for PTSD compared to 10.9% of non-deployed Veterans. Overall 13.5% of study participants screened positive for PTSD.
Researchers determined if Veterans screened positive for PTSD by looking at survey answers to the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C). The PCL-C is a screening instrument routinely used in VA.
PTSD Among Recent Veterans – Who Screens Positive?
The National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans is a health survey of 60,000 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans, and non-deployed Veterans who served during the same time period. Researchers sent Veterans a survey which included questions that help VA health care providers screen Veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is the first study to report positive screens for PTSD in OEF/OIF-era Veterans who were not deployed and those who do not use VA health care.
Overall screening positive for PTSD: deployed Veterans, 15.7%; non-deployed Veterans, 10.9%. The overall percentage of study participants screening positive for PTSD was 13.5%
Screened positive by VA health care user status: deployed VA health care users, 24.7%; non-deployed VA health care users, 17.5%; deployed VA health care non-users, 9.8%; non-deployed VA health care non-users, 7.9%.
Screened positive by service branch: deployed Army Veterans, 18.6%; non-deployed Army Veterans, 13.8%; deployed Air Force Veterans, 6.6%; non-deployed Air Force Veterans, 6.2%; deployed Navy Veterans, 12.3%; non-deployed Navy Veterans, 10.1%; deployed Marine Corps Veterans, 20.6%; non-deployed Marine Corps Veterans, 10.5%.
Screened positive by unit component: deployed active duty, 18.5%; non-deployed active duty, 13.2%; deployed National Guard, 14.5%; non-deployed National Guard, 7.5%; deployed Reserves, 11.9%; non-deployed Reserves, 7.2%.
Screened positive by gender: deployed males, 16.2%; non-deployed males, 10.5%; deployed females, 12.5%; non-deployed females, 12.3%. Deployed males were 1.39 times more likely to screen positive for PTSD than deployed females. Among females, prevalence of a positive screen for PTSD was nearly equal among deployed and non-deployed Veterans.
Screened positive by race/ethnicity: deployed Hispanics, 19.7%; non-deployed Hispanics, 13.7%; deployed White non-Hispanic, 14.1%; non-deployed White non-Hispanic, 9.2%; deployed African American non-Hispanic, 21.9%; non-deployed African American non-Hispanic, 15.7%; deployed non-Hispanics other race, 16.2%; non-deployed non-Hispanics other race, 15.7%; deployed missing race/ethnicity, 23.5%; non-deployed missing race/ethnicity, 10.1%.
PTSD is a significant public health problem among OEF/OIF deployed and non-deployed Veterans and is not solely related to deployment.
These data are from the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans.
Findings from the New Generation Study
The findings are from the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans, a long-term study on the health of 30,000 OEF/OIF Veterans and 30,000 Veterans from the same era who were not deployed.
This is the first study to report positive screens for PTSD in OEF/OIF-era Veterans who were not deployed and those who do not use VA health care. Read the study abstract.
Health concerns?
Talk to your health care provider if you are concerned about PTSD. Effective treatments for PTSD exist.
Not enrolled in the VA health care system? Find out if you qualify. OEF, OIF, and Operation New Dawn combat Veterans are eligible for VA health care for five years after leaving the military. There are other ways to qualify too, including by having a service-connected disability.
Sources
Bliese PD, Wright KM, Adler AB, Cabrera O, Castro CA, Hoge CW. Validating the primary care posttraumatic stress disorder screen and the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist with soldiers returning from combat. J Consult Clin Psychol 2008; 76: 272-281.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
A.G. HOLDER'S PHONE CALL WITH MISSOURI OFFICIALS REGARDING FERGUSON RESPONSE PLANNING
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Readout of Attorney General Holder's Phone Call with Elected Officials From Missouri
The following statement is attributable to Justice Department spokesman Brian Fallon:
“The Attorney General participated in a conference call this afternoon with federal, state and local elected officials from Missouri. The Attorney General thanked the elected officials for their work in planning the local response to the ongoing demonstrations in and around Ferguson. He said he was encouraged by reports he has received about progress being made in those planning efforts, including dialogue with coalition leaders about constructive engagement in the weeks ahead. The Attorney General stressed that going forward, it will be more important than ever that the law enforcement response to the demonstrations always seek to deescalate tensions and respect the rights of protestors. At the same time, the Attorney General said, it must be clearly communicated that any acts of violence by the demonstrators, or other attempts to provoke law enforcement, are unacceptable.
“With respect to the Department’s ongoing investigations into both the shooting of Michael Brown and the Ferguson police department generally, the Attorney General said he could not provide a specific timeline for concluding those inquiries. He did stress, however, that he had devoted significant resources to these investigations in order to ensure they are conducted in as thorough and expeditious a manner as possible.
“The Attorney General concluded by offering the Department’s continued assistance, and by urging continued and direct communication between elected officials, law enforcement, and community leaders in the days ahead to help deescalate tensions and assist with planning.”
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Readout of Attorney General Holder's Phone Call with Elected Officials From Missouri
The following statement is attributable to Justice Department spokesman Brian Fallon:
“The Attorney General participated in a conference call this afternoon with federal, state and local elected officials from Missouri. The Attorney General thanked the elected officials for their work in planning the local response to the ongoing demonstrations in and around Ferguson. He said he was encouraged by reports he has received about progress being made in those planning efforts, including dialogue with coalition leaders about constructive engagement in the weeks ahead. The Attorney General stressed that going forward, it will be more important than ever that the law enforcement response to the demonstrations always seek to deescalate tensions and respect the rights of protestors. At the same time, the Attorney General said, it must be clearly communicated that any acts of violence by the demonstrators, or other attempts to provoke law enforcement, are unacceptable.
“With respect to the Department’s ongoing investigations into both the shooting of Michael Brown and the Ferguson police department generally, the Attorney General said he could not provide a specific timeline for concluding those inquiries. He did stress, however, that he had devoted significant resources to these investigations in order to ensure they are conducted in as thorough and expeditious a manner as possible.
“The Attorney General concluded by offering the Department’s continued assistance, and by urging continued and direct communication between elected officials, law enforcement, and community leaders in the days ahead to help deescalate tensions and assist with planning.”
WHITE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT ON U.S.-INDIA TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT AT WTO
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
November 13, 2014
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Agreement Between the United States and India on the Trade Facilitation Agreement at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
The important breakthrough reached today between the United States and India will unlock progress toward the full and immediate implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which will lower the costs of trade for developed and developing countries alike.
The President had extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi on this issue and appreciates his personal leadership in finding a path forward.
This breakthrough will also strengthen the multilateral trading system and give a boost to its ongoing work, including in the area of food security. Combined with the recent announcement of a breakthrough on the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the agreement among Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Leaders that the end of those landmark negotiations is coming into focus, this has been a good week for expanding opportunities for American businesses and workers and for promoting growth around the globe.
November 13, 2014
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Agreement Between the United States and India on the Trade Facilitation Agreement at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
The important breakthrough reached today between the United States and India will unlock progress toward the full and immediate implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which will lower the costs of trade for developed and developing countries alike.
The President had extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi on this issue and appreciates his personal leadership in finding a path forward.
This breakthrough will also strengthen the multilateral trading system and give a boost to its ongoing work, including in the area of food security. Combined with the recent announcement of a breakthrough on the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the agreement among Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Leaders that the end of those landmark negotiations is coming into focus, this has been a good week for expanding opportunities for American businesses and workers and for promoting growth around the globe.
FIVE BANKS TO PAY OVER $1.4 BILLION FOR ATTEMPTING TO MANIPULATE FOREIGN EXCHANGE BENCHMARK RATES
FROM: U.S. COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
CFTC Orders Five Banks to Pay over $1.4 Billion in Penalties for Attempted Manipulation of Foreign Exchange Benchmark Rates
Citibank, HSBC, JPMorgan, RBS, and UBS Coordinated Trading with Other Banks in Private Chat Rooms in Their Attempts to Manipulate
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued five Orders filing and settling charges against Citibank N.A. (Citibank), HSBC Bank plc (HSBC), JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (JPMorgan), The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (RBS) and UBS AG (UBS) (collectively, the Banks) for attempted manipulation of, and for aiding and abetting other banks’ attempts to manipulate, global foreign exchange (FX) benchmark rates to benefit the positions of certain traders.
The Orders collectively impose over $1.4 billion in civil monetary penalties, specifically: $310 million each for Citibank and JPMorgan, $290 million each for RBS and UBS, and $275 million for HSBC.
The Orders also require the Banks to cease and desist from further violations, and take specified steps to implement and strengthen their internal controls and procedures, including the supervision of their FX traders, to ensure the integrity of their participation in the fixing of foreign exchange benchmark rates and internal and external communications by traders. The relevant period of conduct varies across the Banks, with conduct commencing for certain banks in 2009, and for each bank, continuing into 2012.
Aitan Goelman, the CFTC’s Director of Enforcement, stated: “The setting of a benchmark rate is not simply another opportunity for banks to earn a profit. Countless individuals and companies around the world rely on these rates to settle financial contracts, and this reliance is premised on faith in the fundamental integrity of these benchmarks. The market only works if people have confidence that the process of setting these benchmarks is fair, not corrupted by manipulation by some of the biggest banks in the world.”
According to the Orders, one of the primary benchmarks that the FX traders attempted to manipulate was the World Markets/Reuters Closing Spot Rates (WM/R Rates). The WM/R Rates, the most widely referenced FX benchmark rates in the United States and globally, are used to establish the relative values of different currencies, which reflect the rates at which one currency is exchanged for another currency. FX benchmark rates, such as the WM/R Rates, are used for pricing of cross-currency swaps, foreign exchange swaps, spot transactions, forwards, options, futures and other financial derivative instruments. The most actively traded currency pairs are the Euro/U.S. Dollar, U.S. Dollar/Japanese Yen, and British Pound Sterling/U.S. Dollar. Accordingly, the integrity of the WM/R Rates and other FX benchmarks is critical to the integrity of the markets in the United States and around the world.
The Orders find that certain FX traders at the Banks coordinated their trading with traders at other banks in their attempts to manipulate the FX benchmark rates, including the 4 p.m. WM/R fix. FX traders at the Banks used private chat rooms to communicate and plan their attempts to manipulate the FX benchmark rates. In these chat rooms, FX traders at the Banks disclosed confidential customer order information and trading positions, altered trading positions to accommodate the interests of the collective group, and agreed on trading strategies as part of an effort by the group to attempt to manipulate certain FX benchmark rates. These chat rooms were sometimes exclusive and invitation only. (Examples of the coordinating chats are attached under Related Links.)
The Orders also find that the Banks failed to adequately assess the risks associated with their FX traders participating in the fixing of certain FX benchmark rates and lacked adequate internal controls in order to prevent improper communications by traders. In addition, the Banks lacked sufficient policies, procedures and training specifically governing participation in trading around the FX benchmarks rates; and had inadequate policies pertaining to, or sufficient oversight of, their FX traders’ use of chat rooms or other electronic messaging.
