White House.gov Press Office Feed https://www.whitehouse.gov/feed/press en Readouts of Vice President Biden's Foreign Leader Calls Aboard Air Force Two https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/readouts-vice-president-bidens-foreign-leader-calls-aboard-air-force-two Vice ‎President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaci yesterday. The Vice President expressed hope that Kosovo and Serbia could get beyond recent tensions and intensify their efforts to normalize relations through the EU-led Dialogue, in order to improve the lives of the citizens of both nations.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke ‎to President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot Leader Mustafa Akinci from Air Force 2 yesterday. The Vice President commended the courage and determination of both leaders, which has resulted in the historic progress settlement talks have achieved to date. The Vice President expressed hope that the momentum of the talks would continue, and pledged to continue to remain available to the leaders even after his term has ended.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras yesterday. The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Tsipras for his personal engagement as talks to reunify Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation ‎reach a critical juncture. The Vice President expressed appreciation for the strong partnership the U.S. and Greece have enjoyed during the Prime Minister's tenure.

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2017 20:00:00 +0000 mtorrell 318166 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Statements and Releases Office of the Vice President https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/readouts-vice-president-bidens-foreign-leader-calls-aboard-air-force-two#comments President Obama Grants Commutations https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/president-obama-grants-commutations WASHINGTON – Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to 330 individuals:

  • Abdulmuntaqim Ad-Deen – Baltimore, MD
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Maryland
    Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 8, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Lesly Alexis – Boca Raton, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine powder and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: 384 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (July 29, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.

  • Gary J. Anderson – Barre, VT
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute MDMA; distribution of MDMA; District of Massachusetts
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 16, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.

  • Terry Anderson – Mabank, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to launder money; Eastern District of Texas
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 1, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Kevin Lavon Andrews – Clearwater, FL
    Offense: Carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Middle District of Florida
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release (February 11, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 156 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Daniel Ary, Jr. – Shreveport, LA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 6, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Demetrius S. Autery – Winter Haven, FL
    Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 4, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Connie Avalos – Menifee, CA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Kentucky

    Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 30, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • Derrick L. Baines – Kansas City, MO

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 27, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Tonya Barney – Ivins, UT

    Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of Utah

    Sentence: 204 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 10, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • David Barren – Pittsburgh, PA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine; conspiracy to structure financial transactions; concealment money laundering (31 counts); structuring (two counts); money laundering – avoid reporting requirements (six counts); promotion money laundering (2 counts); money laundering over $10,000 (seven counts); District of Maryland

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (August 11, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • Herman Barron, III – Brooklyn, NY

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 25, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Tony Barrow – New York, NY

    Offense: Importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Puerto Rico

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (November 16, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Senaca Bartlett – Chicago, IL

    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”); Western District of Wisconsin

    Sentence: 210 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 29, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Christopher Bass – Orlando, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 10, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.

  • Damion Rurshe Bates – Kalamazoo, MI
    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); Western District of Michigan
    Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; 5 years' supervised release (February 22, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Todd Begley – Nashville, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Middle District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 27, 1995)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Carolyn Ann Bell – Lawton, OK
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Western District of Oklahoma
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 21, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Curtis Bell – Miami, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting; Middle District of Alabama
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

    • Henry P. Bennett, Jr. – Huger, SC
      Offense:         1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of

    cocaine; attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); District of South Carolina

    2. Supervised release violation; District of South Carolina

    Sentence:        1. Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 18, 2008)

                            2. 33 months’ imprisonment (concurrent) (December 18, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 273 months' imprisonment.

  • Dorian Lee Benoit – Lake Charles, LA
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 30, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Christopher Bernard – Shreveport, LA

    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 30, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Elaine Beston – Great Falls, MT
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of Montana
    Sentence: 192 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 16, 2008); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (July 20, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • James Zell Bishop – Bay Minette, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 21, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Benjamin Blount – Oakdale, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 8, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Walter Bradberry – Mobile, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 28, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Alonzo F. Brooks – Asheville, NC
    Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 26, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Adrian R. Brown – Athens, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 15 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; conspiracy to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct unlawful financial transactions affecting interstate commerce; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 12, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jerome Brown – Pittsburgh, PA

    Offense:  Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Pennsylvania

    Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 11, 2009)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Rodney Rodriguez Brown – Atmore, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 months’ supervised release (June 5, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Pamela Brownlee – Decatur, GA
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
    Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (December 19, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Thomas Burton – Plain Dealing, LA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 17, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.

  • Tiara Buskey – Pensacola, FL
    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (November 8, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Jeffrey Calhoun – Long Beach, CA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (two counts); Central District of California
    Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Willie Albert Cannon – Tampa, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession of a firearm; Middle District of Florida

    Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 17, 1995); amended to 352 months’ imprisonment (June 12, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Jose Carmona – Philadelphia, PA

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 10, 1993)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ramiro Cervantes – Blountsville, AL
    Offense: Attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Alabama
    Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release; $2,000 fine (January 23, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • John Dennis Chapman – Piedmont, AL
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; conspiring to launder monetary instruments; Northern District of Georgia
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 4, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Raul Chavez – San Jose, CA
    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of California
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 60 months' supervised release (December 18, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.

  • Artrone Cheatham – Montgomery, AL
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
    Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 23, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Calvin Burkett Clark – Jefferson, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 13, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment.

  • Kenneth Clark – Calumet City, IL

    Offense: Possession of cocaine base (crack) with the intent to distribute; Central District of Illinois

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 19, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.

  • Jeffrey Glynn Coleman – Milwaukee, WI
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin
    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 2, 2006); amend to 240 months' imprisonment (December 17, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Cassandra Collins – Jefferson, TX

    Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 4, 2008)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ladarius Venice Cook – Florissant, MO

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (crack); felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 28, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 

  • Cortez Cooper – Harvey, IL

    Offense:         1. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Illinois
    2. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; use of a telephone in the commission of a felony drug trafficking offense (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Illinois
    Sentence:        1. 120 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 29, 2004)
    2. 240 months’ imprisonment (concurrent); eight years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 2, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Trenton A. Copeland – Pensacola, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 23, 2012)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment.

  • John Timothy Cotton – Houston, TX

    Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 26, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

  • Johnnie L. Cotton – Venice, IL

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Illinois

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $900 fine (August 15, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Timothy G. Craig – Greenville, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina

    Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 8, 2005)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Japlin Cureton – Charlotte, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (September 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Steven Jermonte Cureton – Huntersville, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, marijuana, and 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine a/k/a ecstasy; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 11, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Keith Adell Dancer – Waco, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; Western District of Texas

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $3,000 fine (February 16, 1995)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

  • Timothy Lashaun Dandridge – Midfield, AL

    Offense: Unlawful distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (three counts); unlawful possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; unlawful possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Alabama

    Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (January 9, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Terrance H. Darby – Newark, NJ
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime; possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; District of New Jersey
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (April 3, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Emanuel Jurel Davidson – Columbus, OH
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Ohio
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (June 2, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Shondu Maurice Dawson – Raleigh, NC
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and more than 500 grams of cocaine; carried a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possess said firearm in furtherance of such drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 241 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 12, 2005); amended to 214 months' imprisonment (September 19, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Gary Allen Day – West Monroe, LA
    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 11, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Maria Aide Delgado – Weslaco, TX

    Offense:         1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, 218.5 kilograms of marijuana (two counts); Southern District of Texas

    2. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence:        1. 100 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release; $15,000 fine (October 10, 2007)

    2. 240 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); 10 years’ supervised release (April 19, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence for conviction imposed in the Western District of Louisiana commuted to 110 months and unpaid balance of $15,000 fine imposed in the Southern District of Texas remitted when her sentence expires.

  • Damon Andre Dill – Chester, PA

    Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (September 5, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Qustion Dingle – Okeechobee, FL
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a quantity of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Southern District of Florida
    Sentence: 216 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (May 1, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Michael A. Douglas, Jr. – Lynchburg, VA

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Indiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1500 fine (April 25, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Dezmend Rashawn Doweary – Norfolk, VA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 22, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Lourdes Castro Duenas – Mangilao, Guam

    Offense: Criminal conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine hydrochloride (ICE); possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride with intent to distribute; District of Guam

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 2, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • Alton J. Easley – Kansas City, KS
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Northern District of Iowa
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Keith Edgerson – Ann Arbor, MI

    Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Michigan

    Sentence: 294 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 6, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Christopher Demetrius Elliott – Brandon, FL

    Offense: Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of marijuana; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 14, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Carla Grace Engler – Dubuque, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) within 1,000 feet of a protected location; attempting to manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) within 1,000 feet of a protected location (two counts); possession of red phosphorus knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; failure to appear on pretrial release; Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 361 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 12, 2006); amended to 325 months’ imprisonment (March 21, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Michael Delevan Engles – Tulsa, OK

    Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm (two counts); possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and sentencing enhancement; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (February 24, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Travis J. Every – Harvey, LA

    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (2 counts); distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 3, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 175 months’ imprisonment.

  • Paul S. Fields – Emmalena, KY

    Offense: Manufacture of over 100 marijuana plants; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 26, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 10 years’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Linda Finch –Anniston, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Northern District of Alabama

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 1, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Carroll James Flowers – Galena, KS
    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture or distribute more than one kilogram of methamphetamine; District of Kansas
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 19, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Chauncey Floyd – Spartanburg, SC

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 26, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Lance Foster – Gary, IN

    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine/aiding and abetting; Northern District of Indiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 15, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, and conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Stacy Dean Foster- Bethel, OK

    Offense: Attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; establishment of manufacturing operations; Eastern District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: 352 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (June 13, 2006); amended to 295 months’ imprisonment (August 17, 2016)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Robert L. Franklin – Montgomery, AL
    Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting; distribution of cocaine base (2 counts); distribution of cocaine; carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking charge; Middle District of Alabama
    Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment

  • James Anthony Frink – Chadbourn, NC
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting (three counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; Eastern District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 187 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $9,050 fine (January 7, 2008); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (December 16, 2014)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $9,050 fine remitted.

  • Mike Fulton – Winterville, GA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of firearm by convicted felon; Middle District of Georgia

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (January 10, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Melvin Fudge – Grand Rapids, MI

    Offense: Committing a drug trafficking offense within 1,000 feet of a school; Western District of Michigan

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (October 28, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jose Luis Garcia – Gretna, LA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (five counts); Eastern District of Louisiana
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 20, 1996)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Juan Garcia – Tyler, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana; witness tampering; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 28, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Raymond Garcia – Las Vegas, NV

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of Nevada

    Sentence: 293 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 13, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Rene Garcia, Jr. – Independence, MO

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Missouri  

    Sentence: 327 months' imprisonment, five years' supervised release, $261,600 fine (September 3, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $261,600 fine remitted.

  • Antonio Maurice Gardner – Temple, TX

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least five grams of “crack” cocaine, a Schedule II narcotic drug controlled substance, within 1,000 feet of a public school; aiding and abetting; Western District of Texas

    Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 4, 2006); $1,000 fine

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Reginald Stern Gardner – Mason City, IA

    Offense:         1. Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana after having previously been convicted of two felony drug offenses; Northern District of Iowa

                            2. Escape from custody; Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence:        1. 360 months' imprisonment (consecutive); eight years' supervised release (May 12, 2004)

                            2. 24 months' imprisonment (May 12, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 234 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Gregory A. Garton – Casper, WY

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; distribution of methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (three counts); District of Wyoming

    Sentence: 900 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $2,200 fine (April 9, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,200 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Dustin Gary – Philadelphia, PA
    Offense:         1. Criminal conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base

    (crack); felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    2. Possession of a prohibited object (marijuana) while in prison; District of New Jersey

    Sentence         1. 292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $1,500 fine

    (September 12, 2002); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (July 8,

    2008)

    2. Six months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 17, 2011)

  • Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Robert Raymond Garza – Harlingen, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 30, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.

  • Tavaris Gay – Miami, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida

    Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 18, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 130 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Eric German – Haughton, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 15, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Daniel Gilliam – Columbia, SC
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
    Sentence: 222 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 28, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Troy Gilmore ─ Eutawville, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and cocaine base; conspiracy to launder money; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 10, 2004) 

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Terry Glasscock – Lebanon, KY
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or possessing a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of such crime; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: 425 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 17, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 295 months' imprisonment.

  • Earl Glenn, Jr. – Chester, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 20, 2012)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Waymon Audra Goodley – Hillsboro, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug felony (two counts); Eastern District of Texas
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017

  • William Goodwill ─ Decatur, IL

    Offense: Distribution of fifty or more grams of cocaine base; Central District of Illinois

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 20, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Robby Joe Goram –Eight Mile, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Alabama

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 12, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 140 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • William Leonardo Graham – Essex, MD
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 6, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Wilbert Decosta Greaves – Jacksonville, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release; $17,100 fine (January 4, 1996)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Charles Lee Green – Ville Platte, LA

    Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (crack); Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 23, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Samuel Green – Wilmington, DE

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; felon in possession of firearms; District of Delaware

    Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 18, 1994); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (June 12, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Vaughn Greene – Brooklyn, NY

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; Northern District of Georgia

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 1, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire May 19, 2017.

  • Stuart John Greger – Glennville, GA

    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Southern District of Georgia

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 7, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Tyrone Grimes – Inwood, NY

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana within 1,000 feet of a public elementary school; engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, convicted felon in possession of a gun; Eastern District of New York;

    Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 29, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

  • Ricky Lee Groves – Smithfield, NC

    Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; trading food stamps for cocaine base and aiding and abetting (five counts); Eastern District of North Carolina

    Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 60 months' imprisonment, five years' supervised release (February 16, 1995)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

  • Thaddeas Kulani Thomas Hall – Waipahu, HI

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of Hawaii

    Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 16, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Forrest Hamm – Miami, FL
    Offense:         1. Possession of contraband (marijuana) in a federal correctional

    institution; District of New Jersey

    2. Possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Middle District of Georgia

    3. Supervised release violation; Southern District of Florida

    Sentence:        1. Two months' imprisonment (consecutive) (September 3, 2013)

                            2. 262 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 5, 2004)

                            3. 30 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (June 3, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Eddie Harley – Baltimore, MD

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing cocaine, heroin, and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin; District of Maryland

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 21, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Monica Haro – Mission, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
    Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 12, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Anthony T. Harris – Murfreesboro, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and some quantity of marijuana; distribution of 50 grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected area; Middle District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 8, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Antone C. Harris – Indianapolis, IN

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Southern District of Indiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment’ 10 years’ supervised release (September 8, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Brandon W. Harris – Mt. Vernon, IL

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Illinois

    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $200 fine (May 3, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Clenneth J. Harris – Chattanooga, TN

    Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base for distribution; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 6, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Efrem Zemblish Harris – Tulsa, OK
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine in excess of five kilograms, cocaine base in excess of 50 grams, and a quantity of marijuana, and sentencing enhancement; conspiracy to use telecommunication facilities to commit or facilitate acts constituting a felony and sentencing enhancement; conspiracy to establish or maintain a location for the purpose of storing or distributing controlled substances and sentencing enhancement; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; interstate travel in aid of racketeering; Northern District of Oklahoma
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 5, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.

  • Eric Harris – Philadelphia, PA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and marijuana; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (four counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 12 years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (January 19, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Linwood Claude Harris, Jr. – Monroe, GA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of Georgia

    Sentence: 250 months' imprisonment; 20 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (February 10, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

  • Shaun Kevin Harris – Sutton, WV

    Offense: Cocaine conspiracy; aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); distribution of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of West Virginia

    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (January 30, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Tyrone A. Harris – Spotsylvania, VA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (August 15, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Charles Harrison – Charlotte, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; District of Columbia

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $25,000 fine (July 21, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted.

  • Marlon R. Harrison – Savannah, GA

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Georgia

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 26, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Todd Lowell G. Haworth – Kina, ID
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Idaho
    Sentence: 276 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (December 21, 2005); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (October 13, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Andre Haynes – Miami, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida

    Sentence: 202 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 25, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on October 16, 2017.

  • Gregory Hearn – Kilgore, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 2, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Antonio Jeron Hemphill – Rock Hill, SC
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 14, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Michael Henderson – Newark, NJ

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 24, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Walter Henry, III – Capitol Heights, MD

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; aiding and abetting; unlawful possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin (two counts); District of Columbia

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 12, 2001)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Lejandra Deshawn Herman – Knoxville, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Domingo Hernandez – Ledgewood, NJ

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance; unlawful transport of firearms; District of New Jersey

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 2, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

  • Jackie Hernandez – Park Forest, IL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; knowingly and intentionally used telephone in furtherance of a drug offense; Northern District of Indiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 23, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Keith Angelo Hernandez – Atlanta, GA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during commission of a crime; Northern District of Georgia
    Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 25, 1996)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Ramiro Hernandez – Edinburg, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Eastern District of Wisconsin

    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $8,400 restitution (March 13, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Hassan Hills – Pensacola, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of cocaine base, and marijuana; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,500 fine (December 19, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Eric Hinton – Ypsilanti, MI
    Offense: Distribution of a controlled substance (2 counts); Eastern District of Michigan
    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (February 9, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Brian Douglas Hoggard – Coatesville, PA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting (2 counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
    Sentence: 204 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (March 27, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 19, 2018 and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.

  • Lawrence Honore – New Orleans, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 28, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Charles Allen House – Garden Grove, CA
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Daniel Alfonso Jacobo – Cedar Rapids, IA
    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture after a conviction for felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 10, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Walter Jenkins – Colorado Springs, CO
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (second and subsequent conviction); District of Colorado
    Sentence: 720 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 8, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 322 months' imprisonment

  • Antwaine Tacoma Johnson – Littleton, NC
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 183 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 11, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Dempsey Johnson – Kansas City, MO

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute MDMA and cocaine base; Western District of Missouri

    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 10, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 162 months’ imprisonment.

  • Karmell Demetrius Johnson – Mobile, AL
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Alabama
    Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 14, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.  

  • Thomas Johnson – Miami, FL

    Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine powder; Southern District of Florida

    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment, eight years' supervised release (September 29, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Antonio D. Jones – Nashville, TN
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of firearms in relation to a drug trafficking offense; felon in possession of firearms; Middle District of Tennessee
    Sentence: Life plus five years' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 15, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Kiwanis Miyo Jones – Clayton, AL
    Offense: Controlled substance - sell, distribute, or dispense (4 counts); violent crime/drugs/guns; unlawful transport of firearms; Middle District of Alabama
    Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 16, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 170 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ryan K. Jones – Ste. Genevieve, MO

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; possess a listed chemical used to manufacture methamphetamine; Western District of Wisconsin

    Sentence: 328 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (December 23, 2003); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (May 18, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Wayne Jordan – Morrisville, PA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 1, 1998); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (January 29, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Bobby Dale Kelley – Coweta, OK

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (March 17, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Kenneth Earl Kelley – Mossy Head, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 23, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Corey Kelly – Camden, NJ

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); District of New Jersey

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (September 5, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • John Kelly – Monroe, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics convictions; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 12, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Alfred William Kemfort – Maui, HI
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; District of Hawaii
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 17, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Douglas Kennedy – Hillside, NJ
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; narcotics possession (three counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime (two counts) possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (two counts); District of New Jersey
    Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 21, 2008); amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (July 2, 2013)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Robert Ketchledge – Delano, PA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Florida
    Sentence: 195 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 10, 2007); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (April 4, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Alonzo King – Kansas City, MO

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine following a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 26, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Moses King – North Charleston, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 26, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Wendell Dean Kopp – Billings, MT

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offense (two counts); District of Montana

    Sentence: Life plus five years’ imprisonment (October 21, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Allan Aquino Lafuente – Kapolei, HI

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of five or more grams of methamphetamine (two counts); distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of Hawaii

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 14, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.

  • Dennis Chan Lai – San Francisco, CA

    Offense:  Continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute, aiding and abetting (31 counts); possession of illegal weapon (two counts); possession of weapon without serial numbers; Northern District of California

    Sentence:  Life plus 10 years’ imprisonment; five years’ parole (July 8, 1988)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Linnard O. Lawson – New Brighton, PA

    Offense:         1. Felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 5 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as crack; Western District of Pennsylvania

    2.  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio

    Sentence:        1. 120 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 26, 2009)

                            2. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (October 6, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.

  • Wendell Layne – Soddy Daisy, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; obstruction of justice; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 3, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • James Marcus LeBlanc – Lake Charles, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 120 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 14, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Tarry Cordell London – Mansfield, LA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 7, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Gilbert Lopez – Fayetteville, NC
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting; conspiracy to launder drug proceeds; laundering of monetary instruments and aiding and abetting (14 counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 13, 1993)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment

  • James Keith Loveless – Pixley, CA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Nebraska
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 30, 1997); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (December 17, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017

  • James Lynch – Greenville, IN

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of methamphetamine; Southern District of Indiana

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 20, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Michael Anthony Mahan – Flint, MI
    Offense: Distribution of an unspecified quantity of cocaine base (2 counts); possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; Western District of Michigan
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (May 9, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017, and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted

  • Larry Steven Malone – Bend, OR
    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; manufacture methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Oregon
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 3, 1995); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (October 5, 2016)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Kenio Marshall – Snellville, GA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 11, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Crystal Dawn Mattern – Dilworth, MN

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance; District of North Dakota

    Sentence: 228 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 5, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Valencia K. Matthews – Centralia, IL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of less than five grams of crack cocaine; Southern District of Illinois

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $400 fine (June 28, 2010)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Johnny Ray McAtee – Dubuque, IA
    Offense: Attempt to manufacture and aid and abet the manufacturing of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (pure) after being convicted of one or more felony drug offenses; possession of pseudoephedrine, knowing the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of red phosphorous, knowing the red phosphorous would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 7, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Joseph McBride – Trenton, NJ

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida

    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 12, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • John McCallum – Spring Valley, NY
    Offense: Narcotics conspiracy; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of New York
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 9, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.  

  • John McCauley – Chicago, IL

    Offense:  Distribution of 4.41 grams of cocaine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of 3.61 grams of cocaine base and .76 grams of cocaine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of .51 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of 19.17 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; failure to appear; Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence:  366 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $2,150 restitution (April 2, 2004)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • James McCloud – Rochester, NY

    Offense: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of New York

    Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (June 20, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $1,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jeffrey Preston McClung – Harrisonburg, VA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; distribution of marijuana; carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; money laundering; Western District of Virginia
    Sentence: 410 months' imprisonment; 48 months' supervised release (July 10, 1998); amended to 387 months' imprisonment (March 23, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • John McCray, Sr. – East Saint Louis, IL

    Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base; distribution of heroin and cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois

    Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $750 fine (March 6, 2007)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • James McDade – Shreveport, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; conspiracy to commit laundering of monetary instruments; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 10, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

  • Frederick McGary – Hammond, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 20, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Martin McGee – Beersheba Springs, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 202 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 9, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ezekial McLain – Albany, NY

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of New York

    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 6, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Cartell Alexander McLemore – Milwaukee, WI
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; being a felon in possession of a firearm; being a felon in possession of ammunition; Eastern District of Wisconsin
    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 26, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017

  • Randy McMahan – Wellford, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: Life plus 120 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 18, 2007)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

  • Recco Salaves Meeks – Shelby, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 230 months and six days’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 26, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Deone Antonio Melvin – Upper Marlboro, MD
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; money laundering conspiracy; distribution of cocaine; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts); felon in possession of a firearm; District of Maryland
    Sentence: 540 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 26, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.

  • Luis Marin Mendoza-Esquivel – Riverside, CA

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and aiding and abetting the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture following a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 290 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 13, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Wayne Merrell – Dunlap, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 15, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Richard Glen Milburn – Limestone, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; attempt to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense (two counts); attempt to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana; attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of an unregistered short barreled firearm; possessing contraband in prison; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 19, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Kristi Miller – Santa Maria, CA

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual or 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 6, 2011)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Timothy Wayne Miller – London, KY

    Offense:         1. Conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (4 counts); possession with intent to distribute oxycodone; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Kentucky

    2. Knowingly failed to appear; Eastern District of Kentucky

    Sentence:        1. 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 8, 2004)

    2. 120 months’ imprisonment (concurrent); three years’ supervised release (July 8, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Robert W. Mims – Pensacola, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (May 21, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ervin Mincey – Swainsboro, GA
    Offense: Distribution of 27.72 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Georgia
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 17, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • James Edward Mitchell – Oxnard, CA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 31, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Lewis Lynn Mitchell – Medical Lake, WA

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana

    Sentence: 288 months’ imprisonment, eight years’ supervised release (August 2, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Terry Mitchell – Miami, FL
    Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting (two counts); carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Alabama
    Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Emmett Alvin Monson – Rosedale, NY

    Offense: Conspiracy: possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and heroin; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); possess with intent to distribute heroin (four counts); Middle District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (September 20, 1993)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Richard Ruiz Montes ─ Escalon, CA

    Offense: Conducting a continuing criminal enterprise; manufacture of marijuana and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute marijuana (two counts); Eastern District of California

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (November 21, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Anthony Lawayne Moon – Knoxville, TN
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 28, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Larry D. Moon ─ Louisville, KY

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (2 counts); Western District of Kentucky

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 21, 1996); amended

    to 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (September 24, 1999)         

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Sentra Moore – Montgomery, AL

    Offense: Aiding and abetting possession to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; aiding and abetting possession to distribute 50 or more grams of cocaine base; aiding and abetting firearm/drug trafficking; Middle District of Alabama

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 1, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Steven Rayford Moore – Sherman, TX
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Texas
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 26, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted.

  • Jeremy Jason Morefield – Shreveport, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 13, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Chico Untras Morgan – Opelika, AL

    Offense: Distribution of a controlled substance (cocaine base); Middle District of Alabama

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 21, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, and conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Fred Lenard Morrison – Valdese, NC
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; simple possession of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
    Sentence: 320 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 13, 1996)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • David Andrew Mortensen – Salt Lake City, UT
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine; District of Utah
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 60 months' supervised release (September 18, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Cory D. Mosby – Rock Island, IL

    Offense: Possession of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; felon in possession of firearms; Central District of Illinois

    Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $2,500 fine (August 17, 2007); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (March 10, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 195 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires. 

  • Leo Muhammad – Compton, CA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 21, 2005); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (January 29, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

  • Saeed Abdul Muhammad – Spotsylvania, VA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Virginia
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 22, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment

  • Dottie Nixon – Lincolnton, NC
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school; Western District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (August 13, 2001); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (November 19, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Alonzo Norman, Jr. – Springfield, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 18, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Deon Christopher Nowell – Charleston, SC  

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 10, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Charles Lee Parker – Marietta, GA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 25, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.

  • William Howard Penn, Jr. – Morgan City, LA

    Offense: Narcotics, sell distribute or dispense, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute; narcotics – sell, distribute or dispense, possession with intent to distribute; racketeering, narcotics – interstate travel in aid of illegal activity; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 10, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Christopher Clayton Pfaff – Ottumwa, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 26, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Hope Aree Pinkerton – Alta, IA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine actual after having been convicted of a prior felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 5, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Larry Blane Pittman – San Diego, CA
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine; Western District of Kentucky
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 20, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Max Orvel Plumlee – Newport News, VA

    Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (eight counts); use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); renting, leasing, and making premises available for storing and distributing cocaine; conspiracy; money laundering (five counts); engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (four counts); Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 18, 1994)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Charles Edward Price – Vicksburg, MS

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi

    Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (June 3, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $1,500 fine remitted. 

  • Calvin Pritchett ─ Cleveland, OH

    Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 30, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Tony Roger Pullings – Ocala, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine (three counts); Middle District of Florida

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 14, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Dennis Ragland – Lincoln, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; felon in possession of a firearm; use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Alabama

    Sentence: 330 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (November 29, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Sergio Ramirez – Des Moines, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 22, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.

  • Alex Randell – Tallahassee, FL

    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 23, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Ernest Reagan ─ Knoxville, TN

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; felon in possession of firearms; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 16, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned on upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Johnnie C. Reed – Spartanburg, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 7, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment

  • Kristen Reed ─ Winchester, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 27, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Anthony Jaron Richardson – Charlotte, NC
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 16, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Cory D. Rigmaiden – Fresno, TX
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 18, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Robert James Riley – Clackamas, OR

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute LSD; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 4, 1993)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2018.

  • Jerry K. Roberson – St. Petersburg, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Middle District of Florida

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 15, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Samuel Roberts – Kinston, NC

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts), simple possession of cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 31, 1998)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Charles Bernard Robinson – Raleigh, NC
    Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 5, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Gerald Robinson – Overland, MO

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); Eastern District of Missouri

    Sentence: 220 months’ imprisonment; two years’ supervised release (December 14, 2006); amended to 177 months’ imprisonment (April 27, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Glenn Vincent Robinson – Stilwell, OK

    Offense: Attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense (two counts); Eastern District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: 555 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 27, 2004); amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (July 21, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • John Robinson – Charlotte, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 1, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment.

  • Joseph E. Robinson – Tallulah, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics conviction; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics conviction (seven counts); Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 6, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Luther Lee Robinson – Greensboro, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy: distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 24, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • William Everett Robinson – Crestview, FL

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; convicted felon in possession of a firearm/armed career criminal; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 10, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017, conditioned upon enrollment in non-residential drug treatment (NRDAP).

  • Juan Rodriguez ─ Edinburg, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of New York

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 18, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Germaine Roebuck ─ Champaign, IL

    Offense: Distribution of five or more grams of cocaine base (crack); Central District of Illinois

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 21, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Marvin G. Roland – Wauchula, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (July 12, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $10,000 fine remitted.

  • Randolph Rolle ─ Miami, FL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine), 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin; Southern District of Florida

    Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 5, 2007); amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (December 31, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months, conditioned on enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jerrick Lamont Rorie – Marshville, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and five kilograms or more of cocaine; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 27, 2009); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (July 2, 2012)

    Commutation grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Charlie Lee Ross, Jr. – Houston, Texas

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (six counts); Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (January 25, 2001)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $20,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ted Ross – Dallas, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy; money laundering; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Texas

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 16, 1994)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Timnah Rudisill – Hendersonville, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 24, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Tyrone Sain – Memphis, TN

    Offense:         1. Attempt to possess with intent to distribute approximately three      kilograms of cocaine, a controlled substance; Western District of Tennessee           

    2. Possession of a controlled object, marijuana, in a federal correctional institution; Western District of Tennessee

    Sentence:        1. 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 27, 1999)

    2. Two months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 4, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Both prison sentences commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Dyron K. Sampson – Arcadia, LA
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 9, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Jose Alfredo Sanchez, Jr. ─ Grafton, ND

    Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; District of North Dakota    

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 29, 2007)     

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.

  • Helen Evette Sanders – Altamont, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 9, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ramon A. Santos – Providence, RI
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Northern District of Texas
    Sentence: 260 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 24, 2005); amended to 211 months' imprisonment (February 11, 2016)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted.

  • David M. Scates ─ Richmond, VA

    Offense: Possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: 293 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 23, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Joseph Schwartz – Philadelphia, PA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $500 fine (November 1, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Aaron A. Scott – Petersburg, VA

    Offense: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a public school; Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (April 21, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.

  • Kenneth E. Scott ─ Scott City, MO

    Offense: Possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it will be used to manufacture methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri

    Sentence: 296 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (December 2, 2003); amended to 237 months’ imprisonment (March 17, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Stephen Scott – Worcester, MA

    Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Massachusetts

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 8, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Timothy Wayne Seabury- Satsuma, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Alabama

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 18, 2011)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Burnette Trione Shackleford ─ Georgetown, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 14, 2007); amended to 212 months’ imprisonment (August 11, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Duane Sheffield – Augusta, GA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (June 18, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • Michael William Shranklen – Ankeny, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 30, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 17, 2017.

  • Jeremy Simmons – Chicago, IL

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (mixture) and less than 500 grams of cocaine (mixture); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (mixture) (four counts); Southern District of Indiana

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 16, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 360 months’ imprisonment.

  • Damenion Sims – Houston, TX
    Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 20, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment

  • Willie Small – Denver, CO
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 13.382 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 13.323 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.295 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 6.457 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.764 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.866 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 23.484 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 32.756 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 54.174 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.356 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 14 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute seven  grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (five counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 27 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; use of a communication facility to conspire to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, aiding and abetting (13 counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 3.5 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 56 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute .244 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute 175 grams or more of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; money laundering, aiding and abetting; District of Colorado
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 21, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Bernard Gary Smith, Jr. – Warsaw, VA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 7, 2003)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Felicia Smith – Shreveport, LA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 15, 2005); amended to 188 months’ imprisonment (January 4, 2017)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • John Wayne Smith – Charlotte, NC

    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 216 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 22, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Lawrence Smith – Immokalee, FL

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base, “crack cocaine”; Middle District of Florida

    Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (January 22, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

  • Nathaniel Smith, Jr. – Eden, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base crack; Middle District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 8, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Ronald Benjamin Smith – Demopolis, AL
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking felony; Southern District of Alabama
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 11, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Teresa Smith – Baird, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Northern District of Texas

    Sentence: 309 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 24, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Anthony B. Southard – Youngstown, OH

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute approximately 100.3 grams of cocaine base; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Ohio

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 27, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Thaddeus A. Speed – Kankakee, Illinois

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession of five grams of more of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute it; Central District of Illinois

    Sentence: Life imprisonment (March 3, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Glen Alan Spicer – Dobson, NC
    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; possessed firearms in commerce after felony conviction; Middle District of North Carolina
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 11, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Michael Stacey – Charlotte, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (July 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Jason L. Stewart – East Cleveland, OH

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (December 1, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017. 

  • Jubali Dushawn Stokes ─ Chicago, IL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute “crack” cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; repayment of $2,010 of “buy money” as a condition of supervised release (March 4, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment and condition of supervised release requiring repayment of $2,010 of “buy money” is also commuted.

  • Jonathan L. Stout – Memphis, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over five grams of cocaine base; possession of over five grams of cocaine base with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Western District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 1,200 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (December 14, 2004); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 22, 2008); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2011)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.

  • Tyrone Sturdivant ─ Mason City, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to distribute cocaine salt; distribution of cocaine salt (two counts); Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 348 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 26, 2006); amended to life imprisonment (May 3, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jorge Luis Suarez-Maya – Cabo Rojo, PR

    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possess and carry a revolver during the commission of a drug trafficking crime; District of Puerto Rico

    Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 22, 1993)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Raymond Roger Surratt, Jr. – Shelby, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 31, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Andre Rashad Sutton – Chattanooga, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride; possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 21, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Lambert Dorell Sweat – Manning, SC

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana and cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (July 19, 2011)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Alan Sylvester – Jamaica, NY

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 24, 2006); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (August 3, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 260 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jeffrey Tate – Chapel Hill, NC

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 23, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Richard Len Taylor, Jr. – Deep Gap, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; Western District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $10,142.86 restitution (August 9, 2005); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (November 19, 2015)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Joshua John Terry – Chattanooga, TN

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (March 20, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Charles Edward Thomas – Odessa, TX
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Western District of Texas
    Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 30, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Elton F. Thomas – Ontario, CA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”); Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (February 11, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Benjamin C. Thompkins, Jr. ─ Amelia, VA

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 6, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Anthony Dwayne Thompson – Los Angeles, CA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 19, 2004); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (June 21, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jerome Thompson – Kansas City, MO
    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 20, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Wayne D. Thompson – Richmond, VA
    Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base within one thousand feet of a school; Eastern District of Virginia
    Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 16 years' supervised release (December 10, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 220 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • William Thorne – Patterson, NJ

    Offense: Distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base; District of New Jersey

    Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 28, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • James Mark Thornton ─ Knoxville, TN

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 327 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 10, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • William Tisdale – Greensboro, NC

    Offense: Distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 28, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jim L. Townsend – Memphis, TN
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting in same; Western District of Tennessee
    Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 23, 1992)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2018.

  • Brosarick Ernesto Trammell – Roanoke, Alabama

    Offense: Distribution of (50) fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base “crack”; Northern District of Alabama

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 24, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • James Tranmer – Hackensack, NJ

    Offense: Conspiracy to import marijuana; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Northern District of Florida

    Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 3, 1994)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Melvin Tucker – Chicago, IL

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to distribute cocaine salt after a conviction for a felony drug offense; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 12.39 grams of cocaine base after a conviction for a felony drug offense; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 16.83 grams of cocaine base after a conviction for a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 29, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • John Robinson Turner – Pensacola, FL
    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Florida
    Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 23, 1993)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Antonio Luna Valdez, Jr. – Weslaco, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and marihuana; Western District of Louisiana

    Sentence: Life imprisonment (September 17, 2012)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Aldo Venegas – Pecos, TX

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Texas

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 11, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Donald LeRoy Wagaman – Glenwood, IA

    Offense: Manufacture in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 185 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (February 22, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Bernard A. Walker – Knoxville, TN
    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 25, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Yakez Walker ─ Deerfield Beach, FL

    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 25, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Eric Arthur Walton – Wheeling, WV
    Offense:        
    1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; interstate transportation in aid of racketeering (2 counts); laundering of monetary instruments; aiding and abetting in the possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school; Northern District of West Virginia
    2. Conspiracy to defraud U.S., to wit: corruptly endeavor to influence, intimidate, or impede a petit juror; attempt to influence a petit juror and aiding and abetting; Northern District of West Virginia
    Sentence:       
    1. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (July 26, 1994)
    2. 60 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); three years’ supervised release (June 2, 1997)

     

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 387 months' imprisonment.

  • Charles Ward – Martinsburg, WV

    Offense: Aiding and abetting in the distribution of 28.7 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia

    Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 28, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Jeffrey Ward – Memphis, TN

    Offense: Possession and distribution of 57.9 grams cocaine base; possession and distribution of 70.2 grams cocaine base; Western District of Tennessee

    Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 2, 2004)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • Timmy Don Ware – Oklahoma City, OK

    Offense: Participation in racketeering activities; conspiracy to participate in a criminal racketeering enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin (three counts); use of telephone to facilitate a conspiracy; Western District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: 33 years’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 29, 1988)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Dan Russell Watson – Mediapolis, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $4,959 restitution (May 28, 2009)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $4,959 restitution obligation remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Raymond Allen Watts – Hyattsville, MD

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base commonly known as crack; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; District of Maryland

    Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 29, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment.

  • Harold Lindsey Webster – Des Moines, IA

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 25, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Donald Welch ─ Trenton, NJ

    Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida

    Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 12, 2002)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Derrick White – Schriever, LA

    Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 9, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

  • Carlos Whitehead ─ St. Louis, MO

    Offense: Manufacture and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of heroin; possession of cocaine; possession of marijuana; Eastern District of Missouri

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 25, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Winston Wilkins – West Palm Beach, FL

    Offense: Distribution of crack cocaine (2 counts); Southern District of Florida

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release; $15,000 fine (January 23, 1998)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $15,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.

  • Glenn Williams – Raleigh, NC

    Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina

    Sentence:  480 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,050 fine (March 18, 1996)

    Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Harry David Williams – Oklahoma City, OK

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; maintaining a residence to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (November 1, 2000)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Maurice Victor Williams – Oxon Hill, MD
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of "crack" cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia
    Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 31, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Robert Lee Williams, III – High Point, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 12, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Marshall R. Wilson – Kansas City, KS

    Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of Kansas

    Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 20, 2010)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • William Wilson – Independence, LA
    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); Eastern District of Louisiana
    Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 15, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Gregory C. Womack – Oklahoma City, OK

    Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Oklahoma

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 26, 1999)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

  • Marshane Woods ─ Mebane, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 23, 2005)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months.

  • Ayande Yearwood – Baltimore, MD

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; District of Maryland

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,500 fine (October 20, 2006)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $17,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment, unpaid remainder of fine remitted.

  • Antonio Antwain Young – Maryville, TN
    Offense: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
    Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 29, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Calvin Tyrone Young – Winston-Salem, NC

    Offense: Conspiracy: Distribute crack; Middle District of North Carolina

    Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 15, 1997)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.

  • Connie Jermaine Young ─ Spartanburg, SC

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee

    Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 26, 2007)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in the residential drug treatment.

  • Travis Demetrius Youngblood – Union Spring, AL

    Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Kentucky

    Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 12, 2008)

    Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:49:00 +0000 hardcastle 318181 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/president-obama-grants-commutations#comments Readout of the President and First Lady's Call with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/readout-president-and-first-ladys-call-chancellor-angela-merkel-germany The President and First Lady spoke by telephone today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her husband, Professor Dr. Joachim Sauer, to express appreciation for their personal friendship and efforts to forge deeper partnership between Germany and the United States over the last eight years. The President thanked Chancellor Merkel for her strong, courageous, and steady leadership. The President and Chancellor agreed that close cooperation between Washington and Berlin and between the United States and Europe are essential to ensuring a sturdy trans-Atlantic bond, a rules-based international order, and the defense of values that have done so much to advance human progress in our countries and around the world. Given their eight years of friendship and partnership, the President noted that it was fitting that his final call with a foreign leader was with Chancellor Merkel, and he wished her the very best going forward. 

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:36:00 +0000 mtorrell 318161 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/readout-president-and-first-ladys-call-chancellor-angela-merkel-germany#comments Letter from the President -- Report with Respect to Guantanamo https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/letter-president-report-respect-guantanamo TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE

January 19, 2017

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Mr. President:)

For 15 years, the United States has detained hundreds of people at the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, a facility that never should have been opened in the first place. Rather than keeping us safer, the detention facility at Guantanamo undermines American national security. Terrorists use it for propaganda, its operations drain our military resources during a time of budget cuts, and it harms our partnerships with allies and countries whose cooperation we need against today's evolving terrorist threat. By any measure, the costs of keeping it open far exceed the complications involved in closing it.

As President, I have tried to close Guantanamo. When I inherited this challenge, it was widely recognized that the facility -- which many around the world continue to condemn -- needed to close. Unfortunately, what had previously been bipartisan support for closure suddenly became a partisan issue. Despite those politics, we have made progress. This Administration established a comprehensive, interagency review process to assess whether the transfer of a detainee is in the national security interest of the United States. Under this rigorous process, we have transferred 196 detainees from Guantanamo with arrangements designed to keep them from engaging in acts that pose a threat to the United States and our allies. Of the nearly 800 detainees at one time held at the facility, today only 41 remain.

The Department of Defense has also provided the Congress with a comprehensive plan to finally close Guantanamo once and for all. In addition to calling for us to continue to identify and effectuate secure transfer opportunities, it calls for the continued periodic review of the threat posed by individuals still detained, the use of all legal tools to deal with the remaining detainees still held under law of war detention, and the identification of a secure location in the United States to hold remaining detainees who are subject to military commissions or who we have determined must continue to be detained because they pose a continuing significant threat to the United States. I have included an update to that plan here.

The restrictions imposed by the Congress that prevent us from imprisoning detainees -- even to prosecute and secure a life sentence -- in the United States make no sense. No person has ever escaped one of our super-max or military prisons here, ever. There is simply no justification beyond politics for the Congress' insistence on keeping the facility open. Members of Congress who obstruct efforts to close the facility, given the stakes involved for our security, have abdicated their responsibility to the American people. They have placed politics above the ongoing costs to taxpayers, our relationships with our allies, and the threat posed to U.S. national security by leaving open a facility that governments around the world condemn and which hinders rather than helps our fight against terrorism.

If this were easy, we would have closed Guantanamo years ago. But history will cast a harsh judgment on this aspect of our fight against terrorism and those of us who fail to bring it to a responsible end. Once again, I encourage the Congress to close the facility and permit more of our brave men and women in uniform serving at Guantanamo Bay to return to meeting the challenges of the 21st century around the globe. There remains bipartisan support for closing Guantanamo and we can do so in a responsible and secure way that also saves the American taxpayer money. Guantanamo is contrary to our values and undermines our standing in the world, and it is long past time to end this chapter in our history.

 

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

Obama Administration Efforts to Close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:23:00 +0000 mtorrell 318156 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Presidential Memoranda Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/19/letter-president-report-respect-guantanamo#comments Readout of the President's Call with President Ghani and CEO Abdullah of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/readout-presidents-call-president-ghani-and-ceo-abdullah-islamic President Obama spoke by phone today with President Ashraf Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, who was joined by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. President Obama expressed his deep appreciation for the steadfast partnership between the United States and Afghanistan.  He commended the leaders for their commitment to the Afghan people and applauded the National Unity Government's efforts to  reduce corruption and support the rule of law.  The President encouraged both leaders to continue their shared efforts to enhance national unity and support a lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 23:13:00 +0000 mtorrell 318121 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/readout-presidents-call-president-ghani-and-ceo-abdullah-islamic#comments Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Modi of India https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/readout-presidents-call-prime-minister-modi-india President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to thank the Prime Minister for his partnership and to review joint efforts of cooperation including defense, civil nuclear energy, and enhanced people-to-people ties.  Recalling his visit as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2015, President Obama wished the Prime Minister warm congratulations ahead of India's upcoming 68th Republic Day anniversary.  Both leaders discussed the progress they have made on shared economic and security priorities, including recognition of India as a Major Defense Partner of the United States and addressing the global challenge of climate change.  

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 23:10:00 +0000 mtorrell 318116 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/readout-presidents-call-prime-minister-modi-india#comments Remarks by the President in Final Press Conference https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/remarks-president-final-press-conference James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

2:24 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Let me start out by saying that I was sorely tempted to wear a tan suit today -- (laughter) -- for my last press conference.  But Michelle, whose fashion sense is a little better than mine, tells me that's not appropriate in January.
 
I covered a lot of the ground that I would want to cover in my farewell address last week.  So I'm just going to say a couple of quick things before I start taking questions.
 
First, we have been in touch with the Bush family today, after hearing about President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush being admitted to the hospital this morning.  They have not only dedicated their lives to this country, they have been a constant source of friendship and support and good counsel for Michelle and me over the years.  They are as fine a couple as we know.  And so we want to send our prayers and our love to them.  Really good people.
 
Second thing I want to do is to thank all of you.  Some of you have been covering me for a long time -- folks like Christi and Win.  Some of you I've just gotten to know.  We have traveled the world together.  We’ve hit a few singles, a few doubles together.  I’ve offered advice that I thought was pretty sound, like “don’t do stupid…stuff.”  (Laughter.)  And even when you complained about my long answers, I just want you to know that the only reason they were long was because you asked six-part questions.  (Laughter.)   
 
But I have enjoyed working with all of you.  That does not, of course, mean that I’ve enjoyed every story that you have filed.  But that’s the point of this relationship.  You’re not supposed to be sycophants, you're supposed to be skeptics.  You’re supposed to ask me tough questions.  You're not supposed to be complimentary, but you're supposed to cast a critical eye on folks who hold enormous power and make sure that we are accountable to the people who sent us here. 
 
And you have done that.  And you’ve done it, for the most part, in ways that I could appreciate for fairness even if I didn’t always agree with your conclusions.  And having you in this building has made this place work better.  It keeps us honest.  It makes us work harder.  It made us think about how we are doing what we do and whether or not we're able to deliver on what’s been requested by our constituents. 
 
And for example, every time you’ve asked “why haven’t you cured Ebola yet,” or “why is that still that hole in the Gulf,” it has given me the ability to go back to my team and say, “will you get this solved before the next press conference?”  (Laughter.)  
 
I spent a lot of time in my farewell address talking about the state of our democracy.  It goes without saying that essential to that is a free press.  That is part of how this place, this country, this grand experiment in self-government has to work.  It doesn’t work if we don't have a well-informed citizenry.  And you are the conduit through which they receive the information about what’s taking place in the halls of power.
 
So America needs you, and our democracy needs you.  We need you to establish a baseline of facts and evidence that we can use as a starting point for the kind of reasoned and informed debates that ultimately lead to progress.  And so my hope is, is that you will continue with the same tenacity that you showed us to do the hard work of getting to the bottom of stories and getting them right, and to push those of us in power to be the best version of ourselves.  And to push this country to be the best version of itself.
 
