Statement by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan on Bulgaria’s Announcement of Hizballah’s Role in the 2012 Burgas Terrorist Attack

Statement by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan on Bulgaria’s Announcement of Hizballah’s Role in the 2012 Burgas Terrorist Attack | The White House Skip to main content | Skip to footer site map The White House. President Barack Obama Get Email UpdatesContact Us Go to homepage. The White House Blog Photos & Videos Photo Galleries Video Performances Live Streams Podcasts 2012: A Year in Photos

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For Immediate Release February 05, 2013 Statement by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan on Bulgaria’s Announcement of Hizballah’s Role in the 2012 Burgas Terrorist Attack

The United States commends the Government of Bulgaria for its professional and comprehensive investigation into the barbaric July 18, 2012 terrorist attack in Burgas.  Today, following a thorough review of the evidence collected to date, Bulgarian authorities announced their judgment that Lebanese Hizballah was responsible for carrying out this act of terrorism, which killed six innocent civilians and injured many others. 
 
Bulgaria’s investigation exposes Hizballah for what it is – a terrorist group that is willing to recklessly attack innocent men, women, and children, and that poses a real and growing threat not only to Europe, but to the rest of the world.  We commend Bulgarian authorities for their determination and commitment to ensuring that Hizballah is held to account for this act of terror on European soil.  The United States will continue to provide the Bulgarian Government assistance in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice. 

Hizballah’s dangerous and destabilizing activities – from attacking tourists in foreign countries to leader Hassan Nasrallah’s active support of Bashar al-Assad’s violent campaign against the Syrian people – threaten the safety and security of nations and citizens around the world.  Bulgaria’s implication of Hizballah underscores the importance of international cooperation in disrupting terrorist threats.  We call on our European partners as well as other members of the international community to take proactive action to uncover Hizballah’s infrastructure and disrupt the group’s financing schemes and operational networks in order to prevent future attacks.

The United States is proud to stand with its friend and NATO ally Bulgaria.  We deeply value our strong partnership on a wide range of issues including advancing global and regional security in Afghanistan and the Balkans, expanding economic and commercial ties, and promoting cultural and education programs.

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Remarks by the President at a Personnel Announcement

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

East Room

12:13 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the announcement of one of the worst kept secrets in Washington.  (Laughter.)  

As President, I rely on an extraordinary team of men and women here at the White House every single day.  And I rely on my Chief of Staff to keep up with them -- and our entire government -- making sure that we're all moving in the same direction, making sure that my priorities are being carried out and that our policies are consistent with the commitments that I've made to the American people, and that we're delivering progress to the American people.

As I said earlier this month, I could not be more grateful to Jack Lew for his amazing service, first as our OMB Director, then at the State Department, and ultimately as my Chief of Staff. 

As he prepares for his confirmation hearings and the challenge of leading our Treasury Department, I am pleased to announce my next Chief of Staff, and a great friend to me and everybody who works here at the White House -- Mr. Denis McDonough.  (Applause.) 

I have been counting on Denis for nearly a decade -- since I first came to Washington, when he helped set up my Senate office. Along with Pete Rouse, he was able to show me where the restrooms were and -- (laughter) -- how you passed a bill.  I should point out that even then Denis had gray hair.  (Laughter.)  I've been trying to catch up to him.  But at that time, I relied on his intellect and his good judgment, and that has continued ever since.  He’s been one of my closest and most trusted advisors -- on my presidential campaign, on my transition team.

He has been an indispensable member of my national security team as well.  Denis has played a key role in every major national security decision of my presidency -- from ending the war in Iraq to winding down the war in Afghanistan; from our response to natural disasters around the world like Haiti and the tsunami in Japan to the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," to countless crises in between, day and night -- and that includes many nights.  I’ve actually begun to think that Denis likes pulling all-nighters.  (Laughter.)  The truth is nobody out-works Denis McDonough.