According to the Orders, some of this conduct occurred during the same period that the Banks were on notice that the CFTC and other regulators were investigating attempts by certain banks to manipulate the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interest rate benchmarks. The Commission has taken enforcement action against UBS and RBS (among other banks and inter-dealer brokers) in connection with LIBOR and other interest rate benchmarks. (See information below.)
The Orders recognize the significant cooperation of Citibank, HSBC, JPMorgan, RBS, and UBS with the CFTC during the investigation of this matter. In the UBS Order, the CFTC also recognizes that UBS was the first bank to report this misconduct to the CFTC.
In related matters, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued Final Notices regarding enforcement actions against the Banks and imposing collectively penalties of £1,114,918,000 (approximately $1.7 billion), and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has issued an order resolving proceedings against and requiring disgorgement from UBS AG.
The CFTC thanks and acknowledges the invaluable assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the FCA, and FINMA.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for these cases are Robert Howell, Jonathan Huth, Traci Rodriguez, Jennifer Smiley, David Terrell, Melissa Glasbrenner, Heather Johnson, Jordon Grimm, Elizabeth Streit, and Gretchen L. Lowe.
* * * * *
With these Orders, since June 2012, the CFTC has imposed penalties of over $3.34 billion on entities relating to acts of attempted manipulation, completed manipulation, and/or false reporting with respect to global benchmarks. See In re Lloyds’ Banking Group, PLC , CFTC Docket No. 14-18 (July 28, 2014)($105 million)(CFTC Press Release 6966-14); (In re RP Martin Holdings Limited and Martin Brokers (UK) Ltd., CFTC Docket No. 14-16 (May 15, 2014) ($1.2 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6930-14); In re Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. (Rabobank), CFTC Docket No. 14-02, (October 29, 2013) ($475 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6752-13); In re ICAP Europe Limited, CFTC Docket No. 13-38 (September 25, 2013) ($65 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6708-13); In re The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and RBS Securities Japan Limited, CFTC Docket No. 13-14 (February 6, 2013) ($325 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6510-13); In re UBS AG and UBS Securities Japan Co., Ltd., CFTC Docket No. 13-09) (December 19, 2012) ($700 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6472-12); In re Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and Barclays Capital Inc., CFTC Docket No. 12-25 (June 27, 2012) ($200 million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6289-12). In these actions, the CFTC ordered each institution to undertake specific steps to ensure the integrity and reliability of the benchmark interest rates.
CFTC Orders Five Banks to Pay over $1.4 Billion in Penalties for Attempted Manipulation of Foreign Exchange Benchmark Rates
Citibank, HSBC, JPMorgan, RBS, and UBS Coordinated Trading with Other Banks in Private Chat Rooms in Their Attempts to Manipulate
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued five Orders filing and settling charges against Citibank N.A. (Citibank), HSBC Bank plc (HSBC), JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (JPMorgan), The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (RBS) and UBS AG (UBS) (collectively, the Banks) for attempted manipulation of, and for aiding and abetting other banks’ attempts to manipulate, global foreign exchange (FX) benchmark rates to benefit the positions of certain traders.
The Orders collectively impose over $1.4 billion in civil monetary penalties, specifically: $310 million each for Citibank and JPMorgan, $290 million each for RBS and UBS, and $275 million for HSBC.
The Orders also require the Banks to cease and desist from further violations, and take specified steps to implement and strengthen their internal controls and procedures, including the supervision of their FX traders, to ensure the integrity of their participation in the fixing of foreign exchange benchmark rates and internal and external communications by traders. The relevant period of conduct varies across the Banks, with conduct commencing for certain banks in 2009, and for each bank, continuing into 2012.
Aitan Goelman, the CFTC’s Director of Enforcement, stated: “The setting of a benchmark rate is not simply another opportunity for banks to earn a profit. Countless individuals and companies around the world rely on these rates to settle financial contracts, and this reliance is premised on faith in the fundamental integrity of these benchmarks. The market only works if people have confidence that the process of setting these benchmarks is fair, not corrupted by manipulation by some of the biggest banks in the world.”
According to the Orders, one of the primary benchmarks that the FX traders attempted to manipulate was the World Markets/Reuters Closing Spot Rates (WM/R Rates). The WM/R Rates, the most widely referenced FX benchmark rates in the United States and globally, are used to establish the relative values of different currencies, which reflect the rates at which one currency is exchanged for another currency. FX benchmark rates, such as the WM/R Rates, are used for pricing of cross-currency swaps, foreign exchange swaps, spot transactions, forwards, options, futures and other financial derivative instruments. The most actively traded currency pairs are the Euro/U.S. Dollar, U.S. Dollar/Japanese Yen, and British Pound Sterling/U.S. Dollar. Accordingly, the integrity of the WM/R Rates and other FX benchmarks is critical to the integrity of the markets in the United States and around the world.
The Orders find that certain FX traders at the Banks coordinated their trading with traders at other banks in their attempts to manipulate the FX benchmark rates, including the 4 p.m. WM/R fix. FX traders at the Banks used private chat rooms to communicate and plan their attempts to manipulate the FX benchmark rates. In these chat rooms, FX traders at the Banks disclosed confidential customer order information and trading positions, altered trading positions to accommodate the interests of the collective group, and agreed on trading strategies as part of an effort by the group to attempt to manipulate certain FX benchmark rates. These chat rooms were sometimes exclusive and invitation only. (Examples of the coordinating chats are attached under Related Links.)
The Orders also find that the Banks failed to adequately assess the risks associated with their FX traders participating in the fixing of certain FX benchmark rates and lacked adequate internal controls in order to prevent improper communications by traders. In addition, the Banks lacked sufficient policies, procedures and training specifically governing participation in trading around the FX benchmarks rates; and had inadequate policies pertaining to, or sufficient oversight of, their FX traders’ use of chat rooms or other electronic messaging.
According to the Orders, some of this conduct occurred during the same period that the Banks were on notice that the CFTC and other regulators were investigating attempts by certain banks to manipulate the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interest rate benchmarks. The Commission has taken enforcement action against UBS and RBS (among other banks and inter-dealer brokers) in connection with LIBOR and other interest rate benchmarks. (See information below.)
The Orders recognize the significant cooperation of Citibank, HSBC, JPMorgan, RBS, and UBS with the CFTC during the investigation of this matter. In the UBS Order, the CFTC also recognizes that UBS was the first bank to report this misconduct to the CFTC.
In related matters, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued Final Notices regarding enforcement actions against the Banks and imposing collectively penalties of £1,114,918,000 (approximately $1.7 billion), and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has issued an order resolving proceedings against and requiring disgorgement from UBS AG.
The CFTC thanks and acknowledges the invaluable assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the FCA, and FINMA.
CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for these cases are Robert Howell, Jonathan Huth, Traci Rodriguez, Jennifer Smiley, David Terrell, Melissa Glasbrenner, Heather Johnson, Jordon Grimm, Elizabeth Streit, and Gretchen L. Lowe.
* * * * *
With these Orders, since June 2012, the CFTC has imposed penalties of over $3.34 billion on entities relating to acts of attempted manipulation, completed manipulation, and/or false reporting with respect to global benchmarks. See In re Lloyds’ Banking Group, PLC , CFTC Docket No. 14-18 (July 28, 2014)($105 million)(CFTC Press Release 6966-14); (In re RP Martin Holdings Limited and Martin Brokers (UK) Ltd., CFTC Docket No. 14-16 (May 15, 2014) ($1.2 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6930-14); In re Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. (Rabobank), CFTC Docket No. 14-02, (October 29, 2013) ($475 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6752-13); In re ICAP Europe Limited, CFTC Docket No. 13-38 (September 25, 2013) ($65 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6708-13); In re The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and RBS Securities Japan Limited, CFTC Docket No. 13-14 (February 6, 2013) ($325 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6510-13); In re UBS AG and UBS Securities Japan Co., Ltd., CFTC Docket No. 13-09) (December 19, 2012) ($700 Million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6472-12); In re Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and Barclays Capital Inc., CFTC Docket No. 12-25 (June 27, 2012) ($200 million penalty) (CFTC Press Release 6289-12). In these actions, the CFTC ordered each institution to undertake specific steps to ensure the integrity and reliability of the benchmark interest rates.
AMBASSADOR PRESSMAN'S SPEECH ON CHAPTER VII MANDATE RENEWAL SUPPORTING PEOPLE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Ambassador David Pressman
Alternate Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs
New York, NY
November 11, 2014
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madame President, and thank you High Representative Inzko for your briefing today. The United States continues to support your mandate under the General Framework Agreement for Peace. We commend your work, and offer you our strong support for your role as a member of the Peace Implementation Council.
Madame President, before commenting on High Representative Inzko’s briefing, I would like to say a few words about the resolution that was just adopted by the Council.
This Chapter VII mandate renewal reaffirms the Council’s willingness to support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts to sustain a safe and secure environment with the assistance of the EUFOR mission and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, and to implement the civilian aspects of the General Framework Agreement for Peace with the help of the Office of the High Representative.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed, without reservation, its strong support for this mandate renewal and for all of the language therein. The United States joins Bosnia and Herzegovina and the members of this Council and the EU Foreign Affairs Council in our continued support for the EUFOR mandate. And we are disappointed that one delegation did not join consensus in responding to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own request for continued Security Council support.
Madame President, this has been a highly eventful and important year for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In February, thousands of protesters in cities across the country joined together to express dissatisfaction with economic and political stagnation. Although the protests briefly – and regrettably – turned violent, and although some political actors attempted to use the protests to discourage public discourse and stoke ethnic tensions, the plenums that resulted from these protests provided a positive and peaceful venue for active political engagement.
Shortly after our May debate in this Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced severe flooding that resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced thousands from their homes. The flooding also contributed to economic concerns, causing billions of dollars in damage. As the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina work toward recovery, they are undoubtedly more aware than ever of the need for properly functioning democratic institutions and for political leaders that will work together at all levels to make social and economic progress.
In this regard, the United States commends Bosnia and Herzegovina on holding general elections this October. The elections were orderly and conducted in a competitive environment, although we also cannot ignore that there were several irregularities, as noted by the OSCE observation mission.
As finalized results are expected today, it is our hope that governments will form as quickly as possible and that the elected representatives of the people will look for ways to move the country forward positively and to compromise, where needed.
Further, we call on the political parties and institutions to meet their obligations to implement the ruling of the BiH Constitutional Court on the electoral system for Mostar.
Madame President, we support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s long-expressed goal of Euro-Atlantic integration and continue to believe that the integration process is the surest and most expeditious path to the country’s long-term stability and prosperity. We note Bosnia and Herzegovina recently reiterated this goal during the recent General Debate, in which Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Radmanovic stated unequivocally that his country’s ultimate goal was, “full, legal integration into the European Union.”
Euro-Atlantic integration will not happen without continued efforts by a variety of stakeholders. We welcome the reform initiative proposed by the British and German Foreign Ministers last week to get the country back on track for EU membership, and we will work with our European partners to support the adoption and implementation of this reform agenda. We also will work with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s newly elected leaders to press for the resolution of the listing of defense properties in order to activate its NATO Membership Action Plan. We hope the new government seriously engages on the reform agenda to build a more effective, democratic and prosperous state, and to progress towards the country’s goals of EU and NATO integration.