I have no doubt that you will do so.  I’m looking forward to being an active consumer of your work rather than always the subject of it.  I want to thank you all for your extraordinary service to our democracy. 
 
And with that, I will take some questions.  And I will start with Jeff Mason -- whose term apparently is not up.  I thought we’d be going out together, brother, but you got to hang around for a while.  (Laughter.) 
 
Q    I'm staying put.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Jeff Mason, Reuters.
 
Q    Thank you, sir.  Are you concerned, Mr. President, that commuting Chelsea Manning’s sentence will send a message that leaking classified material will not generate a tough sentence to groups like WikiLeaks?  How do you reconcile that in light of WikiLeaks’ connection to Russia’s hacking in last year’s election?  And related to that, Julian Assange has now offered to come to the United States.  Are you seeking that?  And would he be charged or arrested if he came here?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, first of all, let’s be clear, Chelsea Manning has served a tough prison sentence.  So the notion that the average person who was thinking about disclosing vital, classified information would think that it goes unpunished I don't think would get that impression from the sentence that Chelsea Manning has served.
 
It has been my view that given she went to trial, that due process was carried out, that she took responsibility for her crime, that the sentence that she received was very disproportional -- disproportionate relative to what other leakers had received, and that she had served a significant amount of time, that it made it sense to commute -- and not pardon -- her sentence.
 
And I feel very comfortable that justice has been served and that a message has still been sent that when it comes to our national security, that wherever possible, we need folks who may have legitimate concerns about the actions of government or their superiors or the agencies in which they work -- that they try to work through the established channels and avail themselves of the whistleblower protections that had been put in place.
 
I recognize that there’s some folks who think they're not enough, and I think all of us, when we're working in big institutions, may find ourselves at times at odds with policies that are set.  But when it comes to national security, we're often dealing with people in the field whose lives may be put at risk, or the safety and security and the ability of our military or our intelligence teams or embassies to function effectively.  And that has to be kept in mind.
 
So with respect to WikiLeaks, I don't see a contradiction.  First of all, I haven't commented on WikiLeaks, generally.  The conclusions of the intelligence community with respect to the Russian hacking were not conclusive as to whether WikiLeaks was witting or not in being the conduit through which we heard about the DNC emails that were leaked.
 
I don't pay a lot of attention to Mr. Assange's tweets, so that wasn't a consideration in this instance.  And I'd refer you to the Justice Department for any criminal investigations, indictments, extradition issues that may come up with him.
 
What I can say broadly is that, in this new cyber age, we're going to have to make sure that we continually work to find the right balance of accountability and openness and transparency that is the hallmark of our democracy, but also recognize that there are adversaries and bad actors out there who want to use that same openness in ways that hurt us -- whether that's in trying to commit financial crimes, or trying to commit acts of terrorism, or folks who want to interfere with our elections. 
 
And we're going to have to continually build the kind of architecture that makes sure the best of our democracy is preserved; that our national security and intelligence agencies have the ability to carry out policy without advertising to our adversaries what it is that we're doing, but do so in a way that still keeps citizens up to speed on what their government is doing on their behalf.
 
But with respect to Chelsea Manning, I looked at the particulars of this case the same way I have for the other commutations and pardons that I've done, and I felt that in light of all the circumstances that commuting her sentence was entirely appropriate.
 
Margaret Brennan.
 
Q    Mr. President, thank you.  The President-elect has said that he would consider lifting sanctions on Russia if they substantially reduced their nuclear stockpile.  Given your own efforts at arms control, do you think that's an effective strategy?  Knowing this office and Mr. Trump, how would you advise his advisors to help him be effective when he deals with Vladimir Putin?  And given your actions recently on Russia, do you think those sanctions should be viewed as leverage?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, a couple of things.  Number one, I think it is in America's interest and the world's interest that we have a constructive relationship with Russia.  That's been my approach throughout my presidency.  Where our interests have overlapped, we've worked together.  At the beginning of my term, I did what I could to encourage Russia to be a constructive member of the international community, and tried to work with the President and the government of Russia in helping them diversify their economy, improve their economy, use the incredible talents of the Russian people in more constructive ways. 
 
I think it’s fair to say that after President Putin came back into the presidency that an escalating anti-American rhetoric and an approach to global affairs that seemed to be premised on the idea that whatever America is trying to do must be bad for Russia and so we want to try and counteract whatever they do -- that return to an adversarial spirit that I think existed during the Cold War has made the relationship more difficult.  And it was hammered home when Russia went into Crimea and portions of Ukraine.
 
The reason we imposed the sanctions, recall, was not because of nuclear weapons issues.  It was because the independence and sovereignty of a country, Ukraine, had been encroached upon, by force, by Russia.  That wasn’t our judgment; that was the judgment of the entire international community.  And Russia continues to occupy Ukrainian territory and meddle in Ukrainian affairs and support military surrogates who have violated basic international law and international norms.
 
What I’ve said to the Russians is, as soon as you’ve stop doing that the sanctions will be removed.  And I think it would probably best serve not only American interest but also the interest of preserving international norms if we made sure that we don’t confuse why these sanctions have been imposed with a whole set of other issues.
 
On nuclear issues, in my first term we negotiated the START II treaty. and that has substantially reduced our nuclear stockpiles, both Russia and the United States.  I was prepared to go further.  I told President Putin I was prepared to go further.  They have been unwilling to negotiate.  If President-elect Trump is able to restart those talks in a serious way, I think there remains a lot of room for our two countries to reduce our stockpiles.  And part of the reason we’ve been successful on our nonproliferation agenda and on our nuclear security agenda is because we were leading by example. 
 
I hope that continues.  But I think it’s important just to remember that the reason sanctions have been put in place against Russia has to do with their actions in Ukraine.  And it is important for the United States to stand up for the basic principle that big countries don’t go around and invade and bully smaller countries.  I’ve said before, I expect Russia and Ukraine to have a strong relationship.  They are, historically, bound together in all sorts of cultural and social ways.  But Ukraine is an independent country.
 
And this is a good example of the vital role that America has to continue to play around the world in preserving basic norms and values, whether it’s advocating on behalf of human rights, advocating on behalf of women’s rights, advocating on behalf of freedom of the press. 
 
The United States has not always been perfect in this regard.  There are times where we, by necessity, are dealing with allies or friends or partners who, themselves, are not meeting the standards that we would like to see met when it comes to international rules and norms.  But I can tell you that in every multilateral setting -- in the United Nations, in the G20, in the G7 -- the United States typically has been on the right side of these issues.  And it is important for us to continue to be on the right side of these issues, because if we, the largest, strongest country and democracy in the world, are not willing to stand up on behalf of these values, then certainly China, Russia, and others will not.
 
Kevin Corke.
 
Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  You have been a strong supporter of the idea of a peaceful transfer of power, demonstrated not terribly far from the Rose Garden.  And yet, even as you and I speak, there are more than five dozen Democrats that are going to boycott the inauguration of the incoming President.  Do you support that?  And what message would you send to Democrats to better demonstrate the peaceful transfer of power?
 
And if I could follow, I wanted to ask you about your conversations with the President-elect previously.  And without getting into too much of the personal side of it, I’m just curious, were you able to use that opportunity to convince him to take a fresh look at some of the important ideas that you will leave this office with -- maintaining some semblance of the Affordable Care Act, some idea of keeping DREAMers here in the country without fear of deportation.  Were you able to use personal stories to try to convince him?  And how successful were you?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I won’t go into details of my conversations with President-elect Trump.  As I’ve said before, they are cordial.  At times they've been fairly lengthy and they've been substantive.  I can't tell you how convincing I’ve been.  I think you'd had to ask him whether I’ve been convincing or not.
 
I have offered my best advice, counsel about certain issues both foreign and domestic.  And my working assumption is, is that having won an election opposed to a number of my initiatives and certain aspects of my vision for where the country needs to go, it is appropriate for him to go forward with his vision and his values.  And I don't expect that there’s going to be enormous overlap. 
 
It may be that on certain issues, once he comes into office and he looks at the complexities of how to, in fact, provide health care for everybody -- something he says he wants to do -- or wants to make sure that he is encouraging job creation and wage growth in this country, that that may lead him to some of the same conclusions that I arrived at once I got here.
 
But I don't think we’ll know until he has an actual chance to get sworn in and sit behind that desk.  And I think a lot of his views are going to be shaped by his advisors, the people around him -- which is why it’s important to pay attention to these confirmation hearings.
 
I can tell you that -- and this is something I have told him -- that this is a job of such magnitude that you can't do it by yourself.  You are enormously reliant on a team.  Your Cabinet, your senior White House staff, all the way to fairly junior folks in their 20s and 30s, but who are executing on significant responsibilities. 
 
And so how you put a team together to make sure that they're getting you the best information and they are teeing up the options from which you will ultimately make decisions, that's probably the most useful advice, the most constructive advice that I've been able to give him.  That if you find yourself isolated because the process breaks down, or if you're only hearing from people who agree with you on everything, or if you haven’t created a process that is fact-checking and probing and asking hard questions about policies or promises that you've made, that's when you start making mistakes.  And as I indicated in some of my previous remarks, reality has a way of biting back if you're not paying attention to it.
 
With respect to the inauguration, I'm not going to comment on those issues.  All I know is I'm going to be there.  So is Michelle.  And I have been checking the weather, and I'm heartened by the fact that it won't be as cold as my first inauguration -- (laughter) -- because that was cold. 
 
Jen Rodriguez.
    
Q    Right here, Mr. President.  Thank you very much.  You have said that you would come back to fight for the DREAMers.  You said that a couple of weeks ago.  Are you fearful for the status of those DREAMers, the future of the young immigrants and all immigrants in this country with the new administration?  And what did you mean when you said you would come back?  Would you lobby Congress?  Maybe explore the political arena again?  And if I may ask you a second question -- why did you take action on "dry foot, wet foot" a week ago?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, let me be absolutely clear.  I did not mean that I was going to be running for anything anytime soon.  (Laughter.)  What I meant is that it's important for me to take some time to process this amazing experience that we've gone through; to make sure that my wife, with whom I will be celebrating a 25th anniversary this year, is willing to re-up and put up with me for a little bit longer.  I want to do some writing.  I want to be quiet a little bit and not hear myself talk so darn much.  I want to spend precious time with my girls. 
 
So those are my priorities this year.  But as I said before, I'm still a citizen.  And I think it is important for Democrats or progressives who feel that they came out on the wrong side of this election to be able to distinguish between the normal back-and-forth, ebb and flow of policy -- are we going to raise taxes or are we going to lower taxes; are we going to expand this program or eliminate this program; how concerned are we about air pollution or climate change.  Those are all normal parts of the debate.  And as I've said before, in a democracy, sometimes you're going to win on those issues and sometimes you're going to lose. 
 
I'm confident about the rightness of my positions on a lot of these points, but we got a new President and a Congress that are going to make their same determinations.  And there will be a back-and-forth in Congress around those issues, and you guys will report on all that. 
 
But there's difference between that normal functioning of politics and certain issues or certain moments where I think our core values may be at stake.  I put in that category, if I saw systematic discrimination being ratified in some fashion.  I'd put in that category, explicit or functional obstacles to people being able to vote, to exercise their franchise.  I'd put in that category, institutional efforts to silence dissent or the press. 
 
And for me, at least, I would put in that category, efforts to round up kids who have grown up here and for all practical purposes are American kids and send them someplace else when they love this country; they are our kids' friends and their classmates, and are now entering into community colleges or, in some cases, serving in our military.  The notion that we would just arbitrarily, or because of politics, punish those kids when they didn't do anything wrong themselves I think would be something that would merit me speaking out.  It doesn't mean that I would get on the ballot anywhere.
 
With respect to “wet foot, dry foot,” we underwent a monumental shift in our policy towards Cuba.  My view was, after 50 years of a policy not working, it made sense for us to try to reopen diplomatic relations, to engage a Cuban government, to be honest with them about the strong disagreements we have around political repression and treatment of dissenters and freedom of press and freedom of religion, but that to make progress for the Cuban people, our best shot was to suddenly have the Cuban people interacting with Americans, and seeing the incredible success of the Cuban American community, and engaging in commerce and business and trade, and that it was through that process of opening up these bilateral relations that you would see over time serious and significant improvement.
 
Given that shift in the relationship, the policy that we had in place was “wet foot, dry foot,” which treated Cuban emigres completely different from folks from El Salvador, or Guatemala, or Nicaragua, or any other part of the world, one that made a distinction between whether you got here by land or by foot -- that was a carryover of a old way of thinking that didn't make sense in this day and age, particularly as we're opening up travel between the two countries. 
 
And so we had very lengthy consultations with the Department of Homeland Security.  We had some tough negotiations with the Cuban government.  But we arrived at a policy which we think is both fair and appropriate to the changing nature of the relationship between the two countries.
 
Nadia Bilbassy.
 
Q    Thank you, sir.  I appreciate the opportunity, and I want you and your family best of luck in the future.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
 
Q    Mr. President, you have been criticized and even personally attacked for the U.N. Security Council resolution that considered the Israeli settlements illegal and an obstacle to peace.  Mr. Trump promised to move the embassy to Jerusalem.  He appointed an ambassador that doesn't believe in the two-state solution.  How worried are you about the U.S. leadership in the Arab world and beyond as an honest broker?  Will this ignite a third intifada?  Will this even protect Israel?  And in retrospect, do you think that you should have held Israel more accountable, like President Bush, Senior, did with the loan guarantees?  Thank you.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I continue to be significantly worried about the Israeli-Palestinian issue.  And I’m worried about it both because I think the status quo is unsustainable, that it is dangerous for Israel, that it is bad for Palestinians, it is bad for the region, and it is bad for America’s national security. 
 
And I came into this office wanting to do everything I could to encourage serious peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.  And we invested a lot of energy, a lot of time, a lot of effort, first year, second year, all the way until last year.  Ultimately, what has always been clear is that we cannot force the parties to arrive at peace.  What we can do is facilitate, provide a platform, encourage.  But we can't force them to do it.
 
But in light of shifts in Israeli politics and Palestinian politics; a rightward drift in Israeli politics; a weakening of President Abbas’s ability to move and take risks on behalf of peace in the Palestinian Territories; in light of all the dangers that have emerged in the region and the understandable fears that Israelis may have about the chaos and rise of groups like ISIL and the deterioration of Syria -- in light of all those things, what we at least wanted to do, understanding that the two parties wouldn’t actually arrive at a final status agreement, is to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.  Because we do not see an alternative to it.
 
And I’ve said this directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu.  I’ve said it inside of Israel.  I’ve said it to Palestinians, as well.  I don't see how this issues gets resolved in a way that maintains Israel as both Jewish and a democracy, because if you do not have two states, then in some form or fashion you are extending an occupation, functionally you end up having one state in which millions of people are disenfranchised and operate as second-class occupant -- residents.  You can’t even call them citizens, necessarily. 
 
And so the goal of the resolution was to simply say that the settlements -- the growth of the settlements are creating a reality on the ground that increasingly will make a two-state solution impossible.  And we believed, consistent with the position that had been taken with previous U.S. administrations for decades now, that it was important for us to send a signal, a wake-up call, that this moment may be passing, and Israeli voters and Palestinians need to understand that this moment may be passing.  And hopefully that, then, creates a debate inside both Israeli and Palestinian communities that won’t result immediately in peace, but at least will lead to a more sober assessment of what the alternatives are.
 
So the President-elect will have his own policy.  The ambassador -- or the candidate for the ambassadorship obviously has very different views than I do.  That is their prerogative. That’s part of what happens after elections.  And I think my views are clear.  We’ll see how their approach plays itself out.
 
I don’t want to project today what could end up happening, but obviously it’s a volatile environment.  What we’ve seen in the past is, when sudden, unilateral moves are made that speak to some of the core issues and sensitivities of either side, that can be explosive.  And what we’ve tried to do in the transition is just to provide the context in which the President-elect may want to make some of these decisions.
 
Q    Are you worried that this (inaudible) --
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, that’s part of what we’ve tried to indicate to the incoming team in our transition process, is pay attention to this, because this is volatile stuff.  People feel deeply and passionately about this.  And as I’ve said I think many times, the actions that we take have enormous consequences and ramifications. 
 
We’re the biggest kid on the block.  And I think it is right and appropriate for a new President to test old assumptions and reexamine the old ways of doing things.  But if you’re going to make big shifts in policy, just make sure you’ve thought it through, and understand that there are going to be consequences, and actions typically create reactions, and so you want to be intentional about it.  You don’t want to do things off the cuff when it comes to an issue this volatile.
 
Chris Johnson.
 
Q    On LGBT rights --
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I'm sorry, where is Chris?
 
Q    I'm right here in the back.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I'm sorry, didn’t see you.
 
Q    On LGBT rights, we've seen a lot of achievements over the past eight years, including signing hate crimes protection legislation, "don’t ask, don’t tell" repeal, marriage equality nationwide, and ensuring transgender people feel visible and accepted.  How do you think LGBT rights will rank in terms of your accomplishments and your legacy?  And how confident are you that progress will endure or continue under the President-elect?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I could not be prouder of the transformation that's taken place in our society just in the last decade.  And I've said before, I think we made some useful contributions to it, but the primary heroes in this stage of our growth as a democracy and a society are all the individual activists, and sons and daughters and couples who courageously said, this is who I am and I'm proud of it. 
 
And that opened people's minds and opened their hearts.  And, eventually, laws caught up.  But I don’t think any of that would have happened without the activism -- in some cases, loud and noisy, but in some cases, just quiet and very personal. 
 
And I think that what we did as an administration was to help the society to move in a better direction, but to do so in a way that didn’t create an enormous backlash, and was systematic and respectful of the fact that, in some cases, these issues were controversial. 
 
I think the way we handled, for example, "don’t ask, don’t tell" -- being methodical about it, working with the Joint Chiefs, making sure that we showed this would not have an impact on the effectiveness of the greatest military on Earth -- and then to have Defense Secretary Bob Gates and Chairman Mike Mullen and a Joint Chiefs who were open to evidence and ultimately worked with me to do the right thing -- I am proud of that.  But, again, none of that would have happened without this incredible transformation that was happening in society out there.
 
You know, when I gave Ellen the Presidential Medal of Freedom, I meant what I said.  I think somebody that kind and likeable projecting into living rooms around the country -- that changed attitudes.  And that wasn’t easy to do for her.  And that's just one small example of what was happening in countless communities all across the country.
 
So I’m proud that in certain places we maybe provided a good block downfield to help the movement advance.
 
I don't think it is something that will be reversible because American society has changed; the attitudes of young people, in particular, have changed.  That doesn't mean there aren’t going to be some fights that are important -- legal issues, issues surrounding transgender persons -- there are still going to be some battles that need to take place.
 
But if you talk to young people of Malia, Sasha’s generation, even if they’re Republicans, even if they're conservative, many of them would tell you, I don't understand how you would discriminate against somebody because of sexual orientation.  That's just sort of burned into them in pretty powerful ways.
 
April Ryan.
 
Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  Long before today you’ve been considered a rights President.  Under your watch, people have said that you have expanded the rubber band of inclusion.  And with the election and the incoming administration, people are saying that rubber band has recoiled and maybe is even broken.  And I’m taking you back to a time on Air Force One going to Selma, Alabama, when you said your job was to close the gaps that remain.  And with that, what gaps still remain when it comes to rights issues on the table?  And also what part will you play in fixing those gaps after -- in your new life?
 
And lastly, you are the first black President.  Do you expect this country to see this again?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’ll answer the last question first.  I think we're going to see people of merit rise up from every race, faith, corner of this country, because that's America’s strength.  When we have everybody getting a chance and everybody is on the field, we end up being better.
 
I think I’ve used this analogy before.  We killed it in the Olympics in Brazil.  And Michelle and I, we always have our -- the Olympic team here.  And it’s a lot of fun, first of all, just because anytime you're meeting somebody who is the best at anything, it’s impressive.  And these mostly very young people are all just so healthy-looking, and they just beam and exude fitness and health.  And so we have a great time talking to them.
 
But they are of all shapes, sizes, colors -- the genetic diversity that is on display is remarkable.  And if you look at a Simone Biles, and then you look at a Michael Phelps, they're completely different.  And it's precisely because of those differences that we've got people here who can excel at any sport. 
 
And, by the way, more than half of our medals came from women.  And the reason is, is because we had the foresight several decades ago, with something called Title 9, to make sure that women got opportunities in sports, which is why our women compete better -- because they have more opportunities than folks in other countries. 
 
So I use that as a metaphor.  And if, in fact, we continue to keep opportunity open to everybody, then, yes, we're going to have a woman President, we're going to have a Latino President, and we'll have a Jewish President, a Hindu President.  Who knows who we're going to have?  I suspect we'll have a whole bunch of mixed-up Presidents at some point that nobody really knows what to call them.  (Laughter.)  And that's fine. 
 
But what do I worry about?  I obviously spent a lot of time on this, April, at my farewell address on Tuesday, so I won't go through the whole list.  I worry about inequality, because I think that if we are not investing in making sure everybody plays a role in this economy, the economy will not grow as fast, and I think it will also lead to further and further separation between us as Americans -- not just along racial lines.  There are a whole bunch of folks who voted for the President-elect because they feel forgotten and disenfranchised.  They feel as if they're being looked down on.  They feel as if their kids aren't going to have the same opportunities as they did. 
 
And you don't want to have an America in which a very small sliver of people are doing really well and everybody else is fighting for scraps, as I said last week.  Because that's oftentimes when racial divisions get magnified, because people think, well, the only way I'm going to get ahead is if I make sure somebody else gets less, somebody who doesn't look like me or doesn't worship at the same place I do.  That's not a good recipe for our democracy.
 
I worry about, as I said in response to a previous question, making sure that the basic machinery of our democracy works better.  We are the only country in the advanced world that makes it harder to vote rather than easier.  And that dates back -- there's an ugly history to that that we should not be shy about talking about. 
 
Q    Voting rights?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Yes, I'm talking about voting rights.  The reason that we are the only country among advanced democracies that makes it harder to vote is it traces directly back to Jim Crow and the legacy of slavery.  And it became sort of acceptable to restrict the franchise.  And that's not who we are.  That shouldn't be who we are.  That's not when America works best.
 
So I hope that people pay a lot of attention to making sure that everybody has a chance to vote.  Make it easier, not harder.  This whole notion of election -- of voting fraud, this is something that has constantly been disproved.  This is fake news -- the notion that there are a whole bunch of people out there who are going out there and are not eligible to vote and want to vote.  We have the opposite problem.  We have a whole bunch of people who are eligible to vote who don't vote.  And so the idea that we'd put in place a whole bunch of barriers to people voting doesn't make sense. 
 
And then, as I've said before, political gerrymandering that makes your vote matter less because politicians have decided you live in a district where everybody votes the same way you do so that these aren't competitive races, and we get 90 percent Democratic districts, 90 percent Republican districts -- that's bad for our democracy, too.  I worry about that. 
 
I think it is very important for us to make sure that our criminal justice system is fair and just.  But I also think it's also very important to make sure that it is not politicized, that it maintains an integrity that is outside of partisan politics at every level. 
 
I think at some point we’re going to have to spend -- and this will require some action by the Supreme Court -- we have to reexamine just the flood of endless money that goes into our politics, which I think is very unhealthy. 
 
So there are a whole bunch of things I worry about there. And as I said in my speech on Tuesday, we got more work to do on race.  It is not -- it is simply not true that things have gotten worse.  They haven’t.  Things are getting better.  And I have more confidence on racial issues in the next generation than I do in our generation or the previous generation.  I think kids are smarter about it.  They’re more tolerant.  They are more inclusive by instinct than we are.  And hopefully my presidency maybe helped that along a little bit.
 
But, you know, we -- when we feel stress, when we feel pressure, when we’re just fed information that encourages some of our worst instincts, we tend to fall back into some of the old racial fears and racial divisions and racial stereotypes. And it’s very hard for us to break out of those, and to listen, and to think about people as people, and to imagine being in that person’s shoes. 
 
And by the way, it’s no longer a black and white issue alone.  You got Hispanic folks, and you got Asian folks, and this is not just the same old battles.  We’ve got this stew that’s bubbling up of people from everywhere.  And we’re going to have to make sure that we, in our own lives, in our own families and workplaces, do a better job of treating everybody with basic respect.  And understanding that not everybody starts off in the same situation, and imagining what would it be like if you were born in an inner city and had no job prospects anywhere within a 20-mile radius, or how does it feel being born in some rural county where there’s no job opportunities in a 20-mile radius -- and seeing those two things as connected as opposed to separate. 
 
So we got work to do.  But, overall, I think on this front, the trend lines ultimately, I think, will be good.
 
Christi Parsons.  And Christi, you are going to get the last question.
 
Q    Oh, no.  (Laughter and groans.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Christi is -- I’ve been knowing her since Springfield, Illinois.  When I was a state senator, she listened to what I had to say.  (Laughter.)  So the least I can do is give her the last question as President of the United States. 
 
Go on.
 
Q    217 numbers still work. 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  There you go.  Go ahead.
 
Q    Well, thank you, Mr. President.  It has been an honor.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
 
Q    And I have a personal question for you, because I know how much you like this.  The First Lady puts the stakes of the 2016 election in very personal terms in a speech that resonated across the country, and she really spoke the concerns of a lot of women, LGBT folks, people of color, many others.  And so I wonder now how you and the First Lady are talking to your daughters about the meaning of this election and how you interpret it for yourself and for them.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  You know, every parent brags on their daughters or their sons.  If your mom and dad don’t brag on you, you know you got problems.  (Laughter.)  But, man, my daughters are something, and they just surprise and enchant and impress me more and more every single day as they grow up.  And so these days, when we talk, we talk as parent to child, but also we learn from them. 
 
And I think it was really interesting to see how Malia and Sasha reacted.  They were disappointed.  They paid attention to what their mom said during the campaign and believed it because it’s consistent with what we’ve tried to teach them in our household, and what I've tried to model as a father with their mom, and what we've asked them to expect from future boyfriends or spouses. 
 
But what we've also tried to teach them is resilience, and we've tried to teach them hope, and that the only thing that is the end of the world is the end of the world.  And so you get knocked down, you get up, brush yourself off, and you get back to work.  And that tended to be their attitude. 
 
I think neither of them intend to pursue a future of politics -- and, in that, too, I think their mother's influence shows.  (Laughter.)  But both of them have grown up in an environment where I think they could not help but be patriotic, to love this country deeply, to see that it's flawed but see that they have responsibilities to fix it.  And that they need to be active citizens, and they have to be in a position to talk to their friends and their teachers and their future coworkers in ways that try to shed some light as opposed to just generate a lot of sound and fury.
 
And I expect that's what they're going to do.  They do not -- they don't mope.  And what I really am proud of them -- what makes me proudest about them is that they also don't get cynical about it.  They have not assumed because their side didn't win, or because some of the values that they care about don't seem as if they were vindicated, that automatically America has somehow rejected them or rejected their values.  I don't think they feel that way. 
 
I think that they have, in part through osmosis, in part through dinnertime conversations, appreciated the fact that this is a big, complicated country, and democracy is messy and it doesn't always work exactly the way you might want, it doesn't guarantee certain outcomes.  But if you're engaged and you're involved, then there are a lot more good people than bad in this country, and there's a core decency to this country, and that they got to be a part of lifting that up. 
 
And I expect they will be.  And in that sense, they are representative of this generation that makes me really optimistic. 
 
I've been asked -- I've had some off-the-record conversations with some journalists where they said, okay, you seem like you're okay, but really, really, what are you thinking?  (Laughter.)  And I've said, no, what I'm saying really is what I think.  I believe in this country.  I believe in the American people.  I believe that people are more good than bad.  I believe tragic things happen, I think there's evil in the world, but I think that at the end of the day, if we work hard, and if we're true to those things in us that feel true and feel right, that the world gets a little better each time. 
 
That's what this presidency has tried to be about.  And I see that in the young people I've worked with.  I couldn't be prouder of them.  And so this is not just a matter of "No Drama Obama" -- this is what I really believe.  It is true that behind closed doors I curse more than I do publicly.  (Laughter.)  And sometimes I get mad and frustrated, like everybody else does.   But at my core, I think we're going to be okay.  We just have to fight for it.  We have to work for it, and not take it for granted.  And I know that you will help us do that.
 
Thank you very much, press corps.  Good luck.
 
END   
3:23 P.M. EST 

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 22:36:00 +0000 jhill 318126 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Speeches and Remarks Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/remarks-president-final-press-conference#comments Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/readout-vice-president-bidens-meeting-iraqi-prime-minister-haider-al The Vice President called Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi today to thank him for his close partnership and leadership in the Iraqi-led campaign to liberate Mosul and all of Iraq from the terrorist group ISIL.  The Vice President also commended Prime Minister Abadi for significant Iraqi military progress in eastern Mosul in recent days and expressed condolences for all Iraqi lives lost in the fight against ISIL.  Both leaders underscored the importance of sustained cooperation between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to bolster security and ensure ISIL's lasting defeat in northern Iraq.  Both leaders also reaffirmed that the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq will remain in the interest of both countries.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:38:00 +0000 mtorrell 318106 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/readout-vice-president-bidens-meeting-iraqi-prime-minister-haider-al#comments Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden at the World Economic Forum https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-world-economic-forum As Prepared for delivery:

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a great honor to once again address this distinguished forum.

But this year, in these early days of 2017, there’s a palpable uncertainty about the state of our world.

For the members of the media in the audience, I want to make it clear that I am not referring to the imminent transition of power in my country.

In two days, there will be a new President of the United States, but the challenges we face and the choices we must make as an international community do not hinge exclusively on Washington’s leadership.

Whether we reinforce the ties that bind us, or whether we unravel under current pressures— those choices must be made in every nation, and they will determine what kind of world we leave to our children.

For the past seven decades, the choices we have made— particularly the United States and our Allies in Europe— have steered our world down a clear path.

After World War II, we drew a line under centuries of conflict and took steps to bend the arc of history in a more just direction. Instead of resigning ourselves to ceaseless wars, we built institutions and alliances to advance our shared security.

Instead of punishing former enemies, we invested billions in helping them rebuild.

Instead of sorting the world into winners and losers, we outlined universal values that defined a better future for all our children.

Our careful attention to building and sustaining a liberal international order—with the United States and Europe at its core—was the bedrock of the success the world enjoyed in the second half of the 20th Century

An era of expanding liberty.

Unprecedented economic growth that lifted millions out of poverty.

A community of democracies that—to this day— serves as the fulcrum for our common security and for our capacity to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Strengthening these values— values that have served our community of nations so well, for so long—is paramount to retaining the position of leadership Western nations enjoy and preserving the progress we have made together.

Strengthening these values— values that have served our community of nations so well, for so long—is paramount to retaining the position of leadership Western nations enjoy and preserving the progress we have made together.

Today, I’d like to speak to the sources of those pressures, and about why it is imperative that we act urgently to defend the liberal international order.

Here in this exclusive Alpine tower, where CEOs of multinational corporations rub elbows with leaders of nations, it is easy to embrace the intellectual benefits of a more open and integrated world.

The concern mothers and fathers feel about losing the factory job that has always allowed them to provide for their families.

Parents who don’t believe that they can give their children a better life than the one they have.

These are the pressures that are undermining support for the liberal international order from the inside.

Globalization has not been an unalloyed good.

It has deepened the rift between those racing ahead at the top and those struggling to hang on in the middle, or falling to the bottom.

One year ago, I spoke here in Davos about the challenges we face in mastering this fourth industrial revolution— about how we can ensure that the benefits and the burdens of globalization and digitization are shared more equitably.

In my country, there used to be a basic bargain, embraced by both major political parties. It was something everyone agreed on.

If you contributed to the success of the enterprise, you shared in the profits. Today that bargain is fractured.

Advanced technology has divorced productivity from labor—meaning we’re making more than ever, but with fewer workers.

There’s a shrinking demand for low-skill laborers, while highly-educated workers are getting paid more and more—contributing to rising inequality.

International trade and greater economic integration has lifted millions of people in the developing world out of abject poverty—improving education, extending life expectancies, opening new opportunities.

Standards of living are still well below middle class expectations in the United States and Europe, but the change is real.

Meanwhile, for many communities in the developed world that have long depended on manufacturing, the opposite is true.

Their relative standard of living has declined. They feel shut out of opportunities. And their economic security feels jeopardized.

Taken together, these forces are effectively hollowing out the middle class—the traditional engine of economic growth and social stability in Western nations.

We cannot undo the changes technology has wrought in our world—nor should we try.

But we can and we must take action to mitigate the economic trends that are stoking unrest in so many advanced economies and undermining people’s basic sense of dignity.

Our goal should be a world where everyone’s standard of living can rise together.

There’s an urgency to taking common sense steps like:

increasing cognitive capabilities through access to education and job training. Ensuring basic protections for workers. Expanding access to capital. And implementing a progressive, equitable tax system where everyone pays their fair share.

(Pause)

Compounding these economic worries are people’s fears about the very real security risks we face.

If you look at the long sweep of history, or even just the trend lines in wars and other incidents of large-scale violence over the past 50, 60, 70 years— as a practical matter, we are probably safer than ever.

But it doesn’t feel that way.

Daily images of violence and unrest from all over the world are shared directly on our televisions and smart phones— images we rarely would have seen in a pre-digital age.

It’s fostered a feeling of perpetual chaos— of being overrun by outside forces.

Communication technologies have fostered incredible progress— making information more open and accessible, breaking down the barriers between people and nations, facilitating greater scientific collaboration, empowering ordinary citizens to challenge injustice and hold their governments accountable.

But they have also given hateful individuals a megaphone to spread their virulent, extremist ideologies.

Radical jihadists not only recruit and find haven in the ungoverned desserts of Iraq and Syria— they do the same in the ungoverned spaces of the Internet.

Borders seem less real. Terrorist attacks feel inescapable. Fears about unrelenting migration mount as people continue to flee violence and deprivation in their homelands.

And in the wake of these understandable fears, we have seen a series of alarming responses.

Popular movements on both the left and the right have demonstrated a dangerous willingness to revert to political small-mindedness—to the same nationalist, protectionist, and isolationist agendas that led the world to consume itself in war during in the last century.

As we have seen time and again throughout history, demagogues and autocrats have emerged— seeking to capitalize on people’s insecurities.

In this case, using Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, or xenophobic rhetoric to stoke fear, sow division, and advance their own narrow agendas.

This is a politics at odds with our values and with the vision that built—and sustains—the liberal international order.

The impulse to hunker down, shut the gates, build walls, and exit at this moment is precisely the wrong answer.

It offers a false sense of security in an interconnected world.

It will not resolve the root causes of these fears— and it risks eroding from the inside out the foundations of the very system that spawned the West’s historically unprecedented success.

We need to tap into the— big-heartedness that conceived a Marshall Plan, the foresight that planned a Bretton Woods, the audacity that proposed a United Nations.

We cannot rout fear with retrenchment. Rather, this is the moment to lead boldly and recommit ourselves to our common principles—which remain essential to my nation, and to liberal democracies the world over. Of course, there are those who do not share this vision for the world.

Those who wish to dissolve the community of democracies and our supporting institutions in favor of a more parochial international order—where power rules and spheres of influence lock in divides among nations.

We see this in Asia and the Middle East— where China and Iran would clearly prefer a world in which they hold sway in their regions. But I will not mince words. This movement is principally led by Russia.

Under President Putin, Russia is working with every tool available to them to whittle away at the edges of the European project, test for fault lines among western nations, and return to a politics defined by spheres of influence.

We see it in their aggression against their neighbors. Sending so-called “little green men” across the border to stir violence and strains of separatism in Ukraine. Using energy as a weapon—cutting off gas supplies mid-winter, raising prices to manipulate nations to act in Russia’s interests. Using corruption to empower oligarchs and coerce politicians.

We see it in their worldwide use of propaganda and false information campaigns: Injecting doubt and political agitation into democratic systems. Strengthening illiberal factions, on both the left and the right, that seek to roll back decades of progress from within our systems.

We even saw it in the cyber intrusions against political parties and individuals in the United States— which our intelligence community has determined with high confidence were specifically motivated to influence our elections.

But it’s not only the United States that has been targeted. Europe has seen the same kind of attacks in the past.

And with many countries in Europe slated to hold elections this year, we should expect further attempts by Russia to meddle in the democratic process.

Again, their purpose is clear— to collapse the liberal international order. Simply put, Russia has a different vision for the future, which they are pursuing across the board.

They seek a return to a world where the strong impose their will through military might, corruption, or criminality—while weaker neighbors fall in line.

And from the first moments of our Administration— even as we sought a reset with then-President Medvedev— President Obama and I have made it clear that this is no way for nations to behave in the 21st Century.

When I addressed the Munich Security Conference in February of 2009, I said:

“We will not recognize any nation having a sphere of influence. It will remain our view that sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances.”

That’s been our position throughout the past eight years, and it is a position we must all continue championing in the years ahead.

The United States has not always been the perfect guardian of our order.

We have not always lived up to our own values— and some of our past missteps provided fodder for the forces of illiberalism.

But President Obama and I have worked consistently over the past eight years to lead not only by the example of our power—but by the power of our example.

And this is the challenge that will—by necessity— define the foreign policy agendas of all our nations as we move forward.

So although I will only be the Vice President of the United States for 48 more hours— I am here today to issue a call to action.

We cannot wait for others to write the future they hope to see.

The United States and Europe must lead the fight to defend those values that have brought us to where we are today.

Fight to create more equitable and more inclusive growth for people at every level.

Fight for democracy wherever it is under threat— be it at home or abroad.

Fight to lift up the forces of inclusivity while opposing intolerance in all its guises.

Fight the urge to embrace isolationism and protectionism.

Fight back against the dangerous proposition that facts no longer matter.

That the truth holds no inherent power in a world where propagandists, demagogues, and extremists carry sway.

To win this fight, we must continue to invest in our democratic alliances.

As it as has been for seven decades, the unity of our transatlantic connection is essential to addressing global challenges.

Defending the liberal international order requires that we resist the forces of European disintegration and maintain our long-standing insistence on a Europe whole, free and at peace.

That means fighting for the European Union—one of the most vibrant and consequential institutions on earth

The EU has contributed to the prosperity of millions—fueling reforms that have improved living standards and driving the peaceful resolution of disputes between nations.

That means keeping open the door for membership in European and transatlantic institutions to those states on Europe’s eastern edge—where people in places like the Balkans and Ukraine continue to strive to be part of the incredible undertaking that is the European Union.

The EU has been an indispensable partner to the United States—and as the EU and the UK begin to navigate a new relationship, it remains profoundly in America’s interest to maintain our close relationships with both parties.

All of our peoples are safer when we work together.

We must continue to stand up for those basic norms of modern nations—the principles of territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and national sovereignty.

The right of all nations “to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances.”

To that end—we must: bolster Europe’s energy independence so that nations are not subject to outside manipulations; improve our cyber defenses; and combat misinformation to prevent outsiders from perverting our democratic processes.

And the single greatest bulwark for our transatlantic partnership is the unshakable commitment of the United States to all our NATO Allies.

An attack on one is an attack on all. That can never be called into question. And we must continue to stand with Ukraine as they resist Russia’s acts of aggression and pursue their European path.

In two days, the United States will engage in the act that has defined our exceptional democracy for more than 200 years—the peaceful transition of power from one leader, and one political party, to another.

And it is my hope and expectation that the next President and Vice President, and our leaders in Congress, will ensure that the United States continues to fulfill our historic responsibility as the indispensable nation.

But we have never been able to lead alone— not after World War II, not during the depths of the Cold War, and not today.

The United States, our NATO allies, all the nations of Europe—we are in this together. As the oldest and the strongest democracies in the world, we have a responsibility to beat back the challenges at our door.

We must never forget how we got here. Or take for granted that our success will continue.

It is only by championing the liberal international order— by continuing to invest in our security, reaffirming our shared values, and expanding the cause of liberty around the world—that will retain our position of leadership.

Because if we don’t fight for our values, no one else will.

The idea of Europe whole, free, and at peace— in my opinion—constitutes one of the most audacious and consequential visions of the past century.

The notion that after centuries of conflict, Europe could reinvent itself as an integrated community— one committed to political solidarity, the free flow of goods and people, and a solemn obligation to collective defense—and succeed in achieving it.

The United States believed in it. Peoples across Europe believed in it—aspired to it.

And you did it.

The success of the European enterprise was essential to America’s security in the 20th Century— and it remains so today.

You’ve heard me make this case for four decades. But I am not alone in this belief. America’s commitment to Europe and NATO is thoroughly bipartisan.

Just last month, my good friend and frequent sparring partner, Republican Senator John McCain traveled to Estonia where he said: “The best way to prevent Russian misbehavior [is] by having a credible, strong military and a strong NATO alliance.”

On the same trip, another leading Republican Senator, Lindsey Graham, assured Ukrainian troops serving on the frontline: “Your fight is our fight.”

That’s the same sentiment I expressed two days ago, when I made my sixth trip to Ukraine as Vice President.

History has proven that the defense of free nations in Europe has always been America’s fight— and the foundation of our security.

Throughout more than four decades of incredibly divisive foreign policy debates, there has always been a consensus about the value of the transatlantic relationship.

That will not change.

And as I re-enter private life, I want to assure you today that I will stand with you as you carry this fight forward.

I will continue to use my voice and my power as a citizen—doing whatever I can to keep our transatlantic alliance strong and vibrant—because our common future depends upon it.

Thank you.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 15:59:14 +0000 hardcastle 318081 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Speeches and Remarks Office of the Vice President https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/18/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-world-economic-forum#comments Readout of the President's Meeting with his Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Team https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/readout-president%C2%B9s-meeting-his-counterterrorism-and-homeland-security This morning, the President assembled senior members of his counterterrorism and homeland security team to review ongoing security planning for the 58th Inauguration. The President commended the comprehensive preparations across the law enforcement and intelligence community and directed that all agencies maintain their high state of vigilance to assure we are best postured to protect the homeland against terrorist threats and individuals radicalized to violence.

The President was also briefed on ongoing counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Syria that are putting simultaneous pressure on ISIL inside Mosul and around Raqqa. In recent days, Iraqi Security Forces made significant gains in Mosul as ISIL defenses are collapsing in key parts of the city. In northern Syria, local partners continue to constrict ISIL’s movement in the vicinity of Raqqa.

The President noted the impact our strategy is having on the ground is the result of a deliberate effort to accelerate our campaign against ISIL and that the Coalition has put ISIL on the path to lasting defeat. The President expressed his deep appreciation for the contributions of his national security team to these efforts and those of thousands of U.S. personnel deployed around the world who work every day to defend the United States.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:49:00 +0000 hardcastle 318076 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/readout-president%C2%B9s-meeting-his-counterterrorism-and-homeland-security#comments Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 1/17/17 https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/press-briefing-press-secretary-josh-earnest-11717 James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

12:15 P.M. EST

MR. EARNEST:  Good afternoon, everybody.  I don’t actually have any announcements at the top, but --

Q    Thank you.  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  But because today marks my last briefing, I hope you’ll indulge me a couple of personal thoughts before I go to your questions.

As I prepared to stand here at this podium for the last time, I thought a lot about the first time.  It was 16 years ago this week.  It was January, 2001.  I had just moved to Washington, D.C., and I got on a West Wing tour with a friend of a friend.  We walked through the halls of the West Wing on that tour.  We saw tired White House staffers lugging boxes of their personal belongings out of the building, much the way that people who are on West Wing tours today see.  And on the tour, I smiled for a photo that a friend took of me standing behind this very podium.

I had been in D.C. for a grand total of two weeks.  I had no contacts.  I had no job prospects.  I had no relevant Washington experience.  I was sleeping on the floor of a college buddy’s apartment that had a spare bedroom -- and by spare, I don’t just mean it was an extra bedroom; it was an empty bedroom containing only the items that I had managed to load into my car when I moved here from Texas.

So it’s fair to say that there weren’t too many other people on the tour that night who thought I would stand here in front of you as something other than a tourist.  So it’s been an extraordinary journey, and this has been an extraordinary chapter.

This is the 354th White House daily briefing that I have led as the Press Secretary -- Mark can check me on that number.  (Laughter.)  Not every briefing started exactly on time.  (Laughter.)  There might have been a briefing or two that went a little longer than you would have preferred.  But you had to admit there was a lot to discuss.  We had plenty of shameless plugs for the Kansas City Royals to squeeze in.  (Laughter.)  There was, of course, the Freedom Caucus’s infamous Tortilla Coast gambit.  There was Congressman Steve Scalise who reportedly compared himself favorably to David Duke.  There was the reintroduction of the word “snafu” into the political lexicon as we were working to pass TPA.

We discussed at length the various ways you can catch Zika, the various ways you can catch Ebola, and the various reasons scientists recommend you vaccinate your kids so that you don’t catch the measles.  Jon Stewart lit me up as I struggled to explain to Jon Karl why a couple of our political ambassadors for some reason had no idea what they were doing.  (Laughter.)  At least the Stewart segment made some of my friends laugh.

President-elect Trump, of course, took advantage of the opportunity to light me up as a “foolish guy” who makes even the good news sound bad.  (Laughter.)  And I have to admit that even that one made me laugh.  (Laughter.)

But it wasn’t always fun and games around here.  There was the time that I tangled with Senator Schumer about DHS funding for New York City, and the time that I tangled with Senator Schumer over the Iran deal -- (laughter) -- and the time that I tangled with Senator Schumer over the JASTA legislation,  and the time I tangled with Senator Schumer over the wisdom of passing Obamacare, and the time I tangled with Senator Schumer over Trade Promotion Authority legislation.  And to think, we actually spent most of the last two and a half years complaining about how unreasonable Republicans in Congress are.  (Laughter.)

The daily briefing, of course, is the most high-profile part of the press secretary’s job, but it’s not the only part that matters.  The more important part, in many ways, is working with all of you and ensuring the freedom of the press that keeps this democracy vital.

When I first entered this role, I worked closely with the White House Travel Office and the Department of Defense to reform the billing process for your flights on military aircraft, including Air Force One, making those bills more transparent and smaller.  In the last two and a half years, we’ve cajoled governments in China, Ethiopia, and Cuba to host news conferences on their soil, allowing the leaders of those countries and their citizens to see firsthand what it means for independent journalists to hold those in power accountable.

Of course, it was the end-of-the-year news conference that the President convened in this room in 2014 that got as much attention as any other because President Obama called on eight journalists, all women.

And finally, everything about this final week makes me think of all the incredible people whom I’ve been blessed to work with these past eight years.  I only have this opportunity because Robert Gibbs pulled me aside on Election Night 2008 in Chicago as the returns were coming in to tell me that he wanted me to come work with him at the White House.  I’m only here because Jay Carney, Jennifer Palmieri and Dan Pfeiffer supported and encouraged me when I was the deputy, and advocated for me when Jay stepped down.

I’ve also benefitted from a kitchen cabinet of senior White House officials, who’ve got a lot of other important responsibilities that are part of their formal job description, but stepped in to help me out every time I asked for it.  And that’s people like Denis McDonough and Susan Rice and Jennifer Psaki, Liz Allen, Jesse Lee, Cody Keenan, and, of course, Ben Rhodes.  And I’ve only been able to do this job because I have an incredible team around me.

My assistants over the years, Jeff Tiller, Antoinette Rangel, and now Desiree Barnes all patiently supported a guy who, let’s face it, sometimes isn’t so easy to assist.  The White House stenographers -- Dominique Dansky Bari, Beck Dorey-Stein, Amy Sands, Mike McCormick, Caitlin Young, and their tireless leader, Peggy Suntum -- they work as hard as anybody at the White House and complain about it less than anybody at the White House.  (Applause.)

Applause is appropriate at that point.  (Applause.)  I think the only team that may contend with them might be the research department here at the White House that’s led by Alex Platkin and Kristen Bartoloni.  But I hope you’ll get a chance over the course of the next week to thank the stenographers for their important work, because I know they make your lives a lot easier, too.