And part of the reason you saw such warmth of applause is that, in addition to being an incredible talent and such a hard worker, Denis is also a pretty humble guy.  To so many of his friends and admirers, he’s still just the “dude” from Stillwater, Minnesota.  (Laughter.)  And given his humility, I don't think people always appreciate the breadth of his experience and the range of his talents.  And it’s precisely because of that intellect, that experience, his dedication, his determination, that I wanted Denis in this job.

As a veteran of Capitol Hill, where he was mentored by the likes of Lee Hamilton and Tom Daschle, Denis understands the importance of reaching across the aisle to deliver results for the American people -- whether it’s on jobs and the economy, health care or education, reducing the deficit or addressing climate change. 

Denis is respected by leaders across our government.  Add it all up, and I think he’s spent most of the past four years leading interagency meetings -- hearing people out, listening to them, forging consensus, and then making sure that our policies are implemented and that everybody is held accountable.  And he always holds himself accountable first and foremost.  And it’s no easy task, but through it all, Denis does it with class and integrity and thoughtfulness for other people's point of views.  He is the consummate public servant.  He plays it straight.  And that’s the kind of teamwork that I want in the White House.

Time and again, I’ve relied on Denis to help in our outreach to the American people as well, including immigrant and minority communities and faith communities.  Denis is a man of deep faith, and he understands that in the end, our policies and our programs are measured in the concrete differences that they make in the lives of our fellow human beings and in the values that we advance as Americans. 

Denis insists on knowing, for himself, the real-world impact of the decisions that we make.  So, away from the cameras, without a lot of fanfare, he’s visited our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan repeatedly, hearing their concerns, finding out what they need and then making sure to follow up.  He travels to Walter Reed, again, without fanfare, to spend time with our wounded warriors, getting to know them and what we as a nation can do to take care of them and their families.  And then he comes back here to the White House and he gets it done.  And that’s the focus but also the kind of heart that I want in this White House.   

Now, don’t get me wrong, Denis can be tough.  It probably comes from being one of 11 children -- you've got to be tough.  (Laughter.)  Two of his sisters are here today, by the way -- Mary and Anna.  And I know they could -- they're just beaming.  (Laughter.)  They could not be more proud of their brother.  Maybe it comes from his college football days as a defensive back under the legendary John Gagliardi.  I always tease Denis that he made up for modest talents with extraordinary dedication and a high threshold for pain.  (Laughter.)  This does remind me of perhaps the one topic on which Denis and I will never agree, and that is Vikings vs. Bears.

There’s another reason we all love Denis so much, and that’s his decency; his respect for those around him.  Ask any of the staff who are here today and they’ll tell you that despite the unbelievable pressures of service at this level, Denis is still the first to think about a colleague, or to write a handwritten note saying thank you, or to ask about your family.  That’s the spirit that I want in this White House. 

And this, of course, is reflected in his incredible love for his own family.  Kari, Addie, Liam, Teddy -- I know that Dad has been at work a lot during the week and on weekends, but -- and I guarantee he’d much rather be with you than with me -- (laughter) -- the next job that he’s going to have is going to be demanding, too, but the one reason he does this is because he wants to make sure that this world is a better place for all of you.  Dad will probably have to stop riding his bike to work.  (Laughter.)  As Chief of Staff I don’t think that’s allowed.  (Laughter.)  But he does what he does because he cares and loves you guys so much and he wants to make sure that the next generation is inheriting the kind of America that we all want.  So I’m grateful to the entire McDonough family for putting up with us.  

Denis, you’re not just one of my closest friends, but you’re also one of my closest advisors, and like everybody here I cannot imagine the White House without you.  Thank you for signing up for this very, very difficult job, as Jack Lew will testify.  (Laughter.)  I know you’ll always give it to me straight, as only a friend can -- telling me not only what I want to hear, but more importantly what I need to hear to make the best possible decisions on behalf of the American people. 

So for me, for Michelle, for all your friends and colleagues who are here today, thank you for taking this assignment.  Congratulations.  (Applause.)