As the High Representative noted in his report, authorities have again failed to make any concrete progress on the outstanding 5+2 objectives and the conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. We also share his concern over the Republika Srpska’s lack of compliance with its obligation to provide the High Representative with timely access to officials, institutions and documents, and we urge the relevant authorities to comply.
The United States strongly supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina as guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Accords. We note that some political leaders persist in their attempts to use divisive rhetoric to distract the public from economic and political stagnation.
The recent elections proved that an increasing majority of citizens are tired of these distractions and seek true leadership from their officials. We condemn divisive rhetoric, and during the coalition formation period, we urge parties to seek partners that are prepared to work toward a future for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finally, I want to again reiterate the support of the United States for the renewal of the EUFOR mandate under the Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The United States commends the work of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and we believe EUFOR and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo – successors to SFOR – are essential in sustaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing vital capacity-building to the government, and offering reassurance across ethnic lines that the international community is committed to the country’s stability.
We remain hopeful for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and we will continue to work with the international community and with the country’s institutions to encourage progress in each of these areas and to improve the lives of its citizens.
Thank you, Madame President.
Ambassador David Pressman
Alternate Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs
New York, NY
November 11, 2014
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madame President, and thank you High Representative Inzko for your briefing today. The United States continues to support your mandate under the General Framework Agreement for Peace. We commend your work, and offer you our strong support for your role as a member of the Peace Implementation Council.
Madame President, before commenting on High Representative Inzko’s briefing, I would like to say a few words about the resolution that was just adopted by the Council.
This Chapter VII mandate renewal reaffirms the Council’s willingness to support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts to sustain a safe and secure environment with the assistance of the EUFOR mission and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, and to implement the civilian aspects of the General Framework Agreement for Peace with the help of the Office of the High Representative.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed, without reservation, its strong support for this mandate renewal and for all of the language therein. The United States joins Bosnia and Herzegovina and the members of this Council and the EU Foreign Affairs Council in our continued support for the EUFOR mandate. And we are disappointed that one delegation did not join consensus in responding to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own request for continued Security Council support.
Madame President, this has been a highly eventful and important year for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In February, thousands of protesters in cities across the country joined together to express dissatisfaction with economic and political stagnation. Although the protests briefly – and regrettably – turned violent, and although some political actors attempted to use the protests to discourage public discourse and stoke ethnic tensions, the plenums that resulted from these protests provided a positive and peaceful venue for active political engagement.
Shortly after our May debate in this Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced severe flooding that resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced thousands from their homes. The flooding also contributed to economic concerns, causing billions of dollars in damage. As the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina work toward recovery, they are undoubtedly more aware than ever of the need for properly functioning democratic institutions and for political leaders that will work together at all levels to make social and economic progress.
In this regard, the United States commends Bosnia and Herzegovina on holding general elections this October. The elections were orderly and conducted in a competitive environment, although we also cannot ignore that there were several irregularities, as noted by the OSCE observation mission.
As finalized results are expected today, it is our hope that governments will form as quickly as possible and that the elected representatives of the people will look for ways to move the country forward positively and to compromise, where needed.
Further, we call on the political parties and institutions to meet their obligations to implement the ruling of the BiH Constitutional Court on the electoral system for Mostar.
Madame President, we support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s long-expressed goal of Euro-Atlantic integration and continue to believe that the integration process is the surest and most expeditious path to the country’s long-term stability and prosperity. We note Bosnia and Herzegovina recently reiterated this goal during the recent General Debate, in which Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Radmanovic stated unequivocally that his country’s ultimate goal was, “full, legal integration into the European Union.”
Euro-Atlantic integration will not happen without continued efforts by a variety of stakeholders. We welcome the reform initiative proposed by the British and German Foreign Ministers last week to get the country back on track for EU membership, and we will work with our European partners to support the adoption and implementation of this reform agenda. We also will work with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s newly elected leaders to press for the resolution of the listing of defense properties in order to activate its NATO Membership Action Plan. We hope the new government seriously engages on the reform agenda to build a more effective, democratic and prosperous state, and to progress towards the country’s goals of EU and NATO integration.
As the High Representative noted in his report, authorities have again failed to make any concrete progress on the outstanding 5+2 objectives and the conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. We also share his concern over the Republika Srpska’s lack of compliance with its obligation to provide the High Representative with timely access to officials, institutions and documents, and we urge the relevant authorities to comply.
The United States strongly supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina as guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Accords. We note that some political leaders persist in their attempts to use divisive rhetoric to distract the public from economic and political stagnation.
The recent elections proved that an increasing majority of citizens are tired of these distractions and seek true leadership from their officials. We condemn divisive rhetoric, and during the coalition formation period, we urge parties to seek partners that are prepared to work toward a future for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finally, I want to again reiterate the support of the United States for the renewal of the EUFOR mandate under the Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The United States commends the work of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and we believe EUFOR and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo – successors to SFOR – are essential in sustaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing vital capacity-building to the government, and offering reassurance across ethnic lines that the international community is committed to the country’s stability.
We remain hopeful for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and we will continue to work with the international community and with the country’s institutions to encourage progress in each of these areas and to improve the lives of its citizens.
Thank you, Madame President.
A. ELIZABETH JONES MAKES REMARKS ON ATROCITIES IN LIBYA
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
A. Elizabeth Jones, Special Advisor
New York, NY
November 11, 2014
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Prosecutor Bensouda for – thanks to her for her informative briefing and for the ongoing work of her office to help end impunity for atrocity crimes committed in Libya.
When this Council decided in 2011 to refer the situation in Libya to the ICC, it stressed the importance of accountability. Even with Libya’s increasingly complex and unstable security situation, the call for accountability remains necessary.
Like Prosecutor Bensouda, we are alarmed by the growing number of atrocity crimes in Libya. These abuses and violations are laid out not only in the Prosecutor’s report, but also in the Secretary General’s September report to this Council and in a range of reports from civil society organizations and other observers on the ground. The United States condemns the recent surge in politically motivated killings, kidnappings, and other abuses, many of which appear calculated to silence and intimidate a wide range of actors, from politicians and journalists to human rights defenders and civil society organizations. Assassinations, violence, and the intimidation of judges, lawyers, and the judicial police resulted in the closure of courts in Benghazi, Sirte, and Derna, and the spread of coercion throughout the justice system.
Nevertheless, cooperation with the ICC remains critical. We welcome Libya’s continued coordination with the ICC’s Prosecutor and Registry, including with their memorandum of understanding and their approach to burden-sharing. We encourage Libya to continue to prioritize prosecutions that focus on those who bear the greatest responsibility for their crimes and to explore other accountability measures, such as those envisioned in Libya’s transitional justice law.
Libya and this Council have an interest in ensuring that the alleged perpetrators of atrocity crimes in Libya – including the ex-regime officials who are already the subject of ICC proceedings – are held to account, and that this is done in a way consistent with the rights of the defendants and Libya’s international obligations.
The United States continues to call on all parties to accept an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire that would allow for the political process to proceed, and to engage constructively in the UN-led political dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
We are deeply concerned about the explosions near the meeting between Prime Minister Al Thinni and SRSG Leon this past Sunday, November 9th. While the circumstances of that event are unclear, we emphasize that the political process must continue despite the challenging circumstances in Libya, since only a political solution can pave the way for the country’s democratic transition. We support SRSG Leon’s continued commitment to achieving this goal through political consensus.
We urge neighboring countries to support the Libyan government through sustained and constructive engagement. We also support the implementation of this Council’s Resolution 2174, particularly its measures to address threats to Libya’s peace and stability or security. But Libya’s ability to navigate its many challenges – and to secure justice for the worst crimes against Libyan civilians – ultimately depends on the willingness of all parties to the conflict to put Libya’s future above their own narrow political and economic interests.
In conclusion, let me reiterate our thanks to Prosecutor Bensouda and her office for the work they have done to advance the cause of justice for the people of Libya.
Thank you, Mr. President.
A. Elizabeth Jones, Special Advisor
New York, NY
November 11, 2014
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Prosecutor Bensouda for – thanks to her for her informative briefing and for the ongoing work of her office to help end impunity for atrocity crimes committed in Libya.
When this Council decided in 2011 to refer the situation in Libya to the ICC, it stressed the importance of accountability. Even with Libya’s increasingly complex and unstable security situation, the call for accountability remains necessary.
Like Prosecutor Bensouda, we are alarmed by the growing number of atrocity crimes in Libya. These abuses and violations are laid out not only in the Prosecutor’s report, but also in the Secretary General’s September report to this Council and in a range of reports from civil society organizations and other observers on the ground. The United States condemns the recent surge in politically motivated killings, kidnappings, and other abuses, many of which appear calculated to silence and intimidate a wide range of actors, from politicians and journalists to human rights defenders and civil society organizations. Assassinations, violence, and the intimidation of judges, lawyers, and the judicial police resulted in the closure of courts in Benghazi, Sirte, and Derna, and the spread of coercion throughout the justice system.
Nevertheless, cooperation with the ICC remains critical. We welcome Libya’s continued coordination with the ICC’s Prosecutor and Registry, including with their memorandum of understanding and their approach to burden-sharing. We encourage Libya to continue to prioritize prosecutions that focus on those who bear the greatest responsibility for their crimes and to explore other accountability measures, such as those envisioned in Libya’s transitional justice law.
Libya and this Council have an interest in ensuring that the alleged perpetrators of atrocity crimes in Libya – including the ex-regime officials who are already the subject of ICC proceedings – are held to account, and that this is done in a way consistent with the rights of the defendants and Libya’s international obligations.
The United States continues to call on all parties to accept an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire that would allow for the political process to proceed, and to engage constructively in the UN-led political dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
We are deeply concerned about the explosions near the meeting between Prime Minister Al Thinni and SRSG Leon this past Sunday, November 9th. While the circumstances of that event are unclear, we emphasize that the political process must continue despite the challenging circumstances in Libya, since only a political solution can pave the way for the country’s democratic transition. We support SRSG Leon’s continued commitment to achieving this goal through political consensus.
We urge neighboring countries to support the Libyan government through sustained and constructive engagement. We also support the implementation of this Council’s Resolution 2174, particularly its measures to address threats to Libya’s peace and stability or security. But Libya’s ability to navigate its many challenges – and to secure justice for the worst crimes against Libyan civilians – ultimately depends on the willingness of all parties to the conflict to put Libya’s future above their own narrow political and economic interests.
In conclusion, let me reiterate our thanks to Prosecutor Bensouda and her office for the work they have done to advance the cause of justice for the people of Libya.
Thank you, Mr. President.