The same goes for Peter Velz, Brian Gabriel and Sarah Rutherford, who are stretched as thin, and who are at least as effective as any team of press wranglers we’ve ever had here at the White House.  My colleagues at the NSC, including Ned Price, Emily Horne, Mark Stroh, Carl Woog, and Dew Tiantawach patiently explained to me things that I didn’t know so that I could, in turn, explain them to you.

My team in lower press -- Patrick Rodenbush, Katie Hill and Brandi Hoffine -- is as talented and as dedicated as any press team in this town.  I begged Brandi to join this team when I first got this job, and her performance has far exceeded the sky-high recommendations I got from people all over town after I interviewed her.  They are all -- Katie, Brandi and Patrick -- as they say, going places.

Eric Schultz is simply the best deputy that anyone in any field could ask for.  He shows up early, he stays late.  He’s deft -- that’s an inside joke.  (Laughter.)  He’s always prepared.  He’s unfailingly loyal.  His judgment is sought after throughout the halls of the White House, not just by me, but by various members of the senior staff and I’m sure will be sought after in his bright post-White House future, too.  Including by me.

When you're President of the United States and widely regarded as among the most thoughtful and eloquent speakers on the planet, it must be hard to watch someone go on TV and speak for you.  I suspect that's why, when the President offered me this job, he said he wouldn’t watch my briefings.  (Laughter.) But I know that he saw parts of them on those very rare occasions that he watched cable TV.  And he never second-guessed me.  Not once.  He didn't just give me the opportunity of a lifetime, he had my back every single day.  And I’m grateful for it.

But there is one person who contributed to my success more than anyone else, and she doesn't even work at the White House.  My wife, Natalie, was six months pregnant with our first child when I got this job.  She was home with the air-conditioning repairman when the President of the United States called me into the Oval Office to offer me the job.  When I got back to my desk, I saw that I had several missed calls on my cellphone from her.  I quickly called her back.  I told her that I was sorry that I missed her calls, but that I had the best possible excuse for missing them.

Since then she has extended to me more support and understanding than I could ever ask for, even as she was becoming the best mom any two-year-old kid could hope for.  When I missed the mark up here, she didn't hesitate to tell me about it.  And when I got it right the next day, it was usually because I followed her advice.

So, thank you, sweetheart, for your patience, your loyalty, your counsel, and your love.  Without it, I would not be standing here.  And I will never be able to make it up to you, but I look forward to spending some more time with you and Walker so I can give it a shot.

Serving as the White House Press Secretary under President Obama has been an incredible honor.  I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for his vision of the country, the same vision that deeply resonated with me when I signed up to work for him in Iowa in March 2007.

And while those of us who have been fortunate enough to serve him here will go on to make a difference in new ways, I take heart in knowing that all of you will still be here.  I draw confidence in knowing that you are driven by the same spirit that prompted those young kids that I mentioned at the top of my briefing a couple of weeks ago to move to an Iowa town that they’d never heard of to organize support for the Obama campaign.

You have the same determination as the young people who are moving to Washington, D.C. today, with no job, with no contacts and no prospects, who are hoping to work in the Trump administration.  You’re motivated in the same way as the career civil servants, like the one as the Department of Education, who’s trying to stretch her agency’s budget to ensure as many Hispanic kids as possible can get a decent education.  You have so much in common with these people because each of you and what you do every day is critical to the success of our democracy.

There will be days when you’ll show up to work tired.  I know the same was true of those Obama organizers in Iowa.  There will be days where you will feel disrespected.  And I know many of the young Republican staffers who move to Washington looking for a job will feel that way at times.  It’s hard to pound the pavement in this town when you don't know anybody.  There will be days where you will wonder if what you're doing even makes a difference.  And I know that our civil servants sometimes wonder the same thing.

But I assure you, if you -- the most talented, experienced, effective press corps in the world -- didn't play your part in our democracy, we would all notice.  Your passion for your work and its centrality to the success of our democracy is a uniquely American feature of our government.  It’s made President Obama a better President and a better public servant.  And it’s because you persevere and you never go easy on us.

So even though it’s my last day, you better not let up now.  So in that spirit, let me say for the last time standing up here -- Josh, you want to get us started with questions.

Q    Sure.  Thanks, Josh.  Oh!  (Applause.)  

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m not interrupting because he was saying nice things about you guys -- (laughter) -- because I largely concur.

When I first met Josh Earnest, he was in Iowa.  I think he was wearing jeans.  He looked even younger than he was.  And since my entire campaign depended on communications in Iowa, I gave him a pretty good once-over.  And there are a couple things I learned about him right away.  Number one, he’s just got that all-American, matinee, good-looking thing going.  (Laughter.)  That's helpful.  Let’s face it -- a face made for television.  Then the guy’s name is Josh Earnest -- (laughter) -- which if somebody is speaking on your behalf is a pretty good name to have.  (Laughter.)

But what struck me most, in addition to his smarts and his maturity and his actual interest in the issues, was his integrity.  There are people you meet who you have a pretty good inkling right off the bat are straight-shooters and were raised to be fundamentally honest and to treat people with respect.  And there are times when that first impression turns out to be wrong, and you're a little disappointed.  And you see behind the curtain that there’s spin and some hype and posturing going on.  But then there’s others who, the longer you know them, the better you know them, the more time you spend with them, the more you're tested under tough situations, the more that initial impression is confirmed.

And I have now known this guy for 10 years, almost, and I’ve watched him grow and I’ve watched him advance, and I’ve watched him marry, and I’ve watched him be a father, and I’ve watched him manage younger people coming up behind him.  And he’s never disappointed.  He has always been the guy you wanted him to be.

And I think that if you're the President of the United States and you find out that this is the guy who has been voted the most popular Press Secretary ever by the White House Press Corps, that may make you a little nervous, thinking well, maybe the guy’s going -- being too solicitous towards the press.  But the fact is, is that he was worthy of that admiration.

He was tough, and he didn't always give you guys everything you wanted.  But he was always prepared.  He was always courteous.  He always tried to make sure he could share with you as much of our thinking and our policy and our vision as possible, and tried to be as responsive as possible.  And that's how he trained the rest of his team to be.

So, of the folks that I’ve had the great joy and pleasure of working with over the last 10 years on this incredible journey, this guy ranks as high as just about anybody I’ve worked with.  He is not only a great Press Secretary, but more importantly, he is a really, really good man.  And I’m really, really proud of him.

So, Josh, congratulations.  (Applause.)

And, Natalie and Walker, thanks for putting up with all of this -- because they've made sacrifices, too.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you, sir.

Q    Before you go, respond to Vladimir Putin?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to be here (laughter) --

   

Q    Where are you going on Friday?  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  Well, that was awfully generous.  So the President will be back tomorrow.  He’ll be standing here and he’ll be answering your questions.  Today you’re going to settle for me.

So, Josh, you want to get us started?

Q    Sure.  Thanks, Josh, and I want to thank you and your team for your hard work and service in your roles.  We’ve all tussled aggressively with you over the last many years, but that was as it should be, and you all have continued to always engage with us and we appreciate that.

Following up on the question that was just asked, have the Obamas decided where they will be heading when they board the Presidential aircraft for the final time on Friday?

MR. EARNEST:  Yes.  Josh, I can tell you that the First Family is looking forward to flying to Palms Spring, California on Friday.  The President vowed to take his family to a destination that is warmer than Washington, D.C. on Friday, and Palm Springs fits the bill.  This is a community that the President has visited on a number of occasions as President of the United States.  He and his family have enjoyed the time they have spent there in the past and they’re looking forward to traveling there on Friday.

Q    And President Putin today was accusing the Obama administration of spreading false information about the President-elect in an attempt to delegitimize his presidency and said that those in this administration who did that were worse than prostitutes.  Does the Obama administration have any comment on that?

MR. EARNEST:  That’s an interesting metaphor that he chose there.  Listen, as I’ve said on a number of occasions, the men and women of the United States intelligence community are patriots.  They are experts in their field.  They do their work not because of the glory associated with it -- because most of the time they have to keep their names secret.  They don’t do it for the big pay -- because in many situations they could make a whole lot more money in the private sector.  They do their important work to keep our country safe because they love this country, and they have served us incredibly well in keeping us safe.

They have served President Obama enormously well.  And this is not the first time that the intelligence community has had some uncomfortable things to say about Russia.  These are the kinds of the things that I’m sure the Russians would rather not hear.  But ultimately -- and this is something that the next administration is going to have to decide -- there’s a pretty stark divide here.

On one side, you’ve got the men and women of the United States intelligence community.  You’ve got Democrats in Congress -- you’ve got Republicans in Congress -- who are concerned, deeply, about the way that the Russian apparatus sought to call into question the legitimacy and stability of our democracy.  On the other side, you’ve got Wikileaks and the Russians.  And the incoming administration is going to have to decide which side they’re going to come down on.  And it will be among the very interesting things that all of you will be closely watching in the next week.

Q    I was wondering as you were reflecting over the last eight years whether you can identify the greatest achievement that you felt you were able to accomplish, and also the biggest regret that you have as you’re leaving this part of your life.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think there are two things that come to mind.  The first is that, over the course of the eight years that I’ve worked here in the White House, the President’s communication team walked in this building at a time of dramatic change in the media environment, in the news business, thanks largely to advancements in technology, and updating and modernizing and capitalizing on those new opportunities was an important part of President Obama’s success in the White House.

I cite this example because I think it’s a good one as you all consider the relationship that you’re going to build with the incoming administration.  It’s a good example because some of the things that we’ve heard from the incoming administration has raised some concerns, at least based on what I’ve read publically.

Some of the things that we tried to do -- capitalizing on new technology, breaking news on Twitter, having the President film videos that we released on Facebook, having the President engage in conversations that were released to the public with people who aren’t journalists but people who have a strong following nonetheless, whether that’s somebody like Marc Maron or any of the YouTube personalities that President Obama has an opportunity to visit with.  Bear Grylls would fit in this category -- all of that was disconcerting to people in this room and was the source of some friction between our operations.  But those changes were beneficial to the American people, and to this President, and to this White House.  Because in a changing environment, we need to capitalize on every available opportunity to make sure that the President’s voice and his message is heard, and those were good opportunities to do that.

So my hope is that, as you all navigate this new relationship, that you’ll protect the things that are worth protecting -- protecting this daily briefing, and the regular exchange that senior officials have at the White House with all of you to answer tough questions, to be held accountable, to respond for calls for greater transparency.

It’s uncomfortable to be in a position of authority, certainly a position of responsibility, and to be subjected to those kinds of questions.  That’s true even when you’re doing the right thing for the right reasons.  But it’s a necessary part of our democracy.  And so my hope is that the essence of this relationship between the White House Press Corps and the White House Press Office will be preserved and it will be maintained for future generations to benefit from.

But there also was a good reason not just to -- there’s also a good reason to not just raise objections because proposed changes depart from the way we’ve been doing things for a long time.  The fact that we’ve been doing something the same way for a long time is not, in and of itself, a good reason to keep doing things the same way.

So this is going to require a lot of hard work, probably going to require building some trust.  But I’m optimistic that the White House Press Corps and the White House Press Office can continue to adapt to the modern environment even as some of the basics and this important principle continues to be protected.  And I feel like we’ve navigated that pretty well, and that certainly was an important part of my responsibilities here, both in my first five and half years as the Deputy White House Press Secretary and certainly in the last two-and-a-half as the Press Secretary.

And with regard to things that I could have done better, you can probably point to an exchange in every briefing transcript and find a place where I could have said it more cleanly or more effectively or more clearly, so I’m sure there are many of them.

The one example that always comes to mind when I’m asked about this is in early September, the first week in September of 2015, we were in the midst of negotiating -- or working with Congress to protect the Iran deal.  You’ll recall that there was an opportunity for Congress to vote to pass a resolution of disapproval of the agreement, and we were working hard to build a veto-proof minority in Congress to protect the President’s veto of that resolution of disapproval.  And quickly, our attention turned to actually building a substantial support in the Senate to allow that agreement to survive a filibuster.

And I inadvertently announced Senator Warner’s support for the Iran deal before he has announced it.  So our leg staff wasn’t too happy with me.  Senator Warner wasn’t too happy with me.  But when I called Senator Warner shortly after the briefing to apologize, I explained to him that it was an honest mistake, and I avoided, with one exception, doing briefings after a red-eye flight, which I suspect contributed to that error back in September of 2015.

But the one thing that I do feel good about, and the thing that I’m proud of, and this is a lot -- a lot of credit goes to some of the people that I mentioned at the beginning -- I always felt well-prepared when I was standing up here, and I always felt prepared to tell the truth and to give you as clear a sense as possible the President’s thinking on a particular issue.  And in some ways, that's the most important mandate of the person that's standing up here.  And I'm proud of the way that we fulfilled that.

Q    Thanks, Josh.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you.

Jeff.

Q    Josh, first of all, on behalf of the White House Correspondents Association, we want to thank you for your commitment to regular briefings with us.  We haven't always agreed on everything, and there has always been some tension, which is normal between a White House and the press corps that covers it, but we are grateful to you and your team for working with the Correspondents Association and for your commitment to dealing with us on a daily basis.  So, thank you.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you.

Q    That hat off, I would ask you a question today about Iran.

MR. EARNEST:  Okay.

Q    The Iranian President said today that President-elect Trump cannot unilaterally cancel the nuclear deal and has said it was meaningless what the President-elect has said about that.  Has the Obama administration offered any assurances to the Iranian government about that?  And, logistically, is it true, or is it not true, that President-elect Trump could, in fact, nullify the deal?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, there are not any -- you’ve heard the President say this on a number of occasions -- there are not any assurances that this administration has made to foreign leaders about what the incoming administration would do.  The incoming President will determine what he believes is the best course for the country, and he'll make that decision accordingly.

With regard to the international agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, this is not just an agreement between the United States and Iran.  This is an agreement between Iran and some of our closest allies, and some countries with whom we don't regularly get along on every issue but serve on the United Nations Security Council, and all of those other countries are committed to this agreement because it does prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

You’ll recall that this was one of the foremost foreign policy challenges facing this President when he took office.  The world was deeply concerned about the rapid progress that Iran was making toward building a nuclear bomb.  And that progress was halted and rolled back because of the tough, principled diplomacy that we initiated and implemented over years to reach this point.

And, in fact, just yesterday, the General Director of the IAEA, Mr. Amano, issued a statement, and I'm just going to read a couple sentences.  “Iran has removed excess centrifuges and infrastructure from the Fordow fuel enrichment plant, in line with its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.”  That's the international agreement.

The JCPOA required Iran, within one year from implementation day, to complete the removal of all excess centrifuges and infrastructure from the Fordow fuel enrichment plant and to transfer them to storage at the Natanz fuel enrichment plant, under continuous Agency monitoring.  That's a remarkable step.  You will recall the dramatic moment in September of 2009 when President Obama, with other world leaders, announced to the world this secret nuclear facility that Iran had constructed and was using to advance toward a nuclear weapon.

So this is an agreement that's worked.  It's an agreement that's going to require conscientious implementation; it's going to require continued diplomacy.  We're going to need to work with the rest of the international community to make sure that Iran is adhering to the commitments that they’ve made.  But after doing that for a year, we've gotten proof of concept.  This has worked.

And as the incoming President considers the best path forward, we're hopeful, and even optimistic, that he'll consider the success of the last year as he designs a policy for the years ahead.

Q    The President has made a slew of appointments this week in his last few days in office to places like the Kennedy Center Honors -- the Kennedy Center Board, and others.  Why is this happening now?  And do you have any ethical concerns about doing this sort of on the way out?

MR. EARNEST:  I don't.  I think the list of people that the President has put forward for these important positions speaks for themselves.  These are outstanding members of the community, some of whom have served this President and this White House, and have done so with extraordinary distinction.  And these are new and different ways for them to serve that appeal to their own personal interests.  So I think this is -- I know this is entirely consistent with what previous Presidents have done.  This is entirely consistent with the executive authority that’s vested in the White House.  And President Obama is executing that authority consistent with the best interests of the American people.

Q    Lastly, do you have any reaction to British Prime Minister May’s announcement today that Britain will exit the single market when it leaves the European Union?

MR. EARNEST:  Jeff, what we've been saying from the beginning is that the United States was going to be encouraging both the leaders of the EU and the leaders in the UK to work effectively together to design a relationship among these critically important American allies.  And we've urged them to engage in that process in a way that is as transparent as possible to prevent any sort of economic disruptions from misunderstandings or from surprises.  And both sides have worked to do that.

But ultimately, it’s going to be up to them to design a relationship that is supported by their constituents.  That certainly is going to make these kinds of conversations more complicated.  But this reflects the will of the people as the British people voted in a referendum last summer.  And there’s a lot of hard work that their elected representatives need to do to design a relationship with the EU that serves them best.  And it’s firmly in the interest of the United States for them to do that effectively, and we certainly have supported them as they’ve done that over the last several months, and I anticipate the incoming administration will do the same.

Olivier.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  Just two for you.  Piggybacking on Jeff’s question, one of the posts you guys announced is an ambassadorial nominee to the Republic of Congo.  I can’t imagine you think that is going to get confirmed.  What’s the rationale behind that?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, Olivier, I think it’s a couple of things.  The first is, you never know.  Second is -- so you’re saying there’s a chance?  (Laughter.)  That’s a fun movie.  I probably should have spent more time quoting from “Dumb and Dumber.”  (Laughter.)  I guess that would have been a regret of my two-and-a-half-year tenure here.

I think the other thing, in some cases, this is also sending a clear signal to Congress about who are people who are qualified for these jobs.  And so this can send a clear signal both in terms of their career trajectory, even if they’re not confirmed for these positions, but that the President has got a lot of confidence in their ability to handle significant responsibilities.  And so even if they are not confirmed for the position that they’ve been nominated for, there may be future opportunities in a similar area where they could continue to serve the United States.

But we’ve obviously talked a lot about how there are many deserving, worthy, talented Americans who have been put forward by this administration and who have been treated in breathtakingly unfair ways by Republicans in Congress.  And that is a source of deep disappointment that we continue to feel even in our last days in office here.

Q    And the second one -- on this President’s watch, North Korea has moved ahead with its missile program and its nuclear program.  Does that weigh on the President’s mind?  Has he discussed it with the President-elect?

MR. EARNEST:  I have refrained from getting into the content of the conversations between the two men.  What I can say is I know that the President’s National Security Council and his national security team has been engaged with the incoming President’s team on a range of issues, including on North Korea.  So I am confident that this challenge is on the radar screen of the incoming President and his team.

With regard to President Obama’s work in this area, we have not made as much progress as we would have liked in halting North Korea’s nuclear activities that are in violation of a range of international agreements.  What we have succeeded in doing, however, is building a rock-solid international consensus, including with countries like Russia and China, about the need to apply further pressure to North Korea to refrain from those kinds of destabilizing, provocative actions.  And that’s an important step and will serve the incoming administration well as they work on this challenge.

What President Obama has also done is work closely with the civilian and uniformed leadership at the Department of Defense to ensure that our defense posture in the Asia Pacific is able to protect the American people from this threat.  So that has involved the deployment of additional ships with anti-ballistic missile capabilities.  It has involved the construction of sensitive and sophisticated radar that can be used in conjunction with those systems to protect the American people.  And we’ve worked closely with allies like Japan and South Korea to construct those defenses.

So the American people, because of the decisions that have been made by the Commander-in-Chief, are safe from North Korea’s current capabilities.  But we continue to be concerned about their actions, and we’re going to need to work effectively with the international community to address that situation.

Paul.

Q    Josh, thanks for your efforts these last few years, first of all --

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you.

Q    This is sort of a history question.  When historians look at Presidents, they often cite, well, they did X, Y and Z.  But it’s also fair to look at perhaps mistakes, quagmires that Presidents avoided getting into.  What did the President sort of avoid, in your judgment, that might have done a lot of harm?

MR. EARNEST:  Look, well, certainly, as you know, with regard to our efforts to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL, the President has been mindful of the recent lessons of U.S. military entanglements in the Middle East.  And the President does not believe that our interests were advanced by the strategy that was employed by the previous administration, and, in fact, he ran for this job in part on his opposition to some of the strategies that had been put in place before.

And the President does believe that the strategy that we’ve put in place against ISIL is working.  We’ve made important progress in rolling back more than half the territory that ISIL previously controlled in Iraq.  We’ve rolled back a substantial quantity of territory that they previously controlled in Syria.  And we did that without a large-scale offensive ground combat operation involving American troops on the ground.

What we have done is we have -- the President has dispatched a much smaller number of U.S. forces, some of whom are in a very -- working in a very dangerous situation, to offer advice and assistance to local forces and regional forces that are fighting for their own region, and fighting for their own country.

And that is a strategy that the President believes is much more likely to lead to long-term success.  It’s going to build the capacity of these local forces to police their own country and secure their own country.

Those forces are, of course, augmented by U.S. forces with a range of capabilities -- whether that’s U.S. military pilots who can take strikes on ISIL targets or other extremist targets in that region of the world.  There are U.S. forces with remarkable capabilities that can carry out raids against high-value targets and can capitalize on troves of intelligence that they may be able to acquire.  And it also involves U.S. trainers who are building up the capacity of those forces -- other forces, local forces -- and then supporting them, advising them, and assisting them on the battlefield.

So that's the strategy that President Obama has put in place.  He believes that has served the country well, both because of how it has been effective in taking the fight to ISIL, and because of the likely long-term success that the President believes that we are on track to enjoy.  And all that was done without the kind of large-scale ground combat operation that characterized previous entanglements in the Middle East.

Q    So the footnotes answer is you avoid a foreign quagmire, is what you're saying.

MR. EARNEST:  Yes, I think that's true -- even as we engage in a robust defense of the American people.  That's what has to come first.  And, in fact, the President believes that our national security does benefit from a strategy that avoids quagmires, but does apply intense pressure to those extremist organizations that would do us harm.  That's the crux of the strategy, and it’s worked.

Q    The second question is, if you look at, say, Gallup polling for every President from Truman up to your boss, he is leaving with actually the fourth highest approval of all of them.  John F. Kennedy is exempted.  Clinton, then Reagan, then Eisenhower with 59 -- and then your boss.  And he’s ahead of everybody else.  How does that -- does that strike you as about -- how do you react to that?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, that obviously I think is -- I know that President Obama is proud of that and I think it is an indication of -- certainly of the success that we've had in just the last couple of years.

Q    I mean, his critics say, well, he doesn't deserve that.  Others say -- you know how it is.  People say it’s --

MR. EARNEST:  Look, there will be people on both sides who will do their own analysis of the polls.  Look, it’s not just the Gallup Poll that indicates the uniquely high standing that's enjoyed by the President right now.  So we're obviously proud of that.  I do think it’s a testament to a lot of work that we've done here over the last 12 to 18 months.  But it’s also a reflection of the kind of early investments that President Obama made in the first couple of years of his presidency that have taken root and are now flowering -- at the risk of torturing that analogy.

There are remarkable benefits that -- just one example. President Obama, in his first couple of months in office, made a politically unpopular decision to rescue the American auto industry.  That was a decision -- a policy decision that did not poll well in the state of Michigan, a state that had more to benefit from that rescue than any other state in the country when it comes to their economy.  But since the President made that important decision, the manufacturing sector has created 800,000 jobs.  And the American auto industry is manufacturing and selling as many cars as they ever have.

So that's I think a good example of how a tough decision that the President made early on was not one that was going to show immediate benefits, butb looking back, eight years later, it was clearly the right decision.  And the fact that it wasn’t politically popular at the time, I think only gives people more confidence that the President was making the right decisions for the right reasons.

Michelle.

Q    Josh, we've heard one member of Congress call Donald Trump not a legitimate President.  Now the number of Democrats who aren’t attending the inauguration is up over 40, and they're sort of framing this as a boycott.  What do you think of those words and actions?  And is this just contributing to the division right now?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I don't think it’s contributing to the division, but I do think it’s a reflection of the division in the country right now.

To be clear about the President’s point of view, since the day after the election, some eight hours after the final results were called, President Obama spoke in the Rose Garden and he spoke forcefully, with conviction, about the determination that he and his team would show in trying to facilitate a smooth and effective transition with the incoming team.  And we've lived up to that promise that the President made on November 9th.  And in many ways, I think actions speak louder than words, particularly with regard to the way this administration has worked closely with the incoming administration to ensure -- or at least give them the best opportunity at a running start.

But all of that was rooted in the institutional responsibilities that the President and his team have to serve the American people, is to make sure that the person that they've elected President of the United States has an opportunity to succeed and hit the ground running.  And we have been challenged to do that in spite of our in some cases profound concerns with some of the rhetoric and policy positions that are being articulated by the other side.

So I think most of this, Michelle, is just a function of the different roles.  Members of Congress have a different responsibility.  They are freer to express their opinion in a way that they chose.  They don't have the same kind of institutional responsibility that the administration has.  And I’m proud of the fact that we've fulfilled it.

Q    You're saying that the administration would say similar things and do similar things if they could?

MR. EARNEST:  I wouldn’t speculate on what people around here would say.  I think I’m just pointing to what we have done.  And that's a reflection of keeping the President’s promise.

Q    You've spoken a lot about the efforts, like the strong efforts that the administration has put out for this smooth transition.  So do you think that these -- do you think it’s important what these -- some of these Democrats are saying and doing?  Do you think it’s important for that to be said at this point?  Or do you think that what they're doing is just sort of harming the smooth transition?

MR. EARNEST:  Look, I don't think that what they're doing is harming the smooth transition, primarily because when we're talking about a smooth transition, we're talking about making sure that the incoming administration is aware of what we've been doing over the last eight years and of the looming decisions that they’ll have to make when they enter office.  We want to make sure that they can benefit from all of the lessons that we've learned over the last eight years about building and running an effective team that's in charge of the federal government.

Those are the kinds of things that are critical to a smooth and effective transition, and I don't think that there’s anything that members of Congress have said that’s going to derail that effort.

Q    Okay.  And there’s been plenty that has been said about certain posts that will possibly be open for a long time, certain structures just not seeming ready at all.  I mean, we hear things on our end about concerns within the administration as to the next administration’s readiness.  So you’ve had a unique look at that smooth transition that you mentioned.  Do you think that there’s readiness there?  I mean, do you feel confident that the next administration is ready to pick up the reins?

MR. EARNEST:  I certainly am not in a position to be able to assess across the board what the level of readiness is of the incoming team.  I'll let them describe what efforts they have taken to ensure that they’re ready to assume this awesome responsibility.  And we certainly have tried to be there at every turn as they’re making those decisions to support them and to give them the best possible information so that they can make the best possible decision.  But when it comes to assessing where things stand, I'll leave that to the incoming team.

Q    And do you feel like this is the last briefing of this kind that we might see for a very long time?

MR. EARNEST:  I hope not, but I don't know.  I'll let the incoming team speak to that.

Justin.

Q    The President-elect said on Friday that U.S. companies can't compete because our currency was too strong and that that was “killing us.”  I'm wondering if that's a concern that the White House shares.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, we have, over the last eight years, abided by the longstanding tradition of allowing the United States Secretary of the Treasury to speak about the value of the dollar.  Of course, those policy decisions when it relates to currency are made by the Federal Reserve, so that's not something I've spoken on at great length here.

I did happen to see the President-elect’s comments.  I believe there is one factual point that is worth referencing, which is that we have seen with regard to China’s currency that it is appreciating in value over the last 18 months.  That's just a fact.  With regard to what sort of policy they’ve implemented to do that or what their aim may be, I'd refer you to the Chinese.  I wouldn't speculate on that.  But just as a factual matter, the Chinese currency has appreciated over the last year to 18 months.

Q    Are you concerned that an aide to the President-elect reportedly was in discussions about joint investments -- (inaudible)

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I haven't seen those specific reports.  I think what I can say is that given the intelligence community’s conclusion about the efforts of the Russians to intervene in our democracy, questions about the ties between senior government officials and the Russian government are worthy of careful examination.

And that will obviously be the responsibility of Congress, and it may end up being the responsibility of some law enforcement officials if they choose to initiate those kinds of investigations.  If they choose to do that, that would be a decision that they would make entirely on their own based on their own discretion and not something that this administration would try to influence even in our last few days here.

But there are structures in place where people have the authority that they need to conduct those kinds of investigations.  And with regard to Congress, they’ll face a decision about whether or not they choose to exercise that authority.  And with regard to law enforcement officials, they’ll have to decide on their own if this is worthy of an inquiry.

Q    Last one.  Your friend, Senator Schumer -- (laughter)  -- suggested --

MR. EARNEST:  I'm really hoping that he accepted that opening in the spirit in which it was offered.  We'll see, I guess.  (Laughter.)

Q    -- suggested today that Representative Price might have broken the law on this stock transaction of a medical device -- and he later introduced legislation that could have governed.  Acknowledging what you said before that the President-elect should have some flexibility to pick his own team, do you find this report to be disqualifying for the President-elect’s choice as head of HHS?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think this report is indicative of a couple of things.  The first is, given the incoming administration’s priority that is placed on draining the swamp, I think they have the unique obligation to explain exactly what happened.  Because the facts of the report don't appear to be that complicated -- you have a member of Congress buying a stock in a company, and within a week sponsoring legislation that would benefit that company and its stock price, only to see the introduction of that legislation followed shortly thereafter by a political donation from that company to the campaign account of the member of Congress in question.

So this doesn’t seem like a complicated scheme.  It seems like exactly the kind of financial entanglement that’s left a lot of people feeling alienated from Washington, D.C., that's left a lot of people questioning the motives of members of Congress.  Was he sponsoring that legislation because of his own personal motive -- personal financial interest?  Was he sponsoring that legislation because he knew it was likely to lead to a political contribution?  Or was he sponsoring that bill because he thought it was good policy?  It's hard to know.  It's an open question.

So this is why Congress has a responsibility to offer advice and consent for the President’s Cabinet nominations.  And I suspect this is going to be an issue that's going to receive careful scrutiny -- hopefully not just on the part of Democrats, but also on the part of Republicans who are interested in making sure that the incoming President’s Cabinet nominees are looking to do the job for the right reasons.

Jon.

Q    So are you suggesting he may have broken the law?

MR. EARNEST:  I'm saying that I don't know whether or not

-- I certainly can't make a statement that definitive.  If law enforcement officials choose to investigate the situation, that’s something that they will do based on their own knowledge of the law and based on their own discretion.  I think I'm just commenting on the fact that reports do raise a lot of questions. And again, this isn't some sort of complicated financial scheme. We don't need to have Michael Lewis explain it to us in a 300-page book.  This one seems pretty concerning just based on a couple paragraphs of a news report from CNN.

Q    Okay.  I've got a couple questions.  First, I just want to say thank you, Josh, for being accessible during your time here as Press Secretary and Deputy Press Secretary, and thank you for working as hard as you have to answer our questions, including, but not exclusively, those questions that you didn’t like.  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  There were more than a few of those.  (Laughter.)  Thank you for your kind words, Jon.  I appreciate it.

Q    Back to the question Josh asked about Vladimir Putin, putting aside the intelligence community.  Putin made a specific allegation, pretty explosive one, coming from another global leader.  He’s accusing the Obama administration of trying to delegitimize the incoming Trump administration.  What’s your response to Vladimir Putin?

MR. EARNEST:  First of all, it sounds like he got his copy of the talking points.  Second --

Q    From whom?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I don't know.  But it certainly sounds a lot like what the incoming administration’s team is saying.  But it is not the first time that the Russian President has called into question the veracity of the United States government.  Right?

This is a Russian government that recently said that they were focused entirely on ISIL inside of Syria, and raising questions about what the United States and our allies were doing to fight those extremists.  That wasn’t true.  In fact, what we know is that the one place that Russia can point to where they’ve made progress against ISIL is in Palmyra; ISIL has since taken it back and is now using some of the equipment that the Syrian regime, with the support of the Russians, moved to Palmyra.  And that's going to put the United States and our coalition partners who are going after ISIL at even greater risk.

So it's not the first time that the President of Russia has said things about the U.S. government that just don't withstand any scrutiny.

Q    So it's not true?

MR. EARNEST:  Of course, it's not true.  And the suggestion -- the reason that I answered Josh’s question the way that I did was that the suggestion all along -- and this is a suggestion that was repeated just yesterday by the President-elect -- was raising doubts about the integrity and intentions of the men and women of the intelligence community.  And that is deeply misguided, as I've said before.

And particularly to call into question the integrity of somebody like John Brennan, somebody who has served at the CIA for three decades, somebody who served this country in dangerous locations around the world to try to keep us safe -- I'm offended by it.

Q    Josh, on the question of the next administration and its communication strategy, looking back, was there ever any consideration by anybody in this White House of shutting this briefing room down, of taking reporters and moving them out of the West Wing?

MR. EARNEST:  No, there was not.

Q    What would it say, symbolically and practically -- what message would it send to the country if this briefing room, if this workspace were shut down and reporters were banished to another part of the White House grounds?

MR. EARNEST:  I lead this in my long comments at the beginning about how the United States has a rather unique arrangement between our government and the independent media.  The fact that all of you represent independent news organizations and have regular access to the White House, have regular access to workspace where you can do your job, have a venue where you can enter the room -- the Briefing Room -- at almost any hour, and can hold people in power accountable is really important.

You also have access to senior White House officials right through that door.  Right up the ramp outside that door, you can come into my office at a moment’s notice to ask question and demand answers and demand transparency.  And as I mentioned earlier, sometimes that's a little inconvenient; sometimes it's uncomfortable; sometimes it's frustrating because you're dissatisfied with the answer that was given, but it's necessary for the success of our democracy.

And I think there are some people who might say, Jon, that, well, this is -- it's just symbolic that you have the White House Press Corps in the White House.  And I would say it's a really important symbol.  It's more than just symbolism.  But even taking that argument at face value, there is something symbolically important about all of you gathering here every single day to hold people in power accountable, to demand answers, to demand transparency, to demand facts.  And your ability to do that is going to be affected if you don't have regular access to the White House, if you're not able to do your job from the White House, and if there’s not a natural, readily available venue for you to hold senior officials accountable.

So this is, again, a relationship that President Obama believed was important to invest in.  He made this a priority, and it doesn’t mean because he liked all your coverage.

Q    He could have had more press conferences --

MR. EARNEST:  He probably could have.  And again, I think this is exactly a good illustration -- you should be asking for more, and you should say that we appreciate President Obama’s investment, but there is more that he could have done.  That's the nature of this relationship.  And it means that you're doing your job, but it also means the President of the United States is doing his job.  And I don't know if the incoming administration is going to see it that way, but I hope they do.

April.

Q    Josh, one of your, I guess, mentees -- mentors, Mike McCurry said the press had a friendly, adversarial relationship with the White House.  And with that, understanding your very interesting position between the press and the President, have you taken any kind of advocacy role positives about what you just said to Sean Spicer, the incoming press secretary, or has anyone in this administration talked to the incoming administration about exactly what you just said?

MR. EARNEST:  What I can tell you is, as you know, my colleague, Jen Psaki and I had an opportunity to visit with Mr. Spicer in what will soon be his new office a couple of weeks ago.  And we had a nice conversation.  And we talked about everything from the rather peculiar logistics of getting things done around the White House, but also the work to prepare for the briefing and to ensure that government agencies are coordinated in their messaging efforts with the White House.  It was a good conversation.  But one of the pieces of advice that I had for him was to engage with the White House Correspondents Association.

I remember vividly when we started here.  I was the deputy press secretary during President Obama’s earliest days in office.  And we worked very closely at the time with Jennifer Loven, who was an AP correspondent and then was president of the White House’s Correspondents Association.  And she did an excellent job of helping to educate us about what your expectations were and she helped us avoid inadvertent conflicts.  There are certainly situations where we might be tempted to do something that we didn’t think was that big of a deal that you all would view with deep suspicion as an effort to make your job harder.

And so what I encouraged Sean to do is to engage with the gentlemen that all of you have elected to represent you as the President of the White House Correspondents Association.  So Jeff is somebody who knows this place well, and Jeff is somebody who can be an honest broker.  And so he’s got a -- Jeff and I actually had this conversation before the election about how valuable our relationship with Jennifer Loven was in 2009, and how his relationship with the incoming administration -- whether it was the Clinton administration or the Trump administration -- was going to be critically important.

And, look, Jeff knows his stuff and he’s got exactly the right temperament for managing these kinds of things.  And I do think that if Jeff, as your elected representative, and Sean, as the person designated as the top spokesperson in the government by the President-elect, can work effectively together, that I think a lot of the concerns that have been expressed in the last couple of weeks can certainly be managed.

And it doesn’t mean that everything he does is going to be satisfying to you; it shouldn’t be that way.  But I am optimistic that because of Sean’s genuine desire to represent his boss well and Jeff’s leadership in representing all of your interests, that these difficult things can get worked out.

Q    Did you specifically say we should stay in this building, stay here?

MR. EARNEST:  I’m not going to get into a detailed readout of our conversation.  So I’m going to defer to him and let him announce what they choose to do.

Q    I have a couple of other questions really fast.  Being here all these years and being with the President since Iowa, meeting him since Iowa, what is the biggest takeaway as people are trying to rewrite his history now and trying to look at his legacy when you’re supposed to look, like, 10 years out?  What’s the biggest takeaway that we should know about this administration, and particularly this President?

MR. EARNEST:  I alluded to this at the top, too.  In 2007, when I first heard President Obama speak as a candidate for President of the United States, I actually wasn’t working for him.  I moved to Iowa in December of 2006 to work on Tom Vilsack’s presidential campaign.  And so I joined President Obama’s team, then-Senator Obama’s team, only a month or so after Governor Vilsack dropped out of the race.

And the reason that I was drawn to Senator Obama’s campaign was simply that he was giving voice to a vision of the country that deeply resonated with me.  He was articulating a vision for America that was inclusive, where everybody got a fair shot and a fair shake, and where we tried to transcend a politics that seemed too small, that it was not well-equipped to take on the difficult challenges that our country faced.  And he was willing to articulate that vision and those set of values, and defend them forcefully.

There was a sense among many Democrats, particularly throughout much of the Bush administration, that Democrats were a little on the back foot in trying to make our argument.  And to see this young and young-looking man, a newcomer on the scene, step up to the stage and almost defiantly articulate a vision of the country where everybody has got a shot, regardless of what you look like or where you come from, that there’s a whole lot more that unites us than drives us apart in this country because of our commitment to some of the basic founding principles of our country -- that resonated with me.

And so to answer your question, my takeaway is that for all that we’ve been through, for all that we’ve seen over the last decade, President Obama is as optimistic about the country and as committed to that vision as he has ever been.  And he is as resolute in advocating for and defending those values as he’s ever been.  And I find that genuinely inspiring, at the risk of laying it on a little thick.  I genuinely do.

On those days when I thought it was -- when I was tired, knowing that I was going to have to get up early in the morning and prepare to come and speak to all of you, I drew a lot of inspiration from knowing what a unique opportunity it was for me to have the opportunity to stand up here and to give voice to those values that I deeply believe in, and to know that my boss would support me in making that argument forcefully, without reservation, with deep conviction.

It’s been an honor to do that.  But mostly I admire and respect the President’s fidelity to those values even through all the twists and turns of the last 10 years.

Q    And lastly, you talk about laying it on thick.  I guess I want to say thank you for making sure that issues that were not necessarily the mainstream issues -- urban America, LGBT community, all sorts of communities out there that were not necessarily at the top of the fold or on the A block of the news -- for making sure we have answers for that.  How important is that for this White House to make sure those issues were addressed as well as the overarching issues of the day from the first two rows?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, this is actually a principle that the incoming administration has given some voice to -- that I know that Mr. Spicer has indicated a desire to be as inclusive as possible and to give as many different kinds of journalists and outlets and commentators the opportunity to participate in this session.  I think that’s a really good thing.  That’s exactly what we have done.  There’s never been a time that we’ve turned anybody away from participating in this briefing.  People who show up here on a regular basis with their hand in the air, regardless of which row they sit in -- they get called on.  Not every day -- (laughter.)  In part because it’s not unusual for me to get complaints about the length of the briefing.  But it’s fair to say that people who show up here regularly get called on regularly.

That’s a good thing.  And if that’s something that Mr. Spicer is committed to, and he wants to bring even more people into that process, people from the left and the right, we’ve certainly succeeded in doing that, and I hope he does, too.

Anita.

Q    Thank you.  A couple questions about Friday.  So I know a few of the -- several -- three former Presidents are going to be in town, and Secretary Clinton, obviously.  Is there any opportunity for the President to visit with the former Presidents there or at the Capitol or at the White House, or does that not happen?

MR. EARNEST:  I’m not aware of any sort of formal get-together that the President will have with the former Presidents.  I wouldn’t be surprised if there is an opportunity when they’re at the Capitol for the President to see them, but it would just be pretty informal.  And we’ll do our best to keep you posted about how that shakes out.

Q    -- in my colleague’s profile of you, which came out today, that your last day is actually Thursday.  Does that mean most staff -- I know some people, it’s staggered that people are leaving, but does most of the staff leave on Thursday if they don’t -- aren’t involved in the actual --

MR. EARNEST:  Yes.  The vast majority of the White House staff will have their last day here at the White House on Thursday.  There is a small number of people that will continue to work through noon on Friday for the actual transition.

But it’s a pretty remarkable exercise that we’re undergoing here at the White House, and I give a lot of credit to my colleagues at the GSA and other people who are responsible for ensuring that I have an opportunity to work from my desk until 4 or 5 o’clock at night in the evening on Thursday, and they’re going to have that office up and running and prepared for Sean to sit down behind that desk at noon the next day.  So that’s no small undertaking, but it certainly requires that many of us get out of the way on Thursday afternoon so they can do their important work.

Q    You mentioned the President was going to California after the inauguration -- or the family is going.  When they return -- so they fly aboard the presidential aircraft, which we don’t call Air Force One then.  Does it wait for them, or are they on their own after that -- they can take commercial back?

MR. EARNEST:  They’re on their own after that.  I don’t know what their travel plans are, but that will be the President’s final trip aboard the presidential aircraft, so it will be to --

Q    Do you know how long they’re going to be there?

MR. EARNEST:  I don’t have any details about their time in Palm Springs and I don’t anticipate that that will be released.

Margaret.

Q    Josh, you said you didn’t think that boycotting the inauguration was really going to harm the peaceful transition, but is the President actively discouraging Democrats from boycotting, or would he discourage Democrats from boycotting the inauguration?

MR. EARNEST:  I’m not aware that he has had a conversation discouraging people from participating in the inauguration.  And I’m not sure what he would say if he was asked if he would encourage people to do that.  Maybe you’ll get a chance to ask him that tomorrow.

Q    On two things actually, related to Russia.  Ambassador Power gave a speech today talking about U.S.-Russia.  She repeatedly used the phrase, “a willingness to lie” on behalf of Russia and that it’s actually a strategic deny-and-lie strategy they have.  Does President Obama feel that Vladimir Putin consistently lied to him?  I mean, is that how the President would characterize his relationship?

MR. EARNEST:  I think what Ambassador Power is making reference to are the public pronouncements that we’ve seen from the Russian government that routinely fly in the face of the facts on the ground.  I laid out the example to John with the situation in Syrian.  The example of Russian activity in Ukraine also applies.  Russia has steadfastly denied the presence of Russians in Ukraine who are actively working with separatists to try to undermine the central government in Ukraine.

So this is a tactic that we have seen form the Russians with regard to their public communications.  When the President has discussed his personal communications with Vladimir Putin, the President has indicated that President Putin is pretty blunt and businesslike.  And I think there’s only one time that I participated in one of those meetings and that was my observation as well.

Q    You agree he was blunt?

MR. EARNEST:  I would.  I would.

Q    But you would not say that he feels that in those conversations Putin has ever lied?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, again, I don’t think I can account for all of the conversations between President Obama and President Putin.  I would just say that President Obama has often said that public perception about his behind-the-scenes interactions with President Putin aren’t usually correct, that they do have pretty businesslike interactions and President Putin is pretty blunt in those conversations.

And what Ambassador Power was obviously referring were some of the public communications that we've seen from the Russians to say things about their activities that just aren’t true.

Q    There have been reports last week about the Israelis, this week about British intelligence, suggesting that their conversations with the CIA asking for reassurance that known assets in Russia would not be shared by the incoming administration with Moscow.  In other words, asking the U.S. to keep its secrets secret.  Is that something that the White House has been aware of?  Are those reports in any way accurate?  And is that kind of request appropriate?

MR. EARNEST:  I can't speak to any of the conversations that our intelligence community has had with some of our closest allies.  I’ll let them describe those conversations.

The United States has worked hard to deepen our cooperation with the United Kingdom and the rest of our NATO allies for that matter, certainly as it relates to intelligence gathering.  Our ability to collect that intelligence and share it widely among our partners does make our alliance stronger.  And it makes our collective defense more effective.  But I can't speak to any specific instructions or requests that the British intelligence services may have made to American intelligence services.

Q    And lastly, you said you wouldn’t characterize the readiness of the incoming administration. Secretary Kerry did publicly suggest that he was -- the contact had been minimal with at least the incoming Secretary of State, should he be confirmed.  Would you say that the incoming administration has taken up the Obama administration in all of its offering to fully brief and fully read in the nominees?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, Margaret, I think the thing that was evident to all of you in the earliest days of the transition is that the Trump administration had a pretty steep hill to climb with regard to their learning curve.  Is some of that related to the fact that they weren’t anticipating winning the election?  Probably.  But I think what we have seen over that time is conscientious, painstaking work on the part of the incoming administration to try to get up to speed.  And there has been substantial improvement in those efforts since the days immediately following the election.

I obviously can't speak to all of the conversations across the federal government.  But it’s certainly fair for you to conclude that the capacity and capability of the incoming team has improved markedly since the first days after the election.

Jordan.

Q    Thanks, Josh, for the final time.  I wanted to ask you about a report in The Washington Post yesterday that said the President plans to make several hundred commutations before his final day.  Can you confirm that's the plan?

MR. EARNEST:  I saw that report.  I don't have any news to announce from here with regard to any commutations.  But if there are any clemency requests that are granted, we’ll make sure you're among the first to hear about them.

Q    Yet last week you made an interesting argument about the differences between Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning.  Can you at this point rule out that the President will give a pardon to Edward Snowden?

MR. EARNEST:  I can't rule anything in or out.  I think the one thing that the Department of Justice has said -- I’m looking at Brandi, and she’s giving me the poker face.  (Laughter.)  I believe what the Department of Justice has said is that -- there you go.  What they have said and what Brandi has told me is that -- (laughter) -- Mr. Snowden has not filed paperwork to seek clemency from the administration.  But I don't have any specific comments about whether or not that would impact any sort of presidential-level decision.

Sarah.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  On the note of pardons, the administration has been very proud of its ethical record.  And as we've seen in the past, some of these last-minute pardons can kind of trip some people up.  And so will -- the clemency initiative, there’s sort of a structure for those.  But with the pardons, will the President issue all his pardons at a point where we're still able to ask for an explanation about them?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, what I would say is simply that we're aware of the history that you've alluded to.  The President has been judicious about using this authority in a way that he believes is consistent with American interests and the pursuit of justice.  And if we feel it is ever necessary for us to make that case, we’ll want to make sure that we have ample opportunity to make it.

I think I’ll leave it there.

Q    And can you just offer any more details about the President’s last day, his last hours in office?  Will he still get the presidential daily briefing?  Can you tell us who specifically is actually going to be showing up here on the 20th?

MR. EARNEST:  You mean in terms of staff?

Q    Yes.

MR. EARNEST:  I don't have that in front of me, but we will provide you with some contact information for the morning of the 20th should you need it.

Q    I’m just mean in terms of what he’s doing.  Like is Chief of Staff McDonough going to be here?  NSC Advisor?