I just have one other thing to add.  We made a number of personnel announcements today.  There is going to be an incredible team that Denis will help lead.  But I thought I’d take the occasion to just embarrass somebody.  Some of you may know that today is David Plouffe’s last day in the White House.  (Laughter.)  I had to hide this in the end of my remarks because I knew he wouldn’t want me to bring it up.  So we had some secret squirrel stuff going on here to -- (laughter) -- avoid him thinking that we were going to talk about him. 

But as many of you know, David has been with me from the very start of this enterprise running for President.  I can’t tell you how lucky I have been to have him manage our campaign back in 2008, then join the White House during these very challenging last two years.  He’s built a well-deserved reputation as being a numbers genius and a pretty tough combatant when it comes to politics.  But what people don’t always realize -- because he doesn’t like to show it -- is the reason he does this stuff is because he cares deeply about people.  And he cares about justice, and he cares about making sure that everybody gets a shot in life.  And those values have motivated him to do incredible things, and were it not for him, we would not have been as effective a White House and I probably wouldn’t be here.

So I thought it was worthwhile for us just to say -- even if he doesn’t want us to say it -- thank you to David Plouffe.  (Applause.)

Thank you, everybody.

END
12:24 P.M. EST

President Obama discusses his nomination of Mary Jo White to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission and Richard Cordray to continue as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov.

President Obama taps Denis McDonough to serve as his chief of staff and lead the team at the White House.

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Remarks by the President at a Personnel Announcement

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

State Dining Room

2:38 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Over the last four years, I’ve talked about how shared prosperity -- from Wall Street to Main Street -- depends on smart, common-sense regulations that protect the vast majority of Americans from the irresponsible actions of a few. 

That’s why we passed tough reforms to protect consumers and our financial system from the kinds of abuse that nearly brought the economy to its knees.  Today, there are rules to help families -- responsible families buy a home or send their child to college without worrying about being tricked out of their life savings.  There are rules to make sure that financial firms which do the right thing aren’t undermined by those that don't do the right thing.  And there are rules to end taxpayer-funded Wall Street bailouts once and for all.  

But it’s not enough to change the law.  We also need cops on the beat to enforce the law.  And that’s why, today, I am nominating Mary Jo White to lead the Security and Exchange Commission, and Richard Cordray to continue leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

This guy is bothering me here -- (swatting at a fly.)

As a young girl, Mary Jo White was a big fan of the Hardy Boys.  I was, too, by the way. 

MS. WHITE:  Good.  Good.

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  As an adult, she’s built a career the Hardy Boys could only dream of.  Over a decade as a U.S. Attorney in New York, she helped prosecute white-collar criminals and money launderers.  In the early 1990s, she brought down John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime syndicate.  And she brought to justice the terrorists responsible for bombing the World Trade Center and the American embassies in Africa.  So I’d say that’s a pretty good run.  You don't want to mess with Mary Jo.   

As one former SEC chairman said, Mary Jo “does not intimidate easily.”  And that’s important, because she has a big job ahead of her.  The SEC played a critical role in protecting our financial system during the worst of the financial crisis.  But there’s much more work to be done to complete the task of reforming Wall Street and making sure that American investors are better informed and better protected going forward.  And we need to keep going after irresponsible behavior in the financial industry so that taxpayers don’t pay the price.

I am absolutely confident that Mary Jo has the experience and the resolve to tackle these complex issues and protect the American people in a way that is smart and in a way that is fair.

And I want to thank Elisse Walter, who has done an outstanding job holding down the fort as chairwoman.  And I expect the Senate to confirm Mary Jo as soon as possible so she can get to work.

My second nominee is a familiar face.  A year and a half ago, I nominated Richard Cordray to lead the watchdog agency we created to give Americans the information they need to make sound financial choices and protect them from unscrupulous lenders and debt collectors. 

As a former attorney general of Ohio with a long record of working with Democrats and Republicans on behalf of the American people, nobody questioned Richard’s qualifications.  But he wasn’t allowed an up or down vote in the Senate, and as a consequence, I took action to appoint him on my own.  And over the last year, Richard has proved to be a champion of American consumers. 