REMARKS BY JUDITH E. HEUMANN ON INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at the High-level Meeting: Equal Access, Inclusive Development
Remarks
Judith E. Heumann
Special Advisor for International Disability Rights
As Prepared for Delivery During APEC Leaders' Week
Beijing, China
November 10, 2014
Thank you, and I would like to thank in particular the Chinese Disabled Persons’ Federation for hosting today’s event. It is a great honor to be with you today, at what I hope will be the start of a robust, substantive, and on-going dialogue on promoting truly equal access and inclusive development for persons with disabilities throughout APEC member economies. Achieving progress will require sustained engagement, and I would also like to congratulate China for its leadership in developing a Group of Friends to continue this important conversation in the months and years ahead.
I’d like to focus my remarks this morning on securing equal opportunities in education and employment for persons with disabilities. There is no denying that for our economies to achieve their full potential, we must draw upon the contributions of all our peoples, and this must include the fifteen or more percent of our populations that live with various forms of disabilities.
But before contemplating the path ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect upon the road the United States has traveled these last few decades. As a child, I, like more than 1 million other American children with disabilities, did not have the benefit of attending inclusive schools. Although access to quality education is critical to an individual’s future employment prospects, we were not allowed to attend school. I was nine years old before I went to school and even then I was placed in classes only for disabled children. Although I later attended university and earned my Bachelor’s degree, levels of inaccessibility prevalent at that time are no longer permitted in our universities. It was clear at that time in the 1950s that employment was not something our government anticipated we would have. When I applied for my first job as a teacher, I was initially denied my certification simply because I could not walk. I went to court and sued the Board of Education to obtain my certificate to teach, and finally did get a job teaching elementary school children.
Today, I am proud to say that such blatant forms of discrimination are no longer legal in the United States. With strong federal legislation and effective enforcement by the federal and state government agencies, a knowledgeable and active disability rights community playing a key role, and more than four decades of experience, Americans with all kinds of disabilities are attending educational institutions, including universities, and getting jobs in the public and private sector to a degree unprecedented in our history. However, that does not mean our work is done. Far from it. We now collect data on the unemployment rate of disabled people and know that the rate of unemployment for disabled people is higher than that of non-disabled people. We still have a long way to go to ensure that all persons with disabilities can enjoy meaningful careers, economic self-sufficiency for ourselves and our families, and the sense of purpose and self-worth that can come from work freely chosen, undertaken in workplaces that are respectful and support us in maximizing our contributions.
As recently noted by President Obama in his proclamation for our National Disability Employment Awareness Month, “When employees with disabilities are passed over in the workplace or denied fair accommodations, it limits their potential and threatens our democracy; when disproportionate numbers of Americans with disabilities remain unemployed, more work must be done to achieve the spirit of what is one of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in the history of our country;” the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This work begins with strong leadership by government, private sector, and civil society. The U.S. federal government has sought to be a leader in the employment arena by increasing the number of persons with disabilities within its own ranks. In 2010, President Obama issued Executive Order 13548, which calls upon federal government departments and agencies to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement of persons with disabilities. Government agencies developed plans and published statistics on progress toward achieving the goals of the Executive Order. In 2012, total permanent employment in the federal government for persons with disabilities had increased to 11.89%, with more people with disabilities in federal service both in real terms and by percentage than at any time in the past 32 years.
The key U.S. enforcement of disability rights protections in the workplace is carried out by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Labor. Together, these three agencies enforce federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against qualified job applicants or employees because of those individuals’ disabilities, history of disability, appearance of disability, or association with someone with a disability. The law requires an employer to provide reasonable accommodation to an employee or job applicant with a disability, unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the employer. Reasonable accommodation means a modification to the work environment so a disabled person can perform his or her job. For example, provision of a sign language interpreter for someone who is deaf, an accessible bathroom for a wheelchair user, or screen reading software for someone who is blind. Our laws also prohibit employers from creating a hostile work environment for workers with disabilities and from retaliating against individuals who assert their legal rights.
In all of these areas, non-governmental disabled people’s organizations have been ever present in holding government accountable and pushing it to do better. The private business sector has also taken up the challenge of increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. For example, the U.S. Business Leadership Network is a national disability organization that has over 60 affiliates across North America, representing over 5,000 employers. Such private sector initiatives help create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where persons with disabilities are included and respected for their talents, abilities, and contributions.
I look forward to exploring how we can work together as APEC economies to improve development outcomes for persons with disabilities, including through enhanced legislative, enforcement, and programmatic initiatives to support equal access to education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. We have much to learn from each other, and everything to gain in building more inclusive societies, with workforces that benefit from the unique contributions of persons with disabilities.
Remarks at the High-level Meeting: Equal Access, Inclusive Development
Remarks
Judith E. Heumann
Special Advisor for International Disability Rights
As Prepared for Delivery During APEC Leaders' Week
Beijing, China
November 10, 2014
Thank you, and I would like to thank in particular the Chinese Disabled Persons’ Federation for hosting today’s event. It is a great honor to be with you today, at what I hope will be the start of a robust, substantive, and on-going dialogue on promoting truly equal access and inclusive development for persons with disabilities throughout APEC member economies. Achieving progress will require sustained engagement, and I would also like to congratulate China for its leadership in developing a Group of Friends to continue this important conversation in the months and years ahead.
I’d like to focus my remarks this morning on securing equal opportunities in education and employment for persons with disabilities. There is no denying that for our economies to achieve their full potential, we must draw upon the contributions of all our peoples, and this must include the fifteen or more percent of our populations that live with various forms of disabilities.
But before contemplating the path ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect upon the road the United States has traveled these last few decades. As a child, I, like more than 1 million other American children with disabilities, did not have the benefit of attending inclusive schools. Although access to quality education is critical to an individual’s future employment prospects, we were not allowed to attend school. I was nine years old before I went to school and even then I was placed in classes only for disabled children. Although I later attended university and earned my Bachelor’s degree, levels of inaccessibility prevalent at that time are no longer permitted in our universities. It was clear at that time in the 1950s that employment was not something our government anticipated we would have. When I applied for my first job as a teacher, I was initially denied my certification simply because I could not walk. I went to court and sued the Board of Education to obtain my certificate to teach, and finally did get a job teaching elementary school children.
Today, I am proud to say that such blatant forms of discrimination are no longer legal in the United States. With strong federal legislation and effective enforcement by the federal and state government agencies, a knowledgeable and active disability rights community playing a key role, and more than four decades of experience, Americans with all kinds of disabilities are attending educational institutions, including universities, and getting jobs in the public and private sector to a degree unprecedented in our history. However, that does not mean our work is done. Far from it. We now collect data on the unemployment rate of disabled people and know that the rate of unemployment for disabled people is higher than that of non-disabled people. We still have a long way to go to ensure that all persons with disabilities can enjoy meaningful careers, economic self-sufficiency for ourselves and our families, and the sense of purpose and self-worth that can come from work freely chosen, undertaken in workplaces that are respectful and support us in maximizing our contributions.
As recently noted by President Obama in his proclamation for our National Disability Employment Awareness Month, “When employees with disabilities are passed over in the workplace or denied fair accommodations, it limits their potential and threatens our democracy; when disproportionate numbers of Americans with disabilities remain unemployed, more work must be done to achieve the spirit of what is one of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in the history of our country;” the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This work begins with strong leadership by government, private sector, and civil society. The U.S. federal government has sought to be a leader in the employment arena by increasing the number of persons with disabilities within its own ranks. In 2010, President Obama issued Executive Order 13548, which calls upon federal government departments and agencies to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement of persons with disabilities. Government agencies developed plans and published statistics on progress toward achieving the goals of the Executive Order. In 2012, total permanent employment in the federal government for persons with disabilities had increased to 11.89%, with more people with disabilities in federal service both in real terms and by percentage than at any time in the past 32 years.
The key U.S. enforcement of disability rights protections in the workplace is carried out by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Labor. Together, these three agencies enforce federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against qualified job applicants or employees because of those individuals’ disabilities, history of disability, appearance of disability, or association with someone with a disability. The law requires an employer to provide reasonable accommodation to an employee or job applicant with a disability, unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the employer. Reasonable accommodation means a modification to the work environment so a disabled person can perform his or her job. For example, provision of a sign language interpreter for someone who is deaf, an accessible bathroom for a wheelchair user, or screen reading software for someone who is blind. Our laws also prohibit employers from creating a hostile work environment for workers with disabilities and from retaliating against individuals who assert their legal rights.
In all of these areas, non-governmental disabled people’s organizations have been ever present in holding government accountable and pushing it to do better. The private business sector has also taken up the challenge of increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. For example, the U.S. Business Leadership Network is a national disability organization that has over 60 affiliates across North America, representing over 5,000 employers. Such private sector initiatives help create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where persons with disabilities are included and respected for their talents, abilities, and contributions.
I look forward to exploring how we can work together as APEC economies to improve development outcomes for persons with disabilities, including through enhanced legislative, enforcement, and programmatic initiatives to support equal access to education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. We have much to learn from each other, and everything to gain in building more inclusive societies, with workforces that benefit from the unique contributions of persons with disabilities.
FTC APPROVES 2 FINAL ORDERS IN CASE INVOLVING CAFFEINE-INFUSED SHAPEWEAR UNDERGARMENTS
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
FTC Approves Final Orders Banning Two Companies From Making Unsubstantiated Slimming Claims for Shapewear Undergarments
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved two final orders settling charges that two companies, Norm Thompson Outfitters. Inc., and Wacoal America, Inc., misled consumers regarding the ability of their caffeine-infused shapewear undergarments to reshape the wearer’s body and reduce cellulite.
According to the FTC’s complaints, announced in September, the two companies’ marketing claims for their caffeine-infused products were false and not substantiated by scientific evidence.
In settling the charges, the companies are banned from claiming that any garment that contains any drug or cosmetic causes substantial weight or fat loss or a substantial reduction in body size. The companies also are prohibited from making claims that any drug or cosmetic reduces or eliminates cellulite or reduces body fat, unless they are not misleading and can be substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence.
The final orders also require the companies to pay $230,000 and $1.3 million, respectively, that the FTC can use to provide refunds to consumers.
The Commission vote approving each final consent order was 5-0.
FTC Approves Final Orders Banning Two Companies From Making Unsubstantiated Slimming Claims for Shapewear Undergarments
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved two final orders settling charges that two companies, Norm Thompson Outfitters. Inc., and Wacoal America, Inc., misled consumers regarding the ability of their caffeine-infused shapewear undergarments to reshape the wearer’s body and reduce cellulite.
According to the FTC’s complaints, announced in September, the two companies’ marketing claims for their caffeine-infused products were false and not substantiated by scientific evidence.
In settling the charges, the companies are banned from claiming that any garment that contains any drug or cosmetic causes substantial weight or fat loss or a substantial reduction in body size. The companies also are prohibited from making claims that any drug or cosmetic reduces or eliminates cellulite or reduces body fat, unless they are not misleading and can be substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence.
The final orders also require the companies to pay $230,000 and $1.3 million, respectively, that the FTC can use to provide refunds to consumers.
The Commission vote approving each final consent order was 5-0.