MR. EARNEST:  We’ll work to see if we can compile some of those details.  I don't have a lot of detailed information about that right now, but we’ll see if can get you something in advance of Friday.

Kevin.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  And despite our differences, thank you for being fair.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you, Kevin.  I appreciate that.

Q    And your staff is great, too, as well.

MR. EARNEST:  I appreciate it.

Q    Regardless of the clemency issue, is it fair to say that the process is still ongoing at this stage?  The review, is that still happening even today?

MR. EARNEST:  Yes, this is a process that largely lives at the Department of Justice, and they've been very focused on this important work.  They're working closely with the President’s attorneys here in the White House.  And, yes, it is fair to say that that work continues.

Q    I want to ask specifically about Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, in particular.  As it relates to Chelsea Manning, does the White House agree that Manning is being subjected to unfair treatment by the Army amid her daily fight to have her right to be identified as a woman?  Does the White House agree with that?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I’m not aware that the Commander-in-Chief has weighed in on this.  This is obviously complicated by the fact that Chelsea Manning is in the military criminal justice process and, of course, the Commander-in-Chief is at the top of the chain of command, which limits our ability to discuss her case in all that much detail.  But I’ll look and see if we have ever weighed on this specific question.  I know that it certainly is a question and a concern that's been raised by some of Chelsea Manning’s advocates.

Q    And for the record, she was sentenced to 35 years.  Does the White House believe that that was a just sentence?

MR. EARNEST:  I haven’t heard the President weigh in on that either, again for the same kind of chain-of-command reasons that I just cited.

Q    But he may tomorrow?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, if he chooses to -- you and Jordan will be among the first to know.  (Laughter.)

Q    Fair enough.  Jordan, I got first dibs.  (Laughter.)  Let me ask you about Edward Snowden.  Does his offer to turn himself in if Manning is, in fact, offered clemency weigh at all in the consideration for how the President might consider a pardon for Manning, or even for Snowden, do you think?

MR. EARNEST:  It does not, primarily because we believe that under any circumstances, Mr. Snowden should return to the United States and face the serious crimes with which he’s been charged.  He will, of course, be afforded the kind of due process that’s available to every American citizen who’s going through the criminal justice process.  But the crimes that he’s accused of committing are serious, and we believe that he should return to the United States and face them rather than seeking refuge in the arms of an adversary of the United States that has their own strategic interests in disseminating harmful -- or disseminating information in a harmful way.

Q    So for clarity’s sake, it seems apparent that there’s little doubt that Edward Snowden will not be offered a pardon by this President.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, it’s not something that -- I can’t rule out any offer of clemency, or rule it in, frankly, from here.

Q    Based on what you just said, though -- I mean, the President has been pretty clear, he hasn’t availed himself to even a conversation about prosecution or facing the charges that he may in fact be forced to face were he even here.  So based on that, it seems clear he’s not going to get a pardon, right?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, you’ve heard me note that that is one of the many differences between Mr. Snowden’s case and Chelsea Manning’s case.  But I can’t rule anything in or out at this point.

Q    Last one.  I want to ask you about Julian Assange.  Did the White House ask Britain or even Ecuador, perhaps, to take action against Julian Assange and/or shut down WikiLeaks at any point?  Did that come from this White House?

MR. EARNEST:  I’m not aware of any specific request like that that was made.  You know that the U.S. intelligence community, and even the President, have expressed some deep concerns about the ties between Russian intelligence and WikiLeaks and other organizations like it that were created to disseminate either classified information or previously private information.  And we know that much of those efforts to disseminate that information was rooted in a Republican -- Russian strategy to undermine confidence in American democracy.

So we have profound concerns about the way that that organization, WikiLeaks, has operated, and we have expressed profound concerns about the way that some of the things that they have done and some of the information that they have released has harmed our national security, has put our military and our intelligence officers in harm’s way and made their dangerous work even more dangerous.  But I can’t speak to any specific requests that may have been made of the Brits or the Ecuadoreans.

Ron.

Q    Just to follow up on this -- the appointments of Valerie Jarrett, Susan Rice and others to these boards.  Are these appointments that cannot be reversed by the President -- the incoming President?  And were they made for that reason or with that in mind?

MR. EARNEST:  They weren’t made with that in mind.  I believe that these are the -- that the appointments on these kinds of boards are part of the President’s executive authority and part of his responsibility.  And he chose to fill a couple of those positions with two of his most trusted aides.

Q    So they’re probably -- are there terms?  Are there -- I guess it would vary depending upon the --

MR. EARNEST:  There are terms, but we can get you the details.

Q    There’s also -- there’s an education regulation that’s making its way -- I believe it’s before the White House Budget Office.  You’re looking at me like you don’t know what I’m talking about.

MR. EARNEST:  I don’t think I do.

Q    It’s a regulation that would essentially change the funding mechanism within school districts and apportion more money to lower-income areas as compared to higher-income areas.  The question is where is that, is it going to make it, so on and so forth.

MR. EARNEST:  Let me have my colleagues at the Office of Management and Budget circle back with you to give you an update on where that stands.

Q    And just a last thing -- can you give us any indication of what the President is really doing and focused on these last number of days?  I know you were asked about staffing and all that, but --

MR. EARNEST:  Other than saying really nice things about me -- (laughter) -- which I deeply appreciate, by the way?.

Q    It’s a -- I mean, I know he’s concerned about national security, I know he’s concerned about the transition.  But just -- I just wonder, what do you do when you have, like, a few days left after all this?

MR. EARNEST:  There’s a lot to be done.  Let me tell you at least one thing.  This morning, the President assembled senior members of his counterterrorism and homeland security team to review ongoing security planning for the 58th inauguration.  The President commended the comprehensive preparations across the law enforcement and intelligence community, and directed that all agencies maintain their high state of vigilance to ensure we are best postured to protect the homeland against individuals radicalized to violence.

The President was also briefed on counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Syria that are putting simultaneous pressure on ISIL inside Mosul and around Raqqa.  Over the weekend, as you may know, Iraqi security forces made significant gains in Mosul as ISIL defenses are collapsing in key parts of the city.  And in northern Syria, local partners continue to constrict ISIL’s movement in the vicinity of Raqqa.

The President noted the impact our strategy is having on the ground is the result of a deliberate effort to accelerate our campaign against ISIL, and that the coalition is well-postured to put ISIL on a path to lasting defeat.

I think the fact that the President held this meeting today is an indication that the President continues to be focused first and foremost on the safety and security of the United States and the American people.  And this is consistent with the kind of briefing that he has held with his national security team and with intelligence officials before major events.  The President typically does this before the holidays; he’ll often do this before the Fourth of July.  And obviously, with the upcoming inauguration, we want to make sure -- the President wanted to make sure that our security posture was in place to protect the American people.

Q    That’s a Situation Room meeting?

MR. EARNEST:  I don’t know exactly where this meeting took place, but we can confirm that for you.

Q    Anything else?  Is he -- we’ve talked about pardons and commutations, and talked about appointments.  Is there anything else that we can expect over the next number of hours that are work product, if you will, that the President is trying to get done before he leaves?  Even if you can identify some areas.  We know he’s concerned about immigration.  We know he’s concerned about social justice.  We know he’s concerned about a lot of things.

MR. EARNEST:  Right.

Q    Can you point us to anything that he is, in the final hours, really trying to focus on and get done?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I don’t have any announcements to preview, but the President has still got a lot of work to do.  And even in just the last couple of days here, he’s focused on the task at hand, even as he also does some of the other things around the White House, like bidding a fond farewell to members of his staff and other people from across the administration, and also I think spending some time thinking about his own time and his own tenure here.  But stay tuned.  If there’s more, we’ll let you know.

Carol.

Q    Thank you.  I guess I’ll follow on that note.  Can you give us an update on the President’s efforts to close Guantanamo?  And are you prepared at this time to just -- say it will remain open Friday afternoon?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, what I can confirm -- and I think this is something that you’ve already reported -- that there was a transfer of 10 detainees from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the government of Oman.  With that transfer being completed, there are now 45 detainees at Gitmo.  When President Obama took office, the detainee population was at 242, so since that time, we’ve moved 193 detainees to 42 countries for repatriation, resettlement, or prosecution.

Obviously, that work was a result of the review that President Obama ordered almost exactly eight years ago today to ask the intelligence community and other national security agencies to engage in a case-by-case review of the files of the detainees, and determine if any of them could be transferred to other countries under a set of strict security requirements that would limit their ability to harm the United States.  And so that’s been an effort that has greatly reduced the prison population.

At this point, I don’t anticipate that we will succeed in that goal of closing the prison, but it’s not for a lack of trying -- that, I assure you.  And the only reason it didn’t happen is because of the politics that members of Congress in both parties, frankly, played with this issue.  And it has put the United States in a position where, because of the obstacles erected by Congress, terrorist organizations have a powerful recruiting tool, and millions in taxpayer dollars are wasted to operate this large facility for 45 people, potentially less.

That’s not a good use of taxpayer dollars, and it certainly isn’t the most effective way to protect our country.  And that’s not just a conclusion that President Obama has reached, that’s a conclusion that’s been reached by people like President Bush and senior members of his national security team.  So this isn’t a partisan issue, and I think the disappointment at Congress’s action in this area is also bipartisan in nature.

Q    Two follow-ups on that.  At what point did the President make that determination, that he would not succeed? And do you expect any additional transfers this week?

MR. EARNEST:  The possibility of additional transfers remains a possibility.  Look, I think once there was a -- once we’d reach the 30-day deadline for notifying Congress in advance of detainee transfers, the likelihood of succeeding in closing the prison was quite remote.

Q    One other quick question.  Chinese President Xi today delivered a speech in Davos where he gave a defense of globalization and warned against a trade war and protectionism, and this is obviously something the President has spoken a lot about, and I’m curious if you have any reaction to the Chinese President’s speech.

MR. EARNEST:  I didn’t read the text of President Xi’s remarks, but certainly based on the news coverage, I think this does surface a central question -- for the American people, for policymakers, for economic leaders, and even national security leaders -- about what role the United States is going to play in the global economy and what role the United States is going to play in Asia Pacific.  And President Obama put forward his own strategy, one that sought to deepen our alliances with Australia, South Korea, and Japan that has resulted in a beefed-up military presence in the Asia Pacific, to protect our allies, to deepen our coordination and cooperation with them, and to ensure they’re protected from threats that emanate in the region.

The President also felt strongly that that intensified security cooperation should be partnered with greater economic integration in that region of the world.  Southeast Asia in particular is home to some of the most dynamic economies in the world.  These are smaller countries, but they have rapidly growing middle-class populations, and many of the countries who signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement are home to those economies.  And the completion of that agreement and the ratification of that agreement by Congress would have given American businesses a better opportunity to compete in that part of the world.  That would have been good for our economy and good for our businesses and, most importantly, good for our workers.

The agreement would have required other countries to slash 18,000 taxes that they impose on American products.  It would have held those countries accountable for raising labor standards, raising human rights standards, raising environmental standards, the kinds of standards that we already observe here.  And to shut off the U.S. from those kinds of agreements isn’t just a missed opportunity, it actually puts the United States at a greater disadvantage because we’re hearing many of those countries indicate a desire to move forward with that agreement.

So that means that other countries who have signed on are going to be at an advantage over U.S. products, to say nothing of the role of the Chinese.  China would love to come and strike their own agreements with these other countries for the same reasons that we would like to -- because these are some of the fastest-growing economies of the world and they have a rapidly growing middle class that could be available to buy Chinese products.  And we know that if the Chinese negotiate a deal, they’re not looking to raise human rights standards; they’re not looking to raise labor standards; they’re not looking to put in place strict, tough intellectual property protections.

So the President is deeply disappointed that Congress hasn’t moved to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership because of the obvious benefits for the American people.  And that’s going to have consequences not just for our economy and the success that our country has in confronting the forces of globalization and looking out for the interests of working people, it’s also going to have an impact on our national security.

So obviously the incoming administration has proposed a different strategy when it comes to countering the forces of globalization.  I believe the President’s economic record speaks for itself.  And all of you will have an opportunity to test just how -- well, whether or not the strategy put forward by the incoming administration works and actually serves the interests of the American people, the American economy, and American workers.

Mark.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  Have there ever been days when you’ve dreaded coming out here?  (Laughter.)  Or let me put it another way -- have there been days when you didn’t dread coming out here?  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  Let me answer your question this way.  There was -- I did the briefing here -- well, I did a briefing like this 354 times as Press Secretary --

Q    My count is higher.

MR. EARNEST:  Is it higher?

Q    Yeah.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, the stenographers separated out the times that I briefed as the Principal Deputy Press Secretary, so that may account for the difference, but we can look at the numbers.

Q    I also counted gaggles.

MR. EARNEST:  They did, too.  I did almost the same number as both the Press Secretary and as the Deputy.

Q    I trust Mark’s number.  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  That’s understandable.  That’s understandable.  In the 354 or so times that I walked into this room, I never took for granted the blessing that was the opportunity to stand here.  And most people don’t have an opportunity to influence the debate in this way.  The arguments that you hear me make, these are President Obama’s arguments.  This is his vision for the country that I’m advocating for.  So I’m not trying to take credit for that.

But these are arguments, and this is a vision for the country, and these are values that I passionately believe in.  And having the opportunity to influence the way that those arguments are made, to look for ways to deliver them in the most persuasive way that I can think of is an extraordinary intellectual challenge, but it also really gives me an opportunity to shape the debate in a way that few other people in this town have.

So there were days when I knew I was going to come out here and get some tough questions, and there were days when I was going to walk back to my office frustrated about how it went, but I never took for granted what an extraordinary opportunity it is to be a part of this process with you and to advocate for a President and a vision that I deeply believe in.  And I’m going to miss it.  It’ll be -- at the risk of oversharing, it’ll be hard to -- well, let me say it this way -- (laughter) -- it’ll take some getting used to, to seeing somebody else stand up here doing it.

Q    Or not.

THE PRESIDENT:  Or not. (Laughter.)  And -- but that’s --

Q    Are you going to watch?

MR. EARNEST:  I’ll probably watch.  I’m interested in what happens in here, and I think it’s important for the country.  And I’ll be paying attention.

Q    Marlin Fitzwater used to say that after he left that job, he used to love putting his feet up, pouring a glass of wine, and watching someone else face all the questions.  (Laughter.)  Is that how you think you’ll be watching your successor?

MR. EARNEST:  There may be a time or two when schadenfreude creeps in.  But look -- again, I’ve got enormous respect for the work that all of you do and for the conventions that we have erected to engage in this discussion, and it’s been an honor to be a part of it.  And yeah, I’m interested in what happens here, and I’ll continue to follow it.  But I will be relieved to not have the burden to follow it as closely as this job has required over the last two-and-a-half years.

Go ahead, JC.

Q    It’s sort of a personal question and it follows up, I hope, on what Mark was saying.  The President alluded earlier that you could possibly have a career on the silver screen.  (Laughter.)  Many of us -- I believe that.  Keep smiling -- that’s it.  Perfect.  And we know that you’re not going to require your very patient wife, Natalie, and your son, Walker, to pepper you with tough questions every day between 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon.  But to follow up, where is your passion going?  What would you like to do?  And where do you want to follow your dream?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I’ll tell you that I’ve had this conversation with the President.  And one of the challenges of the job is it is all-consuming.  It’s difficult to remember a day in which the first thing that pops into my head when I open my eyes in the morning -- usually in the dark -- was to wonder what I needed to get done in order to prepare for this briefing, or to fulfill my responsibilities at the White House.

So I’m looking forward to having a little bit more time and space, both physically and intellectually, to reflect on this experience and to consider what the future might hold.  But I honestly don't know.

Q    Will you keep us posted?

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah, I’ll keep you posted.

Mark.

Q    Yes, just to clarify two quick things.

MR. EARNEST:  Sure.

Q    The clemency petitions that have come in, you led us to believe last week that there would be a round, some size, of additional clemencies before the President leaves?

MR. EARNEST:  Yes.

Q    That is still the case, correct?  Whatever size they are.

MR. EARNEST:  What I can tell you is that the work on this issue continues, and I certainly wouldn’t rule out additional announcements before noon on Friday.

Q    The President considers this still an important part of his legacy.

MR. EARNEST:  Absolutely.  Absolutely.

Q    And the President’s plans on Friday -- I know you don't want to go into detail about it -- but we're right in calling this a vacation, correct?  He’s not planning to go out and do speeches right away and meetings and stuff like that.

MR. EARNEST:  That is correct.  The President will not be working when he arrives in Palm Springs.

Q    Perhaps a fair amount of putting and other things?

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah, and I’m sure that many of you will be disappointed you won’t have the opportunity to tag along.  (Laughter.)

Scott.

Q    Is the First Family going to be staying in rental housing?

MR. EARNEST:  I don't know where they're going to be staying in Palm Springs, and I doubt we’ll announce it in advance.

Q    And you're leaving your office on Thursday afternoon or evening, but will you and your team will have control of the emails and Twitter and WhiteHouse.gov up until noontime?

MR. EARNEST:  Yes, there is a plan in place to effect that transition at noon on Friday.  I’m not sure exactly how they're going to do that.  But it’s part of -- it’s one of the reasons I have so much admiration for my colleagues who are more technologically inclined than I am.

John.

Q    Thanks, a lot, Josh.  Congratulations on your 354th briefing, or whatever that number is.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you.

Q    Given all of your experience in this briefing room, can you talk a little bit from your perspective about the advantages of coming out to the James S. Brady Briefing Room to talk to us on a regular basis?

MR. EARNEST:  This is a place that's recognized immediately around the world as the place where announcements at the White House are made.  And again, the symbolic value of this podium in this room in front of all of you is powerful.  And it sends a strong message not just to the American people, but to people around the world about what the White House is doing, what the President is focused on, what his priorities are, and how he’s seeking to advance our interests.

So again, I think that there are a lot of common-sense logistical reasons to preserve the kind of access that all of you have to the West Wing.  But I wouldn’t overlook the important, symbolic value that makes the arrangement that we have in the United States rather unique.

Q    As far as statements, which are regularly put out by your office, I didn't notice a statement in regards to the death of Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon.  Was that an oversight?  Can you talk a little bit about his contribution to our country?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I obviously read some of the news coverage about Mr. Cernan’s death.  And he certainly falls in the category of American hero, somebody who risked his life in the earliest days of the American space program to do remarkable things and inspire the American people to reach for great heights -- reach for great heights.  And obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with his family today and those how loved him.

I can't speak to why there wasn’t a presidential statement.  But certainly the President and First Lady made note of his death and are remembering him along with some of the other Americans who were inspired by his courage.

Richard.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  On behalf of the foreign press, I also want to thank you.  You've been helpful but very welcoming.  And all of us, we benefited from your openness so much.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you, Richard.

Q    You have to know that all this has been very much appreciated.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you.

Q    Knowing that there are also many auto plants in Canada, I would like your reaction to the President-elect's comment or intention on imposing a 35 percent tax on German cars being built in Mexico and sold in the U.S.

MR. EARNEST:  Richard, I think this is a pertinent question.  The President, on his last trip to Canada over the summer, talked about this very issue.

The U.S. auto industry is part of an integrated global supply chain.  And the presence of a lot of those suppliers for U.S. automakers is actually in Canada, and it speaks to the important ties between our two countries.  And maintaining those robust ties is good for the economy in both our countries; that if you shut down the supply chain or you shut down the trade between the United States and Canada, you’re going to cut off the American auto industry from the global supply chain in a way that’s going to have direct and negative consequences for American businesses and American workers.

That’s a real problem.  And I think it is an illustration of why President Obama has chosen a different strategy that actually seeks to ensure that other countries, including Canada, are living up to the kinds of high standards that are set here in the United States and were codified in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  Canada, of course, was part of those negotiations and signed onto the deal.

So the President has spoken out about this at some length.  He certainly does believe that the strategy that he has advocated is the right one, but the incoming President has some different ideas in mind.  And we’ll have an opportunity to assess whether or not his strategy is going to work.

Jean.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  You have worked hard as White House press secretary.  I deeply appreciate you.

MR. EARNEST:  Thank you, Jean, I appreciate that.  That’s very kind.

Q    Can I follow -- ask a question.  After you -- whatever -- you go out the White House, can I also ask on those issues?

MR. EARNEST:  I’m sorry, say one more time?

Q    Can I follow up on the North Korean issues -- continue --

MR. EARNEST:  Well, there will be somebody else in the White House who will be setting policy with regard to the United States’ relationship with North Korea.  And I am hopeful there will be somebody else who is here answering your questions, but I certainly have enjoyed the opportunity that you and I have had to discuss this critically important national security priority of the United States.

Q    Thank you very much.  On THAAD missile issues.  Last week, incoming administration (inaudible) and South Korean national security agency director agreed to deploy THAAD missile in South Korea.  On this regard, China continues to threaten retaliation against South Korea for THAAD issues.  What can the United States do about Chinese actions?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, the United States has made clear that the deployment of a THAAD battery to South Korea would be focused solely on countering the missile threat that emanates from North Korea.  South Korea is an ally of the United States of America.  We are duty-bound to defend them.  And President Obama has made clear, and I think the tens of thousands of U.S. troops that are on the ground in Korea right now make clear, that we’re going to live up to that promise.  And the deployment of a THAAD battery in South Korea would enhance our ability to do exactly that.

We’ve explained that to the Chinese at the highest levels, and we’ll continue to go to great lengths to help them understand exactly what we are trying to do.  And I know that that is something that is taking place not just at the presidential level, but I know that there have been some conversations through diplomatic channels, military channels to try to ease the concerns of the Chinese that this is an effort that’s focused on North Korea and not on having any impact on China’s capabilities.

Q    And one more thing.  Recently, high-level diplomat -- North Korean defector, Thae Yong-ho, from UK -- he has testimony, and he said that North Korean Kim Jong-un will (inaudible) nuclear weapons, and that he also said that it is a waste of time for Six-Party talks to (inaudible) the North Korean nuclear weapons.  Do you think we still need Six-Party talks?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I haven’t seen the specific comments of the defector that you cited, but I can tell you it’s the United States’ policy that the United States is prepared to engage with North Korea diplomatically when they make clear a commitment to a set of principles, including denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.  And we’ve made that clear, and that policy hasn’t changed.

Let's do a couple more here.  John.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  And despite differences on things, thanks for your graciousness to me and always helping me on answers, and especially helping some friends of mine when they wanted some things in the White House.

MR. EARNEST:  You’re welcome, John.  I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with you, as well.

Q    Thank you.  Questions are twofold.  First, David Horowitz, the author, has come out with a book entitled “Big Agenda,” in which he says that Donald Trump has an agenda to repeal or roll back 90 percent of the executive orders and executive actions that President Obama took in his eight years in office.  Your reaction to that?  And do you think that’s possible to actually do?

MR. EARNEST:  I haven’t heard of the book that you’re referring to.  What I can tell you is that President Obama has often made the argument that there’s a difference between campaigning and governing.  And I know that the incoming President made a lot of promises about all of the executive actions that he was going to repeal, but when he’s responsible for governing the country, he will have to reconcile those promises with the impact -- the negative impact that following through on those promises would have on the country.  That may end up altering his decision to follow through, but ultimately those will be decisions for him to make.

And it’s why you heard me on many occasions express a preference for working with Congress to try to institute policy that would be good for the country.  But we ran into a brick wall of opposition when it comes to Republicans when they took power in 2011, and so we didn’t pass as much legislatively as we would have liked to have done.  But the President did use his executive authority to advance our country’s interests and to advance the agenda that he was seeking to implement.  And the incoming President will have to determine how much of that he wants to roll back.

Q    And I’ve been dying to ask this all day -- all week, actually.  Two former press secretaries to presidents have gone on to run for elective office after they left the podium up there, both unsuccessful.  Would you ever consider relocating to your home state, the “Show Me” state of Missouri, where they do need some fresh Democrats -- I don’t think you’ll argue about it -- (laughter) -- and run for office yourself?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, what I can tell you is that I know that there are a lot of talented young Missourians who are Democrats who should not be overlooked.  And I’ve certainly been in touch with some of them, and I think there’s a bright future for Democrats in Missouri, but at this point I’m not planning to be one of them.

Jared.

Q    Josh, over the weekend the President-elect told the Washington Post that he is supporting insurance for everybody, health insurance for everybody.  Is this a plan that the President -- said he’ll support something that’s better than Obamacare?  Is that enough to whet his appetite?  Or does he need more information?

MR. EARNEST:  Jared, the President -- I can tell you that President Obama looks forward to somebody calling his bluff.  The President spoke on live, national television, in primetime, looked directly into the camera and said that he will advocate for policy, even if it’s put forward by Republicans, if it will cover more people and more effectively lower costs than even Obamacare has.

So the President stands by that promise.  And according to what the President-elect promised to The Washington Post, it sounds like we might get a chance to see whether or not he’s calling that bluff.  The best way to cover everybody, and I think the only way that anybody thinks you can cover everybody, is through a single-payer plan.

So it’s unclear, I think, exactly at this point exactly what the incoming administration’s plans are.  It does not appear that, according to some reporting that I saw, that even their nominee to be HHS secretary is clear exactly what their plans are.

But the President made that commitment, and he’ll stand by it.  And I assure you that there are few things that would make him happier in his post-presidency than to have the incoming administration call his bluff, because this is an issue that he feels strongly about.  And as he himself has said, there’s no pride of authorship here.  If there are improvements that can be made on Obamacare, he won’t hesitate to support them.

Q    And I know that you haven’t given us information about the frequency or duration or readouts of the calls between the President and the President-elect, but I want to ask, looking forward, once he’s on vacation after Inauguration Day, then-former President Obama, what’s the level of his unpluggedness, and will he be available if there’s a call from the Commander-in-Chief?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think what is certainly true of former presidents is they have a unique perspective on the burden and challenges that are assumed by the incoming President.  And as President Obama said the day after the election, he’s rooting for the incoming President to succeed in uniting the country.  And if there’s an opportunity for former-President Obama to assist in that effort, I’m confident that wherever he is, he’ll take the call.

Lalit.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  I join in thanking you on behalf of the foreign press for working with us.

MR. EARNEST:  You’re welcome.

Q    And in fact, the first foreign pool was done when the President invited Indian Prime Minister in November of 2009, and since then we are having (inaudible).  In the first briefing that the President -- the press secretary did in 2009, the main foreign policy topic was the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  (Inaudible) was not.  But my question is, there are still 10,000 troops left in Afghanistan.  Does the President regret that he hasn’t recalled all the troops from there?  And had the situation been different, had Pakistan been more helpful in eliminating terrorist safe havens from their territories?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, with regard to Pakistan, obviously, the United States has an extraordinarily complicated relationship, particularly when it comes to national security, with Pakistan.  There are some areas where the United States and Pakistan have been able to effectively cooperate to counter terrorism and to fight extremism, and that’s served the interests of both countries.  And obviously, tragically, Pakistan is a country where many victims of terrorism have been claimed.

And the President certainly is interested and is hopeful that the next administration will be able to deepen that cooperation with Pakistan, because it wouldn’t just enhance security in Pakistan; it actually would make the United States safer, too.

With regard to Afghanistan, I think this will be the kind of issue that historians spend a lot of time looking at when evaluating President Obama’s presidency.  What President Obama promised to do when taking office was to refocus our attention on the threat from al Qaeda that emanates in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.  And President Obama put in place a strategy, working closely with his national security team, at the State Department and the intelligence community, and, of course, the Department of Defense.  And over the course of several years, in part relying on some new capabilities, succeeded in decimating core al Qaeda that previously menaced the United States from hideouts in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

That is a major accomplishment, and it’s an accomplishment that has made the American people safer.  But the threat in that region of the world has not been eliminated, and there continue to be a smaller number of U.S. servicemembers keeping us safe, engaging in counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan.

They’re also working closely with thousands of troops from our NATO partners who are also there doing the same thing.  And I know there has been a question raised about how important a role NATO has played when it comes to counterterrorism.  You have to look no further than Afghanistan to assess just how valuable a contribution that they have made to that effort.

So the situation in Afghanistan continues to be one of concern, and I think the President would acknowledge that this is an area where we’ve made important progress that has made the American people safer, but there’s still important work to be done in this region of the world, and this is a responsibility that the incoming President will assume.

Q    And the President visited India twice; no other President had in the past.  And he has met with Prime Minister Modi both times.  What kind of relationship the President would like the new administration to have with the largest democratic country in the world?

MR. EARNEST:  President Obama did make strengthening our ties with India a genuine priority.  The President believed that that served our economic interest and our national security interest, and that would certainly explain the frequent visits of both Indian Prime Ministers during President Obama’s tenure in office to the White House, and it would explain President Obama’s visits to India as well.  And each of those visits was oriented around a discussion about how to deepen our economic ties in a way that has positive benefits for workers in both our countries, but also to look for ways that we can work more effectively together to fight extremism and to enhance the security of citizens in both our countries.

And President Obama certainly believes that we have made important progress in deepening and strengthening the relationship between two of the world’s largest democracies, and is hopeful that that progress will continue under the next administration.

Francesca, I’m going to give my Kansas City girl the last one.  (Laughter.)

Q    Thank you.  I truthfully was going to ask first, what the heck happened with the Chiefs the other night?  (Laughter.)  I’d like to know the answer to that.

MR. EARNEST:  Unfortunately, it’s just the latest in a long string of heartbreaking playoff defeats for the Kansas City Chiefs.  So there’s always next year.

Q    While endeavoring to keep it light here at the end, I apologize if you said some of this earlier, there was a little bit of a commotion at the beginning of the briefing --

MR. EARNEST:  There was.

Q    Did you say how long the President and First Lady will be staying in Palm Beach?  Is this like a quick trip or --

MR. EARNEST:  Palm Springs.

Q    Sorry, sorry, Palm Springs.  Gosh, not Palm Beach -- that’s the other President.  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  I did not say how long they’re going to stay.  They will arrive on Friday afternoon in Palm Springs, but I don’t anticipate having any updates on their travel schedule beyond then.

Q    And you said the First Family -- so the daughters will also be going on that trip as well?

MR. EARNEST:  That’s my understanding.  And we’ll confirm that for you on Friday.

Q    Is there a possibility that perhaps, immediately after that, they’ll go back to Chicago?  When they were there the other day, they didn’t stay overnight -- hadn’t visited the home.  Is that potential in the docket?  Trying to get one last week ahead here out of you.  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah.  I guess this is one of the benefits of ending the presidency on a Friday, is I don’t anticipate that there will be any more weeks-ahead.  The President and the First Lady and their family are looking forward to getting out to Palm Springs and beginning to relax a little bit, but I don’t have any updates on their plans beyond that.

Q    And then one final question.  We always assumed that the book the President was writing was a memoir.  Is it possible that he’s writing the next great American novel?

MR. EARNEST:  If he is, he has not told me that, but I think for a variety of reasons we’re all eagerly anticipating how President Obama chooses to devote his time after leaving the White House.

So, thank you all.  It’s been a genuine pleasure.  (Applause.)

2:15 P.M. EST

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:48:56 +0000 hardcastle 318071 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Press Briefings Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/press-briefing-press-secretary-josh-earnest-11717#comments Executive Order -- Amending the Civil Service Rules, Executive Order 13488, and Executive Order 13467 https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/amending-civil-service-rules-executive-order-13488-and-executive-order EXECUTIVE ORDER

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AMENDING THE CIVIL SERVICE RULES, EXECUTIVE ORDER 13488, AND EXECUTIVE ORDER 13467 TO MODERNIZE THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH-WIDE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND PROCESSES FOR SECURITY CLEARANCES, SUITABILITY AND FITNESS FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND CREDENTIALING, AND RELATED MATTERS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and as part of continuing efforts to modernize the overarching executive branch enterprise to ensure that all persons performing work for or on behalf of the Government are and continue to be loyal to the United States, reliable, trustworthy, and of good conduct and character, and by using mutually consistent standards and procedures, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Amendments to the Civil Service Rules. (a) Civil Service Rule II is amended as follows:

(i) The title to 5 CFR Part 2 is revised to read as follows:

"PART 2—APPOINTMENT THROUGH THE COMPETITIVE SERVICE; RELATED MATTERS (RULE II)"

(ii) The title to 5 CFR 2.1 is revised to read as follows:

"§2.1 Competitive examinations and eligible registers; suitability and fitness for civil service employment."

(iii) 5 CFR 2.1(a) is revised to read as follows:

"(a) OPM shall be responsible for:

"(i) Open competitive examinations for admission to the competitive service that will fairly test the relative capacity and fitness of the persons examined for the position to be filled.

"(ii) Standards with respect to citizenship, age, education, training and experience, physical and mental fitness, and for residence or other requirements that applicants must meet to be admitted to or rated in examinations.

"(iii) Standards of suitability based on character and conduct for appointment to a position in the competitive service, for appointment to a position in the excepted service where the incumbent can be noncompetitively converted to the competitive service, and for career appointment to a position in the Senior Executive Service.

"(iv) Minimum standards of fitness based on character and conduct for appointment in any other position in the excepted service of the executive branch, except for (A) positions in any element of the intelligence community as defined in the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, to the extent they are not otherwise subject to OPM appointing authorities, and (B) positions where OPM is statutorily precluded from prescribing such standards."

(b) Civil Service Rule V is amended as follows:

(i) 5 CFR 5.2(a) is revised to read as follows:

"(a) Investigating the qualifications, suitability, and fitness of applicants for positions in the competitive service, positions in the excepted service where the incumbent can be noncompetitively converted to the competitive service, career appointments to positions in the Senior Executive Service, and any other positions in the excepted service of the executive branch for which the Director has standard-setting responsibility under Civil Service Rule II.

"(i) The Director may require appointments to be made subject to investigation to enable the Director to determine, after appointment, that the requirements of law or the Civil Service Rules and Regulations have been met.

"(ii) The Director may cause positions to be designated based on risk to determine the appropriate level of investigation, and may prescribe investigative standards, policies, and procedures.

"(iii) The Director may prescribe standards for reciprocal acceptance by agencies of investigations and adjudications of suitability and fitness, except to the extent authority to apply additional fitness standards is vested by statute in an agency."

(ii) 5 CFR 5.3(a)(1) is revised by striking "disqualified for Federal employment" and inserting in lieu thereof "disqualified or unsuitable for Federal employment."

(c) Civil Service Rule VI is amended as follows:

(i) 5 CFR 6.3(b) is revised to read as follows:

"(b) To the extent permitted by law and the provisions of this part, and subject to the suitability and fitness requirements of the applicable Civil Service Rules and Regulations, appointments and position changes in the excepted service shall be made in accordance with such regulations and practices as the head of the agency concerned finds necessary."

Sec. 2. Amendment to Executive Order 13488 of January 16, 2009. (a) Section 1(a) of Executive Order 13488 is revised to read as follows:

"Section 1. Policy. (a) When agencies conduct fitness determinations, prior favorable fitness or suitability determinations shall be granted reciprocal recognition, to the extent practicable."

(b) Section 2 of Executive Order 13488 is revised to read as follows:

"(a) 'Agency' means an executive agency as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, but does not include the Government Accountability Office.

"(b) 'Contractor employee' means an individual who performs work for or on behalf of any agency under a contract and who, in order to perform the work specified under the contract, will require access to space, information, information technology systems, staff, or other assets of the Federal Government, and who could, by the nature of his or her access or duties, adversely affect the integrity or efficiency of the Government. Such contracts, include, but are not limited to:

"(i) personal services contracts;

"(ii) contracts between any non-Federal entity and any agency; and

"(iii) sub-contracts between any non-Federal entity and another non-Federal entity to perform work related to the primary contract with the agency.

"(c) 'Excepted service' has the meaning provided in section 2103 of title 5, United States Code, but does not include those positions in any element of the intelligence community as defined in the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, to the extent they are not otherwise subject to Office of Personnel Management appointing authorities.

"(d) 'Fitness' is the level of character and conduct determined necessary for an individual to perform work for or on behalf of a Federal agency as an employee in the excepted service (other than a position subject to suitability), as a contractor employee, or as a nonappropriated fund employee.

"(e) 'Fitness determination' means a decision by an agency that an individual has or does not have the required level of character and conduct necessary to perform work for or on behalf of a Federal agency as an employee in the excepted service (other than a position subject to suitability), as a contractor employee, or as a nonappropriated fund employee. A favorable fitness determination is not a decision to appoint or contract with an individual.

"(f) 'Nonappropriated fund employee' means an employee paid from nonappropriated funds of an instrumentality of the United States under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces conducted for the comfort, pleasure, contentment, and mental and physical improvement of personnel of the Armed Forces as described in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.

"(g) 'Position of Public Trust' has the meaning provided in 5 CFR Part 731.

"(h) 'Suitability' has the meaning and coverage provided in 5 CFR Part 731.

(c) Section 3 of Executive Order 13488 is revised to read as follows:

"OPM and Agency Authority.

"(a) Adjudications for determining fitness for contractual or nonappropriated fund employment. While the Office of Personnel Management establishes the minimum adjudicative criteria for suitability and fitness determinations for employment in the civil service pursuant to the Civil Service Rules, the heads of agencies retain the discretion to establish adjudicative criteria for determining fitness to perform work as a contractor employee or as a nonappropriated fund employee. Such discretion shall be exercised with due regard to the regulations and guidance prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management for the civil service and, for contractual work, subject to applicable regulations and directives of the Office of Management and Budget.

"(b) Investigations for determining fitness for contractual or nonappropriated fund employment. Contractor employee fitness or nonappropriated fund employee fitness is subject to the same position designation requirements and investigative standards, policies, and procedures as fitness determinations for civil service employees, as prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management under the Civil Service Rules.

"(c) Reciprocity. Fitness determinations and investigations for fitness determinations for contractor employees and for nonappropriated fund employees are subject to the same reciprocity requirements as those for employment in the civil service, as prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management under the Civil Service Rules."

(d) Executive Order 13488 is revised by striking section 4 in its entirety, and redesignating sections 5 through 8 as sections 4 through 7, respectively.

Sec. 3. Amendments to Executive Order 13467 of June 30, 2008, as amended. (a) The preamble to Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 3301, 7103(b), and 7301 of title 5, United States Code, and in order to strengthen and ensure a secure, efficient, timely, reciprocal, and aligned system for investigating and determining suitability or fitness for Government employment, fitness to work as a contractor or a nonappropriated fund employee, eligibility for access to classified information or to hold a sensitive position, and authorization to be issued a Federal credential, while providing fair, impartial, and equitable treatment, and protecting individual rights under the Constitution and laws of the United States, and taking appropriate account of title III of Public Law 108-458, it is hereby ordered as follows:"

(b) Section 1.1 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Section 1.1. Policy. (a) Executive branch vetting policies and procedures relating to suitability, contractor or Federal employee fitness, eligibility to hold a sensitive position, authorization to be issued a Federal credential for access to federally controlled facilities and information systems, and eligibility for access to classified information shall be aligned using consistent standards to the extent possible, shall provide for reciprocal recognition, and shall ensure cost-effective, timely, and efficient protection of the national interest, while providing fair treatment to those upon whom the Federal Government relies to conduct our Nation's business and protect national security.

"(b) The Government's tools, systems, and processes for conducting these background investigations and managing sensitive investigative information should keep pace with technological advancements, regularly integrating current best practices to better anticipate, detect, and counter malicious activities, and threats posed by external or internal actors who may seek to do harm to the Government's personnel, property, and information. To help fulfill these responsibilities, there shall be a primary executive branch investigative service provider whose mission is to provide effective, efficient, and secure background investigations for the Federal Government.

"(c) Executive branch vetting policies and procedures shall be sustained by an enhanced risk-management approach that facilitates early detection of issues by an informed, aware, and responsible Federal workforce; results in quality decisions enabled by improved vetting capabilities; and advances Government-wide capabilities through enterprise approaches.

"(d) The appointment or retention of each covered individual shall be subject to an investigation. Federal investigative standards established pursuant to this order shall be designed to develop information as to whether the employment or retention in employment in the Federal service of the person being investigated is clearly consistent with the interests of the national security, and the scope of the investigation shall be determined in the first instance according to the degree of material adverse effect the occupant of the position sought to be filled could bring about, by virtue of the nature of the position, on the national security."

"(e) Investigative agencies shall control the reports, information, and other investigative materials that are developed during the vetting process. Recipient departments and agencies may retain and use the received reports, information, and other investigative material within that recipient for authorized purposes (including, but not limited to, adjudications, hearings and appeals, continuous evaluation, inspector general functions, counterintelligence, research, and insider threat programs), in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (section 552a of title 5, United States Code). Investigative agencies shall ensure that their applicable System of Records Notices include, at a minimum, the authorized uses of the recipient departments and agencies such as those set forth above. Recipient departments and agencies shall not make any external releases of received information, other than to an investigative subject for the purpose of providing procedural rights or administrative due process; and shall direct any other requests for external releases of copies of the reports, information, and other investigative materials to the investigative agency. In the event redisclosure by the recipient agency is required by compulsory legal process, the recipient agency shall consult with the investigating agency. The investigative agency shall maintain the reports, information, and other investigative material in a system of records subject to the Privacy Act and ensure that any re-disclosure does not violate statutory restrictions or result in the unauthorized disclosure of: classified information, information subject to a claim of privilege, or information that is otherwise lawfully exempt from disclosure. Subject to Security Executive Agent authorizations consistent with section 3341(e)(5) of title 50, United States Code, the investigative agencies shall make reports, information, and other investigative material available, as necessary, to carry out the responsibilities set forth in this order, including but not limited to, authorized executive branch-sponsored research and initiatives for enterprise-wide continuous performance improvement of vetting policy and procedures, as permitted by law."

(c) Section 1.2 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Sec. 1.2. Applicability. (a) This order applies to vetting of all covered individuals as defined in section 1.3(h), except that:

"(i) the provisions regarding eligibility for physical access to federally controlled facilities and logical access to federally controlled information systems do not apply to individuals exempted in accordance with guidance pursuant to the Federal Information Security Management Act (title III of Public Law 107-347) and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 of August 27, 2004; and

"(ii) the qualification standards for enlistment, appointment, and induction into the Armed Forces pursuant to title 10, United States Code, are unaffected by this order.

"(b) This order also applies to vetting for employees of agencies working in or for the legislative or judicial branches when the vetting is conducted by the executive branch."

(d) Section 1.3(a) of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"(a) 'Adjudication' means the evaluation of pertinent data in a background investigation, as well as any other available information that is relevant and reliable, to determine whether a covered individual is:

"(i) suitable for Government employment;

"(ii) eligible for logical and physical access;

"(iii) eligible for access to classified information;

"(iv) eligible to hold a sensitive position; or

"(v) fit to perform work for or on behalf of the Government as a Federal employee, contractor, or nonappropriated fund employee."

(e) Sections 1.3(c) and 1.3(d) of Executive Order 13467 are revised to read as follows:

"(c) 'Classified information' means information that has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009, or a successor or predecessor order, or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) to require protection against unauthorized disclosure.

"(d) 'Continuous evaluation (CE)' means a vetting process to review the background of an individual who has been determined to be eligible for access to classified information or to hold a sensitive position at any time during the period of eligibility. CE leverages a set of automated record checks and business rules to assist in the on-going assessment of an individual's continued eligibility. CE is intended to complement continuous vetting efforts."

(f) Section 1.3(f) of Executive Order 13467 is deleted.

(g) Sections 1.3(j), (k), (l), and (m) are redesignated as sections 1.3(m), (n), (o), and (p); sections 1.3(g), (h), and (i) are redesignated as sections 1.3(h), (i), and (j); and section 1.3(e) is redesignated as section 1.3(g).

(h) New sections 1.3(e) and 1.3(f) are added to Executive Order 13467 to read as follows:

"(e) 'Continuous performance improvement' means assessing national policy and operations, adverse events, and emerging trends and technology throughout the Government's end-to-end vetting program. It relies on research to generate data-driven decisions and uses outcome-based measurements to adjust policy and operations.

"(f) 'Continuous vetting' means reviewing the background of a covered individual at any time to determine whether that individual continues to meet applicable requirements."

(i) Redesignated section 1.3(h) of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"(h) 'Covered individual' means a person who performs, or who seeks to perform, work for or on behalf of the executive branch (e.g., Federal employee, military member, or contractor), or otherwise interacts with the executive branch such that the individual must undergo vetting, but does not include:

"(i) the President or (except to the extent otherwise directed by the President) employees of the President under section 105 or 107 of title 3, United States Code;

"(ii) the Vice President or (except to the extent otherwise directed by the Vice President) employees of the Vice President under section 106 of title 3, United States Code, or annual legislative branch appropriations acts; or

"(iii) with respect to background investigations only, duly elected or appointed governor of a State or territory, or an official who has succeeded to that office under applicable law in accordance with Executive Order 13549 of August 18, 2010, and its implementing directive."

(j) New sections 1.3(k) and 1.3(l) are added to Executive Order 13467 to read as follows:

"(k) 'Fitness' means the level of character and conduct determined necessary for an individual to perform work for or on behalf of a Federal agency as an employee in the excepted service (other than a position subject to suitability), or as a 'contractor employee' or a 'nonappropriated fund employee' as those terms are defined in Executive Order 13488 of January 16, 2009, as amended.

"(l) 'Investigation' means the collection and analysis of pertinent facts and data to support a determination of whether a covered individual is, and continues to be:

"(i) eligible for access to classified information;

"(ii) eligible to hold a sensitive position;

"(iii) suitable or fit for Federal employment;

"(iv) fit to perform work for or on behalf of the Federal Government as a contractor or nonappropriated fund employee; or

"(v) authorized to be issued a Federal credential."

(k) Redesignated section 1.3(n) of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"(n) 'National Background Investigations Bureau' (NBIB) means the National Background Investigations Bureau, established within the Office of Personnel Management under section 1103(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, or a successor entity, with responsibility for conducting effective, efficient, and secure personnel background investigations pursuant to law, rule, regulation, or Executive Order."

(l) Redesignated section 1.3(o) of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"(o) 'Sensitive Position' means any position within or in support of a department or agency, the occupant of which could bring about, by virtue of the nature of the position, a material adverse effect on the national security, regardless of whether the occupant has access to classified information, and regardless of whether the occupant is an employee, a military service member, or a contractor.

(m) New section 1.3(q) is added to Executive Order 13467 to read as follows:

"(q) 'Vetting' is the process by which covered individuals undergo investigation, evaluation, and adjudication of whether they are, and remain over time, suitable or fit for Federal employment, eligible to occupy a sensitive position, eligible for access to classified information, eligible to serve as a nonappropriated fund employee or a contractor, eligible to serve in the military, or authorized to be issued a Federal credential. Vetting includes all steps in the end-to-end process, including determining need (appropriate position designation), validating need (existence of a current investigation or adjudication), collecting background information via standard forms, investigative activity, adjudication, providing administrative due process or other procedural rights, and ongoing assessments to ensure that individuals continue to meet the applicable standards for the position for which they were favorably adjudicated."

(n) The title to Part 2 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"PART 2—VETTING ENTERPRISE, RECIPROCITY, CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT, AND GOVERNANCE"

(o) Section 2.1 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Sec. 2.1. Vetting Enterprise. (a) The executive branch-wide vetting enterprise shall use, to the greatest extent practicable, aligned and consistent vetting policies, procedures, and standards, as determined by the Council and the Executive Agents. The Executive Agents shall issue guidance to implement this provision.

"(b) The aligned executive branch-wide vetting enterprise shall employ modern and consistent standards and methods, enable innovations with enterprise information technology capabilities and end-to-end automation to the extent practicable, and ensure that relevant information maintained by agencies can be accessed and shared rapidly across the executive branch, while protecting national security, protecting privacy-related information, protecting civil rights and civil liberties, ensuring resulting decisions are in the national interest and in accordance with due process requirements, and providing the Federal Government with an effective trusted workforce.

"(c) The investigative and adjudicative standards for fitness shall, to the extent practicable, be consistent with the standards for suitability. The Executive Agents shall establish in Federal investigative standards the elements of the level of investigation necessary for vetting for fitness.