Thanks to his leadership, we’ve made it tougher for families to be tricked into mortgages they can’t afford.  We’ve set clearer rules so that responsible lenders know how to operate fairly.  We’ve launched a “Know Before You Owe” campaign to help parents and students make smart decisions about paying for college.  We’ve cracked down on credit card companies that charge hidden fees, and forced those companies to make things right.  And through it all, Richard has earned a reputation as a straight shooter and somebody who’s willing to bring every voice to the table in order to do what’s right for consumers and our economy.

Now, Richard’s appointment runs out at the end of the year, and he can’t stay on the job unless the Senate finally gives him the vote that he deserves.  Financial institutions have plenty of lobbyists looking out for their interests.  The American people need Richard to keep standing up for them.  And there’s absolutely no excuse for the Senate to wait any longer to confirm him. 

So I want to thank Mary Jo, Richard, and their families once again for agreeing to serve.  And now I’d like to invite them to say a few words, starting with Mary Jo.

MS. WHITE:  Thank you, Mr. President, for the confidence that you have placed in me and the faith that you’ve shown in me by nominating me to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  I’m deeply, deeply honored. 

If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to committing all of my energies to working with my fellow commissioners and the extremely dedicated and talented men and women of the staff of the SEC to fulfill the agency’s mission to protect investors, and to ensure the strength, efficiency, and the transparency of our capital markets.

The SEC, long a vital and positive force for the markets, has a lot of hard and important work ahead of it.  I would welcome the opportunity to lead those efforts and to build on the work of Chairman Mary Shapiro and Chairman Elisse Walter, who I’m very honored is present today.

And finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my husband, John White, who is here today, on what is our 43rd anniversary --

THE PRESIDENT:  Today?

MS. WHITE:  -- today -- for his strong support of me in seeking to engage in this very significant and challenging public service. 

Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

Richard.

MR. CORDRAY:  Thank you, Mr. President, for the confidence you’ve placed in me and our team at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  We understand that our mission is to stand on the side of consumers -- our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters -- and see that they’re treated fairly. 

For more than a year, we’ve been focused on making consumer finance markets work better for the American people.  We approach this work with open minds, open ears, and great determination. 

We all thank you and the Congress for the opportunity and the honor to serve our country in this important way.  Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I just want to thank again Mary Jo and Richard for their willingness to serve.  These are people with proven track records.  They are going to look out for the American people, for American consumers, and make sure that our marketplace works better -- more transparently, more efficiently, more effectively.  So I again would urge the Senate to confirm both of them as quickly as possible. 

And I also want to express congratulations to the Whites for their anniversary.  If I had known, we would have maybe rolled out a cake or something.  (Laughter.)  But have fun.

MS. WHITE:  Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  I hope you enjoy it. 

END
2:46 P.M. EST

Watch the full video of a Google+ Hangout with Vice President Joe Biden.

President Obama renominates Richard Cordray as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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Statement by President Obama on Ambassador Ron Kirk’s Announcement to Depart in Late February

Statement by President Obama on Ambassador Ron Kirk’s Announcement to Depart in Late February | The White House Skip to main content | Skip to footer site map The White House. President Barack Obama Get Email UpdatesContact Us Go to homepage. The White House Blog Photos & Videos Photo Galleries Video Performances Live Streams Podcasts 2012: A Year in Photos

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Issues Civil Rights It Gets Better Defense End of Iraq War Disabilities Economy Jobs Reform and Fiscal Responsibility Strengthening the Middle Class A Plan for Refinancing Support for Business Education Energy & Environment Ethics Foreign Policy Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Taxes Tax Receipt The Buffett Rule Rural Urban Policy Veterans Joining Forces Technology Seniors & Social Security Service Snapshots Creating Jobs Health Care Small Business PreK-12 Education Women Violence Prevention Now Is The Time

To do something about gun violence

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About the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

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For Immediate Release January 22, 2013 Statement by President Obama on Ambassador Ron Kirk’s Announcement to Depart in Late February

I want to thank Ambassador Kirk for his hard work on behalf of the American people over the past four years. There’s no question Ron delivered results for the American people and for our economy.  From bringing home new trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama and negotiating to open up new markets for American businesses, to cracking down on unfair trade practices around the world, he has been a tremendous advocate for the American worker.  As a former mayor, Ron was relentless in making the case to the American public that a balanced, thoughtful trade policy can contribute to a stronger economic future for America.  I appreciate his service and wish him the best of luck.