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: JOB GROWTH THROUGH U.S./CHINA VISA VALIDITY
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
November 10, 2014
FACT SHEET: Supporting American Job Growth And Strengthening Ties By Extending U.S./China Visa Validity for Tourists, Business Travelers, and Students
Today, President Obama announced that the United States and the People’s Republic of China are concluding a reciprocal visa validity arrangement during his visit that will strengthen our ever-broadening economic and people-to-people ties. Both countries have agreed to increase the validity of short-term tourist and business visas issued to each other’s citizens from one to ten years – the longest validity possible under U.S. law – and increase the validity of student and exchange visas from one to five years. The United States will begin issuing visas in accordance with the new reciprocal agreement on November 12, 2014.
This arrangement will improve trade, investment, and business ties by facilitating travel and offering easier access to both economies. Extended validity visas for students and exchange visitors will boost the bonds between our two peoples and facilitate travel for outstanding students from around the world who attend U.S. institutions of higher education. As a result of this arrangement, the United States hopes to welcome a growing share of eligible Chinese travelers, inject billions in the U.S. economy and create enough demand to support hundreds of thousands of additional U.S. jobs. Travelers will continue to be subject to all the same legal and security reviews that currently apply to visa applicants.
Welcoming a Growing Share of Chinese Travelers.
China is the fastest-growing outbound tourism market in the world, and in 2013, 1.8 million Chinese travelers visited the United States, contributing $21.1 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting more than 109,000 American jobs.
Chinese travelers consistently rank the United States as their most-desired travel destination, yet less than 2 percent of total Chinese travelers come to the United States.
Chinese travelers cite ease of visa policies as the second most important factor in deciding where to travel, behind only cost.
A competitive visa policy will help us meet projections that suggest as many as 7.3 million Chinese travelers will come to the United States by 2021, contributing nearly $85 billion a year to the economy and supporting up to 440,000 U.S. jobs.
Strengthening Bonds Between Chinese and American Students.
28 percent of all foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States originate from China.
Chinese students in the United States spent $8 billion in 2013, an increase of nearly 24 percent over the previous year.
Today’s arrangement will allow American and Chinese students to more easily travel back and forth, making foreign study a more attractive option, increasing opportunities for people-to-people ties, and boosting mutual understanding.
Extending Visa Validity to Increase the Number of Chinese Travelers Coming to the United States and Support American Jobs
Today, the President is taking action to welcome more Chinese visitors to the United States, in order to support America’s most important and largest services export – tourism. Chinese travelers persistently rank the United States as their top desired travel destination, but only slightly more than 1.8 percent of total outbound travelers go to the United States. Chinese travelers cite ease of visa policies as the second most important factor in deciding where to travel, behind only cost. A competitive visa policy is needed to secure our place as the chosen destination for millions of Chinese travelers.
Travel and tourism is a major driver of the U.S. economy and we have made significant progress in improving our visa processing. In 2013, nearly 70 million international travelers visited the United States, experiencing all that America has to offer from our cities to our many national parks. Those visits support nearly 1.1 million American jobs – including thousands at local and small businesses. Growth in international visitors has created roughly 260,000 American jobs over the past five years alone. The Administration has taken steps to support this impressive growth, including improving visa processing waiting periods in important markets like China where they have dropped from as high as several months to less than five days on average. In total, the State Department issued 9.2 million visas worldwide in 2013, up 42 percent since 2010.
Global growth of outbound travel from China represents an unprecedented opportunity to foster job creation across the country. China is the fastest growing outbound tourism market in the world, and Chinese visitors have accounted for 20 percent of the growth in overseas travel to the United States since 2008. In 2013, 1.8 million Chinese travelers visited the United States, contributing $21.1 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting more than 109,000 U.S. jobs. As incomes in China continue to rise, the number of Chinese citizens able to afford international travel and tourism is projected to more than double over the next few years, reaching the hundreds of millions. Close to 7.3 million Chinese are projected to travel to the United States by 2021, contributing nearly $85 billion a year to the economy and supporting 440,000 jobs. But if our visa policy were allowed to fall behind other countries, we might miss out on much of this additional economic activity.
The United States must continue to maintain a competitive advantage in the global business arena. Extending visa validity will bring the United States into line or surpass other destinations that have already eased visa restrictions for Chinese travelers such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. The European Commission, France, Germany, and Italy are also taking steps to extend visa validity to Chinese travelers. Today’s announcement will allow more Chinese to make the United States their destination of choice.
Increasing business travel will support the President’s goal of increasing exports. Increasing visa validity for U.S. citizens traveling to China makes it easier to respond to market and commercial opportunities in China, helping to boost U.S. exports, foster increased trade ties, and improve commercial linkages between U.S. and Chinese firms. In the near term, extending visa validity for Chinese business travelers will also help meet the President’s SelectUSA goal of boosting inward investment into the United States as the U.S. travel and tourism industry commits to making upfront investments in new hotels and other infrastructure in anticipation of a rise in Chinese inbound travel.
Strengthening Tourism and Education Opportunities by Enhancing Student Visas
Chinese student and exchange visitors represent 30 percent of all such visas issued worldwide, with Chinese nationals comprising the largest group of foreign students in the United States. Students, exchange visitors, and their dependents may now receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, depending on their program. This will allow American and Chinese students to more easily travel back and forth, making foreign study a more attractive option, increasing opportunities for people-to-people ties, and boosting mutual understanding.
November 10, 2014
FACT SHEET: Supporting American Job Growth And Strengthening Ties By Extending U.S./China Visa Validity for Tourists, Business Travelers, and Students
Today, President Obama announced that the United States and the People’s Republic of China are concluding a reciprocal visa validity arrangement during his visit that will strengthen our ever-broadening economic and people-to-people ties. Both countries have agreed to increase the validity of short-term tourist and business visas issued to each other’s citizens from one to ten years – the longest validity possible under U.S. law – and increase the validity of student and exchange visas from one to five years. The United States will begin issuing visas in accordance with the new reciprocal agreement on November 12, 2014.
This arrangement will improve trade, investment, and business ties by facilitating travel and offering easier access to both economies. Extended validity visas for students and exchange visitors will boost the bonds between our two peoples and facilitate travel for outstanding students from around the world who attend U.S. institutions of higher education. As a result of this arrangement, the United States hopes to welcome a growing share of eligible Chinese travelers, inject billions in the U.S. economy and create enough demand to support hundreds of thousands of additional U.S. jobs. Travelers will continue to be subject to all the same legal and security reviews that currently apply to visa applicants.
Welcoming a Growing Share of Chinese Travelers.
China is the fastest-growing outbound tourism market in the world, and in 2013, 1.8 million Chinese travelers visited the United States, contributing $21.1 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting more than 109,000 American jobs.
Chinese travelers consistently rank the United States as their most-desired travel destination, yet less than 2 percent of total Chinese travelers come to the United States.
Chinese travelers cite ease of visa policies as the second most important factor in deciding where to travel, behind only cost.
A competitive visa policy will help us meet projections that suggest as many as 7.3 million Chinese travelers will come to the United States by 2021, contributing nearly $85 billion a year to the economy and supporting up to 440,000 U.S. jobs.
Strengthening Bonds Between Chinese and American Students.
28 percent of all foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States originate from China.
Chinese students in the United States spent $8 billion in 2013, an increase of nearly 24 percent over the previous year.
Today’s arrangement will allow American and Chinese students to more easily travel back and forth, making foreign study a more attractive option, increasing opportunities for people-to-people ties, and boosting mutual understanding.
Extending Visa Validity to Increase the Number of Chinese Travelers Coming to the United States and Support American Jobs
Today, the President is taking action to welcome more Chinese visitors to the United States, in order to support America’s most important and largest services export – tourism. Chinese travelers persistently rank the United States as their top desired travel destination, but only slightly more than 1.8 percent of total outbound travelers go to the United States. Chinese travelers cite ease of visa policies as the second most important factor in deciding where to travel, behind only cost. A competitive visa policy is needed to secure our place as the chosen destination for millions of Chinese travelers.
Travel and tourism is a major driver of the U.S. economy and we have made significant progress in improving our visa processing. In 2013, nearly 70 million international travelers visited the United States, experiencing all that America has to offer from our cities to our many national parks. Those visits support nearly 1.1 million American jobs – including thousands at local and small businesses. Growth in international visitors has created roughly 260,000 American jobs over the past five years alone. The Administration has taken steps to support this impressive growth, including improving visa processing waiting periods in important markets like China where they have dropped from as high as several months to less than five days on average. In total, the State Department issued 9.2 million visas worldwide in 2013, up 42 percent since 2010.
Global growth of outbound travel from China represents an unprecedented opportunity to foster job creation across the country. China is the fastest growing outbound tourism market in the world, and Chinese visitors have accounted for 20 percent of the growth in overseas travel to the United States since 2008. In 2013, 1.8 million Chinese travelers visited the United States, contributing $21.1 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting more than 109,000 U.S. jobs. As incomes in China continue to rise, the number of Chinese citizens able to afford international travel and tourism is projected to more than double over the next few years, reaching the hundreds of millions. Close to 7.3 million Chinese are projected to travel to the United States by 2021, contributing nearly $85 billion a year to the economy and supporting 440,000 jobs. But if our visa policy were allowed to fall behind other countries, we might miss out on much of this additional economic activity.
The United States must continue to maintain a competitive advantage in the global business arena. Extending visa validity will bring the United States into line or surpass other destinations that have already eased visa restrictions for Chinese travelers such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. The European Commission, France, Germany, and Italy are also taking steps to extend visa validity to Chinese travelers. Today’s announcement will allow more Chinese to make the United States their destination of choice.
Increasing business travel will support the President’s goal of increasing exports. Increasing visa validity for U.S. citizens traveling to China makes it easier to respond to market and commercial opportunities in China, helping to boost U.S. exports, foster increased trade ties, and improve commercial linkages between U.S. and Chinese firms. In the near term, extending visa validity for Chinese business travelers will also help meet the President’s SelectUSA goal of boosting inward investment into the United States as the U.S. travel and tourism industry commits to making upfront investments in new hotels and other infrastructure in anticipation of a rise in Chinese inbound travel.
Strengthening Tourism and Education Opportunities by Enhancing Student Visas
Chinese student and exchange visitors represent 30 percent of all such visas issued worldwide, with Chinese nationals comprising the largest group of foreign students in the United States. Students, exchange visitors, and their dependents may now receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, depending on their program. This will allow American and Chinese students to more easily travel back and forth, making foreign study a more attractive option, increasing opportunities for people-to-people ties, and boosting mutual understanding.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S TOAST REMARKS IN LUNCHEON WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT XI
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
November 12, 2014
Toast Remarks by President Obama in Luncheon with President Xi of China
Great Hall of the People
Beijing, China
PRESIDENT OBAMA: President Xi, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen -- thank you for your extraordinary hospitality and the honor of this state visit, which is a reflection of the deep ties between our countries and our peoples.
I’m told that one of your great Chinese authors once wrote, “Originally there was no path, but after many people travel a certain way, a path is forged.”
Thirty-five years ago, our two nations established diplomatic relations. Since then, many people -- Chinese and Americans -- have travelled between us. Business people, tourists, students and teachers, scientists and researchers. And as a result, a new path has been forged.