"(d) All covered individuals shall be subject to continuous vetting under standards (including, but not limited to, the frequency of such vetting) as determined by the Security Executive Agent or the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent exercising its Suitability Executive Agent functions, as applicable.

"(e) Vetting shall include a search of records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including a fingerprint-based search, and any other appropriate biometric or database searches not precluded by law."

(p) Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5 of Executive Order 13467 are redesignated as sections 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7.

(q) New sections 2.2 and 2.3 are added to Executive Order 13467 to read as follows:

"Sec. 2.2. Reciprocity. Except as otherwise authorized by law or policy issued by the applicable Executive Agent, agencies shall accept background investigations and adjudications conducted by other authorized agencies unless an agency determines that a particular background investigation or adjudication does not sufficiently address the standards used by that agency in determining the fitness of its excepted service employees who cannot be noncompetitively converted to the competitive service. Except as described above and except to the extent authority to apply additional requirements is vested by statute in an agency, an agency may not establish additional investigative or adjudicative requirements (other than requirements for the conduct of a polygraph examination consistent with law, directive, or regulation) that exceed existing requirements without the approval of the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent exercising its Suitability Executive Agent functions or Security Executive Agent, as appropriate. Any additional requirements approved by the appropriate Executive Agent shall be limited to those that are necessary to address significant needs unique to the agency involved, to protect national security, or to satisfy a requirement imposed by law."

"Sec. 2.3. Continuous Performance Improvement. Executive branch vetting policies, processes, and procedures shall be supported by institutionalized enterprise-wide continuous performance improvement, which shall align with and support process improvements."

(r) Redesignated section 2.4 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Sec. 2.4. Establishment and Functions of Performance Accountability Council. (a) There is hereby established a Security, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council (Council).

"(b) The Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget, shall serve as Chair of the Council and shall have authority, direction, and control over the Council's functions. Membership on the Council shall include the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent, the Security Executive Agent, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. These four officials collectively shall constitute 'the Security, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council Principals.' The Director of the National Background Investigations Bureau shall also serve as a member of the Council. The Chair shall select a Vice Chair to act in the Chair's absence. The Chair shall have authority to designate officials from additional agencies who shall serve as members of the Council. Council membership shall be limited to Federal Government employees in leadership positions.

"(c) The Council shall be accountable to the President to achieve, consistent with this order, the goals of the executive branch vetting enterprise, and is responsible for driving implementation of reform efforts and enterprise development, ensuring accountability by agencies, ensuring the Executive Agents align their respective processes, and sustaining continuous performance improvement and reform momentum.

"(d) The Council shall:

"(i) ensure enterprise-wide alignment of suitability, security, credentialing, and as appropriate, fitness processes;

"(ii) hold agencies accountable for the implementation of suitability, security, fitness, and credentialing processes and procedures;

"(iii) define requirements for enterprise-wide reciprocity management information technology, and develop standards for enterprise-wide information technology;

"(iv) work with agencies to implement continuous performance improvement programs, policies, and procedures; establish annual goals and progress metrics; and prepare annual reports on results;

"(v) ensure and oversee the development of tools and techniques for enhancing background investigations and adjudications;

"(vi) enable discussion and consensus resolution of differences in processes, policies, and procedures among the Council Principals, and other agencies as appropriate;

"(vii) share best practices;

"(viii) advise the Executive Agents on policies affecting the alignment of investigations and adjudications;

"(ix) work with agencies to develop agency policies and procedures to enable sharing of vetting information consistent with the law and the protection of privacy and civil liberties and to the extent necessary for enterprise-wide efficiency, effectiveness, and security;

"(x) monitor performance to identify and drive enterprise-level process enhancements, and make recommendations for changes to executive branch-wide guidance and authorities to resolve overlaps or close policy gaps where they may exist;

"(xi) promote data-driven, transparent, and expeditious policy-making processes; and

"(xii) develop and continuously reevaluate and revise outcome-based metrics that measure the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the vetting enterprise.

"(e) The Chair shall, to further the goals of the vetting enterprise and to the extent consistent with law, establish subordinate entities, mechanisms, and policies to support and assist in exercising the Council's authorities and responsibilities, and facilitate, consistent with the executive branch's enterprise strategy, adoption of enterprise-wide standards and solutions to ensure security, quality, reciprocity, efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness. The Chair may assign, in whole or in part, to the head of any agency (solely or jointly) any function within the Council's authority or responsibilities pursuant to this order."

(s) Redesignated section 2.5 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Sec. 2.5. Establishment, Designation, and Functions of Executive Agents. (a) There are hereby established a Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent and a Security Executive Agent.

"(b) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall serve as the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent. With respect to the Suitability Executive Agent functions, the Director:

"(i) shall, pursuant to sections 1103 and 1104 of title 5, United States Code, and the Civil Service Rules, be responsible for suitability and fitness by prescribing suitability standards and minimum standards of fitness for employment; prescribing position designation requirements with regard to the risk to the efficiency and integrity of the service; prescribing applicable investigative standards, policies, and procedures for suitability and fitness; prescribing suitability and fitness reciprocity standards; making suitability determinations; and taking suitability actions;

"(ii) shall issue regulations, guidance, and standards to fulfill the Director's responsibilities related to suitability and fitness under Executive Order 13488 of January 16, 2009, as amended;

"(iii) shall promote reciprocal recognition of suitability or fitness determinations among the agencies, including acting as the final authority to arbitrate and resolve disputes among the agencies involving the reciprocity of investigations and adjudications of suitability and fitness;

"(iv) shall continue to initially approve, and periodically review for renewal, agencies' requests to administer polygraphs in connection with appointment in the competitive service, in consultation with the Security Executive Agent as appropriate;

"(v) shall make a continuing review of agency programs for suitability and fitness vetting to determine whether they are being implemented according to this order;

"(vi) may issue guidelines and instructions to the heads of agencies to promote appropriate uniformity, centralization, efficiency, effectiveness, reciprocity, timeliness, and security in processes relating to determining suitability or fitness; and

"(vii) shall, pursuant to section 1104 of title 5, United States Code, prescribe performance standards and a system of oversight for any suitability or fitness function delegated by the Director to the head of another agency, including uniform and consistent policies and procedures to ensure the effective, efficient, timely, and secure completion of delegated functions.

"(c) With respect to the Credentialing Executive Agent functions, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management:

"(i) shall develop standards for investigations, reinvestigations, and continuous vetting for a covered individual's eligibility for a personal identity verification credential permitting logical and physical access to federally controlled facilities and federally controlled information systems (PIV credential);

"(ii) shall develop adjudicative guidelines for a covered individual's eligibility for a PIV credential;

"(iii) shall develop guidelines on reporting and recording determinations of eligibility for a PIV credential;

"(iv) shall develop standards for unfavorable determinations of eligibility for a PIV credential, including procedures for denying and revoking the eligibility for a PIV credential, for reconsideration of unfavorable determinations, and for rendering the PIV credential inoperable;

"(v) shall develop standards and procedures for suspending eligibility for a PIV credential when there is a reasonable basis to believe there may be an unacceptable risk pending an inquiry or investigation, including special standards and procedures for imminent risk;

"(vi) shall be responsible for developing uniform and consistent policies and procedures to ensure the effective, efficient, timely, and secure completion of investigations and adjudications relating to eligibility for a PIV credential;

"(vii) may develop guidelines and instructions to the heads of agencies as necessary to ensure appropriate uniformity, centralization, efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness in processes relating to eligibility for a PIV credential;

"(viii) shall monitor and make a continuing review of agency programs for determining eligibility for a PIV credential to determine whether they are being implemented according to this order; and

"(ix) shall consult to the extent practicable with other agencies with responsibilities related to PIV credentials to ensure that policies and procedures are consistent with law including:

"(A) the Office of Management and Budget, in exercising its responsibilities under section 11331 of title 40, United States Code, section 3553(a) of title 44, United States Code, division A, sections 1086(b)(2) and (b)(3) of Public Law 114-92, and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 of August 27, 2004;

"(B) the Department of Homeland Security, in exercising its responsibilities under sections 3553(b), (f), and (g) of title 44, United States Code;

"(C) the Department of Defense, in exercising its responsibilities under section 3553(e) of title 44, United States Code, and division A, sections 1086(a)(1)(E), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of Public Law 114-92;

"(D) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, in exercising its responsibilities under section 3553(e) of title 44, United States Code, and division A, section 1086(b)(2) of Public Law 114-92;

"(E) the Department of Commerce and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in exercising their responsibilities under section 278g-3 of title 15, United States Code, and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 of August 27, 2004;

"(F) the General Services Administration, in exercising its responsibilities under division A, section 1086(b)(2) of Public Law 114-92; and

"(G) the Federal Acquisition Regulation agencies, in exercising their responsibilities under chapter 137 of title 10, section 121(c) of title 40, and section 20113 of title 51, United States Code.

"(d) In fulfilling the Credentialing Executive Agent function of developing policies and procedures for determining eligibility for a PIV credential and to protect the national security, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall coordinate with and obtain the concurrence of the other Council Principals. Agencies with authority to establish standards or guidelines or issue instructions related to PIV credentials shall retain the discretion as to whether to establish policies, guidelines, or instructions developed by the Credentialing Executive Agent.

"(e) The Director of National Intelligence shall serve as the Security Executive Agent. The Security Executive Agent:

"(i) shall direct the oversight of investigations, reinvestigations, adjudications, and, as applicable, polygraphs for eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position made by any agency;

"(ii) shall make a continuing review of agencies' national security background investigation and adjudication programs to determine whether they are being implemented according to this order;

"(iii) shall be responsible for developing and issuing uniform and consistent policies and procedures to ensure the effective, efficient, timely, and secure completion of investigations, polygraphs, and adjudications relating to determinations of eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position;

"(iv) may issue guidelines and instructions to the heads of agencies to ensure appropriate uniformity, centralization, efficiency, effectiveness, timeliness, and security in processes relating to determinations by agencies of eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position, to include such matters as investigations, polygraphs, adjudications, and reciprocity;

"(v) may, if consistent with the national security, authorize exceptions to or waivers of national security investigative requirements, and may issue implementing or clarifying guidance as necessary;

"(vi) shall serve as the final authority to designate an agency or agencies, to the extent that it is not practicable to use the National Background Investigations Bureau, to conduct investigations of persons who are proposed for access to classified information or for eligibility to hold a sensitive position to ascertain whether such persons satisfy the criteria for obtaining and retaining access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position;

"(vii) shall serve as the final authority to designate an agency or agencies to determine eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position in accordance with Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995, as amended;

"(viii) shall ensure reciprocal recognition of eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position among the agencies, including acting as the final authority to arbitrate and resolve disputes among the agencies involving the reciprocity of investigations and adjudications of eligibility; and

"(ix) may assign, in whole or in part, to the head of any agency (solely or jointly) any of the functions detailed in (i) through (viii) of this subsection, with the agency's exercise of such assigned functions to be subject to the Security Executive Agent's oversight and with such terms and conditions (including approval by the Security Executive Agent) as the Security Executive Agent determines appropriate.

"(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed in a manner that would limit the authorities of the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Director of National Intelligence, or the Secretary of Defense under law."

(t) Redesignated section 2.6 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Sec. 2.6. Roles and Responsibilities of the National Background Investigations Bureau and the Department of Defense.

"(a) The National Background Investigations Bureau shall:

"(1) serve as the primary executive branch service provider for background investigations for eligibility for access to classified information; eligibility to hold a sensitive position; suitability or, for employees in positions not subject to suitability, fitness for Government employment; fitness to perform work for or on behalf of the Government as a contractor; fitness to work as a nonappropriated fund employee, as defined in Executive Order 13488 of January 16, 2009, as amended; and authorization to be issued a Federal credential for logical and physical access to federally controlled facilities or information systems;

"(2) provide effective, efficient, and secure personnel background investigations for the Federal Government;

"(3) provide the Council information, to the extent permitted by law, on matters of performance, timeliness, capacity, information technology modernization, continuous performance improvement, and other relevant aspects of NBIB operations;

"(4) be headquartered in or near Washington, District of Columbia;

"(5) have dedicated resources, including but not limited to a senior privacy and civil liberties official;

"(6) institutionalize interagency collaboration and leverage expertise across the executive branch;

"(7) continuously improve investigative operations, emphasizing information accuracy and protection, and regularly integrate best practices, including those identified by subject matter experts from industry, academia, or other relevant sources;

"(8) conduct personnel background investigations in accordance with uniform and consistent policies, procedures, standards, and requirements established by the Security Executive Agent and the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent exercising its Suitability Executive Agent functions; and

"(9) conduct other personnel background investigations as authorized by law, rule, regulation, or Executive Order."

"(b) The Secretary of Defense shall design, develop, deploy, operate, secure, defend, and continuously update and modernize, as necessary, vetting information technology systems that support all background investigation processes conducted by the National Background Investigations Bureau. Design and operation of the information technology systems for the National Background Investigations Bureau shall comply with applicable information technology standards and, to the extent practicable, ensure security and interoperability with other background investigation information technology systems. The Secretary of Defense shall operate the database in the information technology systems containing appropriate data relevant to the granting, denial, or revocation of eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility for a sensitive position pertaining to military, civilian, or Government contractor personnel, see section 3341(e) of title 50, United States Code, consistent with and following an explicit delegation from the Director of the Office of Personnel Management pursuant to section 1104 of title 5, United States Code."

"(c) Delegations and designations of investigative authority in place on the date of establishment of the National Background Investigations Bureau shall remain in effect until amended or revoked. The National Background Investigations Bureau, through the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall be subject to the oversight of the Security Executive Agent in the conduct of investigations for eligibility for access to classified information or to hold a sensitive position; and to the oversight of the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent in the conduct of investigations of suitability or fitness and logical and physical access, as provided in section 2.5 of this order. The Council shall hold the National Background Investigations Bureau accountable for the fulfillment of the responsibilities set forth in section 2.6(a) of this order."

(u) Subsections (b) and (c) of redesignated section 2.7 of Executive Order 13467 are revised to read as follows:

"(b) Heads of agencies shall:

"(i) designate, or cause to be designated, as a 'sensitive position,' any position occupied by a covered individual in which the occupant could bring about by virtue of the nature of the position, a material adverse effect on the national security;

"(ii) establish and maintain within their respective agencies, an effective program to ensure that employment and retention of any covered individual within the agency is clearly consistent with the interests of national security and, as applicable, meets standards for eligibility for access to classified information or to hold a sensitive position, suitability, fitness, or credentialing, established by the respective Executive Agent;

"(iii) carry out any function assigned to the agency head by the Chair, and shall assist the Chair, the Council, the Executive Agents, the National Background Investigations Bureau, and the Department of Defense in carrying out any function under sections 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 of this order;

"(iv) implement any policy or procedure established pursuant to this order;

"(v) to the extent permitted by law, make available to the Council, the Executive Agents, the National Background Investigations Bureau, and the Department of Defense such information as may be requested to implement this order, including information necessary to implement enterprise-wide vetting policies and procedures;

"(vi) except as authorized by section 3341(e)(5) of title 50, United States Code, promptly furnish, or cause to be promptly furnished, to the Office of Personnel Management the information deemed by the Executive Agents to be necessary for purposes of record keeping and reciprocity including, but not limited to, the date on which a background investigation is initiated, the date on which the background investigation is closed, and the specific adjudicative or access decision made. The Executive Agents shall determine the appropriate timeline pursuant to which this information must be reported to the Office of Personnel Management. The Executive Agents shall maintain discretion to determine the scope of information needed for record keeping and reciprocity purposes. The Office of Personnel Management shall regularly provide this information to the Director of National Intelligence for national security purposes.

"(vii) ensure that all actions taken under this order take account of the counterintelligence interests of the United States, as appropriate; and

"(viii) ensure that actions taken under this order are consistent with the President's constitutional authority to:

"(A) conduct the foreign affairs of the United States;

"(B) withhold information the disclosure of which could impair the foreign relations, the national security, the deliberative processes of the Executive, or the performance of the Executive's constitutional duties;

"(C) recommend for congressional consideration such measures as the President may judge necessary or expedient; and

"(D) supervise the unitary executive branch.

"(c) All investigations being conducted by agencies that develop information indicating that an individual may have been subjected to coercion, influence, or pressure to act contrary to the interests of the national security, or information that the individual may pose a counterintelligence or terrorist threat, or as otherwise provided by law, shall be referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for potential investigation, and may also be referred to other agencies where appropriate."

(v) Section 3 of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

"Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Executive Order 13381 of June 27, 2005, as amended, and Executive Order 10450 of April 27, 1953, as amended, are revoked. By revoking Executive Order 10450 of April 27, 1953, as amended, there is no intent to alter the requirement for an investigation for national security purposes or the "clearly consistent with the interest of national security" standard prescribed by that Executive Order for making the determinations referenced in section 2.7(b)(ii). Further, suitability, fitness, credentialing, and national security eligibility regulations, standards and guidance issued by, or interagency agreements entered into by, the Council, the Executive Agents, or any agency pursuant to Executive Order 10450 of April 27, 1953, as amended, shall remain valid until superseded. Nothing in this order shall:

"(i) supersede, impede, or otherwise affect:

"(A) Executive Order 10577 of November 23, 1954, as amended;

"(B) Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981, as amended;

"(C) Executive Order 12829 of January 6, 1993, as amended; or

"(D) Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009; or

"(ii) diminish or otherwise affect the denial and revocation procedures provided to individuals covered by Executive Order 10865 of February 20, 1960, as amended; or

"(iii) be applied in such a way as to affect any administrative proceeding pending on the date of this order.

"(b) Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995, is amended:

"(i) by inserting: 'Sec. 3.5. Continuous Evaluation. An individual who has been determined to be eligible for or who currently has access to classified information shall be subject to continuous evaluation as further defined by and under standards (including, but not limited to, the frequency of such evaluation) as determined by the Director of National Intelligence.'; and

"(ii) by striking 'the Security Policy Board shall make recommendations to the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs' in section 6.3(a) and inserting in lieu thereof 'the Director of National Intelligence shall serve as the final authority';

"(iii) by striking 'Security Policy Board' and inserting in lieu thereof 'Security Executive Agent' in each instance;

"(iv) by striking 'the Board' in section 1.1(j) and inserting in lieu thereof 'the Security Executive Agent'; and

"(v) by inserting 'or appropriate automated procedures' in section 3.1(b) after 'by appropriately trained adjudicative personnel'.

"(c) Provisions of Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995, as amended, that apply to eligibility for access to classified information shall apply to eligibility to hold any sensitive position regardless of whether that sensitive position requires access to classified information, subject to the Security Executive Agent issuing implementing or clarifying guidance regarding requirements for sensitive positions. Nothing in this order shall supersede, impede, or otherwise affect the remainder of Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995, as amended.

"(d) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the:

"(i) authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or

"(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

"(e) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

"(f) Existing delegations of authority made pursuant to Executive Order 13381 of June 27, 2005, as amended, to any agency relating to granting eligibility for access to classified information shall remain in effect, subject to the exercise of authorities pursuant to this order to revise or revoke such delegation.

"(g) Existing delegations of authority made by the Office of Personnel Management to any agency relating to suitability or fitness shall remain in effect, subject to the exercise of authorities to revise or revoke such delegations.

"(h) If any provision of this order or the application of such provision is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order shall not be affected.

"(i) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person."

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) If any provision of this order or the application of such provision is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order shall not be affected.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 17, 2017.

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 23:05:08 +0000 jhill 318001 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Executive Orders Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/amending-civil-service-rules-executive-order-13488-and-executive-order#comments Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/presidential-nominations-sent-senate NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
 
Charles R. Breyer, of California, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2021. (Reappointment)
 
Christopher James Brummer, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring June 19, 2021, vice Mark P. Wetjen, term expired.
 
Todd Philip Haskell, of Florida, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Congo.
 
Jason E. Kearns, of Colorado, to be Member of the United States International Trade Commission for the term expiring December 16, 2024, vice Dean A. Pinkert, term expired.
 
Gayle A. Nachtigal, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2018.  (Reappointment)
 
Brian D. Quintenz, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring April 13, 2020, vice Scott O'Malia, resigned.
 
Danny C. Reeves, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2019, vice Ricardo H. Hinojosa, term expired.
 

 

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 22:03:00 +0000 jhill 317936 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/presidential-nominations-sent-senate#comments Messages to the Senate -- Serbia Treaties https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/messages-senate-serbia-treaties TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of Serbia (the "Treaty"), signed at Belgrade on August 15, 2016. I also transmit, for the information of the Senate, the report of the Department of State with respect to the Treaty.

The Treaty would replace the Treaty between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Servia for the Mutual Extradition of Fugitives from Justice, signed October 25, 1901 (the "1901 Treaty"), which applies to the Republic of Serbia as a successor state to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Treaty follows generally the form and content of other extradition treaties recently concluded by the United States. It would replace an outmoded list of extraditable offenses with a modern "dual criminality" approach, which would enable extradition for such offenses as money laundering, cyber-related crimes, and other newer offenses not appearing on the 1901 Treaty list. The Treaty also provides that extradition shall not be refused based on the nationality of the person sought and contains a modernized "political offense" clause. Finally, the Treaty incorporates a series of procedural improvements to streamline and expedite the extradition process.

I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to the Treaty, and give its advice and consent to ratification.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 17, 2017.

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 21:54:00 +0000 jhill 317951 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Presidential Memoranda Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/messages-senate-serbia-treaties#comments Messages to the Senate -- Kosovo https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/messages-senate-kosovo TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Extradition Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo (the "Treaty"), signed at Pristina on March 29, 2016. I also transmit, for the information of the Senate, the report of the Department of State with respect to the Treaty.

The Treaty would replace the Treaty between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Servia for the Mutual Extradition of Fugitives from Justice, signed October 25, 1901 (the "1901 Treaty"), which applies to the Republic of Kosovo as a successor state to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Treaty follows generally the form and content of other extradition treaties recently concluded by the United States. It would replace an outmoded list of extraditable offenses with a modern "dual criminality" approach, which would enable extradition for such offenses as money laundering, cyber-related crimes, and other newer offenses not appearing on the 1901 Treaty list. The Treaty also provides that extradition shall not be refused based on the nationality of the person sought and contains a modernized "political offense" clause. Finally, the Treaty incorporates a series of procedural improvements to streamline and expedite the extradition process.

I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to the Treaty, and give its advice and consent to ratification.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 17, 2017.

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 21:54:00 +0000 jhill 317946 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Presidential Memoranda Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/messages-senate-kosovo#comments Presidential Memorandum -- Delegating Authority under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/presidential-memorandum-delegating-authority-under-national-defense MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT:            Delegation of Authority to the Secretary of State
                             Under the National Defense Authorization Act for
                             Fiscal Year 2017

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority vested in the President by section 1287(c)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328) (the "Act"), to designate a senior official to develop guidance for the Global Engagement Center relating to relevant privacy and civil liberties laws, and to ensure compliance with such guidance.

Any reference in this memorandum to the Act shall be deemed to be a reference to any future Act that is the same or substantially the same as such provision.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 21:53:00 +0000 jhill 317941 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Presidential Memoranda Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/presidential-memorandum-delegating-authority-under-national-defense#comments President Obama Grants Commutations and Pardons https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/president-obama-grants-commutations-and-pardons WASHINGTON – Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to 209 individuals and pardons to 64 individuals: 
  
The President granted commutations of sentence to the following 209 individuals: 
  
•  Pablo Abrugar Abulencia –Silver Spring, MD 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 11, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 205 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Christopher Almaguer – Fort Worth, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; causing another to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 25, 2005); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (October 8, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Jerry Jerome Anderson - Macon, GA 
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; continuous violations of the Controlled Substances Act by occupying the position of management and organizer; conducting financial transactions with proceeds from illegal drug activities (four counts); Middle District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 19, 1991) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2020.  
  
•  Turner Ashe, Jr. - Indianapolis, IN 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and/or distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 31, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Roland J. Bailey - Washington, DC 
Offense: Unlawful possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; District of Columbia Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 22, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment. 
  
•  Terrance Baker – Detroit, MI  
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute controlled substance; possession of a firearm in furtherance of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; Eastern District of Michigan  Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 16, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Timothy Barker - Pleasantville, NJ 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; Southern District of New York Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 31, 2002) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Darryl K. Barnes - Philadelphia, PA 
Offense: Possession of more than 50 grams of cocaine base “crack” with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Pennsylvania Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (October 26, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Blake Demond Beard - College Park, GA 
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Northern District of Georgia Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 24, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Kim Davis Beckstrom - Ogden, UT 
Offense: Distribution of methamphetamine; District of Utah Sentence: Life imprisonment (June 16, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Calvin Biggs - Chicago, IL 
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute “crack cocaine”; possession of a firearm by a felon; Northern District of Illinois Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 2, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Anthony Billings – Clarksburg, WV  
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a playground; Northern District of West Virginia Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (May 19, 2005); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (January 12, 2012); amended to 235 months’ imprisonment (February 2, 2015) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Wayne Allen Bledsoe, Jr. - Temple, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute “crack” cocaine; aiding and abetting money laundering; Western District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $3,000 fine (December 1, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Robert Booker - Detroit, MI 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; operating a crack house; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of Indiana Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 13, 1995); amended to 360 imprisonment (July 26, 1996); amended to life imprisonment (October 2, 1997); amended to 456 months’ imprisonment (March 26, 2015) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Ulysses Simon Bouie - McDonough, GA 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; District of South Carolina Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 7, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Antwan Boyd - Bartow, FL 
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 25, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment. 
  
•  Henry Robert Brown - Westchester, IL 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, and a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $450,000 money judgment (February 7, 2011) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 292 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $450,000 money judgment remitted when his sentence expires.  
  
•  Michael Dwight Brown – Glen Burnie, MD
Offense: Distribution of cocaine; District of Maryland Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 17, 2002) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Raymond Brown – Roper, NC Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 5, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Valarian Jaymonn Brown – St. Petersburg, FL Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 27, 2012) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  William Brown – Covington, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine); possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine); aiding and abetting to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine); aiding and abetting to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine); Eastern District of Kentucky  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 11, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Damon Burkhalter - Lewisville, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; Eastern District of Louisiana Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 17, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Clarence Rex Burnell - LaBarge, WY 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; District of Wyoming Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (July 24, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019 and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Latasha Sherri Butler - Lubbock, TX 
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more cocaine base; Western District of Texas  
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 27, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  James Toves Cabaccang – Hawaiian Gardens, CA  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; District of Guam  Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 1, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 292 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Timothy Wayne Calhoun - Houston, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Texas 
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 28, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Rickey Calloway - Louisville, KY 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine (two counts); interstate travel and act in aid of an illegal business enterprise involving narcotics and controlled substances (two counts); possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of Kentucky 
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 17, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Adrian Antoine Campbell - Hampton, GA 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; Northern District of Georgia Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 28, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Paul Anthony Cass – Talladega, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; distribution and possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine base (11 counts); maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Northern District of Alabama Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 24, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Calvin Caver - Cleveland, OH 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Northern District of Ohio Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 2, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Alberto Chahia – Grand Forks, ND
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of North Dakota Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 23, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  John Choate – Albany, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 11, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Chris Coleman – Belton, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 12, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Kelvin Dandrea Cotton - Houston, TX 
Offense: Aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Texas 
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (October 14, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 240 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.  
  
•  Melvin Couch - Elk Creek, KY 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 10 kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Kentucky Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $10,000,000 forfeiture (February 15, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $10,000,000 forfeiture remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Terrance Cox – Jackson, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Tennessee  Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 30, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Iris Yolanda Davila – Reading, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin and 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Pennsylvania Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 30, 2000) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Lawrence Stafford Davis – Andrews, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as “crack cocaine”); possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base and aiding and abetting (commonly known as “crack cocaine”); District of South Carolina 
Sentence: 228 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (October 30, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment  
  
•  Robin Marie Davis – Roanoke, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine; Western District of Virginia  Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 18, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment  
  
•  Quincy Dennis - Cincinnati, OH 
Offense:         1. Attempt to distribute cocaine base (crack); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Ohio  
2. Possession of a prohibited object (marijuana) by a federal inmate; Eastern District of Kentucky 
Sentence:        1. Life imprisonment; $30,000 fine (September 12, 1997) 
2. Six months’ imprisonment (consecutive); two years’ supervised release (December 13, 2004) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of the $30,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Christopher M. DePree – Cape Girardeau, MO
Offense: Distribution of a substance containing five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 14, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 16, 2017.  
  
•  Vandarrell Leon Doe – Glennville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine 
base (crack); manufacture of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Southern District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 25, 2006) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.   
  
•  Donald Wayne Dowling – Odessa, TX
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute and a controlled substance, methamphetamine; Western District of Texas  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 15 years' supervised release (August 2, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Deante Drake – McKeesport, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 12, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Arthur Edmonds – Passaic, NJ
Offense: Controlled substance: sell, distribute, possess, dispense; District of New Jersey Sentence: 327 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 5, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Daryl Edwards – Lakeland, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 18, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Billy Ray Fairley, Sr.  – High Point, NC
Offense: Distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina 
Sentence: 288 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 12, 2002) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Dujuan Farrow - Richmond, VA 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia 
Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 7, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Stacey Lane Fisher – Waynesboro, VA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; prohibited person in possession of ammunition; Western District of Virginia Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (June 21, 2011) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Carroll Fletcher – Oxon Hill, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute more than 15 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms or more of cocaine base, and 20 grams or more of heroin; maintaining a residence for manufacturing, distributing and using a controlled substance; unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; unlawful possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; District of Columbia  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 19, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.   
  
•  Leonard Lyle Fontenot – Ville Platte, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, methylenedioxyamphetamine, and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; six years' supervised release (June 7, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Donnell Bartholomew Ford – Houston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; attempted possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (December 18, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $10,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.  
  
•  German Gallegos – Fabens, TX 
Offense: 1. Importing a quantity of marijuana greater than 100 kilograms; possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana greater than 100 kilograms; Western District of Texas 2. Supervised release revocation (Importation of a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute); Western District of Texas 
Sentence: 1. 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 16,  2008) 
2. 24 months' imprisonment (four months consecutive, 20 months concurrent) (July 16, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Jeffery Garrett – Indianapolis, IN  
Offense: Knowingly possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 3, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Darryl C. Gillard – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Distribution/possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine; Western District of Louisiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 18, 1994) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Ernest Milton Glover – Washington, DC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of phencyclidine; District of Columbia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 7, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Ernest Gonzalez – Mathis, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment (June 13, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Pablo Gonzalez, Jr. – Corpus Christi, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Southern District of Texas Sentence: 135 months’ imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 28, 1999); amended to 120 months’ imprisonment (February 27, 2015) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Kenneth Wayne Gragg – Hickory, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm and ammunition in and affecting interstate commerce by a convicted felon; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Western District of North Carolina Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 7, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Rogel Grant - Brooklyn, NY 
Offense: Distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (“crack”); distribution of more than 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”); possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (“crack”); Eastern District of Pennsylvania Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 19, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Fontelle Ricardo Groves – Clayton, NC
Offense:        1. Supervised release revocation (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base); Eastern District of North Carolina 
2. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina 
Sentence: 1. 51 months’ imprisonment (December 19, 2005) 
2. 262 months' imprisonment (concurrent); five years' supervised release; $2,100 restitution (March 7, 2006) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,100 restitution remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Antonio Merlin Harmon – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine and five grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 13, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Emma Jean Harmon – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of 
cocaine base (two counts); distribution of marijuana (two counts); distribution of cocaine base (two counts); convicted felon in possession of firearms; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 22, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Douglas Eugene Harms - Sioux City, IA 
Offense: Manufacture and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual, distribution of methamphetamine to a person under the age of 21, distribution of pseudoephedrine to manufacture methamphetamine, and possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, all after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; interstate travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprise; Northern District of Iowa Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 16, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 196 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Brian Keith Harvey – Largo, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment (June 23, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2018.  
  
•  Julius Shaner Hayes – Topeka, KS Offense:        
1. Supervised release violation (Possession with intent to distribute 
cocaine base); District of Kansas 
2. Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; 
District of Kansas 
Sentence: 1. 30 months’ imprisonment (March 4, 2004) 
2. 240 months' imprisonment (consecutive); 10 years supervised release (December 21, 2004) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Lionel Joseph Henderson, Jr. – Amelia, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 28, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Christopher Lamont Hill – Farnham, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute powder cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of crack cocaine, aiding and abetting (3 counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; using communication device to facilitate a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: Life plus 84 months’ imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 27, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 264 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Macheo Hill - Abilene, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting; convicted felon in possession of ammunition and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas 
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 30, 2002) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Wesley Hodge - Havelock, NC 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina 
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 28, 1997) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Roy Lee Hodgkiss – Austin, TX
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; manufacture of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and aiding and abetting; possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute same (amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana) and aiding and abetting (18 counts); money laundering and aiding and abetting (two counts); Western District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 7, 1991) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Adrien Tyrell Horne – Greenville, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina  Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 17, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Leonard Hoskins – Henderson, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and less than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 13, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.    
  
•  Willard Wayne Howard – Crittenden, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess five kilograms or more of cocaine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 4, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  David Louis Hunter – Loxahatchee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Florida Sentence: Life plus one month’s imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 2, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment. 
  
•  Jesse Jackson – San Antonio, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; District of Nevada Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 18, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Robert Jackson, Sr. – Sanford, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (three counts); Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 21, 1991) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Tony Lanier Jackson – Augusta, GA  
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride; Southern District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 1, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Tracy Jackson - Shreveport, LA 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute; Western District of Louisiana 
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 28, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Jeffrey Matthew Jeanetta – North St. Paul, MN  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine; distribution of in excess of 50 grams of 
methamphetamine; possession of firearm by a felon; District of Minnesota Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 14, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.   
  
•  Randy R. Jefferson – Madison, WI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Wisconsin Sentence: 294 months' imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (January 24, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Lonnie Jennings - Chicago Heights, IL  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; Northern District of Illinois Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 27, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Audrey Louis Johnson, Jr. – Louisville, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base, aid and abet; Western District of Kentucky  Sentence: 120 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 12, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Timmy Nathan Johnson – Caruthersville, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine; money laundering; felon in possession of a firearm; unlawful drug use in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 8, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Timothy Terell Johnson – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 16, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Tony Johnson – Evansville, IN  
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (mixture), 5 kilograms of cocaine and marijuana (mixture); Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 13, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Lamell T. Jones – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (crack); conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); aided and abetted in the possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Western District of Missouri Sentence: Life imprisonment; four years' supervised release (December 19, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Leonard Jones – Fayetteville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base, cocaine, and MDMA (ecstasy); District of Maine Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 21, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Dorian Jordan – Saint Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 25, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment  
  
•  Randolph Key – Johnston, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 2, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months' imprisonment  
  
•  Safarra Kimmons – Memphis, TN Offense:        
1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a 
mixture or substance containing cocaine base; Northern District of Mississippi 
2. Supervised release violation (Distribution in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base); Northern District of Mississippi 
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 8,  2009) 
2. 30 months’ imprisonment (concurrent) (October 8, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.   
  
•  Johnny William Lane – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Central District of Illinois Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 5, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Oscar Lopez, aka Oscar Lopez-Rivera – Chicago, IL 
Offense: 1. Seditious conspiracy; interference with interstate commerce by threats or violence; possession of an unregistered firearm; carrying firearms during the commission of violent crimes; interstate transportation of firearms with the intent to commit violent crimes; interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle (four counts); Northern District of Illinois 
 2. Conspiracy to escape, to transport explosives with intent to kill and injure people, and to destroy government buildings and property; aiding and abetting travel in interstate commerce to carry on arson (two counts); using a telephone to carry on arson (two counts); Northern District of Illinois 
Sentence: 1. 55 years’ imprisonment (August 11, 1981) 
 2. 15 years’ imprisonment (consecutive) (February 26, 1988) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Johnny Marton Lott – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); maintaining a residence to manufacture methamphetamine; Western District of Oklahoma Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 9, 2000) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Rodney Lamont Love - Nashville, TN 
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute Dilaudid (two counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (three counts); distribute Dilaudid; felon in possession of firearm (three counts); Middle District of Tennessee 
Sentence: Life plus 55 years’ imprisonment; 15 years’ supervised release (January 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 322 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Dwight J. Loving – Fort Hood, Texas 
Offense: Premediated murder; felony murder; attempted murder; armed robbery (four counts); U.S. Army Court Martial  
Sentence: Death sentence, dishonorable discharge, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances (April 3, 1989) 
Commutation Grant: Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, on the condition that Loving shall never have any rights, privileges, claims, or benefits arising under the parole and suspension or remission of sentence laws of the United States and the regulations promulgated thereunder governing federal prisoners confined in any penal institution. 
  
•  Connie Lee Lyons – St. Augustine, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine with intent to manufacture cocaine base, attempt to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to manufacture cocaine base; Middle District of Florida  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 15, 1991) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Chelsea Elizabeth Manning – Oklahoma City, OK 
Offense: One specification of wrongful and wanton publication to the internet intelligence belonging to the United States; five specifications of stealing, purloining or knowingly converting U.S. government records; six specifications of willful communication of information relating to the national defense; one specification of willful communication of information in unlawful possession; one specification of willful communication of information relating to the national defense by exceeding authorized access to a U.S. government computer; one specification of willful communication of information relating to the national defense obtained by accessing a U.S. government computer; five specifications of failure to obey order or regulation; U.S. Army Court Martial Sentence: 35 years’ imprisonment (August 21, 2013) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Adan Nieves Martinez – Grand Forks, ND
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substance; District of North Dakota Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 23, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Damand Matthews – Henderson, KY O
ffense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base and less than 500 grams of cocaine; Southern District of Indiana  
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (March 31, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted at the time of his release, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Clemith L. McCray - Champaign, IL 
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (crack) (two counts); Central District of Illinois Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (February 10, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Kevin C. McFerren – Memphis, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm (three counts); Western District of Tennessee Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 19, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Mirackle McGlown - Flint, MI 
Offense: Distribution of crack cocaine; Eastern District of Michigan Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 10, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Steven McKelvey - Greenville, SC 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; District of South Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment (July 25, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.   
  
•  Delvin McKinney – Hallandale Beach, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school (four counts); possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of crack cocaine; Southern District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 21, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Alphonse Milan – Gonzales, LA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Middle District of Louisiana Sentence: 212 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 12, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Bobby Eugene Mitchell – Adamsville, AL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride; use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Alabama Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 30, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.   
  
•  Tony Mitchell – Memphis, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in excess of 50 grams; felon in possession of a firearm (two counts); Western District of Tennessee Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 7, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Silas Junior Mobley - York, SC 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting the same; Western District of North Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 31, 2011) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Tracy Moorehead - Chicago, IL 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base after a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 20, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Cesar Moreno, Sr. – Roma, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (April 27, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted.  
  
•  Eduardo Moreno – Roma, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; money laundering, aiding and abetting (two counts); Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 30, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted.  
  
•  Lazaro Moreno – Roma, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (April 12, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted.  
  
•  Luis Moreno – Roma, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (April 27, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted. 
  
•  Doyle Ray Morgan – Old Fort, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine; Western District of North Carolina Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 28, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Stefan Valenti Mosley - Washington, DC 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 50 kilograms of cocaine base, and more than one kilogram of PCP; possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (five counts); possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine (three counts); felon in possession; District of Maryland 
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 13, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment. 
  
•  Aubrey Valdez Moton – Columbia, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, five grams or more of cocaine base, and a quantity of marijuana; District of South Carolina Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 27, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Muff’t Ishmael Mustaafa – Chicago, IL Offense:         1. Possession of cocaine base “crack” with intent to distribute; possession 
of a firearm by a felon; Central District of Illinois 
2. Possession of a firearm by a felon; Northern District of Illinois 
Sentence:        1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 9, 2001) 
2. 41 months' imprisonment (27 months consecutive and 14 months concurrent); two years' supervised release (April 30, 2003) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Willie Myers, Jr. – Pageland, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams of cocaine base and five kilograms of cocaine; District of South Carolina Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 15, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Andre Nelson - Norfolk, VA 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 15, 1999) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Gregory Newton – Stanton, NE
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (August 25, 2000) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Kenya Lasale Nicholson – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine base, cocaine powder and marijuana; use of a communication facility to facilitate the distribution of cocaine powder, cocaine base and marijuana (eight counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine powder, aiding and abetting; attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine powder; Western District of Oklahoma  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 28, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Wesley Eugene Northington – Evansville, IN
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 5, 2003) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Sean Anthony Ogle – Minneapolis, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance; District of North Dakota Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 28, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Frank Vincent Okiyama - Barrigada, Guam 
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of  methamphetamine; District of Guam 
2. Felon in possession of firearms; District of Guam 
Sentence: 1. 327 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (July 23,  1993) 
2. 120 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); three years’ supervised release (September 7, 1993) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Myron Dejuan Orr – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine (four counts); possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Iowa Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 12, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Arboleda A. Ortiz – Houston, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; aiding and abetting murder in relation of a drug trafficking crime; interstate travel with intent to commit murder for hire; Western District of Missouri Sentence: Death sentence; five years’ supervised release (December 19, 2000) Commutation Grant: Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.  
  
•  William Ortiz – Bronx, NY  
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; Southern District of New York  Sentence: 600 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 29, 1990) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.     
  
•  Michael Shavon Pate – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $800 fine (March 25, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Jose Ramiro Pena – Grandview, WA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 15 years' supervised release (October 6, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  David Javier Perez – Roanoke, VA
Offense: Distribute a measurable quantity of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia Sentence: 130 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (October 11, 2011) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Zeteral Perkins - Midland, TX 
Offense:  1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of  
cocaine base; distribution of more than 50 grams of cocaine base;     Western District of Texas 
2. Supervised release violation (Conspiracy to possess with intent to     
distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base); Western District of Texas 
Sentence: 1. 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 14,  2006) 
 2. 24 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (February 14, 2006) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Gethsemane Pita – San Francisco, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more cocaine base; District of Hawaii Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 30, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Raul Portillo – Tornillo, TX
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Western District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 28, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Michael Thomas Potts – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); Middle District of North Carolina Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 12, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Kenneth Jay Putensen - Mallard, IA  
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of actual  
(pure) methamphetamine to distribute and possess pseudoephedrine and to possess pseudoephedrine, after being convicted of two felony drug offenses; Northern District of Iowa 
2. Supervised release violation (Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana); Northern District of Iowa 
Sentence: 1. 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 25, 2008) 
2. 46 months’ imprisonment (concurrent) (September 25, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Deneise Ann Quintanilla – Mesquite, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 1, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Miguel Angel Quintanilla – Dallas, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 3, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Kunta Kenta Redd – Hampstead, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina  Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 8, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Bobby Wayne Reed – Fort Worth, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 50 grams or more of cocaine base and five kilograms or more of cocaine; distribution of cocaine; opening and maintaining a place for distribution of a controlled substance and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (November 26, 1996) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.   
  
•  Kenneth Louis Reid – Marshville, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 4, 2007) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Jerrod Richardson - Cleveland, OH 
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (crack); Northern District of Ohio Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 12, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Rodrikus Marshun Robinson - Pittsboro, NC 
Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); possessed with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of North Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 25, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Michael Sain – Holly Grove, AR Offense:        
1. Possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine 
hydrochloride; Eastern District of Arkansas 
2. Failure to appear; Eastern District of Arkansas  
Sentence: 1. 210 months' imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (January 21,  2000)  
2. 24 months' imprisonment (consecutive); three years' supervised release (February 10, 2005) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Nathaniel Salery – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting; Middle District of Alabama Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Bruce Samuels – Portsmouth, VA Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 30, 1993) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Jermaine Darnell Samuels - Peoria, IL 
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams or more of cocaine base and marijuana; Southern District of Iowa Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 17, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.   
  
•  Axel Santos-Cruz – Allentown, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Pennsylvania Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 30, 2000) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.   
  
•  Stephen Dale Schnepf - Stanhope, IA 
Offense: Possession of firearm by a felon; possession of firearm with obliterated serial number; possession with intent to distribute 32.5 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture; conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; use of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Iowa Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 6, 2007) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Adrian Scott – Baltimore, MD O
ffense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin and a mixture containing Fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing Fentanyl and aiding and abetting; District of Maryland Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 14, 1993) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Gino Velez Scott – Jacksonville, FL Offense:        
1. Conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Middle District of Florida 
2. Supervised release violation (Interstate travel in aid of racketeering); Middle District of Florida 
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 28, 2004) 
 2. 24 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 21, 2004) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 264 months' imprisonment.   
  
•  Daryl Joseph Shaw – Cambridge, IL Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; manufacture of methamphetamine; Central District of Illinois Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 1, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Kandis Karlotta Shipman – Godfrey, Illinois
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute actual methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 30, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Jeffery Wayne Shondel – Cincinnati, IA
Offense: Manufacture of methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 18, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.   
  
•  Brian Lafonta Smith – Alamo, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance: cocaine base; convicted felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of Tennessee Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (May 23, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 150 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Vincent B. Snyder - Wabasso, FL 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of Florida Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 19, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Dwight M. Spencer – Miami, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 13, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Kelzin Squirewell – Ridgeway, SC  
Offense: Felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; unlawful possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base, less than 500 grams cocaine, and less than 50 kilograms marijuana; using and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina  Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 5, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 138 months’ imprisonment.   
  
•  Douglas Lee Stallworth – Bristol, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine; Western District of Virginia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months' imprisonment. 
  
•  Dashon Coverta Starks – Lakeland, FL Offense:        
1. Conspiracy to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; manufacturing five grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida 
2. Supervised release violation (Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base); Middle District of Florida 
Sentence: 1. 360 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (April 28, 2006) 
2. 48 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (October 31, 2005) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 288 months' imprisonment.   
  
•  John E. Stewart – Greenville, KY Offense: Conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to 
distribute methamphetamine; aiding and abetting knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); Western District of Kentucky Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 15, 2008) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment. 
  
•  Johnnie Stewart - Madison, WI 
Offense: Distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; Western District of Wisconsin 
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 6, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Duffy Lynn Striker – Hanceville, AL Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); felon in possession of a firearm (three counts); Northern District of Alabama  Sentence: 430 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 4, 2003); amended to 420 months’ imprisonment (February 18, 2016) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Carlton Christopher Sullivan – Hyattsville, MD Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of firearm; District of Maryland Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 20, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Tyreese R. Taylor – Janesville, WI Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base (two counts); distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; Western District of Wisconsin Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 15, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.   
  
•  Dorminic Thomas – Memphis, TN Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Tennessee Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 2, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment   
  
•  Dwight A. Thomas – Independence, MO
Offense: Distribution of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Western District of Missouri Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 12, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment  
  
•  Gary Thomas – Ardmore, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than five kilograms of cocaine; Northern District of Texas  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 6, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Michael Shawn Thomas – Salem, OR
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of South Dakota Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (August 14, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Preston Bernard Thomas – Bradenton, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using cocaine and cocaine base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 19, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment  
  
•  Mark J. Thornton – Hamilton, OH
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Ohio Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (February 28, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Curtis Daryle Tinsley – Axton, VA  
Offense: Possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; distribution of more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 15, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 271 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Ronald Toms – Washington, DC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more cocaine base; using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense; carry a pistol without a license; District of Columbia Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years' supervised release. (April 11, 1997) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 352 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Andres Wilfredo Torriente – Fort Washington, MD
Offense:        1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine; District of South Carolina 
2. Violation of supervised release (Possession with intent to distribute marijuana); District of Kansas 
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 20, 2008) 
2. 12 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (January 5, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 163 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Lulummba Clay Travis - Lexington, KY 
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Kentucky Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 5, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Jessie L. Traylor – Paxton, IL  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; use of a telephone in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Central District of Illinois  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 8, 2010) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Yolanda Triana – Salt Lake City, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Oklahoma Sentence: 181 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 19, 2006); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (July 26, 2016) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Matthew Arrington Turner – Chicago, IL  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine; possess firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Central District of Illinois  Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 19, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Warren Lee Underwood – Walnut Springs, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; attempt to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of California Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 28, 1997) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.   
  