Blog posts on this issue January 21, 2013 2:27 PM ESTThe Second Inauguration of Barack Obama

Read the official transcript or watch the video of President Obama's Second Inaugural Address.

January 21, 2013 3:26 PM ESTBe a Part of the Next Four Years

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January 21, 2013 10:23 AM ESTThese Four Historians Have Some Thoughts About Today's Inauguration

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Statement by the President on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s Announcement that He Will Return to Colorado

Statement by the President on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s Announcement that He Will Return to Colorado | The White House Skip to main content | Skip to footer site map The White House. President Barack Obama Get Email UpdatesContact Us Go to homepage. The White House Blog Photos & Videos Photo Galleries Video Performances Live Streams Podcasts 2012: A Year in Photos

A unique view of 2012

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Browse White House visitor logs

Issues Civil Rights It Gets Better Defense End of Iraq War Disabilities Economy Jobs Reform and Fiscal Responsibility Strengthening the Middle Class A Plan for Refinancing Support for Business Education Energy & Environment Ethics Foreign Policy Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Taxes Tax Receipt The Buffett Rule Rural Urban Policy Veterans Joining Forces Technology Seniors & Social Security Service Snapshots Creating Jobs Health Care Small Business PreK-12 Education Women Violence Prevention Americans Spoke Out

To prevent a $2K tax hike on middle-class families

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The Administration We the People

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President Barack Obama Vice President Joe Biden First Lady Michelle Obama Dr. Jill Biden The Cabinet 2010 Video Reports White House Staff Chief of Staff Jack Lew Deputy Chief of Staff Nancy-Ann DeParle Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco Counselor to the President Peter Rouse Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett Executive Office of the President Other Advisory Boards About the White House White House On the Go

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For Immediate Release January 16, 2013 Statement by the President on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s Announcement that He Will Return to Colorado

I want to thank Ken for his hard work and leadership on behalf of the American people.  As the Secretary of the Interior, Ken has helped usher in a new era of conservation for our nation’s land, water, and wildlife.  Ken has played an integral role in my Administration’s successful efforts to expand responsible development of our nation’s domestic energy resources.  In his work to promote renewable energy projects on our public lands and increase the development of oil and gas production, Ken has ensured that the Department’s decisions are driven by the best science and promote the highest safety standards.  Ken has also made historic strides  in strengthening our nation to nation relationship with Indian Country, helping to resolve longstanding disputes and make tribal communities safer and stronger. I have valued Ken’s friendship since we both entered the Senate in 2005, and I look forward to receiving his counsel even after he returns to his home state of Colorado.

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Statement by the President on EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson's Announcement that She Will Leave the Administration Early Next Year

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Over the last four years, Lisa Jackson has shown an unwavering commitment to the health of our families and our children. Under her leadership, the EPA has taken sensible and important steps to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, including implementing the first national standard for harmful mercury pollution, taking important action to combat climate change under the Clean Air Act, and playing a key role in establishing historic fuel economy standards that will save the average American family thousands of dollars at the pump, while also slashing carbon pollution. Lisa has been an important part of my team, and I want to thank her for her service in my Administration and her tireless efforts to benefit the American people. I wish her all the best wherever her future takes her.

December 27, 2012 12:54 PM EST

As 2012 comes to a close, we’re looking back at some of the year’s policy milestones, including legislation President Obama signed this summer that stopped student loan interest rates from doubling for more than 7 million students.

A look at the most popular blog posts of 2012 offers a good snapshot of a busy year at the White House.

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