Among those who traveled that path was President Xi, who on an exchange program as a younger man visited our state of Iowa and stayed with a local family. Mr. President, as a result of the ties you forged then, families in Iowa still welcome young men and women from China into their homes and communities.
That path has also been traveled by my wife Michelle and our two daughters, who visited China earlier this year. As I was on my visit five years ago, they were deeply moved by the history and majesty of this nation and its people. And Michelle even tried her hand at tai chi.
Now, this path is being walked in new ways. We recently witnessed an inspiring sight -- a Chinese plane landing in Liberia with supplies to fight Ebola, and it was unloaded by Chinese and Americans and Liberians, working together, shoulder to shoulder. And today we showed that we can bring that same spirit to bear as leaders in the fight against climate change.
In closing, I’d like to recall a Chinese saying that reflects this spirit of possibility -- nothing is too difficult, as long as people have resolve. And so I propose a toast -- to our people and the resolve we share, I wish the best of health to President Xi, his family, and the people of China, may we continue to walk the path of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of ourselves and for the world. Ganbei.
(A toast is given.)
November 12, 2014
Toast Remarks by President Obama in Luncheon with President Xi of China
Great Hall of the People
Beijing, China
PRESIDENT OBAMA: President Xi, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen -- thank you for your extraordinary hospitality and the honor of this state visit, which is a reflection of the deep ties between our countries and our peoples.
I’m told that one of your great Chinese authors once wrote, “Originally there was no path, but after many people travel a certain way, a path is forged.”
Thirty-five years ago, our two nations established diplomatic relations. Since then, many people -- Chinese and Americans -- have travelled between us. Business people, tourists, students and teachers, scientists and researchers. And as a result, a new path has been forged.
Among those who traveled that path was President Xi, who on an exchange program as a younger man visited our state of Iowa and stayed with a local family. Mr. President, as a result of the ties you forged then, families in Iowa still welcome young men and women from China into their homes and communities.
That path has also been traveled by my wife Michelle and our two daughters, who visited China earlier this year. As I was on my visit five years ago, they were deeply moved by the history and majesty of this nation and its people. And Michelle even tried her hand at tai chi.
Now, this path is being walked in new ways. We recently witnessed an inspiring sight -- a Chinese plane landing in Liberia with supplies to fight Ebola, and it was unloaded by Chinese and Americans and Liberians, working together, shoulder to shoulder. And today we showed that we can bring that same spirit to bear as leaders in the fight against climate change.
In closing, I’d like to recall a Chinese saying that reflects this spirit of possibility -- nothing is too difficult, as long as people have resolve. And so I propose a toast -- to our people and the resolve we share, I wish the best of health to President Xi, his family, and the people of China, may we continue to walk the path of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of ourselves and for the world. Ganbei.
(A toast is given.)
LETTER TO CONGRESS REGARDING CONTINUATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO IRAN
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
November 12, 2014
Letter - Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to Iran that was declared in Executive Order 12170 of November 14, 1979, is to continue in effect beyond November 14, 2014.
Because our relations with Iran have not yet returned to normal, and the process of implementing the agreements with Iran, dated January 19, 1981, is still under way, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12170 with respect to Iran.
BARACK OBAMA
November 12, 2014
Letter - Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to Iran that was declared in Executive Order 12170 of November 14, 1979, is to continue in effect beyond November 14, 2014.
Because our relations with Iran have not yet returned to normal, and the process of implementing the agreements with Iran, dated January 19, 1981, is still under way, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12170 with respect to Iran.
BARACK OBAMA
U.S. DOD PHOTOS: LIVE-FIRE NIGHT EXERCISE
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
 |
| Soldiers coordinate their attack during a live-fire exercise on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Connaher. |
 |
| An Army sniper, left, and his spotter acquire targets during a live-fire exercise on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Connaher. |
SECRETARY HAGEL REFLECTS ON VIETNAM WAR DURING VETERANS DAY SPEECH
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Hagel Says Vietnam Wall Teaches Sacrifice, Need for Questioning Policies
By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2014 – The Vietnam War Memorial teaches Americans to honor those who sacrificed, but also to be honest and to question the policies that send Americans to war, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today.
Hagel served as an Army sergeant in the 9th Infantry Division during the war and spoke at the Wall today about the meaning of the memorial.
The secretary spoke about his first Veterans Day as a veteran in Omaha, Nebraska. “I’ve always remembered that Veterans Day in 1969, because it reminded me of the one constant throughout the Vietnam War – the uncommon valor of common Americans from every corner of our country,” he said. “They were the quiet heroes of our time. Some of these veterans are here today, and the names of many more are memorialized on the Wall behind us.”
The Wall lists the names of the more than 58,000 Americans killed during the war. Those looking at the names also see the reflections of themselves.
“As it records the names of the past, and reflects our hopes for the future, it also offers a reminder – a message that carries across generations: The Wall reminds us to honor those who defend our country – from making sure they’re treated with the dignity, respect, and appreciation they deserve, to caring for those who return home with visible – and invisible – wounds of war,” Hagel said.
No matter when, where or what war, the United States has “a sacred responsibility” to care for and honor those who sacrificed, the secretary said.
The Wall also reminds Americans to be honest. “There is nothing to be gained by glossing over the darker portions of a war that bitterly divided America,” Hagel said. “We must openly acknowledge past mistakes, and learn from them, because that is how we avoid repeating them.”
The Wall reminds Americans to not take security for granted, and that “we must always question our policies that send our citizens to war, because our nation’s policies must always be worthy of the sacrifices we ask of the men and women who defend our country,” he said.
As secretary, Hagel has a private lunch each month with junior enlisted personnel. “What they tell me – and what every American should know – is that today’s service members don’t want to be glorified or given special treatment,” he said. “The entire 9/11 generation volunteered to serve at a time of war, and they have a strong desire to continue making a difference in the world.”
These men and women want to continue to serve even after leaving the military, he said. “They don’t need a hand-out or a hand-up – they just want the opportunity to continue proving themselves,” Hagel said. “It falls on us to make sure they get that opportunity – the opportunity that too many veterans were denied in the past.”
Hagel called on all Americans to honor veterans by “creating new opportunities for them to contribute after their service in uniform, so they can continue to help make a better world. America is forever grateful for their service to our country.”
Hagel Says Vietnam Wall Teaches Sacrifice, Need for Questioning Policies
By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2014 – The Vietnam War Memorial teaches Americans to honor those who sacrificed, but also to be honest and to question the policies that send Americans to war, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today.
Hagel served as an Army sergeant in the 9th Infantry Division during the war and spoke at the Wall today about the meaning of the memorial.
The secretary spoke about his first Veterans Day as a veteran in Omaha, Nebraska. “I’ve always remembered that Veterans Day in 1969, because it reminded me of the one constant throughout the Vietnam War – the uncommon valor of common Americans from every corner of our country,” he said. “They were the quiet heroes of our time. Some of these veterans are here today, and the names of many more are memorialized on the Wall behind us.”
The Wall lists the names of the more than 58,000 Americans killed during the war. Those looking at the names also see the reflections of themselves.
“As it records the names of the past, and reflects our hopes for the future, it also offers a reminder – a message that carries across generations: The Wall reminds us to honor those who defend our country – from making sure they’re treated with the dignity, respect, and appreciation they deserve, to caring for those who return home with visible – and invisible – wounds of war,” Hagel said.
No matter when, where or what war, the United States has “a sacred responsibility” to care for and honor those who sacrificed, the secretary said.
The Wall also reminds Americans to be honest. “There is nothing to be gained by glossing over the darker portions of a war that bitterly divided America,” Hagel said. “We must openly acknowledge past mistakes, and learn from them, because that is how we avoid repeating them.”
The Wall reminds Americans to not take security for granted, and that “we must always question our policies that send our citizens to war, because our nation’s policies must always be worthy of the sacrifices we ask of the men and women who defend our country,” he said.
As secretary, Hagel has a private lunch each month with junior enlisted personnel. “What they tell me – and what every American should know – is that today’s service members don’t want to be glorified or given special treatment,” he said. “The entire 9/11 generation volunteered to serve at a time of war, and they have a strong desire to continue making a difference in the world.”
These men and women want to continue to serve even after leaving the military, he said. “They don’t need a hand-out or a hand-up – they just want the opportunity to continue proving themselves,” Hagel said. “It falls on us to make sure they get that opportunity – the opportunity that too many veterans were denied in the past.”
Hagel called on all Americans to honor veterans by “creating new opportunities for them to contribute after their service in uniform, so they can continue to help make a better world. America is forever grateful for their service to our country.”
A.G. HOLDER'S STATEMENT ON PASSING OF JOHN DOAR
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Attorney General Holder Statement on the Passing of Civil Rights Leader John Doar
Attorney General Eric Holder released the following statement Tuesday on the passing of civil rights leader John Doar:
"John Doar was a giant in the history of the Civil Rights movement, a courageous advocate for those who suffered discrimination, and a true champion of justice and equality over the course of many decades devoted to improving the country he loved so dearly.
"From Selma, to Montgomery, to the campus of Ole Miss, he stood with pioneers, rode with Freedom Riders, and marched with those who called for nothing more – and nothing less – than the rights which were theirs under the Constitution. At a time when America's cities rioted – and Mississippi burned – he was never far from the front lines of this momentous struggle, leading efforts to overturn an unjust status quo and striving to achieve justice for civil rights workers who were senselessly murdered.
"Brave but unassuming, passionate but unbiased, he repeatedly risked his life to preserve the rule of law and stand up for that which was right. He was one of the greatest leaders the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has ever known. And during a period of great national turmoil and transformative change, alongside countless other leaders and seemingly-ordinary citizens, he helped usher in a brighter dawn, and build a better future, for everyone in this country.
"I have always regarded John Doar as a personal hero and an embodiment of what it means to be a public servant. In so many ways, he defined what is best about the Department he served so faithfully during one of its golden eras – proving every day, by word and by deed, that the law can be a strong, deft instrument of lasting, positive change.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of John Doar's passing, and I join President Obama and others throughout the nation in extending my deep condolences to his family and friends. Although he will be sorely missed, we vow today that his vital work will go on – and his contributions, and shining example, will not merely endure; they will continue to push us forward."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Attorney General Holder Statement on the Passing of Civil Rights Leader John Doar
Attorney General Eric Holder released the following statement Tuesday on the passing of civil rights leader John Doar:
"John Doar was a giant in the history of the Civil Rights movement, a courageous advocate for those who suffered discrimination, and a true champion of justice and equality over the course of many decades devoted to improving the country he loved so dearly.
"From Selma, to Montgomery, to the campus of Ole Miss, he stood with pioneers, rode with Freedom Riders, and marched with those who called for nothing more – and nothing less – than the rights which were theirs under the Constitution. At a time when America's cities rioted – and Mississippi burned – he was never far from the front lines of this momentous struggle, leading efforts to overturn an unjust status quo and striving to achieve justice for civil rights workers who were senselessly murdered.