•  David Vaught – Aledo, TX Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Northern District of Texas  Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 25, 2010) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Ruben Velez – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (two counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (November 25, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Rashard Kimako Wagner – North Charleston, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; District of South Carolina Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 5, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Kelly Joe Walker - Moville, IA 
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual after a felony drug conviction; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture after a felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 28, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Raymond M. Walker, III – Evansville, IN  
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base in excess of five grams of cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of Indiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 9, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Timothy Michael Walker - Midland, TX 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 30, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment. 
  
•  Tressie Walker – Peoria, IL
Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Central District of Illinois Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 4, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2018.  
  
•  Ralph Darrell Warren - Toledo, OH 
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (seven counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school (two counts); interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprise; false statements in the purchase of firearms (three counts); possession of firearm by prohibited person; Northern District of Ohio Sentence: Life imprisonment; 16 years’ supervised release (May 31, 1991) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017. 
  
•  Kenneth Gary Washington – Vidalia, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana; money laundering conspiracy; conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine; unlawful use of communication facility (two counts); Western District of Louisiana Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 16, 2010) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Timothy Juan Washington – Aragon, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute at least five grams of methamphetamine; Northern District of Georgia Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 22, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Gregory Antonio Webber – Killeen, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of "crack" cocaine; possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of Texas Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,500 fine (December 2, 2009) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $1,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Christopher E. Webster – Clinton, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Central District of Illinois Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 23, 2010) 
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Terrance Wellons – Riviera Beach, FL
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (three counts); felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 924 (A)(2); carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (two counts); Southern District of Florida Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 23, 1999) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Brian Lee Wells – Cedar Rapids, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture at least 500 grams methamphetamine mixture and at least 5 grams methamphetamine actual; Southern District of Iowa Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $10,449.50 restitution (May 27, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, and $7,449.50 of the restitution obligation remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Robert James Pearson White – Manning, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; District of South Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 11, 2012) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $200,000 forfeiture remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment  
  
•  Alfred Leonard Williams – El Paso, TX Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (July 6, 1999) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Dante L. Williams – Richmond, VA Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 21, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  Kevin Williams - Memphis, TN 
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Tennessee Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 23, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Omar Demortius Williams – Temple, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of “crack” cocaine, a Schedule II narcotic drug controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a public school; possession with intent to distribute “crack” cocaine, a Schedule II narcotic drug controlled substance; Western District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (March 25, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.   
  
•  Randy Gean Williams – Haverstraw, NY  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; money laundering; Eastern District of Virginia  Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 24, 2000) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment.  
  
•  Rodney Anton Williamson – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: distributed cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of North Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 7, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Eric Wilson - Romeoville, IL 
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; recruitment of employees under the age of 18 (two counts); distribution of a controlled substance (12 counts); use of a communication facility, namely a telephone, in the facilitation of a drug trafficking crime (17 counts); laundering of monetary instruments; possession and use of a firearm in the commission of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Illinois Sentence: Life plus five years’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 10, 1997) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 424 months’ imprisonment. 
  
•  Jermaine Ali Wilson – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride; attempt to possess with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine hydrochloride; Southern District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 22, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  John F. Winkelman, Jr. – Renovo, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of in excess of  five kilograms of cocaine, and being over the age of 18, distributed or aided the distribution of cocaine to individuals under the age of 21; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine (four counts); possession 
with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine, aid and abet; possession of firearm in furtherance of felony drug trafficking offense; Middle District of Pennsylvania Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 12, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Terry Woods – Mebane, NC  
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee  Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 23, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.    
  
•  Keith Wooten – Plainfield, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; District of New Jersey Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $4,000 fine (April 2, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Brenz Kaiwaena Wright – Conley, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Middle District of Georgia Sentence: 327 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 15, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.  
  
•  Michael Wayne Wright – Long Beach, CA Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack; possession with intent to distribute crack (three counts); Southern District of Alabama Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 11, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 17, 2017.  
  
•  Richard Arthur Wright – Lodi, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); manufacturing of methamphetamine; Central District of California Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (March 19, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  
  
•  William Charles Wright - Shreveport, LA 
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of crack cocaine; Western District of Louisiana Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 23, 2010) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 17, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.  

The President granted pardons to the following 64 individuals: 

•  James Robert Adelman – Tulsa, OK 
Offense:  Conspiracy to embezzle by trustee or officer; embezzlement by trustee (five counts); making a false account (Northern District of Oklahoma) 
Sentence:  12 years' imprisonment; $350,000 restitution (February 27, 1989)  
  
•  John Clyde Anderson – Camano Island, WA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to import a controlled substance (Southern District of California) 
Sentence:  Three years’ imprisonment, suspended; three years’ probation, conditioned upon six months’ confinement; two years’ special parole (August 21, 1972)  
  
•  Zachary James Ray Anderson – Owensboro, KY 
Offense:  Conspiracy to defraud the United States by knowingly and without lawful authority producing false identification documents (Western District of Kentucky) 
Sentence:  15 months' imprisonment; two years' supervised release (April 17, 2003)  
  
•  Octavio Joaquin Armenteros, aka Octavio Joaquin Armenteros-Iglesias – Jacksonville, FL 
Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine (Middle District of Florida) 
Sentence:  46 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (November 3, 1995)  
  
•  Stephen Lee Arrington – Paradise, CA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine (Central District of California) 
Sentence:  Three years' imprisonment, three years' special parole (September 2, 1983) (as amended July 24, 1985) 
  
•  John R. Barker, aka Johnnie Ray Barker – Waterloo, IA 
Offense:  Illegal acquisition and possession of food stamp coupons (Northern District of Iowa) 
Sentence:  Two years' probation; $250 restitution (November 23, 1983)  
  
•  Yolanda DeAnn Beck – Peoria, IL 
Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base (Central District of Illinois) 
Sentence:  30 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $100 restitution (June 2, 1995)  
  
•  Lisa Ann Bell, fka Lisa Ann Link – College Park, GA 
Offense:  Misprision of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute (Northern District of Georgia) 
Sentence:  15 months' imprisonment; one year of supervised release, conditioned upon 80 hours of community service (February 10, 2003)  
  
•  Herbert Eugene Bennett – Lubbock, TX 
Offense:  Mail fraud; making and subscribing to a false tax return (three counts) (Northern District of Texas) 
Sentence:  Three years' probation, conditioned upon nine months' home confinement; $3,000 fine; $26,440.95 restitution (July 2, 1996)  
  
•  Carrie Ann Burris – Idaho Falls, ID 
Offense:  Conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine (District of New Mexico) 
Sentence:  Time served (114 days); five years' supervised release (November 15, 2007)  
  
•  Mitchell Ray Campbell – Twin Falls, ID 
Offense:  Distribution of cocaine (four counts); making a false income tax return (four counts) (District of Idaho) 
Sentence:  Three years’ imprisonment; three years’ special parole (December 12, 1985) 
Offense:  Distributing cocaine and codeine (two counts); felon in possession of a firearm (District of Idaho) 
Sentence:  Four years' imprisonment; six years’ special parole (consecutive) (June 4, 1986)  
  
•  Robert Jay Carlton – Palm Coast, FL 
Offense:  Conspiracy to smelt U.S. coins (Middle District of Florida) 
Sentence:  Two years' imprisonment (April 1, 1970)  
  
•  James Edward Cartwright – Gainesville, VA 
Offense: False statements to federal investigators (District of Columbia) 
  
•  Edward Casas – Northridge, CA 
Offense:  Aiding and abetting smuggling (Central District of California) 
Sentence:  Two years' probation; $1,000 fine (December 11, 2000)  
  
•  Kurt David Christensen – Portland, OR 
Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana (District of Arizona) 
Sentence:  60 months' probation (January 3, 2001)  
  
•  James Gordon Christmas III – Richmond, VA 
Offense:  Uttering worthless checks (23 specifications); wrongful use of cocaine (United States Army general court-martial convened at Fort Benning, Georgia) 
Sentence:  12 months' confinement; forfeiture of $350 pay per month for 12 months; reduction in rank from E-4 to E-1; $1,000 fine; bad conduct discharge (June 23, 1988)  
  
•  Kim Kathleen Drake, fka Kim Hahn and Kim Otto – Pocatello, ID 
Offense:  Bank embezzlement (District of Idaho) 
Sentence:  One month of imprisonment; five years' supervised release, conditioned upon three months’ home confinement; $500 fine; $10,944.37 restitution (November 23, 1999)  
  
•  Euphemia Lavonte Duncan, aka Euphemia Duncan-Stringer – Miami, FL 
Offense:  Bank fraud (Southern District of Florida) 
Sentence:  Time served; 36 months' supervised release; $15,680 restitution (June 8, 2000)  
  
•  Germeen Duplessis, fka Germeen Michael Hasson – Woodland Hills, CA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to launder money (District of New Mexico) 
Sentence:  Three years' probation (March 6, 2007)  
  
•  DeAnne Nichole Dwight, fka Deanne Nichole Bell – Tucson, AZ 
Offense:  Importation of a controlled substance (District of Arizona) 
Sentence:  Time served; five years' supervised release (July 10, 2000)  
  
•  Oladipo Oluwadare Eddo – Manassas Park, VA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine (Eastern District of Virginia) 
Sentence:  46 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (March 12, 2004)  
  
•  Trevor Chinweuba Ekeh, fka Chinweuba Trevor Ekeh – Houston, TX 
Offense:  Conspiracy to steal bank funds (District of Columbia) 
Sentence:  Three years' probation; $2,882.46 restitution (May 12, 1999) (as amended January 3, 2000) 
  
•  Andrew Dale Ellifson – Scottsdale, AZ 
Offense:  Conspiracy; fraud in connection with electronic mail-CAN-SPAM (District of Arizona) 
Sentence:  One year of probation; $1,000 fine (October 9, 2007)  
  
•  Claude Nathalie Eyamba Fenno, fka Claude-Nathalie Ebehedi Eyamba – Silver Spring, MD 
Offense:  Misrepresentation of citizenship (Middle District of Louisiana) 
Sentence:  Time served; one year of supervised release; $15,944 restitution (April 5, 2004)  
  
•  Marvin Glyn Ferrell, Jr. – Benton, MO 
Offense:  Mail fraud (Eastern District of Missouri) 
Sentence:  Seven months' imprisonment; two years' supervised release; $10,000 fine; $70,000 restitution (November 21, 1994) (as amended June 28, 1995) 
  
•  Sheree Lynn Fox – Williamsburg, VA 
Offense:  False bank entry (Eastern District of Virginia) 
Sentence:  Three years' imprisonment, all but four months suspended; three years' probation, conditioned upon the performance of 400 hours of community service (January 31, 1983)  
  
•  Arthur Martin Gilreath, aka Arthur Martin Gilbreath – Pine Knot, KY 
Offense:  Conspiring to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana (Eastern District of Kentucky) 
Sentence:  One year of imprisonment; four years' supervised release (February 14, 1992) (as amended January 8, 1993) 
  
•  Ronald Earl Green – Cameron, SC 
Offense:  Interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud (District of South Carolina) 
Sentence:  Three years' probation, conditioned upon four months' home confinement (November 15, 2002)  
  
•  Billy Lynn Greene – Oilton, OK 
Offense:  Unlawful disposal of hazardous waste without a permit and causing a criminal act (Northern District of Oklahoma) 
Sentence:  Five years' probation; $7,500 fine (June 1, 1999)  
  
•  Peter Dwight Heidgerd – East Point, GA 
Offense:  Conduct unbecoming an officer (United States Army general court-martial convened at Fort Gordon, Georgia) 
Sentence:  Forfeiture of all pay and allowances; confinement for one year; dismissal from service (July 17, 1989)  
  
•  Fred Elleston Hicks – Racine, WI 
Offense:  Acquiring and possessing food stamps in an unauthorized manner (Eastern District of Wisconsin) 
Sentence:  One year of probation; $250 fine; $305 restitution (September 16, 1983)  
  
•  Charles D. Hinton – Blevins, AR 
Offense:  Accessory after the fact (Middle District of Georgia) 
Sentence:  30 months’ imprisonment, suspended; three years' probation (April 11, 1972)  
  
•  Robert Kevin Hobbs, aka Kevin Hobbs – Louisville, KY 
Offense:  Conspire, confederate to commit wire fraud; aid and abet to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud Thornton Oil Corp. of money and property, cause funds to be transmitted, by means of wire in interstate commerce; engage in monetary transactions in criminally derived property that is of a value greater than $10,000 and derived from specified unlawful activity; aid and abet to engage in monetary transactions affecting interstate commerce in criminally derived property over $10,000 derived from wire fraud (Western District of Kentucky) 
Sentence:  One year of probation (December 6, 1999)  
  
•  LeAnton Sheldon Hopewell, Sr. – Huber Heights, OH 
Offense:  Aiding and abetting theft from interstate shipment (District of Columbia) 
Sentence:  Three years' probation, conditioned upon 250 hours of community service (March 12, 1990)  
  
•  Joseph William Hopkins – Cypress, TX 
Offense:  Distribution of cocaine (Northern District of Texas) 
Sentence:  Five years' probation, conditioned upon 120 days’ halfway house confinement; three years’ special parole term (December 14, 1984)  
  
•  Michelle Breazeale Horton, fka Michelle Diane Mulkey and Michelle Diane Breazeale – Belton, SC 
Offense:  Conspiracy to commit mail fraud (District of South Carolina) 
Sentence:  Five years' probation, conditioned upon six months' home confinement; $11,633.98 restitution (May 17, 2004)  
  
•  Mark Eugene Ivey – Gilbertsville, KY 
Offense:  Aiding and abetting altering odometer (10 counts) (Western District of Kentucky) 
Sentence:  Five years' probation, conditioned upon two months' community confinement (April 20, 1992)  
  
•  Lisa Ann Jandro, aka Joline Marie Herman – Brooklyn Center, MN 
Offense:  Conspiracy to commit money laundering; money laundering (District of Hawaii) 
Sentence:  33 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $7,500 fine (April 3, 2000)  
  
•  Annis Page Kilday-Douthat, fka Page Kilday Tino – Greeneville, TN 
Offense:  Aiding and abetting mail fraud (12 counts); aiding and abetting monetary transactions/interstate commerce (six counts); aiding and abetting money laundering/interstate commerce (23 counts) (Eastern District of Tennessee) 
Sentence:  26 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $10,000 fine; $28,334.08 restitution (May 31, 1994) (as amended March 20, 1996) 
  
•  Brian Seiji Kito – Los Angeles, CA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine (District of Hawaii) 
Sentence:  One year and one day of imprisonment; four years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (November 19, 1990) (as amended May 21, 1991) 
  
•  Matthew Steeves Lamb, aka Matthew Steves Lamb – San Antonio, TX 
Offense:  Aggravated identity theft (Western District of Texas) 
Sentence:  24 months' imprisonment; one year of supervised release; $56,926 restitution (April 4, 2008)  
  
•  Taquilla Monyetta Love – Prattville, AL 
Offense:  Importation of cocaine into the United States (Eastern District of New York) 
Sentence:  Four years' probation (December 19, 1995)  
  
•  Darryl Pernell Loveless – Fredericksburg, VA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to import cocaine; conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Western District of Washington) Sentence:  Five days' imprisonment, with credit for time served; five years' supervised release, conditioned upon 300 hours of community service (February 11, 1994)  
  
•  Randy Wayne Maxwell – Pine Knot, KY 
Offense:  Conspiring to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana (Eastern District of Kentucky) 
Sentence:  One year of imprisonment; four years' supervised release (February 14, 1992) (as amended January 8, 1993)  
  
•  Jack Donald McAlister – Canaan, NH 
Offense:  Conspiracy to transport stolen property; interstate transportation of stolen property (two counts) (District of Vermont) Sentence:  Three years' probation (May 30, 1975) (as amended October 14, 1975) 
  
•  Willie L. McCovey – Woodside, CA 
Offense: Willfully make and subscribe a false federal income tax return (Eastern District of New York) 
Sentence: Two years' probation; $5,000 fine (June 10, 1996) 
  
•  Patricia Marie McNichol – Wilmington, DE 
Offense:  Bank embezzlement (District of Delaware) 
Sentence:  Three years' imprisonment, all but three months suspended; five years' probation; $16,160 restitution (November 1, 1978)  
  
•  Michele Mellor, fka Michele Kotansky– Hazelton, PA 
Offense:  Health care fraud (Middle District of Pennsylvania) 
Sentence:  Two years' probation, conditioned upon 50 hours of community service; $1,227 restitution (September 21, 2001)  
  
•  Miriam Ortega – Miami, FL 
Offense:  Importation of cocaine; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (Southern District of Florida) 
Sentence:  Five years' probation, conditioned on 300 hours of community service (November 23, 1981) (as amended June 21, 1983) 
  
•  Roger Burel Patterson – Dahlonega, GA 
Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute marijuana (Northern District of Georgia) 
Sentence:  24 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised released; $5,000 fine; $970 restitution (January 14, 1999)  
  
•  Mary Frances Perez, fka Mary F. Pena – Deming, NM 
Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana (District of New Mexico) 
Sentence:  24 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (January 20, 2000)  
  
•  Jimmy Wayne Pharr – Belmont, MS 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; use of a communication facility to arrange delivery of marijuana (two counts) (Northern District of Mississippi) 
Sentence:  Six months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 2, 1990)  
  
•  Jimmy Alton Pierce – Hampstead, NC 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana (Eastern District of North Carolina) 
Sentence:  48 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 5, 1995) (as amended September 15, 1997) 
  
•  Cynthia Ann Raffensparger, fka Cynthia Ann Grange Hansen – Orem, UT 
Offense:  Fraudulent issuance of money orders; theft of government property (District of Utah) 
Sentence:  Two years’ imprisonment, suspended; four years’ probation; unspecified restitution (March 21, 1985) 
Offense:  False statement in a loan application (District of Utah) 
Sentence:  Two years' imprisonment, suspended; five years' probation (concurrent) (January 29, 1986)  
  
•  Corinda Rushelle Salvi – Philadelphia, PA 
Offense:  Conspiracy; aiding and abetting use of a counterfeit access device; aiding and abetting attempted use of a counterfeit access device (Eastern District of Pennsylvania) Sentence:  Three years' probation; $500 fine; $93.91 restitution (September 14, 2005)  
  
•  Ian Schrager – New York, NY 
Offense: Willfully attempt to evade income taxes due to the United States for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 by filing a false income tax return (Southern District of New York) 
Sentence: 20 months’ imprisonment; five years’ probation; $20,000 fine (January 18, 1980) (as amended December 18, 1980) 
  
•  Diana Simmons, fka Diana Bingaman and Diana Lopez – Chino Hills, CA 

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Middle District of Tennessee) 
Sentence:  30 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 24, 1998)  
  
•  Jennifer Lynn Smith, fka Jennifer Hanscom – Windham, ME 
Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (District of Maine) 
Sentence:  60 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (January 24, 1997)  
  
•  Kevin Sharod Smith – Great Falls, MT 
Offense:  Importing a quantity of marijuana (Western District of Texas) 
Sentence:  18 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release, conditioned upon the performance of 200 hours of community service (December 1, 1999)  
  
•  Danny Ray Softley, aka Dan R. Softley – Grafton, NE 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (District of Nebraska) 
Sentence:  30 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release, conditioned upon 200 hours of community service (April 12, 2001)  
  
•  Brian Keith Solum – Fargo, ND 
Offense:  Knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine HCI (District of North Dakota) Sentence:  36 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release, conditioned upon the performance of 150 hours of community service (April 19, 1993)  
  
•  Michael Anthony Tedesco – Murrysville, PA 
Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute in excess of 5 kilograms of cocaine and quantities of marijuana (Western District of Pennsylvania) 
Sentence:  12 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 7, 1990)  
  
•  Crystal Jo Varner, fka Crystal Woodard – Akron, OH 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine (as amended April 8, 1996) (Northern District of Ohio) Sentence:  60 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 20, 1989) (as amended April 8, 1996)  
  
•  Thomas Eric Wahlstrom – Marquette, MI 
Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine (Western District of Michigan) Sentence:  Six months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (July 17, 1995)  
  

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 21:46:11 +0000 hardcastle 317931 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/president-obama-grants-commutations-and-pardons#comments President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Anita Fineday – Member, Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children
  • Russ McDonald – Member, Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children
  • Valerie Jarrett – General Trustee, Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Susan Rice – General Trustee, Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Linda Smith – Member, Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences
  • Carole Johnson – Member, National Cancer Advisory Board
  • Suzy George – Member, National Security Education Board
  • Jason Collins – Member and Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Carli Lloyd – Member and Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Paulette Aniskoff – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Caitlin Cahow – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Pamela Coleman – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Chase Cushman – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Gabrielle Douglas – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Debra Eschmeyer – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Tara McGuinness – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Ibtihaj Muhammad – Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition
  • Robert Carrigan – Member, President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee 
  • Senator Angus King – Member, Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission
  • Benjamin Rhodes – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Shannon O’Neil – Member, Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission
  • Daniel Restrepo – Member, Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission
  • Kristie Canegallo – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
  • Christopher Fonzone – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
  • Maneesh Goyal – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
  • Rudy Mehrbani – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board 
  • Natalie Quillian – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board 
  • Roberto Rodriguez – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board 

President Obama said, “I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to serve the American people in these important roles. I know they will serve the American people well."

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 16:18:00 +0000 mtorrell 317916 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts#comments Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden on The Cancer Moonshot https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-cancer-moonshot World Economic Forum
Davos, Switzerland

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Madam Ambassador, thanks for putting together a crowd for us.  (Laughter.) 

Folks, I’m delighted to be here and happy to be back with so many distinguished people.  And I mean that sincerely.  Many of you know as much or more about the subjects I’m going to speak to than I do, including -- is Elizabeth Blackburn here?  Elizabeth, a Nobel Laureate, who found the BRCA gene.  As that old saying goes, she’s forgotten more about this than I’m going to know.

But, folks, I’m happy to be back here at the World Economic Forum at Davos to talk about the fight against cancer.  And I’m accompanied by Greg Simon, who is Executive Director of administration’s Cancer Moonshot and who will lead my Biden Cancer Initiative that I’ll launch after we leave office, which is in about 48 hours.  (Laughter.)  I hope I have a ride home.  (Laughter.)  I’ll talk about in a few moments.

But, Greg, where are you?  Greg has had a great deal of experience in this area and he’s led the initiative the last year for the President and me.

Last year, I arrived at the forum a few days after President Obama delivered his final State of the Union Address, where he announced, quite frankly to my surprise, that he was putting me in charge of a national Cancer Moonshot to double the rate of progress in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.

And I was not only genuinely surprised by the announcement, I was genuinely surprised by the response that I got both at home and abroad.  Here at Davos I was scheduled -- Klaus had asked me to deliver the keynote address on the promise and perils of the 

Fourth Industrial Revolution, and to participate in a few bilateral meetings over the remaining days.

But given the overwhelming interest in the Cancer Moonshot, the forum asked  me if I could quickly convene a roundtable of cancer experts, among whom Elizabeth was one of them, to discuss where we are and where we need to go in the fight against cancer.

And so I did on a few days notice -- we put together such a roundtable -- and it kicked off what for me was a year-long journey that’s taken me literally around the world meeting with the best cancer researchers, doctors, nurses, and patients, as well as philanthropists, heads of state -- they've all been part of it. 

But I’m back here today to outline how far we’ve come and what -- at least from our perspective -- what path we should chart moving forward.

And let me start with where we believe we are.  When we announced the Cancer Moonshot, I knew there would be a lot of skeptics out there who’d say, “well, here we go again. Haven’t we done this before?”  

President Nixon, when he declared War on Cancer in 1971, he was earnest and sincere and very committed.  But what makes the difference between then and now is -- the single big difference is that he had no army.  He had no resources.  He had no weapons.  He had no strategy to win.  

But after 45 years with many of you in this room doing incredible work, 45 years of progress, after decades of funding research, training scientists and physicians, treating millions of patients, we now have an army.  We now have powerful new technologies and tools, like:  Immunotherapy that -- by the way, even six, eight, 10 years ago was viewed kind of as a voodoo science out there.  It wasn’t really an integral part of this fight -- that makes cancer cells visible to the immune system so our natural defenses can destroy the cancer. 

Surgeons are using cutting-edge robotics to allow for more precise imaging to find the cancer and more precisely surgically remove the cancer in hard-to-reach areas.

Liquid biopsies that find early signs of cancer in the blood and tell you whether or not you have a particular cancer.    

These advances and many others provide hope that more precise medicines and diagnostics might greatly improve and detect and defeat cancer.  

But on so many levels, we’ve now reached an inflection point.  When the system was set up before, we thought there was basically only one cancer in different parts of the body.  We’ve now learned there are over 200 specific kinds of cancers.

After decades we thought we could tackle cancer one discipline at a time.  But that's not how cancer operates.  Cancer uses every tool at its disposal -- it hides from the immune system, it builds it own blood supply system, it uses viruses to spread, it engineers a friendlier environment, a cellular environment in which to survive.

And it knows how to spread through the body using pathways and mutations we don’t understand fully yet.  And cancer never gives up, it never surrenders.  That's why we have to use every discipline cancer does, and that's what we’re starting to in a way that's only really begun in the last five or six, seven years.

Five years ago as I said, oncologists weren’t routinely working closely with immunologists, virologists, geneticists, chemical and biological engineers.  And now they are. 

Immunotherapies are finding the keys to making cancer cells visible and targeting them.  Virologist are now working on vaccines to prevent and treat cancers. Geneticists are cataloging mutations that drive cancers.  And chemical and biological engineers are helping engineer environments hostile to cancer.  And they’re all working together.

Like many of you, I decided to become acquainted with this after someone close to me in my family was diagnosed.  You tend to try to learn everything you possibly can once that occurs.  And I knew little about the discipline.  And like I said, what impressed me was that so much of this is really very brand new in terms of the collaboration.  

Also, there’s a recognition that by aggregating and sharing millions of patients’ data, like genomics, family history, lifestyles, treatment outcomes and by using supercomputing power that we can do now a million billion calculations a second, we can understand why one therapy or treatment works for one person and not for another for the same exact cancer.

And today, it was just announced that two major data sharing organizations, who were part of the roundtable.  Five of them were here when we had the roundtable last year, two of them -- Cancer LinQ and another that focuses on genomic information called Project Genie -- are joining forces to accelerate data sharing of real-world clinical data that will improve cancers.

After the meeting we had here, I asked the five groups that we're focusing on data sharing -- on aggregating data, I asked them whether they’d meet with me in Washington privately.  And they came to my office, and we sat for an hour and a half.  And I asked each of them to explain to me -- help educate me as to what they were doing.  And I remember when we finished saying something that will not surprise you all, but you said, didn't you know that, Joe?  I looked and said, but it sounds like you're all doing the same thing.  No, I’m not being facetious.  I said, you've all just made the case to me the more data you can aggregate across a spectrum, the more likely you are to find patterns, the most likely you are to find cures and/or treatments.  Why aren’t you talking to one another? 

And I remember afterwards several of them walking up to me as we were having coffee and pulling me aside and say, keep this up.  Keep this up.  But I didn't -- I had nothing to do with this sharing and collaboration.  But the point is the mood is changing as I feel it just in the last year.

I also learned from the best minds in the world that the strategy we’ve been following is equivalent to fighting the last war.  The model of scientific breakthroughs for most of the history was one of individual achievement, Jonas Salk in the laboratory finding the -- creating the polio vaccine.  There was little -- if any -- sharing among hospitals and researchers, and little ability to share even if they wanted to share. 

And across the world, our funding processes and systems of academic research primarily follow that old model.  So the Moonshot has fundamentally been about two things since I began it.  And the first objective I’ve had was to inject the urgency of now into this fight and double the rate of progress and do in five years instead of 10.

And when I say urgency of now, the brightest minds I’ve met in the world -- and I’ve been doing my job and mostly working on strategic doctrine and foreign policy my career -- the brightest people I’ve met, I’ve met now and spoken with over 13,000 cancer researchers in the two major organizations.  I’ve met with scores and scores of leaders in the field.  I’ve met with seven or eight Nobel Laureates in the field.  And the amazing thing to me is that they're all working so hard.  But with a few changes, even without learning more information, we could probably extend the life of a lot of people.

The one thing that the clinicians can tell you is -- and those of you who are clinicians -- how many times have you had a patient say to you, Doctor, can you just -- I know you can't save me, but can you just give me two more weeks so I can watch her get married, doc?  Doc, can you just keep me around for another month so I can see my first grandchild born, doc?  Doc, I’m not asking for anything except can you just extend a little bit?  I might be able to get my finances in order.  

You hear that all the time.  I heard that at my son’s beside.  He wasn’t afraid of dying, but he wanted to settle a few things.  Greater collaboration with no new breakthroughs can have the possibility of being able to say to one in four or five of those patients, yes, I can figure a way, just a little longer.

The second thing, objective I had was changing the culture, coming up with a new strategy for this fight.  Not for the strategy for the last fight.

We have four primary structures for organizing the Moonshot.  One, we established the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force to reimagine the federal government’s fight and role in this fight to break down silos in the federal government.  I went all over the world literally asking for suggestions:  What should we be doing better?

Under this task force, which I engaged and Greg met with members of each of the departments at least once every two weeks for updates on progress that was being made on things we were trying to do, we engaged everyone from the National Institutes of Health, to the Defense Department and to Veterans Affairs -- but to some agencies never been involved.  NASA -- everybody would go why in the hell are they bringing NASA into this, or the Patent Office, or the Environmental Protection Agency, or the White House policy councils, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Office of Management and Budget, they all have a role to play.   

Secondly, we hosted a Cancer Moonshot Summit in June.  Some of you participated in that summit.  We held it in D.C., over 400 of you came.  We had roundtables on various aspects of dealing with cancer.  Some of you were there, made significant contributions.  But interestingly enough, we simulcast, in effect, these roundtables where 7,000 people around the country gathered in 300 local summits held in every single state, including Guam and Puerto Rico to try to again inject this notion of the urgency of now.

And the summit workshops launched a torrent of new collaborations and innovative initiatives across all sectors, and they continue to this day.

For example, we got a call from IBM.  How would you like to borrow Watson?  They came to us and offered Watson, their supercomputer, to partner with the largest hospital in the world, the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs.  So now a veteran can get her genome or tumor sequenced at Walter Reed, and they're very good at it and they can do it quickly, and then Watson will search all specific therapies that would target that particular cancer and provide recommendations to the physicians and tumor boards to use in choosing the right therapy.  So you increase the prospect that the first time out will be the best shot out.

In June, I was at the University of Chicago, where we launched the National Cancer Institute Genomic Data Commons.  The purpose was to bring together cancer sequencing data and related patient information from the Cancer Genome Atlas.  Well, that atlas comprised roughly 14,000 individuals with that data.  Now the database has grown now to over 30,000 individuals.  And our international agreements are going to add tens of thousands of more patients’ data.

And Amazon came along and says, look, we’ll agree to make their cloud computing available to help us store these enormous amounts of data that this project is going to generate.

But the important thing is, that it’s a totally open-access database, able to be accessed by any researcher in the world, eliminating the silos.  It did not exist a year ago.  And this data has already been accessed and used more than 5 million times, and this was in the spring of last year -- increasing chances exponentially that we may find some answers. 

We’ve also transformed access to cancer clinical trials.  In the United States only 4 percent of the people diagnosed with cancer ever become part of a clinical trial, which is how research advances and may be the only possibility of saving the patient’s life.  Maybe.

So we engaged the President’s Innovation Fellows, some of the top, young technology minds in the world, mostly from Silicon Valley, who have dedicated a year to come in.  These are trying to modernize the whole government.  So I went to them and said, look, there’s no way anyone can rationally go and figure out that that oncologist from Bemidji, Minnesota, who has come up with an accurate diagnosis doesn't know where to turn.  He’s not near one of the great cancer centers in the United States.  So where do they go?

There was a site that said you could click on and find out where there were cancer trials.  But it was useless.  So these brilliant, young -- they range in age from 25 to 40 thereabouts -- within three weeks put together a site.  They can go now.  It’s trials.cancer.gov.  Type in real words like breast cancer, leukemia, and ZIP codes, age, and then find a list of clinical trials near you or your loved one that previously you could not have easily found.  And find the people equally excited about this are the pharmaceutical companies.  They have trouble finding enough people for their trials.

You and your doctor can now find out what trials are available for your types of cancer near you. 

Another example is NASA I mentioned earlier, working with the National Cancer Institute, establishing a new collaboration to study the biological effects of particle beam radiotherapy, a novel technology that may deliver a more targeted dose of radiation to tumor cells.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advancing the effort to promote cancer vaccines like the HPV vaccine that are safe and effective strategies for combatting viruses -- for various types of cancer.

The Moonshot also initiated the Blood Profiling Atlas Pilot. Representatives from the government, academia, and pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies are launching partnerships to create an open database for liquid biopsies to accelerate the development of safe and effective blood profiling diagnostic technologies and our patient will benefit from this.

Stanford Medicine and the VA in Palo Alto are collaborating to establish the Hadron Center in Palo Alto, California, for the potential benefit of both Veteran and non-Veteran cancer patients. 

The Hadron Center will utilize particle-beam radiotherapy using beams of charged particles such as proton and helium, carbon, or other ions to allow more precise targeting everywhere inside the patient's body, potentially -- we don't know yet -- resulting in less damage to healthy cells.

The reason NASA got in the game is they know more about radiation than anybody in the world, so they're participating.  

Earlier this year we announced what we call the NCI -- the National Cancer Institute Formulary. This is a public-private partnership with more than two dozen pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies which allows researchers to test existing drugs for new combinations that could be effective against different types of cancer. 

This is how it works.  When you go into a bar and you listen to a song and you put money in a jukebox, you don’t have to negotiate a licensing agreement with each song from the record company you're about to play.  That licensing agreement has already been worked out.

But until recently, if you waited to use -- you've wanted to use a combination of drug, you had to go through each company, get permission to use each different drug.  It literally could take years.  And a lot of people got lost in the meantime that might have been saved. 

Now, the NCI has already worked out the details of intellectual property, access, and licensing so researchers and companies know there is an agreement on licensing if the drug is successful and how the intellectual property will be shared. 

This new system just launched.  And I urge as many of you as possible to join it, participate, and share.  It will make an enormous difference potentially.

Combination drugs have the potential to do for cancers what many of you have done for HIV.  There was total collaboration in HIV. 

There are dozens of other actions that you can read about in WhiteHouse.gov/CancerMoonshot. 

The third thing we did was we created a Cancer Moonshot blue ribbon panel at our national institute to recommend research that holds the most promise for additional investments.  Some of you were named to that panel.  My dad used to have an expression.  He said, Joey, if everything is equally important to you, nothing is important to you.  What do the best minds in the world think are the best therapies or technologies we should be pursuing as rapidly as we can, in what order?  

That blue ribbon panel delivered a report with transformative recommendations to change the research blueprint for the National Cancer Institute.

For example:  Launching a 3-D Cancer Atlas.  Oncologists today rely on past experience, consultation with multidisciplinary teams, published studies, and other sources to make diagnosis and treatment decisions. 

But providing a web-based catalog of the genetic lesions and cellular interactions in a tumor, immune and other cells in the tumor, the microenvironment -- one that maps the evolution of tumor -- from development to metastasis, it’s going to enable researchers to develop predictive models for tumor progression and response to treatment that will ultimately help oncologists make informed treatment decisions for each patient

Now none of this is a guaranteed promise.  But it all holds significant potential.  Establishing a national network of cancer patients that, with appropriate privacy safeguards, will provide them with a genetic profile of their own cancer and let them “pre-register” for clinical trials, so they can be contacted when a trial in which they may be eligible opens; establishing clinical trials networks devoted exclusively to immunotherapies for pediatric and adult cancers would advance research in this area and could lead to new vaccines to prevent cancers of all types in children, as well as adults; expanding the use of proven cancer prevention and early detection strategies.  

Several cancer prevention and risk reduction strategies have proven to be highly effective, including tobacco control, colorectal cancer screening, HPV vaccine. 

Boosting prevention research to identify ways to increase the uptake of these strategies, especially in medically underserved populations could greatly reduce the incidence and death from lung and other tobacco-related cancers, colorectal cancer, cervical and other HPV-related cancers, respectively. 

Here’s why it matters.  By some estimates, at least 50 percent of the cancers can be prevented, and that prevention falls into three major categories: 

One:  Personal actions on the part of the individual, such as living a healthier lifestyle, avoiding cancer risk behaviors, like smoking.

The second way of prevention is the responsibilities of government and industry to reduce carcinogens and toxins in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we grow our food in. 

And the third is to make available existing diagnostic tools to all communities -- because we know the earlier cancer is detected, the better prospect for an outcome that's good.

But there is a fourth outcome, an entirely new set of diagnostic tools that can detect cancers earlier, new technologies like hereditary markers.  Instead of waiting until you're 48 years old to get your first colonoscopy, if they have the marker, get it when you're 16 years old. 

And by continuing to keep an eye on it, prevent you from being the victim of dying of cancer -- of that cancer.

The fourth -- and in addition to the task force report, I was asked to deliver a report to the President in October that included the progress made ‘16 and my assessment -- and it’s only mine of what the road ahead looks like.  Obviously, I would like you all to look at that and critique it. 

The report lays out the changes we need in our view to implement -- to implement at our research institutions and universities to align our research system with the realities and opportunities of the 21st century.  

And all this has helped us make progress on the international fight against cancer.  

Last April I delivered remarks at conference on Regenerative Medicine hosted by the Vatican and that the Pope addressed as well.  I laid out what I thought to be the guideposts for international collaboration through the Moonshot.

One:  Focus on prevention, access, and affordability around the world.

Two:  Raise the urgency of international response to cancer, reflecting the same urgency we bring to infectious disease threats.  There are 16 Million people who will die from cancer this year.  And according to many of the experts in the audience, if we don’t do anything about it, there will be 26 million dying by 2020.

Increase research and patient data sharing among researchers, institutions, foundations, nations.  Support standardization of data and biorepositories.  Increase government investment and cancer research -- we should increase it to capitalize on this moment, of this inflection point.

Since then, the United States has signed 10 memoranda of understanding in nine countries.   I’m supposedly an expert on foreign policy.  An expert is anyone from out of town with a briefcase.  (Laughter.)  I have traveled over 1.3 million miles for the President, meeting with heads of state, most of whom I’ve known most of my career.  I was recently in the Gulf, the Persian Gulf recently, seven months ago, talking about the fight against ISIS with a head of state, sitting on the Gulf, the Persian Gulf, talking about -- he had his people lined up on one side of a table outside and I had mine for a dinner.  And before we began, he said, Mr. Vice President, before we talk about ISIS -- they call it Daesh -- before we talk about Daesh, can we talk about cancer?  We want to help.

In that tour through the Middle East in Jordan and Israel, can we talk about cancer?  

The President put together and 50 heads of state came in the East Room with rectangular tables lined up around the entire room with 50 heads of state on how to deal with the nuclear proliferation.  The President sat in front of the fireplace.  And I was directly across from him, my back to that famous hallway.  Before he began he said, I know a lot of you want to talk to Joe about cancer, but let’s deal with the nuclear issue first.  (Laughter.)  He wasn’t being facetious.  The result -- whether I was in Melbourne, Japan, the UAE, we've signed -- we were sought after and signed 10 detailed memorandum of understanding as to how we should jointly proceed.

These have focused on data sharing and advanced research. 

Last month, we saw the United States Congress come together.  I know I’m supposedly the guy that Republicans and Democrats like in the Congress.  I actually respect the Congress.  That's part of the problem that people think I have.  But I genuinely do.  And we could get anything through the Congress.

But through the leadership of some Republicans in the House and Democrats in the Senate, they put together what they call the 21st Century Cures Act, and no one thought we could pass it.  At the very waning hours, we were able to go up and get them jointly to appropriate and commit to 6.3 billion in biomedical and health-related research, including $1.8 billion for the National Cancer Institute to invest in additional research as part of the Moonshot.  This is the one bipartisan thing that exists, and I pray will continue to exist in the new administration. 

But it also is an international consensus.  So we have enormous opportunities I believe with greater collaboration, but organizing a different pathway than we've been following.

This investment, in my view, should be matched by other nations who agree that now is the time to double-down in our fight against cancer.  And it’s my hope, as I’ve already spoken to the Vice President-elect, who is a good man, about to come in to be Vice President in four days or three days, about my willingness to continue to work with him and the incoming administration to be committed and enthusiastic as we are to the goal of ending cancer as we know it.  And my prayer is they will do that, as well. 

But I know those in the private sector, philanthropy, at academic institutions and non-profit organizations, will continue the work regardless of what the next administration does.  There’s too much momentum here.  And this will include me as a private citizen.  

I do not have -- I hope I’m well informed, but I don't have the expertise most of you have, but I’ve found I have the power to convene and thus far I’ve been viewed as a fair dealer.  I have no interest in any one institution or another.  And I maybe even have the ability to occasionally shame so people move in directions that up to now there’s been unwillingness to move because of the culture that's developed.

After I leave office, after meeting with some very significant people who many of you know -- a coupe in this room as well -- who have encouraged me to set up the Biden Cancer Initiative with similar goals of the Moonshot, changing the way we do business in cancer research and development and providing cancer care.

The initiative will focus on, one, improving data standards and giving patients a mechanism to share their data, so they can help many other patients going through the same fight; and so researchers can use the data to find new patients and new cures.  Most people are not experts like you.  They think that already exists, that patients actually own their own data; that people -- they actually have access to their own data.  I was with one particular researcher, and he said, well, we're having trouble getting patients.  And I said, I tell you what, I’ll make you a bet -- the press was with me, like here -- I said, I bet if I ask them, their networks will give me 15 minutes of primetime to talk about this.  I said, if I pick one single repository, I’ll bet you I get minimum between 2 million and 10 million patients who the next morning will give you their data, say they’ll send it there.  And this researcher said, well, yes, maybe you have a point.  

Guys, this is not -- this is within our wheelhouse.  That's the easy part.  The hard part is what you all do.

Working with community care organizations to help improve access to care and quality of care is another focus that we'll have.  So outcomes aren’t wholly dictated by your ZIP code.

And convening a national conversation with pharmaceutical companies, insurers, biotech companies, and others to ensure patients can afford treatments.  Too many Americans are forced to sell their homes, go into bankruptcy, just so a loved one can get the care and hope for the cure.  That needs to change.

And these companies need to have serious remuneration.  They're taking real risks.  But there’s got to be a way we can figure this out.

And also calling for greater transparency and access to clinical trials, so more patients can get access to treatments that might work for their cancer.

And continuing to work for cultural change and improvements in our cancer research system, so we can make the best use of today’s opportunities to generate, share and knowledge from patients and researchers to help patients everywhere around the world. 

These are the reasons why I plan on staying involved -- because for the first time in 45 years, there is some real movement toward collaboration.  Not because people are selfish, but because it wasn’t the model.  It’s not the way it worked for good reason.  But the collaboration between cancer centers, drug companies, the insurance industry, and government is where the solution lies -- and how we’ll end cancer as we know it. 

So let me conclude by saying, which will not shock you:  I am optimistic.  (Laughter.)  I know I’m always optimistic.  But I am optimistic because of the absolute commitment and sheer brilliance I have been exposed to from so many researchers and scientists and these great institutions.

I see the day when patients get the right therapy the first time for their cancer, where prevention is more effective, and
where care is personalized and more effective with less harmful side effects.

I see the day when those younger people of you in this room, when you take your children and grandchildren later for their school physical, that they will -- at the time they get their vaccination against measles and mumps, they’ll be vaccinated against certain types of cancer -- like you can be vaccinated against HPV virus.

I see the day when we’ll be able to identify through markers in the blood, cancers that haven’t even developed yet. 

And the one thing I can tell you:  There is hope. 

I’m willing to bet everyone in this room who has had cancer, or has a loved one who has had cancer, you understand that feeling when the doctor says, it’s cancer. 

You all know, at that moment, the one thing you most need is some reason to hope. 

When President Kennedy discussed sending humankind to the moon, he talked about the commitment the nation -- and this is the phrase he used -- the commitment the nation was “unwilling to postpone.”

A very famous speech, and some of you can probably recite the speech, but the part of the speech since I’ve been a kid that got me the most about my notion about governance, my notion about exploration, my notion about science was when a nation or a people “unwilling to postpone.”  We should be unwilling to postpone finding the answer to how to end cancer as we know it.

And I’m confident we can do it.  You're already doing it.  But let’s double down.  It is about the urgency of now.

I thank you all for your graciousness in listening and thank you for having me.  (Applause.) 

END

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:04:00 +0000 mtorrell 317901 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Speeches and Remarks Office of the Vice President https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-cancer-moonshot#comments Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden With Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-ukrainian-president-petro-poroshenko Bankova
Kyiv, Ukraine

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Mr. President, I may have to call you once every couple weeks just to hear your voice.  (Laughter.)  This has been going on a long time.

Good afternoon, everyone.  It’s a great, pleasure to be once more here in Kyiv to reaffirm the depth of the partnership between our two peoples.  This is my sixth visit to Ukraine as Vice President and my fifth in the year since the Revolution of Dignity on the Maidan, which was an astounding thing to witness when so many Ukrainian patriots stood up and demanded a future that this country has been too long denied.

And I wanted to come here one more time on my last trip as Vice President to honor how much progress the people of Ukraine have achieved.  This year marks the 25th year since Ukraine gained its independence.  And the United States has been there to support and help you at every step of the way.  Our partnership has spanned four different American Presidents from across our political spectrum.  It has deep roots in both the Republican and Democratic parties.

As you saw a few weeks ago when two of my good friends from “the other side” -- former Senate colleagues John McCain and Lindsey Graham and Amy Klobuchar, of my party -- visited with Ukrainian troops on the front lines in the east.

And that's because Americans and Ukrainians are united by deep bonds -- our shared values and our common hopes for the future.  And the American people, including nearly 1 million proud Ukrainian Americans, understand that so much depends on your success, not just for Ukrainians, but for Europe and for the United States. 

If you continue carrying your progress forward, then not only will you continue to build a more open, more democratic, more prosperous future that the Ukrainian people deserve, you will keep the international community united behind you in that effort.

And I hope the next administration will also want to be a supporter and a partner in your continued progress.  But as you know, no one else can do the hard work but the Ukrainian people.  It’s up to Ukrainian leaders and people to put the needs of the country above narrow personal interest, to place the general good above point scoring and local prejudices.  And that goes for everyone -- members of Ukraine’s government; representatives of the Rada, who took an oath to serve the Ukrainian people as a whole; judges who undertake the responsibility to dispense justice equally; members of the media and civil society and ordinary citizens whose job it is to hold those in power responsible.

As I said last year when I had the great honor to address the Rada, “Each of you has an obligation to answer the call of history and finally build a united, democratic Ukrainian nation that can stand the test of time.”

You're well underway to do that, Mr. President.  So I wanted to thank you, Petro, not only for your leadership but for your friendship.  I shared the same sentiment earlier this morning when I met Prime Minister Groysman earlier today.  As a nation you've made a lot of very difficult decisions.  And many more difficult political choices remain ahead.  But there is no denying the progress that Ukraine has made since the Maidan.  Together with a dynamic generation of Ukrainians committed to reform, you've begun to overhaul your government, your economy, your entire political system. 

In the year since my last visit, you continue to meet the reform requirements in the IMF assistance package.  You've strengthened the country’s banking sector.  You protected Ukrainian depositors by nationalizing Privatbank.  You implemented a groundbreaking, new electronic-asset-declaration system to fight corruption, which will help ensure that officials cannot leverage their political positions for personal gain.  