"Brave but unassuming, passionate but unbiased, he repeatedly risked his life to preserve the rule of law and stand up for that which was right. He was one of the greatest leaders the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has ever known. And during a period of great national turmoil and transformative change, alongside countless other leaders and seemingly-ordinary citizens, he helped usher in a brighter dawn, and build a better future, for everyone in this country.
"I have always regarded John Doar as a personal hero and an embodiment of what it means to be a public servant. In so many ways, he defined what is best about the Department he served so faithfully during one of its golden eras – proving every day, by word and by deed, that the law can be a strong, deft instrument of lasting, positive change.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of John Doar's passing, and I join President Obama and others throughout the nation in extending my deep condolences to his family and friends. Although he will be sorely missed, we vow today that his vital work will go on – and his contributions, and shining example, will not merely endure; they will continue to push us forward."
EXPORT-IMPORT BANK SUPPORTS VET-OWNED BUSINESSES
FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Ex-Im Bank Supports Veteran-Owned Businesses as they Export Products Abroad and Support Jobs at Home
Washington, D.C. – As Veterans Day approaches, the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. remains proud to support veterans across all of the branches who continue to serve the nation by exporting quality, made-in-America goods and services abroad, while creating more jobs in local communities across the country.
“Veterans Day—as well as the Marines’ birthday on November 10th—affords us a wonderful opportunity to thank our veterans for their service, and to reaffirm our support for veteran-owned businesses as they seek out opportunities in the global marketplace,” said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “Those who bravely served our country, and returned home to start and run businesses, deserve to have reliable support standing behind them as they sell quality products and promote American economic leadership overseas—and Ex-Im Bank is proud to be a part of that support for countless veteran-owned businesses.”
The following veteran-owned small business success stories underscore the commitment the Bank has made to ensuring that those who sacrificed for this country are supported in turn. Ex-Im equips these businesses with the financing support needed to grow, win sales in global markets, and create good-paying American jobs.
Jeco Plastic Products, headquartered in Plainfield, Ind., sells custom high-tolerance pallets to customers abroad.
Jeco opened for business in 1973, but it did not start exporting until joining forces with Ex-Im Bank in 1999. Since then, Jeco has shipped products to Germany, Austria, Japan, Mexico, and Canada, among others. The export growth, in turn, has led to the creation of 23 jobs and could very well lead to the creation of 27 more over the next two years. Approximately 65 percent of company sales are export related.
“Jeco has grown 300 percent since we started using Ex-Im Bank so we could offer open account terms to overseas customers,” said Craig Carson, owner and CEO of Jeco. “We anticipate an additional 300 percent growth from our existing base if we continue to have Ex-Im Bank support. We have routinely displaced low-cost alternatives from competitors in China on the basis of technology and kept the production base in the U.S. We could not have done this without Ex-Im Bank, and probably would not have survived the downturn in 2008 and 2009.”
Carson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1968 and commanded an airborne infantry company in Vietnam.
Energy International Corporation (EIC), based in Canton, Mich., exports a variety of products that includes HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) electromechanical components, cooling towers, fire and smoke curtains, fire dampers, and industrial plumbing.
The company was founded in 1979 by Dr. Nassib Fawaz, a U.S. Army veteran, to meet a need for HVAC and electromechanical components for construction projects in the Middle East. Today the company employs 170 people, 18 of whom work in the company’s Canton office.
Since it started using Ex-Im Bank products in 1985, EIC has transacted more than $100 million in business over the years. Total revenue in 2013 amounted to nearly $15.7 million, and exports accounted for all of it.
“Plain and simple, without Ex-Im Bank we would not have been able to finance our export receivables,” said Fawaz. “Our sales have expanded by more than 100 percent since receiving Ex-Im Bank support.”
Surface Armor, a small business based in Rockwall, Texas, exports temporary surface protection films and tapes.
Founded in 2005 by a service disabled veteran who had served for seven years in the U.S. Air Force, the company now employs eight people. Since taking advantage of Ex-Im Bank financing in 2014, the company, which previously exported to Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Europe, has expanded its export reach to China. Due to Ex-Im Bank’s support, annual sales have grown by more than $100,000.
“Without credit insurance coverage from Ex-Im Bank, we would not have been able to provide credit terms to customers in China and would not gotten that business,” said Rick Pietrykowski, owner of Surface Armor. “Previously we could not offer foreign buyers favorable credit terms.”
Ex-Im Bank Supports Veteran-Owned Businesses as they Export Products Abroad and Support Jobs at Home
Washington, D.C. – As Veterans Day approaches, the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. remains proud to support veterans across all of the branches who continue to serve the nation by exporting quality, made-in-America goods and services abroad, while creating more jobs in local communities across the country.
“Veterans Day—as well as the Marines’ birthday on November 10th—affords us a wonderful opportunity to thank our veterans for their service, and to reaffirm our support for veteran-owned businesses as they seek out opportunities in the global marketplace,” said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “Those who bravely served our country, and returned home to start and run businesses, deserve to have reliable support standing behind them as they sell quality products and promote American economic leadership overseas—and Ex-Im Bank is proud to be a part of that support for countless veteran-owned businesses.”
The following veteran-owned small business success stories underscore the commitment the Bank has made to ensuring that those who sacrificed for this country are supported in turn. Ex-Im equips these businesses with the financing support needed to grow, win sales in global markets, and create good-paying American jobs.
Jeco Plastic Products, headquartered in Plainfield, Ind., sells custom high-tolerance pallets to customers abroad.
Jeco opened for business in 1973, but it did not start exporting until joining forces with Ex-Im Bank in 1999. Since then, Jeco has shipped products to Germany, Austria, Japan, Mexico, and Canada, among others. The export growth, in turn, has led to the creation of 23 jobs and could very well lead to the creation of 27 more over the next two years. Approximately 65 percent of company sales are export related.
“Jeco has grown 300 percent since we started using Ex-Im Bank so we could offer open account terms to overseas customers,” said Craig Carson, owner and CEO of Jeco. “We anticipate an additional 300 percent growth from our existing base if we continue to have Ex-Im Bank support. We have routinely displaced low-cost alternatives from competitors in China on the basis of technology and kept the production base in the U.S. We could not have done this without Ex-Im Bank, and probably would not have survived the downturn in 2008 and 2009.”
Carson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1968 and commanded an airborne infantry company in Vietnam.
Energy International Corporation (EIC), based in Canton, Mich., exports a variety of products that includes HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) electromechanical components, cooling towers, fire and smoke curtains, fire dampers, and industrial plumbing.
The company was founded in 1979 by Dr. Nassib Fawaz, a U.S. Army veteran, to meet a need for HVAC and electromechanical components for construction projects in the Middle East. Today the company employs 170 people, 18 of whom work in the company’s Canton office.
Since it started using Ex-Im Bank products in 1985, EIC has transacted more than $100 million in business over the years. Total revenue in 2013 amounted to nearly $15.7 million, and exports accounted for all of it.
“Plain and simple, without Ex-Im Bank we would not have been able to finance our export receivables,” said Fawaz. “Our sales have expanded by more than 100 percent since receiving Ex-Im Bank support.”
Surface Armor, a small business based in Rockwall, Texas, exports temporary surface protection films and tapes.
Founded in 2005 by a service disabled veteran who had served for seven years in the U.S. Air Force, the company now employs eight people. Since taking advantage of Ex-Im Bank financing in 2014, the company, which previously exported to Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Europe, has expanded its export reach to China. Due to Ex-Im Bank’s support, annual sales have grown by more than $100,000.
“Without credit insurance coverage from Ex-Im Bank, we would not have been able to provide credit terms to customers in China and would not gotten that business,” said Rick Pietrykowski, owner of Surface Armor. “Previously we could not offer foreign buyers favorable credit terms.”
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: U.S.-AUSTRALIA ALLIANCE
FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE KOREA
November 10, 2014
FACT SHEET: The U.S.-Australia AllianceReinforcing our long history of close cooperation and partnership, President Obama and Prime Minister Abbott today reviewed a series of initiatives to expand and deepen collaboration between the United States and Australia.
Security and Defense Cooperation
The U.S.-Australia alliance is an anchor of peace and stability not only in the Asia-Pacific region but around the world. The United States and Australia will work together – bilaterally, in regional bodies, and through the UN – to advance peace and security from the coast of Somalia to Afghanistan and to confront international challenges, such as Syria; Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine; and North Korea.
In responding to the threat posed by ISIL and foreign terrorist fighters, the United States and Australia are working together with an international coalition to degrade and defeat ISIL by providing military support to Iraq, cutting off ISIL’s funding, countering its warped ideology, and stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters into its ranks. The United States and Australia are coordinating closely through the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Australia supported U.S.-drafted United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178, which condemns violent extremism and underscores the need to stem support for foreign terrorist fighters, and the two countries will work together toward its implementation. Additionally, together, we continue to provide critical humanitarian support to the victims of conflict in Syria and Iraq.
In Afghanistan, the United States and Australia have worked to together to enable the Afghan government to provide effective security across the country and develop the new Afghan security forces to ensure Afghanistan can never again become a safe haven for terrorists. The United States and Afghanistan will continue this close partnership, focused on the development and sustainment of Afghan security forces and institutions, after the combat mission ends in Afghanistan this year and the Resolute Support Mission begins.
The U.S.-Australian Force Posture Agreement, announced by the President and Prime Minister in June and signed in August, deepens our long-standing defense cooperation and the advancement of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. While implementing the force posture initiatives jointly announced in 2011, the United States and Australia continuously seek opportunities to strengthen our interoperability, coordination, and cooperation.
As Pacific nations, the United States and Australia share an abiding interest in peaceful resolution of disputes in the maritime domain; respect for international law and unimpeded lawful commerce; and preserving freedom of navigation and overflight. Both countries oppose the use of intimidation, coercion, or force to advance territorial or maritime claims in the East and South China Seas. In their June 2014 joint op-ed, the two leaders called on claimants to clarify and pursue claims in accordance with international law, including the Law of the Sea Convention, and expressed support for the rights of claimants to seek peaceful resolution of disputes through legal mechanisms, including arbitration, under the Convention. Both countries continue to call for ASEAN and China to reach early agreement on a meaningful Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The United States and Australia are responding to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and supporting the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to accelerate measureable progress toward a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats.
The United States congratulates Australia as it nears the end of its two years on the United Nations Security Council, during which time Australia has been a powerful and important voice on a range of issues relating to international peace and security, especially the ongoing conflict in Syria and the global threat posed by terrorism.
Cooperation for Economic Growth and Prosperity
The United States and Australia share a commitment to deepening further economic ties, including by concluding the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a high-standard, 21st century agreement that will promote economic growth and job creation in both countries and around the region. In January 2015, the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement will celebrate ten years of facilitating trade and investment between our two countries, having nearly doubled our goods trade and increased our services trade by more than 122 percent.
The United States remains the largest foreign investor in Australia, accounting for over a quarter of its foreign investment. The United States and Australia also work closely in multilateral institutions such as APEC to promote sustainable growth and shared prosperity in the region.
A vital aspect of economic growth is promoting greater gender equality. The United States and Australia are working together to enhance women’s political and economic participation. As founding members of the Equal Futures Partnership, our two nations continue to collaborate to expand economic opportunities for women and increase women’s participation in leadership positions in politics, civic society, and economic life.
The United States and Australia recognize the threat of climate change, including in the Pacific, and the need to take bold steps to boost clean energy, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and help ensure a successful and ambitious global climate change agreement in Paris next year. The United States underscored the importance of submitting ambitious post-2020 climate commitments for the new agreement as soon as possible and preferably by the end of March 2015. Both countries are collaborating with Pacific Island countries to promote sustainable development practices.
The President congratulated Prime Minister Abbott on the preparations for the G20 Summit, and noted he looks forward to the important and vibrant discussions ahead.
Science, Technology, and Innovation
U.S.-Australia science, technology, and innovation cooperation will strengthen our work on cutting edge issues, ranging from neuroscience to clean energy to information technology. Under the auspices of the U.S.-Australia Science and Technology Agreement, our two countries collaborate on clean energy, marine, and health research.
Through the Ambassador of the United States’ Innovation Roundtables, the United States and Australia are creating an additional platform to leverage U.S.-Australia innovation partnerships and strengthen our interactions in innovative areas and promote a positive, future-oriented vision of our bilateral relationship.
The United States and Australia are two of the founding partners of the new $200 million Global Innovation Fund (GIF), which will invest in social innovations that aim to improve the lives of and opportunities for millions of people in the developing world.
People-to-People Ties
The U.S.-Australia Alliance is based on a long tradition of cooperation at all levels of government, business and civil society.
In partnership with the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and the Perth USAsia Centre at the University of Western Australia, the United States established the “Alliance 21 Fellowship,” a three-year exchange of senior scholars and policy analysts that will further examine the shared interests and mutual benefits of the U.S.-Australia alliance through research and public engagement.
The United States and Australia form a partnership that is key to the future of both countries and peace and prosperity around the globe.
THE FUTURE OF HYDROPONICS
FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Soil-free farming prepares next generation for Green Energy future
In a cramped city, growing a garden is a luxury. For some Boston teens, two square feet of space is all they need to grow up to 40 plants--without any soil. Boston College, with funding from NSF, is teaching teens the power of hydroponics
When Boston College Professor Mike Barnett first got students involved in hydroponics, he couldn't get them to go home.
"We charged them with the task of building a hydroponic system to grow 50 plants that would fit in a closet, and they wouldn't leave the lab." Barnett said. "At that point, we knew we were on to something."
Hydroponics is the process of growing food with nutrient-rich water instead of soil and is the basis for a project that high school students have been working on at Boston College since 2012.
Boston College's Urban Hydrofarmers project is part of its College Bound program, which prepares high school students for college by teaching them valuable skills in business and science.
With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and in partnership with the STEM Garden Institute, Boston College chose to pursue hydroponics with teenagers because it involves all the basic disciplines students learn in high school.
The goal of the project is to motivate students to pursue science in higher education, according to NSF Program Director David Campbell.
"It addresses the ultimate goals of NSF by engaging young people in science and preparing the next generation of the scientific workforce," Campbell said.
About 60 high school students come to learn at Boston College's greenhouse every year. The program targets teens with average grades, Barnett said, and many of the students come from immigrant families. Some of these students would not reach college without the aid and skills the program provides, according to Campbell.
Students are a part of the growing process from start to finish, from designing the hydroponic systems to selling the produce they grew.
The greenhouse is 1200 square feet of growing space, Barnett said and can produce about 1,000 plants every two weeks. The produce is then sold at a farmers market.
Students run a stand at local farmers markets almost every Saturday, and have to step up to answer questions from customers who are skeptical about hydroponics, Barnett said.
For Stonehill College student Lori Phillips, these questions were both her favorite and most challenging experiences while in the program.
"The very first time the Hydroponics team went to sell at a farmers market, it was a hot, slow day, and we couldn't get any one to stop and hear us out," Phillips said. "I swallowed my fear and spoke out to an older woman about College Bound and the Hydroponic team's goal."
When the woman she spoke to that first day asked for Barnett's contact information to tell him how impressed she was, Phillips became more confident in her public speaking and now enjoys speaking up.
Students not only gain experience in public speaking by running the stand, but also business planning, according to Barnett.
The program lets the students decide how to spend the money made from the farmers markets. They learn how to run a business, according to Barnett, because they come to understand that they have to save up and invest in materials.
This business savvy, coupled with science learning, gives students a foot in the door in the green energy industry, Barnett said.
The project teaches the students how both wind and solar power can create a reliable source of energy for the hydroponics systems. Green energy also opens up the possibility to expand the hydroponics outside the greenhouse, Barnett said. Students have started five hydroponics systems on campus and a few more in the city, all powered by solar panels.
By combining green energy and hydroponics, students are taking part in an emerging market for locally grown produce.
Green energy, such as wind and solar, can heat greenhouses during off-seasons, so produce can be grown anywhere year-round, according to Barnett.
Barnett cited the increasing number of farmers markets and the farm-to-table movement as evidence of hydroponics' bright future.
"Now you can grow the produce for the same price as it's being shipped from California, but the difference it is it ends up being healthier, tasting better and being more nutritious," Barnett said. "It's not been picked and shipped for 3,000 miles. It's local."
With hydroponics, the space constraint and soil contamination found in urban areas is no longer a deterrent for growing local. According to Barnett, a person can grow 40 plants within a space of two square feet.
The project has given some young people the idea of starting hydroponics businesses of their own to bring local produce to their neighborhoods, according to Barnett.
For Phillips, the project has inspired her to get other students involved in hydroponics and even start a major for it at her college.
"I think that we've got the kids right at the cusp of what could be a really nice place for them to be," Barnett said, "in terms of capitalizing on an emerging market."
-- Kierstyn Schneck
-- Maria C. Zacharias, (703) 292-8454 mzachari@nsf.gov
Investigators
George Barnett
Eric Strauss
Elizabeth Bagnani
Catherine Wong
David Blustein
Related Institutions/Organizations
Boston College
Soil-free farming prepares next generation for Green Energy future
In a cramped city, growing a garden is a luxury. For some Boston teens, two square feet of space is all they need to grow up to 40 plants--without any soil. Boston College, with funding from NSF, is teaching teens the power of hydroponics
When Boston College Professor Mike Barnett first got students involved in hydroponics, he couldn't get them to go home.
"We charged them with the task of building a hydroponic system to grow 50 plants that would fit in a closet, and they wouldn't leave the lab." Barnett said. "At that point, we knew we were on to something."
Hydroponics is the process of growing food with nutrient-rich water instead of soil and is the basis for a project that high school students have been working on at Boston College since 2012.
Boston College's Urban Hydrofarmers project is part of its College Bound program, which prepares high school students for college by teaching them valuable skills in business and science.
With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and in partnership with the STEM Garden Institute, Boston College chose to pursue hydroponics with teenagers because it involves all the basic disciplines students learn in high school.
The goal of the project is to motivate students to pursue science in higher education, according to NSF Program Director David Campbell.
"It addresses the ultimate goals of NSF by engaging young people in science and preparing the next generation of the scientific workforce," Campbell said.
About 60 high school students come to learn at Boston College's greenhouse every year. The program targets teens with average grades, Barnett said, and many of the students come from immigrant families. Some of these students would not reach college without the aid and skills the program provides, according to Campbell.
Students are a part of the growing process from start to finish, from designing the hydroponic systems to selling the produce they grew.
The greenhouse is 1200 square feet of growing space, Barnett said and can produce about 1,000 plants every two weeks. The produce is then sold at a farmers market.
Students run a stand at local farmers markets almost every Saturday, and have to step up to answer questions from customers who are skeptical about hydroponics, Barnett said.
For Stonehill College student Lori Phillips, these questions were both her favorite and most challenging experiences while in the program.
"The very first time the Hydroponics team went to sell at a farmers market, it was a hot, slow day, and we couldn't get any one to stop and hear us out," Phillips said. "I swallowed my fear and spoke out to an older woman about College Bound and the Hydroponic team's goal."
When the woman she spoke to that first day asked for Barnett's contact information to tell him how impressed she was, Phillips became more confident in her public speaking and now enjoys speaking up.
Students not only gain experience in public speaking by running the stand, but also business planning, according to Barnett.
The program lets the students decide how to spend the money made from the farmers markets. They learn how to run a business, according to Barnett, because they come to understand that they have to save up and invest in materials.
This business savvy, coupled with science learning, gives students a foot in the door in the green energy industry, Barnett said.
The project teaches the students how both wind and solar power can create a reliable source of energy for the hydroponics systems. Green energy also opens up the possibility to expand the hydroponics outside the greenhouse, Barnett said. Students have started five hydroponics systems on campus and a few more in the city, all powered by solar panels.
By combining green energy and hydroponics, students are taking part in an emerging market for locally grown produce.
Green energy, such as wind and solar, can heat greenhouses during off-seasons, so produce can be grown anywhere year-round, according to Barnett.
Barnett cited the increasing number of farmers markets and the farm-to-table movement as evidence of hydroponics' bright future.
"Now you can grow the produce for the same price as it's being shipped from California, but the difference it is it ends up being healthier, tasting better and being more nutritious," Barnett said. "It's not been picked and shipped for 3,000 miles. It's local."
With hydroponics, the space constraint and soil contamination found in urban areas is no longer a deterrent for growing local. According to Barnett, a person can grow 40 plants within a space of two square feet.
The project has given some young people the idea of starting hydroponics businesses of their own to bring local produce to their neighborhoods, according to Barnett.
For Phillips, the project has inspired her to get other students involved in hydroponics and even start a major for it at her college.
"I think that we've got the kids right at the cusp of what could be a really nice place for them to be," Barnett said, "in terms of capitalizing on an emerging market."
-- Kierstyn Schneck
-- Maria C. Zacharias, (703) 292-8454 mzachari@nsf.gov
Investigators
George Barnett
Eric Strauss
Elizabeth Bagnani
Catherine Wong
David Blustein
Related Institutions/Organizations
Boston College
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA ON THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Cambodia's Independence Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 11, 2014
On behalf of the United States, I would like to congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the 61st anniversary of your independence and send my best wishes for a joyous celebration.
I’ve visited Cambodia many times and always been impressed by its natural beauty and the hospitality of its people. The United States continues to support the Cambodian people through a variety of programs designed to strengthen the health, rights, and economic situation for all Cambodians.
We look forward to continuing the cooperative and dynamic relationship between Cambodia and United States. Again, to all Cambodians, I extend my congratulations.
Cambodia's Independence Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 11, 2014
On behalf of the United States, I would like to congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the 61st anniversary of your independence and send my best wishes for a joyous celebration.
I’ve visited Cambodia many times and always been impressed by its natural beauty and the hospitality of its people. The United States continues to support the Cambodian people through a variety of programs designed to strengthen the health, rights, and economic situation for all Cambodians.
We look forward to continuing the cooperative and dynamic relationship between Cambodia and United States. Again, to all Cambodians, I extend my congratulations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)