Your national anti-corruption bureau and the special anti-corruption prosecutor are providing and proving their impact when they have the resources.  And it’s imperative that you continue to strengthen all of your anti-corruption institutions to root out those who would return Ukraine to rule by cronyism and kleptocracy.  

Thanks to the vital steps you've taken, your economy is now growing again.  But there remains much work to be done to ensure Ukraine finally realizes its potential as a vibrant, modern economy.  Keep working with the IMF to implement the tough reforms that will make Ukraine’s economy sustainable.  Continue cleaning up the banking system.  Press forward with energy reforms that are eliminating Ukraine’s dependence on Russian gas.  Work to privatize state-owned enterprises transparently.  Create a business environment with responsible, legal, and regulatory systems that make Ukraine a destination for investment.  None of this will be easy.  None of what you've done so far has been easy, but you've done it.  And we know it’s going to be hard to continue to finish the job.  

You're fighting both against the cancer of corruption, which continues to eat away at Ukraine’s democracy within, and the unrelenting aggression of the Kremlin.  

Russia’s continued attempts to undermine your success, your security, your sovereignty, and your territorial integrity are manifold.  False propaganda attacks.  Attempts to destabilize your economy.  Ukraine, like every country in Europe, has a right to determine its own path.  Yet Russia seeks to deny that choice.  And the international community must continue to stand as one against Russian aggression and coercion.

There are over 1.7 million internally displaced people Oppression of Crimean Tatars continues.  More than 9,600 Ukrainians have been killed in the fighting in the east and more than 22,000 wounded in the conflict.  And fully one-fifth of those victims have been civilians.  

That's why in addition to the $3 billion in loan guarantees and the $750 million in assistance to fortify your economic resilience, the United States has provided $600 million in security assistance.  We've trained your national guard, conventional military forces, as well as special forces; helped you increase your readiness and make your force interoperable with NATO; provided armor, radars, night-vision devices, medical equipment -- all of which has saved lives and bolstered your defenses.

Together with our EU and G7 partners, we've made it clear that sanctions should remain in place until Russia fully -- I emphasize fully -- implements its commitments under the Minsk Agreement; and that the Crimea-related sanctions against Russia must remain in place until Russia returns full control to the people of Ukraine.

Although I know how -- you find this difficult to keep faith with the Minsk process when the Russians refuse to meet their security commitments, it remains the only viable framework for resolving the conflict in the Donbas, restoring Ukrainian governance in the east, and returning control of the international border to Ukraine.  It’s Ukraine’s best hope to move forward as a united country. 

But let me be perfectly clear, the political agreement cannot be implemented until Russian violence stops.  Only after Russia and its proxies in the east fulfill their obligation to end the fighting and let the Donbas again enjoy peace and security can Ukraine be expected to fulfill its political commitments.  

It’s no secret that Russia does not want you to succeed, Mr. President.  It’s not just about Ukraine.  It’s about the future we have long sought of a Europe whole, free, and at peace -- whole, free, and at peace -- something that is in the vital national interest of both the United States and all Europeans.

Your self-determination, your freedom from coercion, your success as a liberal democracy are all essential in realizing this objective.  

So I strongly urge the people of Ukraine:  Keep demonstrating your commitment to the rule of law; keep fighting corruption; insist on transparency; investigate and prosecute government officials who siphon off public funds for their own enrichment.  Russia over the last decade or so has used another foreign policy weapon.  It uses corruption as a tool of coercion to keep Ukraine vulnerable and dependent.  So pursue those reforms to root out corruption.  

It’s not just about good governance.  It’s about self-preservation.  It’s about your very national security.  It’s not just about good governance.  As I said at the beginning, this year our nations celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations.  Over that time progress has come in fits and starts.  Sometimes we move forward, sometimes backwards.

But the Ukrainian people are like the American people, they never give up.  And one of the things that gives me the most hope for the future is the incredible energy and passion of Ukraine’s young people.  I’ve met with them on each of my previous visits here.  And I have no doubt that they will inspire, demand, and ultimately succeed in attaining the Ukraine that has been sought for for so long.  

On a personal note, Mr. President, I want say what a privilege it has been to support and stand with Ukraine over these past 25 years -- first as a senator and of late as Vice President. 

I’ve been inspired by your people, their courage, their resilience, brave Ukrainians who never gave up hope for a future of something better, who get up and go to work every day for a democratic and united Ukraine.  

And if you can continue to make progress, Mr. President, if you keep doing the hard work and making the difficult choices to put Ukraine first, I promise you the American people will stand with you.  This next year is going to be a very, very telling year -- a very telling year.  

There is a line that John Kennedy used in deciding to go to the moon.  He said, America is doing it because we can no longer -- we're no longer willing to postpone.  I believe the Ukrainian people are no longer willing to postpone a free, open, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine.  So seize it.

I’m looking forward to seeing what our nations can build together, Mr. President, over the next 25 years and beyond because as my grandfather would say, with the grace of the God, and the good will of the neighbors, which we can't count on very much in this neighborhood, we can get this done.  But it all depends on the willingness of your people to continue to insist on what they deserve because they deserve it.  

END

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:00:00 +0000 mtorrell 317896 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Speeches and Remarks Office of the Vice President https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/17/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-ukrainian-president-petro-poroshenko#comments President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Todd Phillip Haskell – Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo, Department of State
  • Jason E. Kearns – Member, U.S. International Trade Commission

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Adrienne Harris – Member, Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations
  • Behnaz Kibria – Member, Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations
  • Jason Miller – Member, Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations
  • Brady Deaton – Member, Board for International Food and Agricultural Development
  • Erica Schwartz – Member, Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy
  • Marjorie Margolies – Member, Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad
  • Lesley Weiss – Member, Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad
  • Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes – Member, Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Cultural and Arts Development 
  • Lawrence Roberts – Member, Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Cultural and Arts Development 
  • Cristin Dorgelo – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
  • Christy Goldfuss – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
  • DJ Patil – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
  • Amy Pope – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
  • Dan Utech – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
  • Janine Davidson – Member, National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service
  • Avril Haines – Member, National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service
  • Shawn Skelly – Member, National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service
  • Daniel Benjamin – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Michael Bosworth – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Raffi Freedman-Gurspan – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Samuel Gordon – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Allan Holt – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Sarah Hurwitz – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Edward Lazarus – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Susan Lowenberg – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Melissa Rogers – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council
  • Maureen Schulman – Member, United States Holocaust Memorial Council

President Obama said, “These fine public servants bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their important roles. I know they will serve the American people well.”

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 00:14:00 +0000 mtorrell 317891 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts#comments Remarks by the President Honoring the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/remarks-president-honoring-world-series-champion-chicago-cubs East Room

1:40 P.M. EST
 
THE PRESIDENT:  They said this day would never come.  (Laughter and applause.)  Here is something none of my predecessors ever got a chance to say:  Welcome to the White House the World Series Champion, Chicago Cubs!  (Applause.)  
 
Now, I know you guys would prefer to stand the whole time, but sit down. 
 
I will say to the Cubs:  It took you long enough.  I mean, I’ve only got four days left.  You're just making it under the wire.  (Laughter.)  
 
Now, listen, I made a lot of promises in 2008.  We’ve managed to fulfill a large number of them.  But even I was not crazy enough to suggest that during these eight years we would see the Cubs win the World Series.  But I did say that there's never been anything false about hope.  (Laughter and applause.)  Hope -- the audacity of hope.  
 
PARTICIPANT:  Yes, we can!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Yes, we can.   
 
Now, listen, for those of you from Chicago who have known me a long time, it is no secret that there's a certain South Side team that has my loyalty.  For me, the drought hasn’t been as long.  We had the ’85 Bears; we had the the Bulls’ run in the ‘90s.  I’ve hosted the Blackhawks a number of times.  The White Sox did win just 11 years ago with Ozzie and Konerko and Buerhle.  So I can't claim that I have the same visceral joy of some in this White House.  (Laughter.)  
 
But FLOTUS is a lifelong Cubs fan.  (Applause.)  And I will tell you, she had to go to another event, but in eight years that I've been here -- I told the team this -- in the eight years that I've been here, we've hosted at least 50 teams -- football, basketball, baseball, soccer, you name it -- Michelle has never come to a single event celebrating a champion until today.  (Applause.)  And she came and shook hands, and met with every one of these members of the Cubs organization, and told a story about what it meant for her to be able to see them win, because she remembers coming home from school and her dad would be watching a Cubs game, and the bond and the family, the meaning that the Cubs had for her in terms of connecting with her father and why it meant so much for her.  And I almost choked up listening to it.  And it spoke, I think, to how people feel about this organization, and that it's been passed on generation after generation, and it's more than sports.  
 
And that is not just true for FLOTUS.  My longest-serving aide, Anita, is a Cubs fan.  (Applause.)  "Fan" is not enough.  When they won, the next day she said, this is the best day of my life.  ((Laughter.)  And I said, what about me winning the presidency?  What about your wedding day?  She's like, "No, this is the best."  My chief speechwriter, Cody Keenan -- (applause) -- Cubs fan.  In fact, there were a lot of sick days during the playoffs.  (Laughter.)  One of my staff members was caught being interviewed at a bar outside of Wrigley -- (laughter) -- and we're watching him being interviewed.  You remember?  And he's looking kind of sheepish about it.  It's like, why aren’t you in the office?  (Laughter.)  
 
But, look, the truth is, there was a reason not just that people felt good about the Cubs winning.  There was something about this particular Cubs team winning that people felt good about.  For example, David Ross and I have something in common -- we’ve both been on a “year-long retirement party.”  (Laughter and applause.)  But unlike Grandpa, my team has not yet bought me a scooter with a motorized golf caddy.  But there are four days left -- maybe I'll get that.
 
The last time the Cubs won the World Series, Teddy Roosevelt was President.  Albert Einstein -- or was it Thomas Edison was still alive.  The first Cubs radio broadcast wouldn’t be for almost two decades.  We’ve been through World Wars, a Cold War, a Depression, space race, all manner of social and technological change.  But during that time, those decades were also marked by Phil Cavarretta and Ernie Banks; Billy Williams, who's here today -- (applause) -- Ron Santo; Ferg, Ryne Sandberg, Dawson, Maddux, Grace.  Those decades were punctuated by Lee Elia’s rants and Harry Caray’s exuberance; “Hey Hey,” and “Holy Cow,” and capped off by “Go Cubs Go.”
 
So the first thing that made this championship so special for so many is, is that the Cubs know what it's like to be loyal, and to persevere and to hope, and to suffer, and then keep on hoping.  And it’s a generational thing.  That's what you heard Michelle describing.  People all across the city remember the first time a parent took them to Wrigley, where memories of climbing into dad's lap to watch games on WGN -- and that’s part of the reason, by the way, why Michelle had invited -- made sure that José Cardenal was here, because that was her favorite player.  (Applause.)  And she was describing -- back then he had a big afro, and she was describing how she used to wear her hat over her afro the same way José did.
 
You could see all that love this season in the fans who traveled to their dads’ gravesites to listen to games on the radio; who wore their moms’ old jerseys to games; who covered the brick walls of Wrigley with love notes in chalk to departed fans whose lifelong faith was finally fulfilled.
 
None of this, of course, would have happened without the extraordinary contributions of the Ricketts family.  Tom met his wife, Cece, in the bleachers of Wrigley about 30 years ago -- which is about 30 years longer than most of relationships that begin there last.  (Laughter and applause.)  Our dear friend Laura Ricketts met her wife, Brooke, in the ballpark, as well. 
 
Brothers and sisters -- they turned this team around by hiring what has to be one of the greatest, if not -- I mean, he's still pretty young, so we'll see how long he keeps on going -- the greatest general managers of all time, Theo Epstein -- (applause) -- and along with Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod.  They did just an unbelievable job.  Theo, as you know -- his job is to quench droughts.  86 years in Boston; 108 in Chicago.  He takes the reins of an organization that's wandering in the wilderness, he delivers them to the Promised Land.  I've talked to him about being DNC chair.  (Laughter and applause.)  But he decided wisely to stick to baseball.  
 
That brings me to the other thing that was so special about this championship -- and that's just the guys behind me, the team.  They steamrolled the majors this year with a 103-win record.  All you had to know about this team was encapsulated in that one moment in Game 5, down three games to one, do or die, in front of the home fans when David Ross and Jon Lester turned to each other and said, “I love you, man."  And he said, "I love you, too.”  It was sort of like an Obama-Biden moment.  (Laughter.)  
 
And then you've got the manager, Joe Maddon, who -- (applause) -- let's face it, there are not a lot of coaches or managers who are as cool as this guy.  Look how he looks right now.  (Applause.)  That's cool.  That's cool.  He used costume parties and his “Shaggin’ Wagon.”  (Laughter.)  So he's got -- just saying -- he's got a lot of tricks to motivate.  But he’s also a master of tactics, and makes the right move at the right time:  when to pinch hit, when to pinch run, when to make it rain -- (laughter) -- in Game 7 of the World Series.  It was masterful.  So he set the tone, but also some of the amazing players here set the tone. 
 
My fellow “44” -- Anthony Rizzo, the heart of this team.  (Applause.)  Five years ago, he was a part of the squad that lost 101 games.  He stuck at it, and led the National League in All-Star votes this year.
 
His business partner in the “Bryzzo Souvenir Company,” which delivers baseballs to fans in all parts of the bleachers -- Kris Bryant.  (Applause.)  This guy had a good year.  (Laughter.)  You go from Rookie of the Year to being the MVP.  You win the World Series.  And then, like me, he marries up and comes to the White House.  And he did all this just in 10 days -- (laughter) -- when it took me a long time.  So, congratulations to the newlyweds, Jessica and Kris Bryant.  (Applause.)  
 
And then you got these young guys like Baez and Russell.  (Applause.)   Baez turning tagging into an art form.  Russell becoming the youngest player to hit a World Series Grand Slam since Mickey Mantle.  (Applause.)  And you mix these amazing young talents with somebody like David Ross who, for example, helped Anthony out of his “glass case of emotions” in Game 7.  (Applause.)  But think about what Ross did in his final season:  Caught a no-hitter, surpassed 100 home runs for his career, including one in his last game ever.  If there was ever a way to go out, this was it.  
 
And then you got Ben Zobrist, who didn’t get to come to the White House last year after winning it all with the Royals, but then hits .357 in the World Series, go-ahead RBI in the 10th inning of Game 7, World Series MVP.  I think he's earned his way here.  (Applause.)  And is apparently a good guy, because I asked his wife -- she was in line before he was -- and I said, has he gotten a big head since he got the whole MVP thing?  "No, he's so sweet, he's so humble."  You owe her dinner tonight.  (Laughter.)  
 
Extraordinary pitching staff, including Kyle Hendricks, the first Cub to lead the majors in ERA since 1938.  (Applause.)  Kyle, in turn, was the only pitcher this year with a better ERA than Jon Lester, who racked up 19 wins.  (Applause.)  Good job. Jake Arrieta, 2015 Cy Young Award winner, stretched a 20-game win streak featuring two no-hitters across the past two seasons, then hit a home run in the NLDS, and won two games in the World Series.  So, apparently Pilates works.  Michelle says it does.  (Applause.)  
 
And then, finally, the game itself and the Series itself.  To come back from a 3-1 deficit against a great Cleveland Indians team forced what is widely considered the Game 7 of all time.  Dexter Fowler becomes the first player to hit a leadoff home run in Game 7.  (Applause.)  Javy Baez hits another leadoff the fifth.  David Ross becomes the oldest player to knock one out in a Game 7, as well.  Kyle Schwarber, who's been hurt and hobbled, then suddenly he comes in and gets seven hits in the Series -- three in Game 7 alone.  (Applause.)  
 
And then you've got the 10th inning, you've got the rain.  God finally feeling mercy on Cubs fans.  An entire game, an entire season, an entire century of hope and heartbreak all coming down to a one-inning sprint.  And then Zobrist knocked in one, Montero knocked in another.  Carl Edwards, Jr. and Mike Montgomery teamed up to shut the Indians down.  
 
And then, at 12:47 a.m. Eastern Time, Bryant -- it looks like he's going to slip; everybody is getting a little stressed -- tosses a grounder to Rizzo; Rizzo gets the ball, slips it in his back pocket -- (laughter) -- which shows excellent situational awareness.  (Laughter and applause.)  And suddenly everything is changed.  No more black cats, billy goats, ghosts, flubbed grounders.  The Chicago Cubs are the champs.  And on ESPN, you've got Van Pelt saying, “one of the all-time great nights.”  You've got Tim Kurkjian calling it “the greatest night of baseball in the history of the game.”  Two days later, millions of people -- the largest gathering of Americans that I know of in Chicago.  And for a moment, our hometown becomes the very definition of joy.  So, in Chicago, I think it's fair to say you guys will be popular for a while.  (Laughter.)  
 
But, in addition, they're also doing a lot of good work. Anthony Rizzo and Jon Lester raised money to help others beat cancer like they did.  (Applause.)  Under the Ricketts Family’s leadership, last year alone, Cubs Charities supported charitable grants and donations of nearly $4 million that reached nearly 120,000 children and young adults across Chicagoland.  (Applause.)  Under their “Let’s Give” initiative, Cubs staff, coaches, players, and spouses donated more than 1,500 hours of service last year to the community.  And after their visit here today, they will head to Walter Reed to visit with some of our brave wounded warriors.  (Applause.)  
 
So just to wrap up, today is, I think, our last official event -- isn't it? -- at the White House, under my presidency.  And it also happens to be a day that we celebrate one of the great Americans of all time, Martin Luther King, Jr.  And later, as soon as we're done here, Michelle and I are going to go over and do a service project, which is what we do every year to honor Dr. King.  And it is worth remembering -- because sometimes people wonder, well why are you spending time on sports, there's other stuff going on -- that throughout our history, sports has had this power to bring us together, even when the country is divided.  Sports has changed attitudes and culture in ways that seem subtle but that ultimately made us think differently about ourselves and who we were.  It is a game and it is celebration, but there's a direct line between Jackie Robinson and me standing here.  There's a direct line between people loving Ernie Banks, and then the city being able to come together and work together in one spirit.  
 
I was in my hometown of Chicago on Tuesday, for my farewell address, and I said, sometimes it's not enough just to change the laws, you got to change hearts.  And sports has a way, sometimes, of changing hearts in a way that politics or business doesn’t.  And sometimes it's just a matter of us being able to escape and relax from the difficulties of our days, but sometimes it also speaks to something better in us.  And when you see this group of folks of different shades and different backgrounds, and coming from different communities and neighborhoods all across the country, and then playing as one team and playing the right way, and celebrating each other and being joyous in that, that tells us a little something about what America is and what America can be.
 
So it is entirely appropriate that we celebrate the Cubs today, here in this White House, on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday because it helps direct us in terms of what this country has been and what it can be in the future.
 
With that, one more time, let's congratulate the 2016 World Champion, Chicago Cubs!  (Applause.)  
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  Talk about a tough act to follow.  Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for inviting us.  We're all honored to be here today, and we appreciate you taking the time on such an important day, Martin Luther King Day, and during such a historic week, the last week of your distinguished presidency.
 
As told on my way in here, actually, by our club historian, it's actually not the first time this franchise has visited the White House.  It was 1888.  (Laughter.)  And we were known as the "Chicago White Stockings," and we stopped in here to visit President Grover Cleveland.  And apparently, the team demanded for a proclamation to be named the best baseball team in the country.  The President refused, and the team went on their way.  (Laughter.)  Here we are, we're going to make no such demands today.  (Laughter.)  But we appreciate those kind words.
 
The President was so kind to recognize our three Hall-of-Famers here with us today who are so synonymous with what it means to be a Cub -- Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg.  (Applause.)  And, of course, José Cardenal, who got the longest hug from the First Lady we've ever seen -- her favorite player of all time, you're the MVP today.  (Laughter.)  
 
And I want to, one more time, recognize all of the Ricketts family who are here today.  Tom, who's been such an ideal leader for our organization.  Laura, who's been such a strong supporter of this President.  And, Todd, who will embark on his journey in public service with a significant role in the new administration next week.  And, Pete, who's busy governing Nebraska, couldn’t be here, but sends his best.  
 
Finally, we'd like to recognize all of our wives and significant others who do so much to support us behind the scenes, our great "Front Office," who have worked so hard.  (Applause.)  
 
So, Mr. President, as you alluded to in Cleveland on November 2nd, and into the early morning of November 3rd, this special group of players behind me, in one of the greatest World Series games in history, ended the longest championship drought in American sports.  And when Kris Bryant's throw settled into Anthony Rizzo's glove for the final out of Game 7, the victory brought pride, joy, relief and redemption to Cub fans everywhere, including many in the White House.  (Applause.)  
 
So, many of you were there, but the city of Chicago erupted, unified into celebration that continues to this day.  It was a thrilling, emotional time, and we think we even saw some White Sox fans smiling -- (laughter) -- which, Mr. President, brings us to you.  
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  We know you may have a certain allegiance to another team on the other side of town, but we know you're a very proud Chicagoan, and we know your better, wiser half, the First Lady -- (laughter) -- has been a life-long and very loyal Cub fan, which we appreciate very much.  And, of course, we have great faith in your intelligence, your common sense, your pragmatism, your ability to recognize a good thing when you see one.  (Laughter.)  
 
So, Mr. President, with only a few days remaining in your tremendous presidency, we have taken the liberty here today of offering you a midnight pardon -- (laughter and applause) -- for all your indiscretions as a baseball fan.  And so we welcome you with open arms today into the Cubs family.  (Applause.)  
 
To recognize this terrific conversion and this great day, we have some gifts for you and your family.  First, Anthony Rizzo has graciously agreed to share his number 44 with "The 44."  (Applause.)  
 
THE PRESIDENT:  There we go!
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  And if you're still not comfortable putting a Cubs jersey on, this one just says Chicago, so you're good with that one.  (Applause.)  
 
Second, we have -- at historic Wrigley Field, we have a centerfield scoreboard that's actually a historic landmark, and so we hope the National Park Service won't mind, but we took down a tile for you, number 44.  (Applause.)  Very few people have one of those.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, that's very cool.
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  We also wanted you to know that, as a new fan, you have some catching up to do.  (Laughter.)  And you've been busy the last eight years, and your family as well, so Laura Ricketts is here to present you with a lifetime pass to Wrigley Field for you and your family.  (Applause.)  
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I love how it says, "Non-transferrable."  (Laughter.)  
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  It's strictly -- it's just an emolument.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Can you imagine if somebody walks up and is like -- (laughter) -- 
 
MS. RICKETTS:  You don’t have to bring it with you.  
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  And finally, every time we win a game in Chicago, we fly the "W" flag, as you know.  So we brought one for you, signed by the entire team, and we'd love for you to fly it at your new library, which we plan to do our very best to support.  (Applause.)  
 
THE PRESIDENT:  This is nice swag.  Thank you so much.  This is great.  
 
MR. JENKINS:  You got to get him to put the uniform on.  (Laughter.)  
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  It's just day one.  It's just day one.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Fergie, we're doing okay so far.  (Laughter.)  
 
MR. EPSTEIN:  So, Mr. President, thank you for the dignity and integrity with which you've served this country for the last eight years, for your tremendous service to Chicago and Illinois before that, and for hosting us here today.  We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you on Wrigley Field.  (Applause.)  
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, everybody, thank you so much.  Let me say, first of all, best swag I've gotten as President represented right here.  (Laughter.)  And let me also say on behalf of a lot of folks here in the White House, you brought a lot of joy to a lot of people here, and we're grateful.  I know my former Chief of Staff, now mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel; folks like Dick Durbin, and we got a whole congressional delegation here; I see Lisa Madigan, my dear friend --- just a lot of people have been rooting for you for a long time.
 
So even though it will be hard for me, Fergie, to wear a jersey, do know that among Sox fans, I'm the Cubs number-one fan.  (Laughter and applause.)

END  
2:12 P.M. EST

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 00:08:00 +0000 mtorrell 317886 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Speeches and Remarks Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/remarks-president-honoring-world-series-champion-chicago-cubs#comments Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with Prime Minister Groysman of Ukraine https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/readout-vice-president-bidens-meeting-prime-minister-groysman-ukraine Vice President Biden met with Prime Minister Groysman of Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine today. The leaders marked 25 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine and hailed the remarkable cooperation between the two nations and the consistent bipartisan support in the United States for Ukraine's progress during this period. The Vice President praised recent progress on reform in Ukraine, and the leaders agreed on the critical importance of accelerating reform momentum ‎in 2017.

]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:53:00 +0000 mtorrell 317881 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Statements and Releases Office of the Vice President https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/readout-vice-president-bidens-meeting-prime-minister-groysman-ukraine#comments Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes' Travel to Cuba https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-deputy-national-security-advisor On Monday, January 16, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes will travel to Cuba for official meetings, cultural engagements, and to witness the signing of a U.S.-Cuba Law Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  The arrangement will establish a framework for strengthening our partnership on counternarcotics, counterterrorism, legal cooperation, and money laundering, including technical exchanges that contribute to a strong U.S.-Cuba law enforcement relationship. Mr. Rhodes' trip to Cuba follows last week's announcement that the Department of Homeland Security has ended the so-called "wet-foot/dry foot" policy as well as the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program – another step forward to normalize relations with Cuba and to bring greater consistency to our immigration policy. 

Since the President's December 2014 announcement, we have worked with the people and the Government of Cuba to take steps to normalize our relations – re-establishing diplomatic relations, opening embassies, expanding travel and commercial opportunities, and launching initiatives to help our people cooperate and innovate. The United States and Cuba have reached more than a dozen arrangements to expand cooperation in areas such as health, medical research, agriculture, environmental cooperation, hydrography, marine protected areas, counternarcotics, civil aviation, and direct transportation of mail.

The goals of the President’s Cuba policy have been simple:  to help the Cuban people achieve a better future for themselves and to advance the interests of the United States. While significant differences between our governments continue, the progress of the last two years reminds the world of what is possible when we are defined not by the past but by the future we can build together. 

]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:07:26 +0000 gbrookie 317811 at https://www.whitehouse.gov Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-deputy-national-security-advisor#comments Statement by the President on the One-Year Anniversary of Implementation Day Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/statement-president-one-year-anniversary-implementation-day-under-joint Today marks the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - a deal that has achieved significant, concrete results in making the United States and the world a safer place. This historic understanding reached between the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the European Union and Iran has rolled back the Iranian nuclear program and verifiably prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. 

One year ago, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that Iran had fulfilled key commitments spelled out under the JCPOA. Instead of steadily expanding, Iran's nuclear program faces strict limitations and is subject to the most intrusive inspection and verification program ever negotiated to monitor a nuclear program. Iran reduced its uranium stockpile by 98 percent and removed two-thirds of its centrifuges. Meanwhile, Iran has not enriched any uranium at the Fordow facility nor used advanced centrifuges to enrich. In short, Iran is upholding its commitments, demonstrating the success of diplomacy.                   

While this deal was intended to address Iran's nuclear program, we have remained steadfast in opposing Iran's threats against Israel and our Gulf partners and its support for violent proxies in places like Syria and Yemen. We continue to be deeply concerned about U.S. citizens unjustly imprisoned in Iran. And our sanctions on Iran for its human rights abuses, its support for terrorist groups, and its ballistic missile program will remain until Iran pursues a new path on those issues. There is no question, however, that the challenges we face with Iran would be much worse if Iran were also on the threshold of building a nuclear weapon.                       

The United States must remember that this agreement was the result of years of work, and represents an agreement between the world's major powers - not simply the United States and Iran. Moreover, the Iran deal must be measured against the alternatives - a diplomatic resolution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is far preferable to an unconstrained Iranian nuclear program or another war in the Middle East. 

]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:04:00 +0000 gbrookie 317806 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/statement-president-one-year-anniversary-implementation-day-under-joint#comments Readout of the Principal-Level Transition Exercise https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/readout-principal-level-transition-exercise The White House on Friday afternoon convened a transition exercise with members of the President-Elect's team and Cabinet designees together with current senior White House, Cabinet, and agency leaders. The exercise provided a high-level perspective on a series of challenges that the next administration may face and introduced the key authorities, policies, capabilities, and structures that are currently in place to respond to major domestic incidents. Members of President Obama's team shared experiences and lessons from incident responses they experienced, and both sides discussed a number of response scenarios together. Participants agreed that the exercise was productive and advanced the shared goal of conducting the most professional and seamless transition possible.
 
Obama Administration Participants Included:
 
Chair
Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism 

Denis McDonough, Assistant to the President and White House Chief of Staff
Susan Rice, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs 
Neil Eggleston, Assistant to the President and White House Counsel
Cecilia Munoz, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council
Avril Haines, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor 
Dab Kern, Assistant to the President and Director, White House Military Office
Amy Pope, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy Assistant to the President 
Suzy George, Deputy Assistant to the President and NSC Chief of Staff
John Holdren, Office of Science and Technology Policy Director 
Shaun Donovan, Office of Management and Budget Director
Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense
Gen Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security
Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior
Dr. Ernest Moniz, Secretary of Energy 
John King, Secretary of Education
Nicholas Rasmussen, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
James Comey, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director
John Brennan, Central Intelligence Agency Director
Gayle Smith, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator 
Sylvia Burwell, Health and Human Services Secretary
Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Ely Ratner, Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President
Thomas Shannon, UnderSecretary of State for Political Affairs
Adam Szubin, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Department of the Treasury 
Lt. Gen Todd Semonite, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Sally Yates, Deputy Attorney General
Bruce Andrews, Deputy Secretary of Commerce
Christopher Lu, Deputy Secretary of Labor
Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services
Nani Coloretti, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
Victor Mendez, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation 
Kevin Hanretta, Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness, Department of Veterans Affairs 
Craig Fugate, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator 
ADM Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard
Stanley Meiburg, Acting Deputy Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency 
Maria Contreras-Sweet, Small Business Administration Administrator 
Gen Lori Robinson, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command 
Gen Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau
 
Incoming Administration Participants Included:
 
Reince Priebus 
Rex Tillerson 
Steven Mnuchin 
Gen. James Mattis 
Rep. Ryan Zinke 
Sen. Jeff Sessions
Rep. Mike Pompeo
Wilbur Ross 
Betsy DeVos
Sen. Dan Coats
Andrew Puzder 
Dr. Tom Price
Dr. Ben Carson 
Elaine Chao 
Gov. Rick Perry 
Dr. David Shulkin 
Gen. John Kelly 
Rep. Mick Mulvaney 
Linda McMahon 
Sean Spicer 
Joe Hagin 
Stephen Miller 
Marc Short 
Joshua Pitcock 
Tom Bossert 
KT McFarland 
Gen. Michael Flynn 
Gary Cohn 
Katie Walsh 
Rick Dearborn

]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 15:00:00 +0000 mtorrell 317906 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Statements and Releases Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/16/readout-principal-level-transition-exercise#comments Weekly Address: The Honor of Serving You as President https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/14/weekly-address-honor-serving-you-president WASHINGTON, DC — This week, President Obama delivered his final weekly address thanking the American people for making him a better President and a better man. Over the past eight years, we have seen the goodness, resilience, and hope of the American people. We’ve seen what’s possible when we come together in the hard, but vital work of self-government – but we can’t take our democracy for granted. Our success as a Nation depends on our participation. It’s up to all of us to be guardians of our democracy, and to embrace the task of continually trying to improve our Nation. Despite our differences, we all share the same title: Citizen. And that is why President Obama looks forward to working by your side, as a citizen, for all of his remaining days. 

]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2017 04:08:53 +0000 tsomanader 317786 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Weekly Address Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/14/weekly-address-honor-serving-you-president#comments Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 1/13/17 https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/13/press-briefing-press-secretary-josh-earnest-11317 James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

12:50 P.M. EST

MR. EARNEST:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Happy Friday.  TGIF, for one last time.

Q    Friday, the 13th.  

MR. EARNEST:  That's good luck.  

Let me do one, quick announcement before we get to your questions.  Today the White House is hosting a transition exercise with current and perspective Cabinet members, agency heads and senior White House officials.  The exercise provides an opportunity to familiarize members identified by the President-elect to fill senior administration positions on the authorities, policies, and coordination structures that this administration has used to respond to major domestic incidents.  Cabinet members, agency heads and advisors in the current administration will share experiences and lessons from incident responses that they have led as they discuss a number of response scenarios together.  

This exercise, which we announced back in November, advances the President’s goal of conducting the most professional, seamless transition possible.  We'll be in a position to provide some additional details at the conclusion of the meeting.  You’ll recall that an exercise like this was held in early 2009 between -- it was hosted by senior officials from the Bush administration and they invited their counterparts from the Obama administration at the time.  And this is the next step in the process of ensuring a smooth and effective transition to the incoming administration.

So, with that, Darlene, want to get us started with questions?

Q    Thank you.  Is this an all-day sort of exercise?

MR. EARNEST:  It's not an all-day exercise.  I know it's a multi-hour exercise.  So it's ongoing as we speak, and I suspect that it will encompass a significant portion of everyone’s afternoon schedule.

Q    Is there any more detail you can provide on exactly what they’re doing and how they’re doing it?  Are they breaking up into little groups and doing exercises?  Are they doing policy and all things domestic?

MR. EARNEST:  The way that it's been described to me is that this is primarily a large-group exercise and will be an opportunity to discuss a variety of different scenarios, some related to domestic emergency response -- response to a natural disaster or a significant weather event, for example.  But it also will include some foreign policy and national security exercises as well.  And it will include both a review of responses that this administration has led to specific incidents, as well as exercises to walk through the options that are available in the context of a hypothetical event.

Q    And what senior administration officials from this administration are participating?

MR. EARNEST:  We'll get you some additional information about the participants in the meeting once the meeting is concluded.

Q    On another subject, will the President signed the waiver that's moving through Congress to allow General Mattis to serve as Defense Secretary?

MR. EARNEST:  I think we've indicated in the past that that's not something that the President would prevent from passing.  So, yes, I think you can anticipate that if it did make it to the President’s desk the he would sign it.

Q    Thank you.

MR. EARNEST:  Okay.

Ayesha.

Q    Thanks.  I want to follow up on the actions on Cuba yesterday, on the ending of “wet foot, dry foot.”  I wasn’t clear -- is this a move that can be overturned by the next administration?  Realizing that it is the ending of a policy, but is this something that could easily -- they could come in and decide they want to put that policy back in place?

MR. EARNEST:  This policy change was codified in an executive agreement between the U.S. government and the government in Cuba.  As even some of the incoming administration’s nominees have noted, there’s a tradition of subsequent Presidents observing and adhering to the executive agreements that were put in place by the previous President unless, of course, a specific decision is made to change the policy.  

So, obviously, President-elect Trump will assume the awesome responsibilities of the American presidency on January 20th, one week from today.  And he'll be able to exercise all of the executive authority that are invested in the presidency at his discretion.  We believe that there is a strong case to be made about normalizing relations between our two countries, and this is just the latest step in that process to ensure that we are treating Cuban migrants the same way that we treat migrants from other countries.  And that has a variety of benefits, including not providing an incentive for Cubans to attempt the very dangerous journey across the 90 miles of ocean that separate our two countries.

So I think the response to this announcement I think is indicative of how public opinion is changing on these issues, including in the Cuban-American community.  And I noted the supportive comments of someone like Jorge Mas, who is the chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation, somebody who is a leader in that community, obviously an influential voice.  And his indication of support for this step I think is an indication of a growing majority of Americans who agree about the direction that the President has moved the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

Q    Does the White House have any message to those -- I mean, there were -- there have been a number of stories done on people who were just at, like, the Mexican border trying to get across who had come from Cuba, made a very long, treacherous trip and were just there and just missed getting over before this policy was ended.  Does the White House have any message for those people that were just there?  I mean, some of these stories sound pretty heartbreaking.

MR. EARNEST:  Look, I think the first thing that's important for people to understand is that the migrants from Cuba will be treated in the same way that migrants from other countries are, which is to say legitimate claims for refugee status or for asylum will be subject to due process, which means that their claims will be evaluated.  And if they have legitimate claims for asylum, then that will be granted.  But that will be adjudicated through the regular process that every other -- that migrants from other countries go through as well.  

And as we've talked a lot about immigration policy over the last several years, obviously the President believes strongly that the United States live up to our values as a nation of laws and as a nation of immigrants.  And that means abiding by the law, but it also means showing respect and recognizing the humanity in people who are fleeing their home country.  So this is -- and the policy change that we have announced ensures that we are harmonizing and normalizing our immigration policy with regard to Cuban migrants.

Q    On one other topic, the head of the House Oversight Committee has threatened to subpoena the Office of Government Ethics -- the head of the Office of Government Ethics for his comments about Trump’s conflicts of interest.  Does the White House think it's appropriate for Congress to be looking into those comments from the Office of Government Ethics?  Do they think that -- I mean, I think the comment from Chaffetz was that he felt like the head of the Office of Government Ethics wasn’t behaving ethically when he was discussing Trump’s conflicts.  Does the White House have any thoughts about this?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, this is the completion of the congressional Republicans’ swamp-filling hat trick.  They were able to get it done in two short weeks.  You will recall that before congressional Republicans were even sworn into office their first act was to vote in secret to repeal the ethical regulations that applied to them.  And it was only after an outcry from the public and a tweet from the President-elect that they reversed course.  

A week later we learned that Senate Republicans were prepared to roll back the standards that they’d insisted on for eight years when it came to making sure that nominees for executive positions had been fully vetted and fully complied with ethical requirements before they were given a hearing before the United States Senate and considered for their nomination.  And Senate Republicans have famously walked that back, such that they are moving through the process nominees that haven't been subjected to the kind of scrutiny that they, themselves -- that Mitch McConnell himself had said was necessary.

And now, to complete the hat trick, we've got the Republican Chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee, the individual who, as much as anyone else in the United States Congress, is charged with providing oversight of the executive branch, is now seeking to intimidate a senior executive branch official who’s responsible for enforcing ethics rules.  He’s threatening to shut down the office of the guy who is doing the job that Jason Chaffetz himself is refusing to do.  

It's outrageous -- and I will say, only the latest installment in the embarrassing series of episodes that have characterized Jason Chaffetz’s tenure as chairman of that committee.  

You’ll recall this is the guy who was charged with investigating government employees who were using personal email for government purposes at the same time that he’s handing out his government business card with his personal email address on it.  You can't make it up.  This is the guy who led the investigation into Benghazi that the House Republican leader admitted was focused solely on politics and hurting Hillary Clinton’s poll ratings.  

So this is not some -- a departure from the series of embarrassing episodes that have characterized his tenure as chairman of the committee.  And it certainly, as I've said before, runs contradictory to the preferences of the millions of Americans who showed up at the polls on Election Day and voted for the guy who is vowing to drain the swamp.  Certainly it's going to make for an interesting relationship between the members of that committee, I suspect.  And I think it will be worth watching -- particularly we'll be counting on all of you to watch the relationship between that committee and the incoming administration.

Michelle.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  Speaking of outrage, House Democrats -- 

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah.  (Laughter.)  

Q    -- after meeting with James Comey, and they expressed all kinds of emotions -- anger, concern, lost confidence, yes, outrage --

MR. EARNEST:  I think Washington psychiatrists are going to be doing a brisk business in the years ahead.  (Laughter.)

Q    -- some of them are saying that they have no confidence in the Director of the FBI at this point and that they don't feel like he’s fit to do the job.  I mean, hearing these strong words coming from Democrats -- I mean, we knew, obviously, some of that sentiment was there -- but at this point, Americans have heard anger and doubts coming from both sides related to the FBI and the intelligence community over the past couple of weeks.  What are your thoughts on hearing this and the indication of deep problems that the American public now sees laid bare? 

MR. EARNEST:  Well, again, I think it is really important to make sure that we don't draw too many parallels between these two different situations.  With regard to the handling of the investigation into Secretary Clinton by the Department of Justice and the FBI, for better or worse, we've spent a lot of time in this room talking about that matter -- not just in October, but, frankly, for a lot of the last two years.  But when this came to a head in October, you often heard me describe the merits of abiding by the longstanding norms and traditions about the way the FBI conducts investigations and traditionally doesn’t talk about those investigations in public.

Now, as I said back in October, and I’ll repeat again, the President does not at all believe that Director Comey was motivated by a desire to influence the outcome of the election. But there are longstanding norms and traditions that have served senior Department of Justice officials well over the years.  

Now, there’s also -- as was announced yesterday by the Inspector General, there’s now an independent investigation into this matter.  And that certainly is going to limit the degree to which I can discuss it.  That investigation was initiated at the sole discretion of the independent Inspector General.  That’s the way the process should work.  And presumably, when he’s got some findings to release, presumably he’ll be in a position to do that publicly.

With regard to the situation with the intelligence community, I think it’s different, because I think what you’ve heard from the intelligence community, including from Director Clapper in the statement that he released just a couple of days ago, is the intelligence community feels a strong responsibility to communicate to senior officials as much as possible about what they know, and as much as possible about the information that is available to them.

Now, what Director Clapper also said in that statement is he expressed confidence that the intelligence community was not the source of those leaks.  I verified for you before that the White House is not the source of those leaks.  And I think all of that is an indication that both the intelligence community with regard to this matter and the White House with regard to this matter is following longstanding precedent and tradition and norms and guidelines that have served generations of White House officials and intelligence officials well.

So I think that that’s why I would caution against drawing too many parallels between these situations.  There are obvious similarities between these two cases, but there are certainly some places, as I just described, where the handling of these matters was different.

Q    I think Comey, in his explanations, talked about how he felt the need to share information.  He was choosing between two bad options, but he felt getting that information out there was the right thing to do at the time.  

MR. EARNEST:  Well, but by getting it out there, briefing it to the President-elect, making sure that the President-elect himself was aware of the information that had come to the attention of the intelligence community.  He stated in his statement that he could not at this point confirm the accuracy of the report, but I’ll leave it to him and other intelligence officials to describe how they described this information to the President-elect.

Q    Okay.  And does it bother the administration that retired General Flynn was in contact with the Russian ambassador several times on the day that President Obama was sanctioning Russia?

MR. EARNEST:  I’ve read some of these reports and I think, to answer your question as bluntly as I can, it depends on what he said.  And I know that some members of the President-elect’s transition team have tried to describe those conversations.  Obviously, I have zero insight into what may have been communicated back and forth, so I’d refer you to General Flynn himself or spokespeople for the transition who may be able to provide additional insight into the nature of those conversations and why those conversations were initiated.

Q    Okay.  And you, today, and often you sort of list a long string of problems you have with behavior of Republicans in Congress over the last couple of years.  But I wonder if everyday, average Americans who aren’t in this industry or yours really know or care.  I think maybe a lot of that falls on deaf ears.  I don’t know how much of that translates.  And we just heard President Obama, in his latest interview, say that he feels that on some issues that he and his team lost the PR battle.  So why do you think that is?  Why do you think these things that you and he have been stressing as being so important, in some cases so important to democracy itself, they don’t seem to matter?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, as a substantive matter, they do make a difference.  They do have a bearing on the strength and success of our democracy.  But you’re asking I think an entirely relevant question, particularly in light of the election outcome.  Given the sordid record that Republicans have on some of these ethical matters, and have continued since the election, it raises questions about why that didn’t influence the vote of more people.  And I don’t know that I can give you a real direct answer on that.  

I think that in some ways, the President addressed this in his speech on Tuesday night pretty directly.  He said that it’s a problem in our democracy when we excuse the ethical shortcomings of people in our own party but are ready to question the motives of people in the other party.  He said it more eloquently than that, but you know the passage I'm referring to.

I think the concern that I'm raising is about one of the basic functions of the United States Congress, which is to provide oversight.  There have been a bunch of ethical questions that have been raised about some members of Congress, about some of the conflicts of interest that loom in the background of some of the nominations that the incoming administration has put forward.  There are some people who fit both those categories.  And the responsibility lies with all of you and with the United States Congress to resolve those questions.

And the real problem I have right now is that there seems to be zero appetite among Republicans who were voted into office by people literally chanting "drain the swamp" for enforcing not tougher ethical regulations -- they're not even doing the basics. They're not even enforcing the minimum standards.  They're trying to roll back those standards.  They're voting to reduce the standards that apply to them.  They're not applying the standards to Cabinet nominees that they have been applying for the last eight years.  And in this case, the most egregious case, you have the person in the House of Representatives, who is most responsible for oversight, suggesting he's going to shut down the office of the independent ethical watchdog of the executive branch.

So, again, they're moving in the wrong direction.  And those are all facts.  I think it would be hard to contest any of this. Is it going to make a difference at the polling place the next time that people have an opportunity to vote for their elected representatives in Congress?  I don't know.  We'll see.  But it does seem like Republicans are taking a pretty big risk, considering the "drain the swamp" chants at their pre-election rallies.  To roll back those ethical standards within their first couple of weeks back in Washington I think does pose an electoral risk to them.  And the last time that Democrats won the majority back from Republicans in the House of Representatives was prompted in no small part by a series of ethical transgressions on the part of congressional Republicans.

But, again, I think it's far too early to be making particularly specific prognostications about the 2018 elections. But we'll see.

April.

Q    Josh, a couple questions and primarily on justice issues.  With the announcement today, kind of makes me go back to something with justice.  The Justice Department put new federal officials on the case for Eric Garner.  Do you believe there's still enough time left in this administration for some action to happen?

MR. EARNEST:  I saw news reports about that.  But I do not have -- as we've discussed in here many times, the White House is not briefed on these kinds of criminal investigations.  Those investigative decisions, including determining which investigators will take a look at a particular case -- those are decisions that are made entirely by the Department of Justice without any influence or input from the White House.

Q    Okay, I understand that, but do you still have time left -- yes, we have next week, but do we still have time left?  Is there still enough time for things to happen?

MR. EARNEST:  I don't know at what stage they are in the investigation, so it's hard for me to assess how much more time they need in order to complete their investigation.

Q    Okay.  And lastly, several of President Obama’s friends have had to do some prison time or jail time.  And there’s one in particular, Congressman Chaka Fattah -- there’s a letter that has been sent to President Obama for a pardon.  What does President Obama feel about pardoning some friends like Chaka Fattah?  Jesse Jackson Jr. has not asked for a pardon, but what does he feel about that issue, about his friends asking for pardons and the possibility of pardons for those people?

MR. EARNEST:  I assume you’re using “friend” in the broadest possible context.

Q    Well, no, they were friends -- no, no, no, when I said -- but when I -- no, no, no.  When I say “friend,” Chaka Fattah was a friend to this administration.  I’m not saying that he was involved. I’m saying there were friends of the administration he was supportive --

MR. EARNEST:  He was a political supporter of the administration. 

Q    Right, as what -- 

MR. EARNEST:  And the President certainly appreciated his political support.  But I think describing him as a friend might be going a little too far here.

Q    And what about Jesse Jr. who was part of the campaign, who was a big part of the --

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I’m not sure it’s fruitful for us to assess the President’s relationship on an individual basis with all these people.  But let me just get to the root of your question, which is simply that there is a process in place at the Department of Justice to evaluate petitions for clemency that are filed by individuals who are currently incarcerated or people that have a record that they’re looking to clear.  And the President established this process and has asked the Department of Justice to take the lead in considering these applications, to help process these applications as efficiently as possible and make individual determinations on the merits.  And that’s what the President expects the Department of Justice to help him do, and that’s a standard that we have lived up to.

Olivier.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  A couple for you.  One, can you -- you’ve already been asked for more details about the exercise today, but I’m wondering if you can say now whether this is actual incidents that they’re being walked through, or whether they’re modeled on incidents that -- like, is there an Ebola crisis model?  What exactly are they responding to?

MR. EARNEST:  What I can tell you is it’s a little bit of both.  And I’m sort of -- there’s a reference to it in here.  It will be a combination of both walking through hypothetical scenarios so that the incoming administration can get a sense of what procedures and mechanisms are in place, what resources are available for responding to these kinds of hypothetical incidents so that when a real one comes up they can have a sense of how the process typically works.

But they also will review in some detail real-live incidents that this administration did respond to, to help the incoming officials understand what lessons learned, what best practices we were able to implement to benefit the American people.  So I guess the point is, it will be a little bit of both.

Q    Will you be able to say, like, they looked at a Deepwater Horizon, they looked at an Ebola crisis, they looked at -- 

MR. EARNEST:  I don’t know how detailed our readout will be afterwards, but -- 

Q    If we could request as detailed a readout as possible.

MR. EARNEST:  Okay.  Okay.

Q    And then Rex Tillerson has been to the White House many, many, many times.  On any of those occasions, as far as you’re aware, did he take a position with administration officials on the merits of sanctions involving Iran?

MR. EARNEST:  I don’t know the answer to that question, but I can see if we can try to get you an answer.  As the leader of one of the largest companies in the United States, it certainly shouldn’t be surprising to most people that he did come to the White House on a number of occasions to discuss with senior officials important issues that have an impact on our economy and our national security.  But let me see if I can get you some kind of an answer to that question.  We’ll let you know.

Steven.

Q    Josh, does the President have a reaction to the Department of Justice report on Chicago that there’s a pattern of practices of discrimination and unjustified use of deadly force?

MR. EARNEST:  I haven’t spoken to the President about the specific report.  I know that this was an inquiry that was initiated at the discretion of the Attorney General.  These kinds of investigations are conducted independently, and the conclusions were put forward based on their own independent analysis of what exactly has been happening in Chicago with regard to the local police force there.

The President does believe that the Department of Justice, as a matter of principle, can play a useful role in helping uncover facts that can then be used to begin to restore trust and faith and confidence in local law enforcement, particularly among those communities that feel as if they’re -- the concerns that they have raised have gone unheard; that surfacing them in the context of these kinds of investigations can be useful in all sides designing the kinds of strategies that would rebuild trust in a way that makes these communities safer, but also makes these police officers more safe as they try to do their dangerous work, as well.  

These are men and women, the vast majority of whom are doing this dangerous job for all the right reasons.  These are men and women who are genuinely interested in fighting crime.  They’re interested in the public interest.  They’re focused on trying to keep people safe.  And they’ve got an extraordinarily difficult job.  And if there is something that we can do to make their job just a little bit safer, then we should be looking for ways to do that.

And the President’s hope is that the effective professional, genuinely independent investigations that get to the bottom of some of the root challenges that are facing some of these law enforcement agencies -- that does have the effect of restoring a little trust in making the work that police officers do every day just a little bit safer.

Q    There are some police officers who have said -- high-ranking law enforcement officials who have said that the scrutiny that’s applied on police agencies is leading to -- a Ferguson effect.  Does the President share that concern?  I guess  particularly in Chicago.

MR. EARNEST:  The President, when he’s been asked about this in the past, has indicated that he hasn’t seen any evidence to support that hypothesis.  And I think some of it goes to the argument that I was making, which is that the vast majority of men and women in uniform who put on the blue every day, who go out there to put their lives on the line to keep us safe, are motivated much more by their genuine interest in public safety than they are in covering their own behind, if you will.  And to be totally blunt about it, I think it speaks to their character. 

I think there is a reason that people have put forward this hypothesis.  And I think there is a reason that a number of law enforcement officers and leaders have taken some umbrage at that suggestion, because they see the men and women under their command at work every day, and they recognize that they're putting their lives on the line, intervening in dangerous situations to try to protect the public, try to protect public safety, to live up to their motto "To serve and protect."  And they do that even in the face of some of these other -- an environment in which their job is as complicated as it's ever been.

And, again, I think that's a pretty powerful illustration of the character of the vast majority of the American men and women who serve our country as law enforcement officers.

Ron.

Q    Does the President see a connection between the challenges, as you put it, that the department faces and the spike in murders, violent crime in Chicago?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, again, I think this goes to the same question.  I think it's difficult to assess exactly what that relationship is.  I think the President's view is that if the local law enforcement agency has an effective working relationship with the diverse community of the city of Chicago -- I should say the diverse communities of the city of Chicago -- they'll be more effective in fighting crime.  They'll also be safer as they do that important work.  

And so that's why the President believes it's a worthy goal for us to work in a direction that I know that Mayor Emanuel advocates.  And I know that he's put in some reforms and structures to try to address this basic challenge, and I know that his administration has worked to cooperate with the Department of Justice to try to get to the root of some of these problems and try to design some solutions that would address them.

Q    I ask because the bigger question is, to what extent are the problems in the police department contributing to the crime problem in the city?  And I ask because obviously a lot of people in law enforcement would disagree with any notion that that is contributing to the problem.  And the next step in their argument might be that this is another indication of the President not supporting law enforcement, as he has been accused of in the past and as you're well aware of.

MR. EARNEST:  Falsely and wrongly, but, yeah.

Q    That's why I'm just trying to see if the President sees any connection between problems identified by this DOJ investigation and the spike in murders, specifically.

MR. EARNEST:  And, again, I think the President's view is that if we can get to the root of some of these challenges, we can certainly make law enforcement more effective at protecting the rights of every citizen in their community, even as they aggressively fight crime and keep all the citizens of that community safe. 

Q    The other thing is, the President talked to you about this losing the PR battle in the 60 Minutes interview, and he specifically mentioned his inability to get a hearing for Judge Garland.  I'm wondering what other issues out there does he think it was largely a question of not PR but swaying public opinion, or bringing public opinion to bear on the Republicans or on the nation's psyche to get something done.  For example, he talks about the inability to get common-sense gun laws passed.  Is that another issue where he feels that his inability to get public opinion on his side was the determining factor?  Or is there something else out there that was more -- caused it?  But I know, again, it's hard to sort out what caused what, so on and so forth -- beyond Garland, what else was he referring to?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think it's important to differentiate between public opinion and mobilizing the public.  So, for example, when it comes to things like common-sense gun safety measures, closing a gun show loophole, closing the loophole that allows an individual who is on the no-fly list from walking into a gun store and buying a gun -- those are measures that have the strong support of a majority of Americans, a majority of Republicans, a majority of Democrats, a majority of gun owners.  Those are common-sense measures.  And the fact that they are common-sense measures is evidenced, at least in part, by the fact that there is common agreement around the country that these would be good things for the Congress to do.

So I don't know if people needed to be persuaded about the notion of common sense.  But what clearly didn't happen is there was not a successful mobilization of the American people around that common sense to get Congress to act.  And the President has been deeply frustrated by that.

And I think that would -- and I think the Garland nomination would actually fall in that same category, because I think if you take a look at sort of the public view of that situation, the vast majority of Americans didn't have any objections to Chief Judge Garland, which is notable because Republicans didn't really have any substantive objections to him, either -- other than the fact that he was nominated by a Democratic President. 

Q    Okay.  So the question is, to what extent is it the inability to mobilize public opinion as sort of a tactical thing, versus misreading public opinion and misreading what’s really out there in terms of what people want in terms of gun safety or Judge Garland, or I don't know -- any other range of -- 

MR. EARNEST:  Immigration reform I think would be another -- 

Q    Yes, exactly.

MR. EARNEST:  Right?  Because again, there was strong -- there’s a strong coalition of Democrats, Republicans, law enforcement, religious leaders, faith leaders, business community who support the kind of common-sense immigration reform that this administration pursued and that this administration worked effectively with Republicans in the Senate to pass.  But it was House Republican leaders who got together to block it.  

So I think the other element of all this, Ron, is the widespread and damaging dysfunction that Republicans have imposed on the United States Congress.  That strategy of essentially political sabotage was something that did apparently work for them politically, but it was bad for the country.  Some of these common-sense steps are things that would be good for the country, and everybody agrees that they would be.  Immigration reform would have lots of obvious economic benefits.

Q    Right, but on immigration reform, there’s a lot of people who also want to build a wall.  And it seems like there’s more of them out there, based on the outcome of the election, than those who fall in the other category -- 

MR. EARNEST:  Not when you consider that Secretary Clinton got 3 million more votes.  So, again -- and not when you consider that Democratic candidates for Congress got more votes than Republican candidates for Congress. 

So I think what we're illustrating here is I do think that there is a risk of oversimplifying this and saying, well, you know, if you just convinced more people.  That's not actually what it is.  The solution to breaking through this dysfunction is more complicated than that.  And this is a proposition we're going to test because I don't think -- we’ll see -- I don't think, however, that it’s possible to rely solely on dysfunction and sabotage as your organizing, governing principle when your party is in charge of both houses in Congress and the White House.

Q    But what the President seems to be saying is that he believes that he is on the right side on so many of these issues --

MR. EARNEST:  Absolutely.

Q    -- and that the reason that he didn't prevail was more tactical than right or philosophical.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think what’s true about a number of the things -- 

Q    Republicans would argue, well, no, you're not.  You don't quite understand the country on immigration, or on guns, or on the inability of -- 

MR. EARNEST:  If there are people who are, indeed, saying that, I think those are people that don't -- that aren’t familiar with some basic principles of math, because there is ample public opinion data to indicate at least on the handful of things that we've discussed here -- investments in infrastructure, investments in immigration -- or progress on immigration reform, common-sense gun safety -- there are strong majorities of Americans that agree with the President’s position on this.

But, look, here’s the other disconnect.  Despite the fact that the administration was advocating for those policies that have the strong support of the American public, at least some of those Americans -- despite the fact that they agree with the President on all of those measures -- voted for somebody who doesn't.  And that I think is more complicated than just public relations.  

I think there's an element of it that relates to a political strategy, a set of obstruction tactics that were implemented by Republicans.  And I think some of it has to do with how effective the Democratic Party is in communicating with those who aren’t regularly inclined to agree with Democrats.  

So I think there's a lot to sift through here.  And some of it actually goes back to the thing that Michelle raised, which is these are issues where people say that they agree with the administration, or the position that's been put forward by the President, but they don’t appear to care.  And does that raise questions about the way that some of these issues are covered in the media?  It might.  But I think that there's a lot of this that we're going to have to spend some time thinking about.  And I think you can be assured that the President, in his post-presidential life, will be thinking about these issues and looking for ways to solve them.

Q    And just last one.  Are you going to do a week-ahead or almost week-ahead?  Full week-ahead?  (Laughter.)  

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah, I will do a week-ahead.  

Q    And sort of on that, can you tell us anything about Friday and the President?

MR. EARNEST:  I'll have some additional details on that, and we'll do that at the end and look at the schedule.

Alexis.

Q    Josh, a quick follow-up on the tabletop exercise.  I missed the beginning of it.  I just want to clarify, the transition team -- not the actual incoming staff -- but the transition team witnessed a tabletop practice in December, right?

MR. EARNEST:  That's correct.  So that was the December exercise.  This January exercise that's taking place today -- it's ongoing as we speak -- includes some of the individuals who have already been named to senior White House positions.  And in some cases, it includes individuals who have been nominated for Cabinet positions, even though they have not yet been confirmed.

Q    And they're actually conducting it.

MR. EARNEST:  They're actually participating in the exercise, yes.

Q    And just to use that for Inauguration Day -- because of the 2009 threat on Inauguration Day, and the importance of having the outgoing staff here until noon with the incoming, and the meetings that took place that morning, can you just tell us who will be here on the President's staff up until noon?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, what I can tell you is that our staff will be structured in a way to ensure this continuity of government even through the day in which the handover takes place.  So I can follow up with you with more details about how we'll be staffed here at the White House.  I would not anticipate a significant presence of Obama White House staffers here on the 20th just because the incoming administration will be moving in. But there will be officials who will be available.

Q    Will Denis wait until noon?
MR. EARNEST:  I can't speak to the individual plans of staffers.  I'm not sure exactly what Denis has planned.

Shana, nice to see you.

Q    Thanks for having me.  I wanted to follow up on the question earlier about the call between the Russian ambassador and Flynn.  So, first, could you let me know if the White House was informed of this call at all?  And secondly, I'm just trying to get a sense of how usual or unusual it would be to have someone from the incoming administration, before they've been sworn in, contacting the Russian ambassador or any sort of officials.  Did anything like that happen during the Obama transition period?  Is this typical or unusual at all?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think what I can say as a general matter, on principle, you can imagine why these kinds of interactions may take place, why the incoming national security advisor may have the need to contact the representative of a foreign government that's based here in Washington, D.C.  But as I mentioned to Michelle, it depends on what they discussed.  It depends on what he said, in terms of whether or not we would have significant objections about those conversations.  

Your previous question about whether or not the White House was informed in advance -- I'm not aware that we were informed in advance if he intended to make the call.  I'll check on that.  And if I'm wrong about that, we'll correct it.  But I'm not aware that we were informed in advance of the call.

Q    So something like, as the Trump administration characterized it, "Merry Christmas, let's get in touch after the Inauguration, let's set up those logistics" -- that would be normal transition business?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, it sounds like it to me.  But again, I can't pass judgment on the content of the conversation because I obviously wasn’t privy to it.

Margaret.

Q    Josh, a follow on that.  Has the White House had any contact or inquired about the nature of any of these conversations?

MR. EARNEST:  I can't speak to the conversations that have taken place between White House officials and General Flynn's office.  And even if I were aware of the details of that, I probably wouldn’t discuss them here.

So obviously what I can tell you is, with regard to White House communications with the Russian ambassador, other than a White House staffer reaching out to the Russian embassy here in Washington to offer condolences on the death of the Russian diplomat in Turkey a month or so ago, I’m not aware of any conversations, at least in this period of time, around the holidays and around the work to develop and issue the response to Russia’s malicious cyber activity earlier this year -- or in 2016.

Q    But I guess the reason all of this timing and the timeline becomes important is getting to the heart of what you’re saying, is it depends on what they said during that conversation.  Refresh my memory:  Did the White House brief the Trump team about the sanctions before they were rolled out on the 29th?

MR. EARNEST:  My understanding is that they were briefed on the sanctions.  I don’t know that they were necessarily briefed in advance.

Q    So if there was a conversation on the 28th, that wouldn’t necessarily raise a red flag to you?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, again, I guess I can’t speak to everything that General Flynn may or may not have known.  So again, I think I’ll let him describe what he knew at the time that he engaged in a conversation with the Russian ambassador to the United States.

Q    Do you find, I mean, the line of questioning, I guess the questions being raised generally fair, having gone through a transition yourself?  I mean, technically speaking, there’s nothing to prohibit contact for an incoming NSA and a sitting ambassador, correct?

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah, I think that’s the point that I was trying to make with Shana, that as a general matter, I don’t think there’s anything wrong, on principle, of an incoming national security advisor having basic contact with the representative of a foreign country before taking office -- or at least the representative of that foreign country in Washington before taking office.

But the whole situation is rather unique, right?  I’m not sure that we've ever had a transition in which the intelligence community concluded that a foreign country made a conscious effort to try to advantage one presidential candidate.  So the fact that the designated national security advisor, who has his own rather remarkable relationship with the Russian government -- the fact that that official was in touch with the Russian ambassador to the United States, I can understand why that was the subject of a column in the newspaper today.

Q    When you said it depends on what he said, you're leaving the door open that there was something to truly question in terms of the motivations, the content of their conversations.

MR. EARNEST:  I think what I'm saying is that I don't know the content of their conversations and I can't raise an objection without knowing the content of their conversations.  I'm also not prepared to say it was entirely appropriate without knowing the content of their conversations.  I just don't know, and it just depends.

Q    And when you said the last contact between the White House and the Russian diplomat here in Washington was around -- 

MR. EARNEST:  Yeah, let me try to be slightly more precise here.  This was the only contact between the White House and the Russian ambassador during this period of time in which the response to Russia was being finalized and was rolled out the last week in December.  What I do not know is whether or not there have been additional conversations between the White House and the Russian embassy after the first of the year, for example -- or at least since that report was -- since our response was announced. 

But obviously, it was a sensitive time in this several-week period in which this response was being finalized.  So obviously there were not a lot of conversations other than this expression of condolence to the Russian government and to the Russian people for the assassination of the Russian diplomat in Turkey.  And that's not something that we talked about in this room because that's an event that took place when we were not doing regular briefings over the holidays, but that was the assassination of a diplomat on foreign soil.  And despite our profound differences with Russia on a range of issues, that's a genuine tragedy.  And the expression of condolence that was made through a staffer here at the White House was genuine, and certainly our heart goes out to the families of -- to the family of that diplomat that was killed in Turkey.

Q    And when you're talking about contact, you're just talking about the White House.  You're not talking about John Kerry and Sergei Lavrov speaking?

MR. EARNEST:  Correct.  I can't speak to conversations -- 

Q    Or other government contacts.

MR. EARNEST:  Correct.  I can't speak to conversations that may have taken place between State Department officials, for example, and the Russian embassy or other Russian diplomats.

John.

Q    You talked about this process about presidential clemency.  I just wanted to dive into that just a little bit.  Today, WikiLeaks had a tweet that indicated that Julian Assange would agree to U.S. extradition if Chelsea Manning was granted a commutation of her sentence.  There's also a petition out there that calls for the pardon of Edward Snowden; it has over a million signatures.  I'm wondering if those sorts of extraneous factors have any sort of bearing at all on the President's decision when he ultimately decides on these cases.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, what I can tell you is that the Department of Justice and the President will consider individual clemency applications on their merits.  And there are obviously a wide range of factors that the President and the Department of Justice will consider.  And I think to illustrate one of them would be to illustrate the pretty stark difference between Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden.

Chelsea Manning is somebody who went through the military criminal justice process, was exposed to due process, was found guilty, was sentenced for her crimes, and she acknowledged wrongdoing.  Mr. Snowden fled into the arms of an adversary, and has sought refuge in a country that most recently made a concerted effort to undermine confidence in our democracy.  

So I think the situation of these two individuals is quite different.  I can't speculate at this point about to what degree that will have an impact on the President’s consideration of clemency requests.  But I know that there’s a temptation because the crimes were relatively similar to lump the two cases together.  But there are some important differences, including the scale of the crimes that were committed and the consequences of their crimes.

Obviously, as Chelsea Manning has acknowledged, and as we have said many times, that the release of the information that she provided to WikiLeaks was damaging to national security.  But the disclosures by Edward Snowden were far more serious and far more dangerous.

Q    Just one quick question, a follow-up on that.  Does the Department of Justice come forward with a recommendation on each case to recommend to the President?  Or does he ultimately take that with heavy weight?  Or how does it work?

MR. EARNEST:  The Department of Justice does administer a process where they will review factors about each case individually.  They’ll do so based on the merits, and they will provide a recommendation to the President.  And I think you would expect the President would very carefully consider the recommendation that's made by the Department of Justice before making a final decision.

Q    And then yesterday, at the end of the briefing, you were asked about these photographs that TMZ got ahold of where it was apparent that the First Dog, Sunny, bit a guest here at the White House.  Were you able to follow up on that at all and find out if that was true?

MR. EARNEST:  I don't have a whole lot more to -- more light to shed on that particular situation.  I think what I can say is both Bo and Sunny have been genuine ambassadors to the American people.  (Laughter.)  Thousands of people have had an opportunity to interact, play with those dogs, pet with those dogs -- as you have, my son has, I have.

Q    I heard April say over my shoulder that this has happened before.  Are you aware that the dogs have -- either of the dogs have bitten -- 

Q    No, it was Barney.  It was Barney.  

Q    Barney, okay.


MR. EARNEST:  I’m not aware that that's happened before.  And I think that they have represented themselves and our country quite well in their status as the First Dogs.  (Laughter.) 

Kevin.

Q    Thanks, Josh.  Did the President by chance have an opportunity to watch to Speaker Ryan last night?  He was part of an interesting public conversation about the Affordable Care Act.  Did the President take in any of that, by chance?

MR. EARNEST:  The President did not watch that last night.

Q    I ask because one of the suggestions that was made in the conversation was that rather than sort of hang on to a program that's apparently in a death spiral, as it has been described by some, with decreasing -- 

MR. EARNEST:  Not by economists, I’d point out.

Q    By some.  Decreasing choices and increasing premiums, rather than sort of hang on to that, why not repeal it -- even if the process of replacing it takes longer than perhaps they would like?  What do you think about that notion?

MR. EARNEST:  I think it’s a dangerous proposition.  As a Republican congressman said, that's them loading the gun without knowing where it's pointed.  It's dangerous.  It's going to have impact on lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.  If Republicans repeal the Affordable Care Act, they're going to take away health care from 30 million Americans.  They're going to take away protections from 130 million Americans that, because of the Affordable Care Act, currently cannot be discriminated against because they have a preexisting condition.  Those protections are removed if Republicans repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Q    What if they repeal it and expand Medicare and Medicaid in the process?  Wouldn't that sort of, at least temporarily, cover those who might be impacted while they work on the sort of -- 

MR. EARNEST:  Well, Kevin, let me compliment you for doing much more than any Republican on Capitol Hill has done.  (Laughter.)  You've actually put forward an idea.  You've actually put forward a specific idea that we can evaluate and we can see what impact that would have on our health care system.  Republicans have refused to do that.  Republicans are saying that they'll get around to putting forward a replacement at some point in the future, despite the fact they've been saying that for seven years now.  They haven't put forward a plan.  There's no evidence that they can actually come together around a plan to replace it.

What the President has said is that if Republicans actually are willing to put forward good ideas, including potentially expanding Medicaid or increasing tax credits for people to make the purchase of health insurance on the Marketplace even more affordable, those are good ideas and those are ideas that the President and Democrats in Congress would have been and will, I think in the future, be happy to work with Republicans to implement because it would have the effect of strengthening the Affordable Care Act, expanding further access to health care coverage, and reducing costs for middle-class families.  Those are all good things.  But that's not what Republicans have proposed.  And that's not what Paul Ryan proposed.

When Paul Ryan came face to face with one person who would be very negatively affected by the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, the best he could do was reiterate chewed-over, debunked, politically motivated talking points that may have tested well in focus groups but were not at all satisfying to the millions of Americans whose lives will be put at risk if Republicans follow through on their promise.

Q    Let me ask you about the AG's discovery and ultimately her decision about the situation in Chicago.  Is it fair to say that, ultimately, the buck stops with the mayor -- in this case, the President's good friend -- and I use that expression because I know that's a friend.

MR. EARNEST:  That is true.

Q    Rahm Emanuel.

Q    They're really friends?

Q    Yeah, they're really friends.

MR. EARNEST:  They are.

Q    They are.

Q    Would it be fair to say the buck stops with him?  And how disappointing would that be, as someone who not only knows him well but has affinity for that city, that they were unable, at least at this point, to get a handle on what was obviously something that was happening within the police department?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think, Kevin, I haven't read the Department of Justice report, but I am confident that it will say that the challenges that were uncovered, the problems that were uncovered in the police department have been in place for a long time.  And having heard Mayor Emanuel talk about these issues, it is clear that his interest in solving those problems is genuine.  He's got an authentic interest in trying to address some of these very thorny challenges, because he recognizes -- in the same way that the President does -- that the men and women of the Chicago Police Department are safer and are going to be more effective at fighting crime, and the communities that they patrol will be safer if the breach in trust that has erupted in the last few years between some of the communities in Chicago and the Chicago Police Department can be repaired.
  
Those repairs are not going to happen overnight.  You don't build trust with somebody overnight.  You build trust with somebody over time, particularly when you're talking about an institution as large as the Chicago Police Department and when you're talking about neighborhoods that are as large and as populated as some of the communities in Chicago.

So it's going to take some time.  And what's going to be required is people like Mayor Emanuel stepping up and showing the kind of leadership that he has for the last several years in making these reforms a priority and making getting to the truth a priority, and genuinely engaging in the kind of work that is hard, is not glamorous, and, in some cases, may not be politically popular in order to get at the crux of these problems.  And I think -- that's why I know that President Obama is proud of the leadership that Mayor Emanuel has shown and is counting on him to continue to show it so that the Chicago Police Department and the entire city can continue to make progress in the right direction.

John.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  Two questions.  First, you and the President have noted from this podium historic firsts.  Does the administration have any comment at all about the news last night that Vice President-elect Mike Pence has selected Justice Clarence Thomas to administer the oath of office to him, and that that will make him the first black American ever to swear in one of the top two officials in U.S. history?

MR. EARNEST:  I was not aware of that announcement from Vice President-elect Pence, but obviously Justice Thomas, for all of our profound differences when it comes to some pretty important basic American values, he is somebody who has had a genuinely historic career.  And I think this is just the latest evidence of the historic nature of the position that he holds, and I think it's also reflective of the political philosophy of Vice President-elect Pence that he would choose Justice Thomas to administer the oath.  But obviously that was a decision that was left up to him.  

Q    Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy spoke yesterday, and he addressed some of the concerns about taking time to come up with an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.  And what he said is that they, Republicans, would be criticized in the past if they rushed into a plan, and that by taking their time and considering things they were going to get it right this time.  I’m paraphrasing the Majority Leader.

MR. EARNEST:  Right. 

Q    Do you have a response to that, or a comment?

MR. EARNEST:  I’ll try to keep this one short.  Seven years seems like a really long time to me.  

Lalit.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  Official Chinese media today warned U.S. if it is denied access to the artificial islands in the South China Sea.  This follows after a few hearings on the Hill. What do you have to say on this?   

MR. EARNEST:  I think this is an allusion to some comments that were made by Mr. Tillerson, the gentleman that President-elect Trump has designated to serve as -- or has nominated -- been nominated to serve as Secretary of State.  I would refer you to Mr. Tillerson’s team for an explanation of what exactly he was trying to convey in his remarks.

I can tell you that the policy that's been in place in the Obama administration has been to not take sides in the competing land claims in the South China Sea.  Certainly, the United States doesn't have any claims to any territory in that region of the world.  And what we have suggested is that those with competing claims should seek to resolve those competing claims not through brute force or through intimidation or coercion, but rather through diplomacy and negotiation.  

And that is something that we have encouraged all parties to do.  And I don't know whether or not that will be the policy of the incoming administration.  I assume that will be one of the topics that will be covered in first briefing that you guys have in here with my successor.  But that's the policy that's been in place in this administration.

Q    The Asia Pacific pivot was one key aspects of the President’s foreign policy.  Do you feel that it might be dumped in the Pacific in the new administration?  

MR. EARNEST:  Can you repeat the first part of your question one more time?

Q    The Asia Pacific pivot was one of the key aspects of the President’s foreign policy. 

MR. EARNEST:  Yes, it was.  Again, I can't speak to what foreign policy priorities will be pursued by the incoming administration. 

Q    Did it serve as value?

MR. EARNEST:  Oh, I think the interests of the United States of America were advanced in important ways with the commitment of this administration to strengthening our alliances in the Asia Pacific and looking for ways to expand economic opportunity for the American people in the Asia Pacific.

Of course, this administration did complete the trade agreement with the Republic of Korea, something that does deepen our ties with our allies in South Korea.  It also expands economic opportunity for American businesses that are looking to get access to South Korean markets.

Now, what we advocated and what President Obama dedicated a significant portion of his presidency to doing was negotiating a Trans-Pacific Partnership.  This would be a trade agreement with 11 other countries, where the United States would be able to work effectively to level the playing field and impose higher and enforceable labor and environmental standards, enforceable and higher human rights standards, protections for things like intellectual property that would give U.S. businesses access to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world.  

The benefits of the policy include slashing 18,000 taxes that other countries impose on American goods and services.  But unfortunately, Congress did not take action on the agreement that the Obama administration negotiated.  And that's unfortunate because early indications are that other countries are prepared to move forward without the United States.  

That's going to put U.S. businesses and the U.S. economy at a disadvantage.  It means that other countries’ products are going to be cheaper for some countries to import.  And that's going to put U.S. businesses at even greater disadvantage.  So it’s a very difficult case for opponents of the Trans-Pacific Partnership to make that the Trans-Pacific Partnership would have a negative impact on our economy.

The fact is this would have followed through on a number of the President’s promises, including renegotiating NAFTA in a way that has positive benefits for the U.S. economy for American businesses and for American workers.

So the President believes that the interests of the United States were well served by our policy of rebalancing our attention to Asia, but there certainly is more that can and should be done.  But we’ll have to see what the incoming administration chooses to do.

Chris.

Q    Josh, already at the start of this year, there are a number of proposals in state legislatures that seem to enable discrimination against LGBT people, including measures in Texas, Virginia, and Kentucky that would bar transgender people from using the restrooms consistent with their gender identity.  You've spoken against measures along these lines at your time from the podium.  Is it incumbent upon the Trump administration to speak out against these measures as well as they move forward?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think the first observation I would make is I’d encourage the leaders of those states that you named to consult with outgoing North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory about whether or not that's a particularly smart political idea. I’m not sure that it is.  

I would also encourage them to contact the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce to determine whether or not the state of North Carolina benefitted economically from implementing these policies.  They did not when you consider the business decisions that were made by not just high-profile organizations like the NCAA and the NBA, but also other businesses that were looking to expand their footprint, and expand their business in that state. They chose not to do so because they were concerned that their employees and their customers were at heightened risk of being discriminated against.

So obviously these states, because of our system of government, have an opportunity to pass and implement laws as they see fit.  But they might consider the experience of the state of North Carolina before they do so.

Q    I know what you think.  But it is incumbent upon the person who -- 

MR. EARNEST:  I haven’t really kept it a secret, have I?

Q    Yes.  (Laughter.)  Is it incumbent upon the person who takes the podium after you to make a similar case?

MR. EARNEST:  The incoming administration is going to be responsible for what they choose to advocate for.  I've always been proud to stand at this podium and advocate for fairness and justice and equal treatment of every single American.  I think the incoming administration will have to determine if they're going to do the same thing.

John Decker.

Q    Thank you, Josh.  I'm curious about this change in policy as it relates to Cubans that make it to U.S. shores.  Was there any effort by the administration to consult with, reach out to, give a heads up to the Trump transition team or President-elect Trump as it relates to this policy?

MR. EARNEST:  There was an effort, a successful effort, to brief the incoming administration shortly before this policy change was made public.  

Q    And give me a sense, if you could, about the reaction coming from the Trump transition team once you gave them an effort to let them know about this policy change.

MR. EARNEST:  I'll let the incoming administration describe their reaction to this policy change.

Q    Talk a little bit about the timing here.  It comes eight days before a new administration takes over and will then be in charge of immigration policy.  Was there any thought about, do we do this now?  It's so soon before the next administration takes over and will be in charge of immigration policy.  

MR. EARNEST:  Well, John, it takes time to negotiate these kinds of executive agreements, particularly with a country like Cuba that does not have a long history of negotiating these kinds of agreements with the United States.  For more than 50 years, the United States pursued a policy of diplomatic isolation with Cuba.  And so it's only over the course of the last year or so that we've had the kind of diplomatic opening that will allow us to have these kinds of conversations.  So, negotiating these kinds of executive agreements takes time, but as soon as this agreement was completed, we announced it right away.

Q    President-elect Trump, I think it was in late November, took to Twitter to talk about what he called the deal that has been reached between the U.S. government and the Cuban government.  And essentially, he threatened that he may undo it once he becomes President.  Is that a concern of this administration?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, listen, if he wants to cancel this policy, he'll be cancelling $6 billion of increased exports and financial ties between the United States and Cuba.

Q    It's all about the financial relationship?

MR. EARNEST:  I think it's relevant.  He certainly seems to be motivated by financial interests in some pretty important ways; he has over his professional career.  So I think he'll find that argument persuasive, particularly when you consider that there were reports that his company was negotiating with Cuba for exactly those kinds of agreements.  So he obviously recognizes the economic opportunity that's there.  There's more than a hundred flights every day between the United States and Cuba.  That's cancelling a lot of flights if he wants to roll back this policy.  And I can't imagine that the U.S. airline industry is going to be particularly pleased by that kind of development.  

There are thousands of Americans that have an opportunity to travel to Cuba, and they've had an opportunity to enjoy their time there, learn a little bit more about the country, enhance ties between our two countries, and they've been able to return to the United States with all of the cigars and rum that they could pack into their suitcase if they choose to.  I don’t think those Americans are going to be particularly pleased to see that policy rolled back.

Q    In that answer you failed to mention -- that long answer -- you failed to mention --

MR. EARNEST:  I'm happy to go on.  (Laughter.)  So I will.

Q    Please do.  

MR. EARNEST:  I think what we also know is that the Cuban people genuinely support this policy.

Q    -- human rights.  Can you talk about that issue as it relates to the Cuban people?  Because you talk mainly about the economic benefits that will --

MR. EARNEST:  As I mentioned, I could go on.

Q    -- the Cuban government.

MR. EARNEST:  I'm happy to go on.  And I think what we have found is that for 50 years, more than 50 years, there was a policy of diplomatic isolation in place that had no material impact in improving the human rights situation in Cuba.  If anything, it got worse.  This policy has been in place for about a year.  And is there more that we would like to see the Cuban government do with regard to protecting human rights?  We absolutely would.  But our view is that the ability of the United States to advocate for those kinds of improvements is enhanced when we deepen the ties between our two countries.  When there are more Americans that are traveling to Cuba, when there is more communication going back and forth between Cuba and the United States, when there are more Cuban Americans that have an opportunity to visit family and send money to family in Cuba, all that is going to promote freedom.  That's going to promote our values.  

And what we've also succeeded in doing is removing an impediment to our relationship with countries throughout Latin America that have important relationships with Cuba.  For most of the last 50 years, those countries in Latin America didn’t apply that much pressure to Cuba about their human rights situation, and were focused on the United States and our failed policy of trying to isolate them.  Now that that impediment has been removed, it's not just the United States that's encouraging the Cuban government to improve their human rights situation, but you've got countries throughout the Western Hemisphere that are making the same argument.  So all we have done is to increase pressure on the Cuban government to improve the human rights situation there, and, at the same time, the merican people have enjoyed a number of material benefits, including monetary benefits, that I do think will be persuasive to the incoming President as he determines what policy he believes is best with regard to the United States and Cuba.

Q    Do you think there has been an improvement in human rights in Cuba since the policy change?

MR. EARNEST:  Not nearly as much as we would like to see.  But the policy has been in place for a little over a year.  So let’s give it another 50 years and see where it ends up.

Goyal.

Q    Thank you, sir.  Two questions.  One, as far as U.S.-India relations are concerned, President Obama has been dealing with two Indian Prime Ministers -- Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and now Prime Minister Modi.  And he became the first U.S. President to visit India twice during his administration.  And many members of the Indian-American community will miss him, and of course, some of us will miss you.  (Laughter.)  

MR. EARNEST:  Wow.  Goyal is getting all sentimental here.  It's not even my last day.  Mark chooses not to associate himself with your remarks.  (Laughter.)  That's very kind of you, Goyal. Thank you.

Q    Thank you.  So the relations have been great between U.S. and India under this administration and of course, in relations to India.  My question is that what is the future of -- can you highlight some of the policies during this administration and what you think the future will be between the two countries, and what you think the new President will have for the new administration.

MR. EARNEST:  Well, President Obama has recognized the opportunity that exists with India to deepen our security, economic and diplomatic relationship.  And the President believes that doing that successfully allows the United States to advance our interest not just in Asia but around the world.  And President Obama is proud of the success that we have had in doing exactly that.

There are important economic benefits for the American people.  There obviously are important security benefits in that region of the world as two of the world’s largest democracies get together and work together to advance the interests of peace-loving countries like our two countries.  

With regard to the future, that's something that the incoming administration will have to speak to.  But President Obama had an opportunity during his eight years in office to chart a course that he believes benefitted the citizens of the United States and India.

Q    And second, as far as the press relations are concerned between President-elect Trump press relations and also you think -- what advice do you think the President will have -- President Obama for President-elect as far as press relations are concerned, or what President-elect believes or might be thinking that press who are not favoring him or was against him?  And also, any advice for upcoming press secretary, Sean Spicer, who is not a new face in the White House or in this town?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, listen, I had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Spicer at the beginning of last week.  We had a nice conversation.  My colleague, Jen Psaki, who has got a lot of experience working here at the White House, spent a long time talking to him about the opportunity to work here and talked to him a little bit about the logistics of running a White House press office, but also some of the things that he can do to prepare himself to do the important work, standing behind this podium and representing the interests of not just the administration but of the country.

And both of us, in private and as I've done publicly, I wish him well and will be hoping for his success as he manages the relationship between the White House and the White House Press Corps and as he seeks to advocate for the best interests of the United States.

With regard to advice that the President has given the President-elect, as we've discussed in here a few times, the President and President-elect had an opportunity to consult on the telephone a number of times since they met in person in the Oval Office back on November 10th.  But I'm going to protect their ability to have a private conversation.

Q    One on the new relations, please?

MR. EARNEST:  Okay, last one.

Q    Yes, sir.  Thank you.  Still so many people are waiting and see that if there is a light in the dark tunnel for them under Obama administration.  What is the future of -- because many of them are living under the prospect of working under -- so what do you think is for them, what is their future?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, again, it's hard for me to speak to the future because there’s an incoming administration who will set their own agenda and pursue the priorities that they have identified.  But President Obama certainly recognized that there is an important opportunity for us to reform our broken immigration system.  And we did work to develop a proposal that was supported by a number of Republicans in the United States Senate that would bring people out of the shadows and prevent people from taking advantage of them because of their status, and also asking them, after undergoing a background check and paying taxes -- giving them a path to citizenship.  

That is consistent with the United States of America being a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.  That's a policy that reflects the views of a broad majority of the American public.  But we'll have to see what this Congress and the next administration chooses to pursue.

Yes, sir.

Q    My country, Canada, and yours, the United States, share common igloos in the Northern Arctic, and we've heard a word bandied about -- some very wonderful interviews by with Barack Obama -- “hope.”  What kind of hope do you have for environmental and natural habitat issues in the Arctic?

MR. EARNEST:  Well, what I can tell you is that President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau have been able to work quite effectively together to safeguard some of the most beautiful places in the world in the Arctic.  Obviously both the United States and Canada are Arctic nations, and being able to work together to safeguard some of those areas is an important legacy of President Obama.  And I know that President Obama is hopeful that Prime Minister Trudeau will continue to look for ways to make efforts to protect the Arctic and fight climate change a top priority.  And I can't speak for the incoming administration, but I would expect that -- well, what I will say is that President Obama is hopeful that Prime Minister Trudeau will continue to make those issues a priority.

Q    (inaudible) -- the next administration?

MR. EARNEST:  I think it remains to --

Q    -- denying the issues of environmental changes and the things that are taking place there.  Are you --

MR. EARNEST:  Well, I think what we have found and certainly what President Obama has found over his eight years in office is that we can make tangible, important progress in protecting the planet by working closely with other countries.  And the United States has played a leading role in doing exactly that.  

The United States brokered an agreement with China that really mobilized the international community and convinced individual countries to make their own commitments to reduce carbon pollution in a way that has had a tangible, positive impact on the diplomatic track, in terms of making commitments to reduce carbon pollution.  

That's good for the country.  It's good for the planet.  It's also good for our economy, because the United States does stand at the forefront of many of the technologies that other countries we'll have to invest in, in order to keep their promises.  And so whether that's a company -- a U.S. company like Westinghouse that builds nuclear reactors, or if it's smaller American companies that are at the forefront of wind energy technology or at the forefront of solar technology or at the forefront of energy efficiency technology, countries now around the world will be turning to that kind of technology in order to meet the commitments that they have made.

So by enforcing these commitments and by continuing to lead the international community to make these commitments, President Obama has created a real economic opportunity.  And hopefully those are the kinds of policies that will be continued and the full benefits will be enjoyed.

I'll give you the last one, sir, and then we'll do the week ahead.

Q    It isn't your last day, but it is your last week.  I'd love to hear your own self-criticism, what you think you could have done better on the job; what you think we could have done better.  And finally, Chiefs and Steelers -- what’s your --

MR. EARNEST:  I thought you would never ask.  (Laughter.)  With regard to -- we'll get to that.  With regard to my own performance, I'm confident that we could spend a decent amount of time every day underscoring aspects of my presentation that could have been improved.  

The one thing that I feel good about having done is I succeeded in being consistently honest.  I succeeded in understanding the President's point of view and doing my best to accurately describe it to all of you and to the American public. And I've shown a genuine interest in and respect for the role that all of you play in holding people in power accountable.  That's critical to the success of our democracy.  You all have dedicated a significant portion of your lives to doing exactly that, and I certainly hope that it continues.  

With regard to assessing your performance, it's not my first day here -- I'm not going to fall into that trap.  (Laughter.)  So there is a healthy separation between the United States government and the independent media that covers us, so I'll leave it to all of you to assess your own performance and to look for ways to play your important role in our democracy even better.  

With regard to -- 

Q    Gold, silver, or bronze -- you, Gibbs and Carney?  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  I'll let you award the medals.

With regard to the football game this weekend, I'm really looking forward to it.  The Chiefs have not won a home playoff game since 1994, so to say that the Chiefs are due is an understatement.  But as I recall, that game that they won in January of 1994 was against the Steelers.  Look, what I do think is if the defense can make some stops and even slow down that potent Pittsburgh offense, then I think the Chiefs stand a good chance.

Q    -- on that regard?

MR. EARNEST:  I don't want to jinx it, but I will be watching with interest.

Q    Week ahead?

MR. EARNEST:  Let's do the week ahead.  Darlene seems as interested in the football game as I am.  (Laughter.)

On Monday, Martin Luther King Day, the President will welcome the Chicago Cubs to the White House to honor that team and their 2016 World Series victory.  Later that day, the President will participate in a service project to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Tuesday, the President will attend meetings at the White House.

On Wednesday, the President of the United States will host his final news conference as President of the United States here in the briefing room.  It will be in the afternoon, but we'll get you a specific time next week.

Q    East Room?

MR. EARNEST:  It will be in this room.

On Thursday, the President will attend meetings at the White House.

On Friday morning, President Obama and the First Lady will welcome President-elect Trump and Melania Trump to the White House for tea and a small reception.  Then, per custom, President Obama and President-elect Trump will motorcade up to the United States Capitol together.  

The President and First Lady will attend the inaugural swearing-in and inaugural address of President-elect Trump, and then depart the United States Capitol via helicopter, as other Presidents have done in recent years.  At that point, President Obama and the First Lady will proceed to Joint Base Andrews, where he will deliver remarks to a group of staff that will be gathered there to bid farewell.  And then he and Mrs. Obama will depart Joint Base Andrews on their last flight aboard the presidential aircraft to a destination to be announced.

Q    Are those staff remarks open?  Or pooled?

MR. EARNEST:  There will be some pool coverage of the President's remarks to staff at Joint Base Andrews.

Q    White House staff?

MR. EARNEST:  I think it will be both the White House staff and staff from across the administration.

Q    Are you briefing Tuesday?

MR. EARNEST:  Tuesday I will do a briefing and it will be, as you could tell from the schedule, my final briefing at the White House as well. 

Q    It better be great.

MR. EARNEST:  Bring your hankies.  (Laughter.)

Q    No, you need to bring your hanky.  (Laughter.)

MR. EARNEST:  I will not brief on Thursday.  On Thursday, I anticipate that will be a quiet day of packing.  (Laughter.)

Q    Are you going to miss this?

MR. EARNEST:  Absolutely.  Can't you tell?  (Laughter.)

Q    You're going to miss us.

MR. EARNEST:  I will.

Q    No, I'm serious.

MR. EARNEST:  I am -- we'll have an opportunity to talk about this on Tuesday.  

Francesca, do you have the last one here?

Q    Did you say what he's doing this weekend?  

MR. EARNEST:  I'm not aware that the President has a public schedule this weekend.  

Have a good weekend, everybody.

END 
2:23 P.M. EST

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 23:23:00 +0000 jhill 317766 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Press Briefings Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/13/press-briefing-press-secretary-josh-earnest-11317#comments Presidential Proclamation -- Religious Freedom Day, 2017 https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/13/presidential-proclamation-religious-freedom-day-2017 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY, 2017

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Believing that "Almighty God hath created the mind free," Thomas Jefferson authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom after our young Nation declared its independence. This idea of religious liberty later became a foundation for the First Amendment, which begins by stating that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." On Religious Freedom Day, we rededicate ourselves to defending these fundamental principles, pay tribute to the many ways women and men of different religious and non-religious backgrounds have shaped America's narrative, and resolve to continue forging a future in which all people are able to practice their faiths freely or not practice at all.

Religious freedom is a principle based not on shared ancestry, culture, ethnicity, or faith but on a shared commitment to liberty -- and it lies at the very heart of who we are as Americans. As a Nation, our strength comes from our diversity, and we must be unified in our commitment to protecting the freedoms of conscience and religious belief and the freedom to live our lives according to them. Religious freedom safeguards religion, allowing us to flourish as one of the most religious countries on Earth, but it also strengthens our Nation as a whole. Brave men and women of faith have challenged our conscience and brought us closer to our founding ideals, from the abolition of slavery to the expansion of civil rights and workers' rights. And throughout our history, faith communities have helped uphold these values by joining in efforts to help those in need -- rallying in the face of tragedy and providing care or shelter in times of disaster.

As they built this country, our Founders understood that religion helps strengthen our Nation when it is not an extension of the State. And because our Government does not sponsor a religion -- nor pressure anyone to practice a particular faith or any faith at all -- we have a culture that aims to ensure people of all backgrounds and beliefs can freely and proudly worship without fear or coercion. Yet in 2015, nearly 20 percent of hate crime victims in America were targeted because of religious bias. That is unacceptable -- and as Americans, we have an obligation to do better.

If we are to defend religious freedom, we must remember that when any religious group is targeted, we all have a responsibility to speak up. At times when some try to divide us along religious lines, it is imperative that we recall the common humanity we share -- and reject a politics that seeks to manipulate, prejudice, or bias, and that targets people because of religion. Part of being American means guarding against bigotry and speaking out on behalf of others, no matter their background or belief -- whether they are wearing a hijab or a baseball cap, a yarmulke or a cowboy hat.

Today, we must also remember those outside the United States who are persecuted for their faith or beliefs, including those who have lost their lives in attacks on sacred places. Religious liberty is more than a cornerstone of American life -- it is a universal and inalienable right -- and as members of a global community, we must strive to ensure that all people can enjoy that right in peace and security. That is why my Administration has worked with coalitions around the globe to end discrimination against religious minorities, protect vulnerable communities, and promote religious freedom for all. We have also worked to ensure that those who are persecuted for their religious beliefs can find safety and a new home in the United States and elsewhere.

America has changed a great deal since Thomas Jefferson first drafted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, but religious liberty is a right we must never stop striving to uphold. Today, let us work to protect that precious right and ensure all people are able to go about their day in safety and with dignity -- without living in fear of violence or intimidation -- in our time and for generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2017, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to commemorate this day with events and activities that teach us about this critical foundation of our Nation's liberty, and that show us how we can protect it for future generations at home and around the world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

BARACK OBAMA

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 21:56:00 +0000 jhill 317696 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The Vice President Presidential Memoranda Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/13/presidential-proclamation-religious-freedom-day-2017#comments Letter -- Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/13/letter-continuation-national-emergency-respect-iran TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

January 13, 2017

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

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 on March 15, 1995, is to continue in effect beyond March 15, 2017.

On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and Iran reached a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is and will remain exclusively peaceful. January 16, 2016, marked Implementation Day under the JCPOA, when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report verifying that Iran had completed key nuclear-related steps as specified in the JCPOA, and the Secretary of State confirmed the report's findings. As a result, the United States lifted nuclear-related sanctions on Iran consistent with its commitments under the JCPOA, including the termination of a number of Executive Orders that were issued pursuant to this national emergency. While nuclear-related sanctions were lifted pursuant to our JCPOA commitments, a number of non-nuclear sanctions with respect to Iran remain in place.

Since Implementation Day, the IAEA has repeatedly verified, and the Secretary of State has confirmed, that Iran continues to meet its nuclear commitments pursuant to the JCPOA. Nevertheless, certain actions and policies of the Government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2017 21:44:55 +0000 jhill 317756 at https://www.whitehouse.gov The President Presidential Memoranda Office of the Press Secretary https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/13/letter-continuation-national-emergency-respect-iran#comments